I am sitting in front of my computer...wondering WHY anyone would want to do their Christmas bargain shopping ONLINE?! I have been trying to buy a laptop for a present, and it's getting rediculous!

I started on BLACK Friday... all I need is a simple laptop, email, online surfing...maybe upload pictures to, or watch a DVD... Found one! on Toshibadirect.com. Their website had crashed and would not let me buy it...because apparently EVERYONE wanted that laptop too...no problem, I called them to order it. So Achmed the sales person politely took my name and phone number, and assured someone would be calling me back to order the laptop...surprise! No one called! So, I politely called Toshiba back today, and the nice man on the phone said, no problem...I'll look up your information and put me on hold. It took about 3 minutes and he came back on the phone and said, I got your info I need to put you onto hold again. After he put me on hold...I conveniently got disconnected! So...I called back.
And...Talked to Lisa, who was dumber than 2 bricks. She made a new account for me, because she couldn't find the old account for me and then told me she couldn't give me the "black Friday" special. I asked for Mr. Manager... she transferred me to his voicemail. Again, convenient! I called back again, and talked to Tony, he gave me the same song and dance...but assured me he could sell me a better laptop for more money. I don't need a better laptop! And I don't want to spend any more money!

So...I check out the "cyber Monday" sales. Find a laptop on hp.com, try to order it online...but low and behold!!!!! Their website crashes too.....I called, and after 34 minutes and 16 seconds of hold music, got to talk to Patrice and order my laptop...

My question...why bother shopping online when it's no more convenient than fighting off the herds of people in the stores?????? You may find a better deal, but if you can't order it or they don't honor their word, why bother.

Is anyone else having these Holiday shopping problems????

When I bought both my Dells online it took more time for my wife to talk me down from all the extras that I wanted than to place the order. I did that during the post-Thanksgiving rush, too.

Maybe some companies just aren't that hip to the heavy load that online craziness might bring?

I've bought a few things on Apple's website the last few days that have taken less time than typing this message.

I'd guess it's the server load combined with generally lousy customer service?

I guess one might also ask... what is your current computer connection and browser? Maybe part of the problem is in that?

I ordered a new camera last monday, much the same rigamarole crap already mentioned. Then about 10 mins after I finally clicked the last button someone called me and talked me into a $100.00 worth of extra stuff he said I needed, It was supposed to be here in 7 days. today is day 7. Late this afternoon I got a email from UPS saying that the company had made the shipping arrangements, but they hadn't picked it up yet. For very little more I could of went to town and bought it. I would have probably, by now learned how to do basis picture taking with it.

P.S. I am hoping I can afford this retirement crap. it takes too many expensive toys to fill the day with. This spring I will have to build a new shop to hold the great bargains I have found on tools online.

[This message has been edited by Lorin Dixson (11/30/2009)]