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06/09/2006: "Mystery"
It amazes me how small businesses can stay in business. I've been having trouble getting the mail order pharmacy to send me my "good stuff". It's actually been over a month, long enough for my usual excess supply to completely run out and I haven't gotten them straightened out yet. So I got my doctor to phone in a prescription to a local place so I could get some right away. The danged mail order takes two weeks -- whether they ship something or just send a letter saying there was some kind of problem. All the chain drug stores said they didn't have my stuff. Rosemont Pharmacy said the same thing, but that guy volunteered that he could get some by the next day. I would assume they all use the same distributors, but he was the only one who offered. So I said, Deal! I went in there and it just seemed so small and cramped and there was one guy working and I was the only customer. I don't know how they compete when there's a CVS or Walgreens on every corner -- literally, it seems like. I wouldn't mind getting all my prescriptions there. It's convenient. And I'd feel like I'm supporting a small businessman. I'd get the same drugs either way. Without the hassle sometimes involved with the faceless mail order behemoth. Of course, the insurance company says I can only use the mail order place. (And they don't even provide any choices. There's one option.) If I started trying to get refills locally they'd start rejecting payment. And as much as I'd like to help out, I'm not going to pay the full price myself when I don't have to. Otherwise why bother paying for the insurance. That kind of restriction must take a huge bite out of small drug stores. Which is sad. And leaves me wondering how any of them survive.