The Missing Piece

 

Let’s call this an “ode to how much I dislike IKEA” aka “The Jungles of IKEA” aka “we are missing a da*m piece”. As IKEA is within One Tank range, and I had travel to the store three times, the total mileage was worthy of One Tank. Besides, I have not been this frustrated in a long time and needed a place to vent.

“The Jungles of IKEA”

Our guides abandoned us on the second day.

We forged forward with the rudimentarily tools the guides left behind.

The directional signs worked against us (notice the arrow pointing the wrong way).

We trekked North.

We trekked South.

And discovered there…

Was…

Just no way…

Out!!! Argh!!!!

Water…Water…Water…

 

Trip one:

Two hours after my arrival I was able to leave with my purchase. I was willing to put aside my dislike for the poor customer service and the even poorer furniture quality. My need to get my office under control and keep under budget was imperative. (The office before and after photos below.)

Now let’s take a step back for a minute. You have to remember that among his many talents, my father was a woodworker. My dad would let me “help” him. I learned a bit about woodworking and craftsmanship as a result.

IKEA furniture is vastly compressed wood and particle board. It is great for people on a budget. My inner woodworker did keel over.

While assembling the bookcase, I noticed pieces (hardware) were missing from the box. I followed the directions on the assembly instructions and called the IKEA 800 number as printed in the instructions. The 800 number directed me to call the store for replacement pieces. The automated store phone system directed me to the 800 number. I could not talk to a live body. So, I…

Trip two:

I returned to the store. Four yellow shirted employees in a row pointed me to four different places to solve my “missing piece” dilemma; it was not their “department”. I finally was able to exchange the bookcase for a new one.

Once home, I opened the box to discover one of the side pieces had a crack in it. I boxed up the bookcase and….

Trip three:

I returned to the IKEA store the third time. I stopped to eat some of the Swedish meatballs available in the IKEA restaurant. (The meatballs are not all they are hyped up to be.) I picked up my third bookcase and headed home.

Three is a charm. The bookcase went up and---I must admit---looks nice.

Before (shutter)

and after…