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I discovered that we needed a blank copy of a specific tax form for the State of New York last week. I went to their website, found the download forms, and one of the very few items not available for download is the one I need. Of course. 
Instead, I have to call a not toll free number. Then wait 20 minutes for a human being who verifies my ID code is valid in their system. Once that is verified, she then tells me she will mail it to the PO box on file.
I asked if she could just email a copy to me, since my email domain has the company name in it. But no, New York will only allow them to be sent by postal mail. No email, not even fax. She then went on to tell me that if I needed more than one, I should just make photocopies of the original form she was sending.
I asked why these forms are so hard to acquire, and apparently they want to be sure ID numbers are valid. I let her know I had some feedback, from a customer perspective and she directed me to the website.
I suggested they could have the website do code verification (it's not a tax ID) and then offer an email/download link in addition to the option of getting a copy by snail mail. Or even a freakin' fax. I really don't need to drag out this process for another week waiting on the local USPS.
And, after all that, if I need more just make some photocopies. Much secure, very safe. I'm just going to scan the bloody thing and stick it out on our server. It's like a photocopy but less paper.
Instead, I have to call a not toll free number. Then wait 20 minutes for a human being who verifies my ID code is valid in their system. Once that is verified, she then tells me she will mail it to the PO box on file.
I asked if she could just email a copy to me, since my email domain has the company name in it. But no, New York will only allow them to be sent by postal mail. No email, not even fax. She then went on to tell me that if I needed more than one, I should just make photocopies of the original form she was sending.
I asked why these forms are so hard to acquire, and apparently they want to be sure ID numbers are valid. I let her know I had some feedback, from a customer perspective and she directed me to the website.
I suggested they could have the website do code verification (it's not a tax ID) and then offer an email/download link in addition to the option of getting a copy by snail mail. Or even a freakin' fax. I really don't need to drag out this process for another week waiting on the local USPS.
And, after all that, if I need more just make some photocopies. Much secure, very safe. I'm just going to scan the bloody thing and stick it out on our server. It's like a photocopy but less paper.
I AM the evil bastard!
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