"Ordering online" Topic

The other day I tried to make an order from a company I've done business with in the past. I am not naming the company, as this is not entirely their fault.

I finished my order and went to the check out, opting to use Paypal. When it had finished logging me on, it went to a screen with my info saying it couldn't continue because they didn't have my phone number and that info is required. I reluctantly put my phone number in and hit enter. it rejected my order stating that I couldn't order as a guest because there was an account associated with my e-mail address.

So I hit the 'change password' link. This sent a message to my e-mail. I went to my e-mail and hit the link provided. This took me back to the confirmation page and wouldn't accept my password. Sigh. This is where it is my fault, apparently when I hit the e-mail link, it sent me another e-mail I was supposed to read.

At this point I sent the company a note saying their system is too clunky, to intrusive, and totally annoying. I told them I'd wait to Historicon to get what I need.

So, here's my rant:
1) I don't need an account with this company. I don't do business with them on a daily, weekly, or even monthly basis. I might order once, maybe twice, a year. I should be able to send an e-mail saying, "I need x" give you my payment information and get my stuff.

2) I shouldn't have to click through multiple e-mails to fix a glitch.

3) You DON'T need my phone number. If you call I'm not answering because I don't recognize your number. If I want to talk to you, I'll call.

I realize that companies have to buy these systems off the shelf, but I still find these facts annoying.

I did get a reply from the company. After listing my grievences, I was told my password had been reset and I could now order. I haven't replied.

Thanks for listening to me vent.

There have been times that I just canceled an order because of the ordering mayhem & bought from another company.

There was a recent Thread, Poll or Poll Suggestion on this topic. Repeating what I said there: I do not set up an account when I go to the gas station to buy gas. I do not set up an account when I go to a restaurant to eat. Why would I set up an account for a one-time purchase from a company half a continent or half a world away.

If you want to sell me some figures or terrain, I will pay you for them. I am not interested in giving or selling my personal information to some stranger.

Bravo, zoneofcontrol !

Waaaaay too many busy-bodies in the 'busyness' world
today !

If I want to buy figures, my source is about 40 miles
away and I can just e-mail or 'phone !

I've bailed out many times when the company makes me jump through hoops to order.

Someone else was always willing and able to take my money.

Online is supposed to be a convenience.

Use an old number. Or some public number like (your area code) 555-1212. They shouldn't be calling you anyway.

I have accounts with companies that I do a lot of business with. With the others, I don't. And I always use PayPal. I've never had this problem and I have never received any phone calls.

I think this problem is with the particular vendor's software. You said you have done business with them before. Did you have the same issues then too?