But I could order from them if I lived in the Federated States of Micronesia...

During my little online shopping spree yesterday, I attempted to order an item off of a website that purported to sell cruiser bicycles and accessories (I won't name them). I excitedly found an item that I had been looking all over for, and quickly hit the "Buy Now" button.

I was highly chagrined to find out that once I got to the page to fill out my shipping address, "D.C." or "District of Columbia" or even "Washington, D.C." was not among the "state" options.

I sent customer service an email pointing out their error and asking if they could fix it.

This is what I received in reply:

Hello,
We are aware that for some reason our system does not list it as an option, however we have been unable to remedy the situation.  Please reply to this email with your phone number so we can help you process an order over the phone.
Thank you,
XXXXXXXXXXX

> Date: Sun, 22 Aug 2010 19:04:03 -0600
> To: info@XXXXXXXXX
> Subject: Message from customer on the XXXXXXXXX website
> From: XXXXXXXXXXX
> To: info@XXXXXXXXXXX
>
> email: XXXXXXXXXXXXX
> inquiry: Hi. I tried to order some accessories off your website, but unfortunately you've neglected to include "District of Columbia" or "D.C" as an option under states. I know that we're not considered a "real" state, but we do exist. Could this be fixed?
>
> Thanks.
> name: Kate C.
>
> 

Hurumph. "Unable to remedy the situation?" Yeah, I think that about sums up DC's status.



P.S. No, I did not give them my number to place the order over the phone. There are plenty of other fish on the Internet that acknowledge the District of Columbia as a valid address.