Wow, I just finally completed the most epically FUBARRED

Jul 13, 2022, 5:04 PM

major appliance buying customer experience imaginable. I kid not.

Ma-in-Law's refrigerator died week before last, and at 20 years old, it was time to say goodbye to that appliance and purchase another one. I trundle down to the local Lowe's, having already picked out the model we wanted via their website. Slightly larger than the one she had, but on sale at a decent, but still high price.

Well, first problem, that sale model, they had none of in stock. Did not know when they would get one, even in their Columbia warehouse. Covid was blamed, just like it is for everything these days. So, I go for a different one, same size as her old one. Again not in stock, but IS in the Columbia warehouse, bought it, delivery set up to be the next day. Ma-in-Law pays me back for the purchase.

Before I even got home a couple hours later, phone messages and emails from Lowe's saying delivery delayed, now instead of July 9th, would be July 12th. July 11th, more emails, delivery delayed until July 15th. July 12th, more emails, no refrigerator, order needs to be cancelled.

Back to the store I go. They had a dozen different floor models similar, but NONE of them in stock. They kept trying to get me to buy an LG brand, which Ma-in-Law had never heard of, and did not want. But, finally, I agreed to, if they could in fact get one, install the icemaker, and deliver it.

Not so fast. They don't have the icemaker for that brand or model. Can't get one in a timely fashion. I finally cancel the order, and drive to Home Depot in Lexington. Same exact scenario. They have NONE of the models that are on the floor in stock. I try to take a different approach with the young man there. "Get on your computer, and show me what you DO HAVE in the warehouse." He finally finds a model that the warehouse is showing 1,000 of in stock. Yes, One Thousand. So, I say, get me the icemaker for one of those, and let's do a deal for purchase, delivery, and haul away of the old one. You guessed it, no icemakers in stock, none available on any type of short time frame.

Oh, I also, at both stores, tried to get them to sell me the floor model of any of the ones they did not have in stock. "Oh no, we can't sell you a floor model." When I chastised them for putting items on sale that they have none of, they copped out by saying the "Corporate Lowe's" does the sales, not them. I tell them they are no better than charlatans who sell $10 bills for $5, but they just ran out. It didn't help me get a refrigerator, but it made me feel better about myself.

At this point, I say chuck it, drive back to Orangeburg, and pay the exhorbitant price at a Mom and Pop local appliance repair and sales store, that actually HAS a refrigerator in stock with an icemaker.

But, the final caveat. I had to buy a side by side, at nearly double the cost. I ate the difference, just to get the experience over with, and actually have a working refrigerator, since I will inherit it back when Ma-in-Law passes on anyway. She doesn't ever need to know what it really cost.

This was yesterday afternoon around 4:00. Just because I have intimate prior knowledge of Murphy's Law, I got the measurements of the new fridge, and went back to the home of its future occupancy. You guessed it again, the kitchen cabinet over the fridge was hanging 2 inches into the new refrigerators space. So, I quickly had to turn carpenter, and remake the cabinet, cutting down the door, raising the floor of the bottom shelf 3 inches, and putting it back together. Finished about 7:30 last night. It really was only about an hour job, but I am so out of shape with all my medical issues, I literally had to work for one minute, rest for five. I'm just glad I was able to get it done.

They had to take both doors off the new fridge, AND take the house entry door off to squeeze it inside, but it all got done, and it has been cooling for two hours now. Thank You, Jesus.

flag link

military_tech

thumb_down

thumb_up

Well, it's kind of the norm nowadays. I am currently doing some home remodeling for friends and family since the software business is in a weird phase since covid and its either part-time or 90hrs a wk and neither work in my schedule. Any time I need any materials, seems like it takes 3 stores before I can find enough if its anything slightly unique and prices are 3x what they were 2yrs ago. Let's Go Brandon! Supply chain, lack of people wanting to work, fuel prices and new minimum hourly rates have driven costs through the roof for residential remodeling projects.

All that just to feed into your frustrations but I will tell you that LG's have serviced me well. I have 12yr old LG split fridge, but have had TVs, Microwave's, dishwasher, washer and dryer, plus other electronics. I have had any complaints. Side note: LG advertised meaning is Life is Good, but they are the old Zenith company that rebranded 20-25yrs ago.

Wow, I just finally completed the most epically FUBARRED

Re: Wow, I just finally completed the most epically FUBARRED

Re: Wow, I just finally completed the most epically FUBARRED

I personally wouldn't have had such a problem trying an LG.

Re: Wow, I just finally completed the most epically FUBARRED

I think both Lowes and Home Depot claim to sell appliances

Update: Not so Fast, ordeal not over yet. Ice dispenser in

Re: Update: Not so Fast, ordeal not over yet. Ice dispenser in

I ran a quick recon mission, just returned. It is making

Re: I ran a quick recon mission, just returned. It is making

Supply chain stuff

America is rapidly becoming third world. Glad

TigerBoard POTD