I'm not picky about my office supplies. However, I AM picky about customer service and price, because in this economy and with so much competition, those two things should be major priorities for any business.
All I wanted was a simple printer. I had to get back to my shop because I had a client waiting, so time was a priority. I had a gift card and a coupon for 15$ off any purchase. So far so good. I found the printer I wanted, located the ink, and a salesperson informed me I needed a USB cable for the printer. So I grabbed the one he pointed to (15$) and went to ring up.
Time went by. People behind me formed into a long line, waiting patiently. The clerks appeared to not even realize the situation, or just didn't give a damn. They were understaffed on the counter so they called for someone else to come up, and it took that person ages to finally show. Even once they had several people on the counters, they rang things up as if it was their last day at work and they really could care less.
I was second in line so luckily I was served before the poor saps who were tenth in line. I was notified that I couldn't use the 15 dollar off card (because I was purchasing "electronics" and the card was only good for "other stuff besides electronics") I was also informed that I could not combine the gift card with the coupon even if I was not purchasing electronics, because of some lame reason. As if the gift card wasn't cash in the fucking bank for them! For those of you who don't know what a gift card is, it's cash that the company is holding on to and investing, while you are waiting to spend that money exclusively at their company. The longer you wait to use it, the more value it has to them. Why wouldn't you be able to combine it with any other offers? Because they let lawyers and fools run Office Depot HQ, apparently.
I make my way, shamefully, out of the store and take my loot back to the shop. I attach everything, but realize that they sold me the wrong 15$ USB cord. :E
As if I had nothing better to do, I return later that day and wait in line, AGAIN, for the same lackluster attitude and lack of hustle that I experienced the first go-round. I finally have my issue resolved, by Someone-Who-Know-What-The-Fuck-They-Are-Doing. I receive a ten dollar refund and the proper cord, and I quickly walk out while vowing to shop ANYWHERE, even walmart, before I come back to this place.
Normally, I reserve my hatred and vitriol for corporations and their board of directors, and feel sorry for the employees and underlings who must make do with a bad situation. This time is different. A round of hatred for everybody, please. For management, letting their employees treat the place like a joke. For the employees, who couldn't give a damn if their job depended on it (and in this economy, why doesn't it depend on it???).
Reader, I beg you to go anywhere else. Even if you have a much longer drive, and no parking. This place is totally not worth your money or time. read more