Convenience fee - what a misnomer!

You've probably seen the charge "convenience fee" when you order tickets online or pay some utility bills online. But the "convenience fee" is really for the company's benefit in two ways. First, they don't need so much staff to open envelopes and enter the data. Second, they cover the credit card/debit card costs. And you thought you saved a stamp and time addressing an envelope.

I was moved to write this entry by "Verizon Wireless to charge $2 for one-time payment - Verizon Wireless to charge $2 for one-time payments by credit card, online or by phone".

Here's a thought. Create jobs! Pay by check and mail!

Another example of corporate "efficiency"

Yesterday I tried to pay my Verizon Wireless bill online, something I've been doing for more than a couple of years.  It worked fine at the beginning of January.  Yesterday when I clicked the "Submit" button, nothing happened.  Well, the second time I tried, the button enlarged.

Today I tried again.  Same result.  I tried with Firefox instead of Safari.  Same result.

One of the "efficiencies" any well-run organization tries for is cash flow.  Don't let the checks pile up in a drawer, but get them to a bank PDQ and let the dollars work for you.  I don't know how many thousands or millions of dollars Verizon receives each day, but I would think it would review its software changes quickly to get that cash flow back up.