So after many months of commendable, abstemious behavior, I broke down and bought a sweater from Bluefly.  The price had dropped 20% overnight; I had a credit to blow; I am always pleased to help the economy; shipping was free.

Shipping was also a problem.  Tracking it at UPS, I was thrilled to see it had arrived at the depot, 10 minutes from me, a full day earlier than expected.  But then, for some reason, it was turned over to the USPO for actual delivery.  The first problem was that this turnover had been with an incorrect routing number (whatever that is).  The second problem, posted by UPS the next day, was that my sweater had been returned as "undeliverable as addressed."

So I called customer service at Blue Fly.  "Ryan" (not his real name) assurred me that their address for me was correct.  He could not explain the error.  Would I like him to send a replacement?

Sure.

Oh, I'm sorry we only have extra, extra large in stock

Well, that won;t work unless my wife and I  both wear it.  How about sending my the one I bought, once it arrives.

I'm sorry but we can;t do that.  It arrives in our Returns depot with thousands and thousands of other items.

Hmmm.  That doesn't say much for customer satisfaction.

I can send you an e-mail when it is returned to the warehouse so you can order it again.

Swell -- but won't the same e-mail go to every one else who is waiting for the sweater in my size?

I will note that you can have free over-night delivery.

TO BE CONTINUED

P.S.  I like  Bluefly.  They're fun.