Sunday, November 7, 2010

Consumer Report



I try to stay positive, especially here at Twisty Lane, but I just have to share two very different consumer stories.
You may remember that my washing machine quit several weeks ago.
My first Maytag washer lasted 20 years. The second lasted 5 years.
When was the last time you saw the Maytag Man on television?
Guess there is a reason!

Having the washer fixed (the transmission) would have cost almost as much as a new washer.

(Image found on Google images)
So, we did our research and went to Lowes to buy a new washing machine.
The day it was delivered a huge Lowes truck pulled up out side the house and two large gentlemen got out, came in the house, looked to see where the machine would go and announced, "we can't get it up the stairs and no one told us we would have to take the old machine away".
Huh?????
So after some mumble and grumbling, we had them take the washer back to Lowes.
Ptuiii.

To make a long story short, we bought our new washer at Home Depot, where they contract the delivery  to a *professional* delivery service in their shiny, clean huge pickup truck and trailer.
There was no problem about taking the old machine away and taking the new one upstairs.
Amazing.
Gold Stars for Home Depot!

So, I have mellowed in my dismay with Lowes and will go back in again, but I will only buy what I can get in my car and install myself!

***

The second story is: I ordered from Victorian Trading Company and two of the items arrived broken. 
No problem. They couldn't have been nicer. They emailed a return postage label, off it went, the credits were made, and a new item arrived in the mail yesterday -- not broken. 
YeeHaw!
Victorian Trading Company you rock!

I promise, I won't make a habit of reporting on consumer issues!!!!!!!!!!

Hope your weekend is lovely.
I am sunburned from watching a baseball game yesterday and don't mind at all.
It was a beautiful day.

8 comments:

Pondside said...

It's good to read a consumer report sort of post from time to time - if we don't tell one another how things turn out then there's no pressure on a company to change its ways. You can bet that Lowe's has someone who just trawls the net looking for mentions like yours - it matters to them.

Janet said...

I think it's important to share information like this. Who knows.... it could save someone else a lot of trouble.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

I don't mind reading a consumer report as often what happens to one will happen to all and it's good to know what company has good dependable service!

The Bodhi Chicklet said...

I think this is the best/worst kind of advertising any company can buy and I'm always happen to toot someone's horn or give them raspberries. I hope you are chuggin' and rockin' with your new machine. Clean sheets is one of my favorite self-spoiling treats. Happy Sunday!

Barb said...

Hi Snap, Glad you got a good dose of Vit. D at the baseball game! I actually like when people post their thumbs up or down with businesses. Consumers need to know who will provide the best service. Enjoy (is this possible?) your washer!

Crafty Christina said...

I agree, sharing helps everyone else save some trouble!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

The sad thing for us is that we only have Lowe's in our town... No other competition!!! And we give Lowe's a bunch of our money.... They don't stock well--and there are many things about that store which are not good.... BUT--living in a small town like we do, we don't have other choices.... Darn!!!!!

I'm glad you got good treatment at Home Depot. Wish we had a Home Depot here...

Hugs,
Betsy

Rosa said...

I LOVE this post! I think you need to have a consumer section in your blog! Great info!!! I'm going to be needing a new w/d pretty soon. I'm hoping my old ones (14 years old) last until we think about moving next in 2012.