I received an notification over the comm while powering down my ship after docking in Perimeter IX. "Mr. Spey, there are some people here to see you, they will be waiting in 'reception'."
"Terrific" I mumbled. Who could it be, I mused? An old friend? A new enemy perhaps? A young girl claiming paternity?....If only I had been so fortunate in my younger years...and the wishful thinking made me smile. I was staring at the floor when the door wished opened to reception. There they stood two pair of polished shoes underneath some impeccable concord issue attire.
"Mr. Skajit Spey I presume?" said the one on the left. I nodded the affirmative. "It has come to our attention that the insurance contract on...” he paused looking at his e-pad, "...Far Cry, is it?......has expired?"
"I hadn't realized" I sighed in relief.
"They typically don't" mumbled the one the right.
"Mr. Spey we know that you have used this vessel in the fight against the Sansha Incursions, but it has been some time since we have had any record of her in combat. Is she still in your possession?"
"She's in Funtanainen" I replied. “I have been flying logistics ships for some time now. Normally you people just send a memo. What’s so special about me and my ship?"
"Nothing." said the one on the right sternly.
The one on the left continued..." If you will accompany us to our offices we would be happy to reissue a contract at your request?"
Upon our arrival at the offices, I was dutifully greeted by reception and my visit logged, followed by a review of my contact information. Then I was sat in a waiting room. After what seemed like an eternity, my name was called and was greeted by an "advisor" who went over the insurance contract. Standard order however, he then went over some 'enhanced services' that were avail to me at an extra charge of course. I politely declined. They then released me and told me they would contact me later in the day when the contract was ready after they had had the opportunity to inspect my ship. The arrangements were made...and I left. Later my comms chimed and I knew it was them because I did not recognize the return tag. I answered and they told me that the contract on my ship was ready and I could come pick it up after their lunch hour...but that was not all. The then again attempted to sell me even more enhanced services for my ship, which I did not want or need. I again attempted to politely decline through their pitch. I later return to the office and picked up my contract with out incident.
Being Caldari, I cursed the inefficient nature of their process.
---
What really happened...
Brought my car in for its scheduled maintenance, which was included price of the car when I bought it. Make no mistake. "Service advisors" are nothing more than disguised salesperson. They are there to get the add-on sale. The hard pitch. It seems everywhere I turn these days, everyone is telling me how I should pay them extra for some obscure service that somehow does not fit into the 'regular description' of the said product or service to begin with. Although not to be taken for granted, if the 'advisor' does not have grease under French manicured nails, smells like Armani and has a 'Coach' bag on her desk, beware....
