Businesses in SOMD Still Scared of 'Rona

[UglyBear]

I havent set foot in an insurance office in over 20 years, it's one of those buisnesses that doesnt need a physical location. I havent been into a bank in probably 5 years, most of my cash is in a bank that to my knowledge doesnt even have a physical location but has terrific customer service.

I used to buy my insurance in-person, maybe because my parents did — you knew the agent, went into their office, had a nice chat, discussed options, etc. I knew I was paying slightly more for it, but liked the “personal touch” part.
When “my agent” was replaced by a younger, jerkier one, who couldn’t be bothered and tried to make me do all the work over the Internet and email, I just went to a fully remote company for a much cheaper policy. Did the same with my tax accountant.

If a place drops in-person customer service, then they should drop the price, IMHO.

 

[spr1975wshs]

I havent set foot in an insurance office in over 20 years

The Mrs. and I have been with USAA since the fall of 1978, first by snail mail/phone, now by Internet/phone.

 

[PeoplesElbow]

Next time wear a mask. Only a mask. Nothing else.

Just please warn me so I know when to not go.

 

[GURPS]

I havent set foot in an insurance office in over 20 years, it's one of those businesses that doesn't need a physical location.

And yet the old business model still exists ..... for some strange reason [ probably gov regulations ]



State Farm ... Oxon Hill, Clinton, Waldorf, La Plata ... etc

 

[Kyle]

I havent set foot in an insurance office in over 20 years, it's one of those buisnesses that doesnt need a physical location.

Likewise, although I think it's been 15 instead.

I just call on the phone, tell 'em what I need and it's over and done.

 

[PrchJrkr]

I've been using Combs, Drury, and Reeves for decades. I haven't attempted an office visit since Covid, but I've really had no need. I like the fact that they take care of things and save me the headache. I can update my policies via email or phone, but when I need to add/remove vehicles, I like the fact that I can (could) go to the office and see someone in person. They'll get my little add-on fees as long as the stay in business. It's just one less thing to worry about.

 

[DaSDGuy]

My insurance agent sits at my dining room table when we work on my policies. Yes, he makes house calls.

 

[TPD]

I would like to thank some of you for pointing out the errors of my ways in wanting to be part of a community in getting to know my neighbors and who I do business with. What was I thinking?! I now realize that I am a customer that local businesses don't want because I actually am taking up too much of their time and resources when I want to visit their offices/place of businesses personally to hand them a check or cash that doesn't eat up 3% of their earnings. I eat their mints and dum-dums they have on the counter, I drink a bottle of water when offered to me, I ask about the kids and grandkids and talk about the weather with the receptionist, chit-chatting with fellow customers in the lobby learning about stuff other than what is in my own little world. Occasionally I take them flowers or fresh fruits and vegetables from the garden, maybe some fresh baked cookies or cupcakes, some homemade eggnog during the holidays. And all this time I didn't realize they don't actually want me there or want anything I bring to them! The candy is fake, the water is laced, the kids are fictitious and of course the weather is never accurate. I admit that I am an introvert and don't really want to be around people, but I felt that me going to businesses in person was a type of therapy for me and it kept me from going crazy. But in reality I should be staying in my basement and doing all of my business on-line, letting the Fed-Ex guy drop packages on my front stoop and waiting till dark to fetch them so as not to be seen or heard by anyone. I'm not sure what I am supposed to do with all of the cash now since there is no way to virtually trade cash that I am aware of. I now have to rethink my whole life and how I do things. I will have so much more time now in my basement to be with my virtual friends whom I have never met but give me such great advice. Screw communities - it is so overhyped!

To all of those small business owners out there that I have annoyed over the years by wanting to come into your office and transact business with, I sincerely apologize. I did not realize I was such a drain on society and your business. Not to worry - I will no longer bother you. All of my transactions will now take place with ACME, Inc since it doesn't matter who or what I talk to and communities are no longer important.

Sincerely,
TPD

 

[NorthBeachPerso]

Most State offices are still closed, as is Social Security.

 

[my-thyme]

Only thing I've seen was the shoe store in WW has a sign saying masks are required by law.

And I walked right in there, shopped, and no one said a word to me a few weeks ago. If they had, I'd have apologized (just to take the high road), and walked right back out.

 

[DaSDGuy]

My insurance agent sits at my dining room table when we work on my policies. Yes, he makes house calls.

I should also add my insurance agent is my son-in-law. He brings the whole fam with him to visit. And no masks.

 

[RoseRed]

I would like to thank some of you for pointing out the errors of my ways in wanting to be part of a community in getting to know my neighbors and who I do business with. What was I thinking?! I now realize that I am a customer that local businesses don't want because I actually am taking up too much of their time and resources when I want to visit their offices/place of businesses personally to hand them a check or cash that doesn't eat up 3% of their earnings. I eat their mints and dum-dums they have on the counter, I drink a bottle of water when offered to me, I ask about the kids and grandkids and talk about the weather with the receptionist, chit-chatting with fellow customers in the lobby learning about stuff other than what is in my own little world. Occasionally I take them flowers or fresh fruits and vegetables from the garden, maybe some fresh baked cookies or cupcakes, some homemade eggnog during the holidays. And all this time I didn't realize they don't actually want me there or want anything I bring to them! The candy is fake, the water is laced, the kids are fictitious and of course the weather is never accurate. I admit that I am an introvert and don't really want to be around people, but I felt that me going to businesses in person was a type of therapy for me and it kept me from going crazy. But in reality I should be staying in my basement and doing all of my business on-line, letting the Fed-Ex guy drop packages on my front stoop and waiting till dark to fetch them so as not to be seen or heard by anyone. I'm not sure what I am supposed to do with all of the cash now since there is no way to virtually trade cash that I am aware of. I now have to rethink my whole life and how I do things. I will have so much more time now in my basement to be with my virtual friends whom I have never met but give me such great advice. Screw communities - it is so overhyped!

To all of those small business owners out there that I have annoyed over the years by wanting to come into your office and transact business with, I sincerely apologize. I did not realize I was such a drain on society and your business. Not to worry - I will no longer bother you. All of my transactions will now take place with ACME, Inc since it doesn't matter who or what I talk to and communities are no longer important.

Sincerely,
TPD

I’m not reading all that but I’m happy for you or sorry that happened | Groups | Facebook

 

[Kyle]

All of my transactions will now take place with ACME, Inc ...

Sincerely,
TPD

Good Luck with all but just a tiny recommendation... Don't buy anything from them that is Rocket Powered.

 

[vraiblonde]

I havent set foot in an insurance office in over 20 years, it's one of those buisnesses that doesnt need a physical location. I havent been into a bank in probably 5 years, most of my cash is in a bank that to my knowledge doesnt even have a physical location but has terrific customer service.

Last time I saw my insurance guy it was probably 15 years ago to show his wife how to update their website. I haven't been inside a bank since I left SMC almost 6 years ago.

 

[my-thyme]

I would like to thank......

Sincerely,
TPD

I loved talking with my customers every day, especially the older ones that I knew I was the only person they saw sometimes for days or weeks. Upper-upper management was not so happy about it, because when I was talking I wasn't working.

Always was happy to chat with you when you came to my place of business, TPD.

But I don't remember ever receiving eggnog....

 

[vraiblonde]

I would like to thank some of you for pointing out the errors of my ways in wanting to be part of a community in getting to know my neighbors and who I do business with. What was I thinking?!

etc etc

Not at all, at least not on my end. I miss the days of knowing people and recognizing them if I happen to see them at the grocery store or something.

This is something I've been annoyed about the last couple of years - how we don't know our people anymore because everything is online. We're losing our sense of community and I think that's a shame.

Nice rant, I completely agree with you.

 

[my-thyme]

And my dog always hops in the UPS truck with her latest throw toy. And he always gets out and throws it for her.

After he got over the shock of that great big German shepherd jumping in his truck.

 

[TPD]

I loved talking with my customers every day, especially the older ones that I knew I was the only person they saw sometimes for days or weeks. Upper-upper management was not so happy about it, because when I was talking I wasn't working.

Always was happy to chat with you when you came to my place of business, TPD.

But I don't remember ever receiving eggnog....

I will see what I can do in the future for you.

Oh wait, did you just call me old? Well I guess if the glove fits I must wear it.

 

[my-thyme]

I will see what I can do in the future for you.

Oh wait, did you just call me old? Well I guess if the glove fits I must wear it.

No, I didn't. We shared quick conversations. And you had plenty of interaction with other people.

Some of the older people could easily spend an hour chatting. And they were happy to let me continue working while they did most of the talking.

 

[TPD]

No, I didn't. We shared quick conversations. And you had plenty of interaction with other people.

Some of the older people could easily spend an hour chatting. And they were happy to let me continue working while they did most of the talking.

There is a guy that comes into the Dameron Post Office everyday that is about 93 I think. Luckily it's a short drive for him as I would not want him going much farther. The postal employee tries to meet him outside with his mail so he doesn't have to get out of his truck, but I'm guessing this is probably the only interaction he has with another person most days. I will stop to talk to him if we are there at the same time. But I guess I will no longer see him while I'm in my basement...