Sorry I have been away for so long. Between rehearsals, work, projects and sneaking in some summer fun, I haven't had two minutes to myself these days. I hope to get back on track in the next few days, as there is so much to tell.
In the meantime, I wanted to give you a bit of "Buyer Beware." For my latest rage against the corporate machine, feel free to read my nasty letter to Home Depot, reprinted below in all of its bitchy glory.
Home Depot Team,
I am writing to express my dismay over your gift cards policy.
My husband and I bought our first home this past September. Big fans of Home Depot and much in need of supplies for our new place, we were both grateful and delighted when friends and relatives showered us with Home Depot gift cards.
Several days ago, we decided to buy a lawn set at your (Hometown), New Jersey store and used two of our remaining gift cards to cover some of the purchase price. When I arrived home and reviewed the receipt, I was surprised to see that our $100 in gift cards only accounted for $70.
On neither the card nor the packaging was there any indication of when and how much our gift cards would decrease in value.
Had my husband and I held on to these cards for several years, I may be able to understand a slight decrease in value to cover administration fees. However, these cards were less than eight months old. Pocketing 30% of their value, in my mind, is tantamount to stealing from your customers. You should be ashamed.
Thus far, my husband and I have been loyal and frequent Home Depot customers – even going as far as to apply for a store credit card.
However, based on this experience, I don’t feel you deserve our business.
Sincerely,
TJ McGuinness
Masterful. Brava!
Posted by: Ken Adams | June 10, 2005 at 07:48 PM
Good for you! From what I understand, this is a pretty common practice for a lot of stores. And, I agree. It's tantamount to stealing.
Posted by: Pammy | June 10, 2005 at 09:01 PM
I've never heard of such a thing! That's insane!!
Good to have you back around here, TJ!
Posted by: zonker | June 11, 2005 at 05:57 PM
No indication anywhere that this would happen? Sounds like the stuff of a Class Action, methinks.
Posted by: Jim - PRS | June 12, 2005 at 12:35 PM
Bastards. Hope you get vindication.
Posted by: david | June 12, 2005 at 09:39 PM
{{{hugs}}} You're back! Give 'em hell babe.
Posted by: Kate | June 12, 2005 at 11:30 PM
Makes me long for Rickles even more...
Posted by: Gregor | June 13, 2005 at 08:52 AM
Makes me long for Rickles even more...
Posted by: Gregor | June 13, 2005 at 08:52 AM
Thank you for all the welcomes and the shared rage. I'll keep you posted on the ongoing saga.
So far, nothing yet...
Not even a stinky "Thanks for your E-mail" autoresponse.
Next step? A paper letter to the President of the company. RAAAAAAAAA!!!!
Posted by: TJ | June 13, 2005 at 11:08 AM
Don't forget to mention that Home Depot gets the time value of the money in the interim. Not to mention that with price increases, you get to buy less if you wait, anyway.
If there really is no warning on the card or the packaging, I think it would make a wonderful class action.
Be sure to cc your letter to the consumer affairs folks at The New York Times.
Posted by: Jack Bog | June 13, 2005 at 03:48 PM
TJ, I just happened to remember this...try it. It worked for me when I had an 'issue' with a restaurant.
Planet Feedback
Posted by: Pammy | June 14, 2005 at 12:15 PM
Ooops. hehe
http://www.planetfeedback.com/homepage/0,2585,,00.html
Posted by: Pammy | June 14, 2005 at 12:17 PM
That's why we call that place HOME DESPOT.
Posted by: lisaloving | June 15, 2005 at 12:28 PM