I recently was in need of a new water heater. Instead of starting at Lowe's or The Home Depot, I decided to check out Winnelson, partly because I wanted to support local business and partly because the front of the business states that they sell water heaters and that they're open to the public.
So I give Winnelson a call. A gentleman answers the phone.
"Winnelson." he says so quickly that I have no idea who I've called.
"I'm sorry. Who is this?" I ask.
"Winn-El-Son." he says like he's talking to a moron. I may be a lot of things, but one thing I am not, folks, is a moron.
"Hi. I was calling to see what your price is for a 40 gallon electric water heater."
"(some price)." he said. I can't remember exactly.
"Okay. And what brand is that?"
"(some brand)." he said. Again, speaking so quickly, I couldn't understand at all.
"I'm sorry?"
"(some brand)." Again he said it like he was speaking to a person who knew no English.
At that point the price, availability, or the idea of supporting local business were non-factors. These guys must have a very loyal customer base, because if they are as rude and condescending to other people as they were with me that day, I can't imagine that they attract a ton of new customers. read more