Created: 2019.10.08
I was going to be polite and not mention that this interaction happened with Walmart photo centre because this is so typical of so many companies. But I guess I changed my mind.
My company works very hard at giving useful, clear, detailed (sometimes yes those conflict) error messages. I find customer support by other companies helpful in learning things to NEVER do to my customer.
I was just uploading a file to get it printed by a company that specializes in printing on photographic paper.
As I was uploading the file I get a message that my file size is too large, file not uploaded. (Note: This means that the programmers knew EXACTLY what limits they were placing on it - but rather than tell me, they just reported that it was 'too' big.) I'd reprimand any one on my team that did something that customer hostile.
So searching their web site, I found in the FAQ: "Make sure your file size is not too large" - but no indication of the maximum file size. (Obviously the people writing the help either: Assumed that over time the size would change so they didn't want to document it. Or they called support - see below.)
I then phoned their 1-800 number:
The 1st reply was "I don't know, let me go ask my manager".
He came back: Ah, we don't know what the maximum file size.
Me: What?
Him: Please hold. Came back: The maximum file size is 11"x 14"
Me: I'm using 'jay-peg' files, and I specified 4x6 in the file.
Him: Oh, that's your problem, we only accept j-p-g files.
Note: Their web site lists a whole bunch of file formats including jpg.
Then the frosting on the cake:
Him: Is there anything else I can help you with?
Me: Laughing. "No." I didn't explain the humor.