I went there on Saturday, Sept 22, 2012 to buy a dimmer. It was raining heavily that day and although there were other customers in the store, it was not busy by any means. After spending several minutes looking for it myself, I found an employee who directed me to a selection of dimmers, but he did not assist me further and scampered away like he had something much more pressing than to deal with me.
I wasn't sure which one to buy, so I tried to ask the same guy, but he continued to act as if he was otherwise preoccupied, which was strange since the store was practically empty. I tried to speak to him no less than 3 times. Finally, I selected a dimmer that looked right, but I wanted to make sure about a certain aspect of it and asked him a specific question pertaining to the item. He said yes to this question, so I purchased it: about $42. However, I discovered it would not work once I got it home and opened the packaging.
I immediately called the store and told them what the problem was, in fact, I asked for a manager and I explained everything, including what the item was and what the problem was. I was concerned that I had opened the bubble pack, but I was told that there would be no problem returning it. However, when I went there the next day, they refused to take it back, saying that this type of thing cannot be returned, especially since it had been opened.
I had a similar problem with another dimmer I purchased from Home Depot, but they took it back with no questions asked, (and yes it had been opened). In this instance, I went there and picked it off the shelf, only to find out later that I needed a different type. At the Ace Hardware on Alton Road, I DID ask and made several attempts to get some help. The sales associate was less than helpful and rather evasive. I must point out that I make an effort of being polite, so it's not like I was being difficult or rude, but I was made to feel like I was imposing on him.
Another thing that I found annoying was that when I called to tell them about the problem, the person who answered the phone was inconsiderate. I was trying to explain the situation, when she started giggling and was apparently having a conversation with someone else. I asked for the manager at this point. Like I said, I explained everything to him, including that the packaging had been opened. I was told that there was no problem and I could return it. I remember asking him if he was sure about that and he relied yes to this. Apparently "yes" means something different at Ace Hardware on Alton Road.
Good thing I purchased it with my American Express, because I am disputing the charge. It's not the money, but the principle of the thing. I asked for help, and asked specific questions, but was misled and bought the wrong thing. They refused to take it back even though they told me otherwise on the phone. I am an above board person and made sure that they understood everything pertaining to the problem.
I have lived in Miami Beach for over 20 years. I have been a customer of this store ever since I moved here, but I will never go there again. I get much better treatment and service at Home Depot. I'll drive the extra miles. read more