All This For a Backpack???

For the past few months I have been looking at different backpacks at different stores, catelogues and online, finally finding my match. A blue Gregor 50 Litre pack designed especially for women. The first day I walked into Hillsound, a local outdoor supply store, I was shocked. There were walls and walls of backpacks ranging in sizes, colours, brands and of course price. With some help, I came across the Gregor pack and fell in love with it. The buckles and bands fit comfortably and I then realized how different these bags actually were in comparison to your average $10.99 school backpacks. I had no idea that there were so many factors to consider when choosing a bag, like the waist strap thickness, back ventalation and security features. The backpack was cluttered with a dozen or more dangling straps that I later was explained to, were all very important and very much needed. I was then told the price and given a card, promising I would be in to buy the bag within the next few months.

About a week ago, my travel companion Breanna and myself decided to order the bags from Hillsound, in hopes of having them by the weekend. The pleasant Australian man on the phone informed me that the Gregor Bags were no longer in supply as they were last years model and that we would now have to purchase the newer, more expensive model. Even after explaining that I had a card with the quoted old price, I was informed that the salesman no longer worked there and there was nothing they could do. I hung up the phone unsatisfied and upset, but I wanted my bag.

Today, I decided to walk to Hillsound ,on Broadway Avenue, to order these new and improved bags despite the price increase. I was greeted by a bored looking saleswoman who showed me to the Gregor bags, that turned out to be a couple old models in an extra small and an extra large. I asked to order some new models, but she then proceeded to tell me that they could not do that unless I wanted to pay an additional shipping cost on each bag. You've got to be kidding me! They want me to pay for the product to come to the store so I can buy it? It would be different if it was a special order, but it was not! At this point I was beyound frusturated with the disorganization and poor customer service, that I muttered, "Im going to M.E.C" and left.

I walked down the street to MEC, another sporting good store, and headed to the packs. I spotted the Gregor Blue Backpack on the wall and wandered over. I couldn't believe it! There on the hook were two medium, blue, Gregor 50 litre backpacks on clearance! Not only were they what we were looking for, but they were $50 cheaper! I smiled, grabbed both and proceeded to the checkout in a quick and orderly manner.

So, basically it goes to show you that everything works out in the end. Breanna and I got our bags, Hillsounds' poor customer service lost $400 in sales, and MEC's efficient help and stocked shelves got some new customers. So as I write this, I am looking at the bags perched on my bed thinking, all this for a backpack??