So I went to the store where I made the initial purchase and they had the mower in stock. But even here, they didn't offer to do anything but let me return the mower and then buy another one. Not even an attempt to try and help me in the least. They could've offered to swap the batteries and handle the return themselves, but they just seemed to want to get me out of the store.
So, although I did get it from the same store, I ended up ordering a different model. And I even did that on my phone, they weren't much help with that either. I'm waiting for that one to be delivered and hopefully, it will work better than the last one.
Lessons learned?
- I buy certain items in store because if I need help, I want to be able to just go back to the store. If that's not going to happen, then there's no reason for me to buy in the store. If all you're going to do is tell me to return it, I can do that from an online seller. I came to you in case I needed service
- If you don't have the item in your store, but another location does, don't make me drive all over town to get it. Have it sent from that store, make my life easier.
- Retailers continue to keep stores open, but they don't really support them as they should. They're usually grossly understaffed and the staff they do have don't seem to either know much or even want to be there. I'm a big believer in physical stores, but they have to actually have to serve a different purpose. They can't just be crappy versions of an online store.
If you want me to buy in store, instead of online, you need to give me a reason to do that. It could be price, although honestly, that's a losing proposition. Someone can always sell for less. Or you could provide me with superior service. But not giving me a great price and giving me lousy service? That's just a recipe for failure.