"Larry L" wrote in message
...
Recently I pointed out that "customer service" is a good place for real,
breathing, humans.

Apparently I have too much effect on the local Home Depot.

My wife wanted me to do a few things before I leave in a week for my
Montahoming trip, so I went shopping. I found the needed materials and
headed to check out only to find that there was ONE register manned by a
human ( with a huge line ) and the rest contained talking machines ...
"Self check out"

Now I admit being, may even be a bit proud of being, a grumpy old man fed
up with many of the trappings of our 'culture' like everyone looking like
they are in the Borg collective Bluetooth stuck in ear, or 'reality' TV.
But, honestly, I find having a machine talking to me ( to take my money,
for god's sake ) effectively telling me to "bend over now, and insert your
card" is just too dehumanising.


Seeing a large sign hanging from the ceiling with the word "service" ( the
place you take returns ) on it I went over to find 5, yes FIVE, pimply 20
somethings laughing at each other's jokes, and not a customer in sight. I
piled my stuff on the counter and said, "I don't want any of this badly
enough to check myself out." And I left to go to the mom and pop
hardware store for my purchase.

So, if you're still listening out there .... when I suggested real humans
at "customer Service" I did NOT mean just under the sign that says
"service" ... if you want real, breathing human beings to part with their
money and want to come back ... treat them like real, breathing human
beings, not just bar codes


Bud, you don't want to hear my horror story on Home depot...I was redoing my
parents condo before they moved in...they were in Florida and moving back
home to Ohio...it was convenient for them to pick colors and samples in
Florida and I would purchase things in Ohio..

It worked great until I had Home Depot install the carpet..

Home Depot actually laughed and said, "What are you going to do, Sue?" So I
did...the damages to doors and windows exceeded the cost of the
carpet...Seven doors, one bay window...not too mention the jambs and
casing....

I do not go there for anything, anymore.

Do a search, heck there are whole websites devoted to Home depot
complaints....but the stock went up for a couple of years didn't it?

Remember the old days when you could count on Sears?

john