We ordered an expensive fridge from Home Depot online in May, because it was on sale. However our remodel was not until July and we wanted to make sure the fridge stayed "safe" until installation. So, we inspected the box to make sure there was no damage and since the packaging was all intact, we decided to leave the fridge in the packaging, so it would be protected, until we were ready to install it.
Come installation day, we unwrapped the fridge only to find dents and damage all over!
My husband spent two days on the phone, being tossed from one person to the next (including Joe, a store manager at the Amherst location), who all parroted the same message: our policy states you have 2 days from delivery to inspect your product and return if there are any damages. You did not comply with the policy, therefore this is your problem, not ours, and we will do nothing.
I understand "policy", and as a general rule policy is good, but in customer service there is a "human factor" to consider. We weren't trying to go against their policy, we literally just had nowhere to keep the fridge safe for 2 months until installation. So, we thought we were making the best decision possible to keep the fridge in its [undamaged] packaging to protect it. But none of that mattered to anyone my husband talked to over the course of 2 days (approximately 9 Home Depot employees). (Side note: my husband is my hero now more than ever for how calm and patient and respectful he remained with everyone he spoke to! I don't know how he did it.)
Instead, because their policy wasn't followed, Home Depot is just taking our $$$$ and leaving us with a brand new, expensive, damaged fridge.
I'm just in absolute shock. A billion dollar company sends us a damaged product and won't do anything about it because their "policy wasn't followed". How is this ok?
Unfortunately, I doubt this review will do any good in saving anyone else from doing business with Home Depot. I, myself, had numerous people warn me about buying big purchases which may require customer service from Home Depot. But I didn't listen, reasoning that Home Depot is such a reputable store, I'm sure I would never have any problems with them. And unfortunately, most people, like me, aren't going to look for reviews about Home Depot until they're in this exact situation - having been through the wringer with them. But on the off chance even one person reads this and decides to save themself the headache (and thousands of dollars), I'm putting this out there. Do yourself a favor and, even if it costs a few hundred extra, take your big purchase business to a company that cares about their paying customers. read more