To me it's not the institution but the person. I've worked with very helpful people in the biggest bureaucracies both private and public and with obstructionists in both as well.
There was a classic example for me a couple of months ago. I went to the DMV to deal with an issue. The first person I talked to gave me a hard time. I waited until she was busy and tried another person who was totally helpful. Same place, same issue, two different people.
Quite a while ago I had a bank example. I took two statements into the bank showing they had processed the same check twice. I was met with hostile skepticism in spite of having documentary proof in the form of their statements right in front of the guy's eyes.
The difference I've found is that in many instances it's in the business's interest as they see it to shaft me and they have created structures which support that. The banking crises almost a decade ago was a classic example along with robosigning.
I've dealt with banks that I found heinous.
The worst ever was RBC (Royal Bank of Scotland), which is owned by the British government.
I became their foe because they bought a bank I borrowed from. Avoid'm like the plague.
My bank, Old National, is local. Every person in it whom I deal with (about a dozen), is friendly,
helpful, & works in my best interest. They really excel at lending.
I have many good experiences with businesses because I seek out & patronize the good ones.
One creates one's own luck by intent & design.
Btw, you know you're adding to the quality of my thread by posting as you do?
I'm subverting your experience & perspective toward my own goals.
Boooowhwhahahahahahahahahhaha, etc!
