Oh my gosh, @litguru, thank you for feeling my pain! I actually find the whole thing as amusing as it is annoying. But writing this made me realize that I am absolutely done with these businesses. In no other retail situation do I find people this cold and rude, and end up feeling like I was treated like something diseased and unworthy. It really is a wonder that they thrive! And I am not alone. The online reviews are a mix of good experiences — and very very bad.