Bureaucracy

I ran into bureaucracy of the mindless kind for the first time yesterday in regards to the coffee shop. No, it wasn't the government but an insurance agent.

I've been buying insurance through a Nationwide insurance agent in Kernersville since we moved back to North Carolina in the mid-1970's. Tell 'em what you need and they just go do it. I decided, however, to use the local Nationwide agent in Sparta to obtain casualty insurance shop. Big mistake.

The first time I went in, no one was there except for a clerk managing the drive-through payment window. She would have an agent call the next day. Never did. I went in again and saw the agent's agent who promised to get me a quote. After I hadn't heard from them for a few day, I called. The clerk checked and, yes, they had the quote. Yes, I could have a copy for review. Could I come by and pick it up? I did. Yesterday I decided the activate the policy. I stopped by and the agent was actually in attendance.

"Dave, I saw on your sign that you are going to sell arts and crafts as well as coffee."

"Yes, that's right. On consignment."

"Well, that changes everything!"

I explained that the consignment agreement clearly states that the artist or craftsman retains ownership and the shop liability is liability is limited reasonable caution against theft and fire.

" Are you selling clothing?"

"Huh? No, just arts and crafts hung on the walls or sitting on a shelf. Some are even mine. Nothing has change except you can buy a painting along with your cup of coffee."

"Well, I have to get back to the underwriter on this."

That's when I decided that perhaps I had made a mistake in my goodwill of attempting to provide a local business with business.

I've heard nothing back from her.