Today, August 29th 2011, I had the misfortune to encounter an employee at the Middlesex Ave, Somerville, branch of Staples.
I arrived at 9.30am to return two computer monitors and to select some office furniture.
At the return or "drop off' counter, the General Manager, Vinny Mendonca, didn't bother to finish the phone conversation he was presently having with someone else and with an upward sweep of his chin attempted to convey that he was ready to hear what I had to say.
He rather gruffly asked some questions of me and also of the person on the phone but I was unable to determine who was being asked what.
Finally, I discovered that he would not allow me to return my items since they were purchased just over two weeks ago.
When I purchased them I was at pains to ask of the salesperson if I it was a 30 day return policy to which he answered 'Yes'
The manager, however, said that no employee of his would ever say that.
When I asked if I could receive credit towards today's planned purchase he was extremely rude and threatening.
I asked if he was adamant about this but since he didn't know what the word 'adamant' meant he was unable to respond verbally preferring instead to get even angrier.
I asked what I should do with two brand new monitors which I did not need.
He smugly suggested that I should "put them up on Ebay"
Perhaps Ebay is where I should have shopped to begin with!
I suggested that 'something' could be done to alleviate this situation to which he responded "I've told you the policy. Are you calling me a liar?"
Recognizing this as an attempt to gain the moral high ground, I was quite specific in replying that under no circumstances was I accusing him of lying and certainly was not calling him a liar.
However, the word "lie" became quite popular with him and he appeared disappointed that I refused to go for the bait.
Getting rather loud and aggressive in his attitude towards me, he then proceeded to give the impression to fellow customers and staff that I was a 'liar' and being unreasonable.
During this whole episode I remained calm and allowed this Staples manager to go off at the mouth and get even more angry for no apparent reason.
Returning the items to my car, I decided that I under no circumstances should I be thought of as the liar.
I decided that I would speak with another employee, Matt, who was present during this whole discourse.
Returning to the store, I asked the Manager if I could speak with that same employee.
That employee agreed that I had not used the word liar if my conversation with his boss.
The manager, however, became even more vociferous and angry and once again accused me of calling him a liar.
Defending myself was of no use since the manager's perception of the situation was "if you are disagreeing with me than you are calling me a liar".
He actually said that!
Hopefully, with an employee attitude such as that, Staples will find itself in the same position as the now defunct 'Circuit City'.
If you seek office supplies please remember "that was easy" is just a marketing statement and doesn't apply to real life shopping at Staples!
Somerville Business Owner. read more