Leaning to the Left

I received my REI rebate check earlier this month, spent it on a combo mug and coffee press something I always wanted but due to the faltering economy last year I only purchased necessities like a new climbing rope and slings . This year I'm splurging a bit so I added a pair of running socks which put the order over the rebate checks value so I planted some rebate seeds for next year. ( I realize this is like over paying your income tax, but I get toys) Number 2 son thinks he needs an auto lock belay device which would have planted even more rebate seeds. Being a knuckle dragging retro Trad climber I'm reluctant to trust auto lockers and most things refereed to as a Gri Gri , specially at $100. a shot. Then again he mainly belays me so I may reconsider.

The mugs on back order like most objects of our desire. Socks came unexpectedly early which was nice , like they were trying to make up for depriving me of my mug a few days. I went to throw them in the laundry I noticed a capital L on the inside of the sock. Boogers , what is this? My mind was aflutter with the possibilities and ramifications.

Had REI copied Nikes redundant and predatory marketing techniques of designating left and right socks. As offended as I am by such practice if for no other reason not being able to handle that much organization in my life. Especially in my sock drawer. Sorting by size and color is enough to stress me out most days. Admittedly I would derive some joy and satisfaction by wearing the socks on the wrong foot. Never missing a chance to stick it to the man!

Well, I checked the other sock and found a capital L on it. Which kind of made sense . Since I had ordered large. But never take things at face value. Always ask how can this be? What if they sent two lefties by mistake. Admittedly on most things I lean to the right, two lefts could move me towards the center if I wanted to go in that direction.

I felt a need to clarify the situation. Also REI being the socially responsible corporate citizen deserves the opportunity to correct the situation if they had mistakenly sent two left socks or assure a customer he received a matching pair of large socks. Make sure they hadn't sent some one else a pair of righties or regulars. The sock industry must have some uniform code applicable to to size and foot designation. I needed to make a phone call or take a trip to Fort Payne Al. Sock capital of the World. If nowhere else the Sock Museum would hopefully have the needed info or maybe the appropriate Mil-Standard or ASNT doc.
Before I expended resources on a trip. I decided a phone call would be more expedite and environmental responsible.

REI deserved the opportunity to correct the situation. Either send two socks for my right foot or a free pair of similar value socks to make up for the duress and confusion they caused . A free pair of socks worth a try.

One of the nice things about REI , Some one answers the phone when you call. Even if it may be monitored four quality assurance and home land security purposes.I've found it helpful refer to the customer rep. by name once they get through the intro. I was fortunate to be talking to Sandy. It also helps if you have some inside contact to give a tad more incentive to assist you. I am fortunate to have Stan Schoonover as a friend. Stanley s member ship card is hand written. During check out after making the pilgrimage to REI in Collage Park the cashier would go spastic. Never saw a piece of cardboard that old. Companies value customer loyalty. Not only have I supported REI over the years. I'm buds with an original plank holder.

You could almost hear Sandy warming up as she prepared to bend over backwards and help me. This call would no doubt be used in future training courses.

Sandy seemed sincerely pleased on a personal level that Mr Schoonover was still an vibrant , active member of our outdoor community. She even sounded sincere when she thanked me for offering REI the exclusive distribution rights to autographed copies of both our Guidebooks. I haven't discussed this with Stan yet but I figure after the first royalty check came in He could buy a rubber stamp.
Well Sandy would have her supervisor elevate that request to the board members. Then she tried her best to assure me I had received a matching pair of large socks and they would fit on either sock. REI does not designate socks left or right. Even their toe socks, they previously believed their customers were smart enough to which sock was left or right or for both. I would never have suspected that myself. Sandy thanked me for the opportunity to clear up the confusion concerning my order hoped I would participate in the customer service survey I would be receiving via email and there 's still free shipping on orders over sixty dollars.

Well this is not over yet. The family has never been to the Sock Museum. Summer vacation needs to have some educational theme.