The store manager (Joshua) should be terminated and permanently marked with some sort of brand to thwart any future attempts to seek employment in a role involving interaction with people.
Earlier today, I was browsing online and contemplating the purchase of a new laptop. The HP Pavilion that I purchased from Staples just over 3 years ago finally succumbed to the dreaded hinge failure, and despite my best efforts to open and close it with a gingerly touch, I can see the inevitable end is near.
I found a great deal on a new Toshiba on Staples.com. "Need it in a hurry?" the site beckons. Choose a store and your order will be ready for pick up within two hours. Great! Unfortunately, the laptop I've selected isn't available at my local (Yorba Linda) location, so I opt for the Brea location where there is one remaining in stock. The confirmation email comes at 4:39 PM, and I'm now just two hours away from a much needed new laptop.
One hour later....no email stating that my order is ready to be picked up.
Two hours later....no email stating that my order is ready to be picked up.
I checked my bank account, and sure enough, there is a charge for $755.99 posted to the account two hours earlier. I decided to take a drive down to the store to get this sorted out.
On arrival, I'm greeted by a friendly employee who asks if I need any help. I asked where to pick up online orders (there is no signage in the store indicating where to go), and he says that he would be happy to assist me. He takes my name, goes to the store room, and returns with empty hands and a perplexed look. He said he was unable find the order.
Enter the arrogant manager from hell (Joshua), who quickly tells me that the order is "still processing" in the system, and if I don't believe him, I can walk around the counter and see for myself. He said that he will check stock, and if they have the laptop, I can pay for it and be on my way. I let him know that I've already been charged, to which he replied that I'm wrong and my card has not been charged. I offer to log into my account and show him the charge. The limits of my patience were officially exceeded when he told me that any duplicate charge, if one even existed, could be refunded later. He blamed the issue on "Staples" and said that for 99% of purchases, the order is processed and pulled within 10 minutes. That's of little comfort when you're in the 1% that gets charged and does not receive the merchandise. No offer to make a call and get this resolved...arrogant insistence that I have not been charged...and condescending remarks until I leave the store with a firm commitment never to return.
Now, 4 hours after placing my order, I don't have a new laptop, I have $755.99 less than I had earlier today, Staples is closed for the day, and I'm writing this review on my old laptop with the rickety hinge hoping it continues to function long enough to warn others about dick that manages this store.
****UPDATE****
Just when I thought this transaction couldn't get any worse, this store proves there are no limits to how low they can sink.
The weekend has passed, and the two hour pick up window touted on Staples.com has now grown to two days. Finally, an email arrives stating that my order is ready to be picked up. It's a Christmas miracle in May! As I begrudgingly prepare for a trip to the store, a subsequent email from Staples follows just a few minutes later.....
"Your Staples pick up items have been cancelled"
Cancelled? I didn't cancel the order.
A quick call to Staples customer service reveals that someone in the Brea store cancelled the order and indicated, "Customer cancelled order and no longer wants this item." I did not cancel this order.
I explained the history to the customer service representative, to which she responds, "Wow...that's horrible. I'm very sorry. Is there anything else that I can help you with?"
No need...the hold time afforded me the opportunity to find the same laptop for less money on Amazon.com.
Adios, Staples! read more