Drives me nuts too. Biggest problem is often lack of competition. I mean how much "choice" is there in one's electric company? Internet provider? Ugh. And they know it. I'm hugely against these mergers and resultant monolithic a-hole corporations.

Anyhow! Fun Story Time!

Way back in high school, I had a summer job and every single day, without fail, at break I'd go in and get one of those horrible little lemon "pies" (the Hot Pockets of desserts...). One day, I was there waiting at the register and was getting blown off by the cashier who was over tidying magazines. Ok, well it may not have mattered to her, but break is only so long. Fine. Next day, I went in and paid in pennies. Just dumped 'em on the belt. Calmly said, "Don't worry, it's all there. Don't blow me off again." And walked out. I was not ignored again. (The big advantage of getting the same thing every day was knowing the price exactly. )

Might have been a ballsey move in such a small town (2000), but I was a pretty bold character in those days I've been sent on some kamikazi missions ("she's just nuts enough to do it!"), but this one was all on me.

Classic moment in consumer history, lol. (And in case anyone thinks this was terrible, let me assure you I've had about a million such crap jobs. Crap job or not, there are responsibilities and ignoring customers is not one of them. There wasn't anyone else in line, btw, so it was a highly targeted move with no collateral damage. )