March 31 – “Outsourcing”

I had an experience with corporate outsourcing today.  Actually it's been going on for several weeks.  Seaside ordered some books to give away at our Easter services.  Four hundred of them.  It was a special offer sent to us in the mail.  We thought it was from Thomas Nelson Publishers.  And indirectly it was, I guess.  But unbeknownst to us … they outsourced.  This particular offer was given to some telephone marketing company.    So.  We placed the order back on the eighth of March.  You would think that would be plenty of time to get us the stuff at least a week before Easter, right?  That didn't happen.  So last week I called.  The guy said it had been back ordered and we would receive it early this week.  That didn't happen.  So I called them back on Tuesday.  Twice.  This time all I could get was someone telling me that they had no say in when it was shipped.  I didn't care when.  I just wanted to know if.  Because if not, then we would have to start from scratch on our Easter giveaways.  Not to mention the fact that the whole service is themed to match it.  They assured me that someone from Thomas Nelson would call me within 48 hours.  That would be Thursday at best.  That's cutting it very close.  I decided I would call back.   So this afternoon I called again.  I got the same runaround again.  The guy very patiently explained to me that they couldn't tell me when or if the order was shipped.  All they did was take orders.  OK.  I can understand that.  So I asked for the phone number of Thomas Nelson Publishing so I could call them.  So sorry.  "We can't give out that information.  We don't have the number you would need to call."  Honestly, I thought I was talking to the telemarketer I saw on Underground Boss a few weeks ago.  She almost got fired on the spot and caused the guy to blow his cover.    I finally hung up and googled Thomas Nelson Publishing to get their phone number.  The guy who answered there was very nice.  He found the UPS tracking number and found out that it was due to be delivered today.  I let him know that his company was not being represented very well.  He's the one who told me that product had been outsourced.  He also told me that company's phone number is now in "the circular file."  They have had numerous complaints, and according to him, they have been dealt with.  I thanked him and hung up.   The delivery came a few hours later.  That's all I wanted to know.  Now that pressure's off for Easter.  I can move on to the next one.  That would be … printing and stapling the sunrise service bulletins.  Office Depot here I come.   Psalms 4:6-8 says, "Many are asking, 'Who can show us any good?'  Let the light of your face shine upon us, O Lord.  7 You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound.  8 I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety."   Father, thanks again for the little things like the delivery today.  It helps.  Amen.