Yet again the hollow-eyed stare of the assistant greets me as I amble through the hallowed portal, this time to ask about a lanyard for my shiny new purple Walkman. "Er, we don't have anything like that. Have you tried Sony Spares? I can give you their number..."

Nope, I haven't actually, because I like to buy stuff in shops so I can play with it straight away (though I didn't actually put it like that.) Could you tell me how much they are and if, or when, you might next have some in? "Er - do you have the part number?"

No, because - strangely - I assumed *you* would. Oh well, never mind - I don't suppose there's a website where I can look up the details myself when I get home?

"Er..." (you can guess the rest)

Bleurgh! It was the same story when I needed to replace the very replaceable cord on some very expensive cans after it got bunny-munched (our bunny loves Sony gear as much as I do); folded arms and no attempt to even pretend to look for a parts catalogue (they must have one - how else do they order any bleedin' stock?!?).

I am very pissed off, and manage to embarrass Mrs Blitterbug totally by apologising to the guy for being a difficult customer and actually wanting to buy Sony parts from a Sony Store. I really hope he's not there next time I go for a drool at the shiny goodies...

So woe betide anyone who steps in off the street for a replacement part without full and precise details of the item they want, because if it's not actually hanging on the wall then you may as well turn around and bugger off.

Much as I love all things Sony, this is really trying my patience. I know it's only a franchise and doesn't actually have a hotline to Japan, but I expect more than a disinterested shrug whenever I want something more esoteric than a telly.