Feed Store Employee Rant!

[CityChicker]

Argh! Why is it that feed stores sometimes seem to have the least service oriented employees on the planet? LOL. It seems like there is no middle ground. You either find a store with a working owner that is awesome to deal with or a store that is filled with clueless people that have no business working with the public.

Since we moved into our new house, we have been looking for a new feed store. I *finally* found one that has some of the feed we wanted (Purina Flockraiser and/or Waterfowl feeds). I spoke to the guy that is either the owner or the manager and told them I would come in and buy a couple bags (had already made sure they stocked it).

So, my hubby and I get to the store and pick out some other things we need (four new feeders and some other misc.). We go up to the counter and order a couple bags of feed. The guy is just as nice as can be at first. I pull a Purina coupon out of my purse and he *instantly* gets irritated.

He then tells us, "Oh, I am sorry that is one of those buy one get one coupons, isn't it? I only have one bag". I am thinking, yeah right- NOW he only has one bag. So, I tell him no- it is just five dollars off on two bags. I ask my husband if we should just get some Layer or something else while we are there. Normally, I would be buying 6-8 bags at a time, but we were in my car.

Anyway, we decide to get a bag of layer and the flock raiser. The guy is having a bit of an attitude now and rings up our feed. After we pay, he says to me, "You don't need an itemized receipt, do you"? Not even thinking about it, I say no. After we left, I added up the price of what we bought plus tax because it seemed a little high. He didn't take off the coupon!!!

I know it is only $5, but it irritates me none the less. If I have to buy one bag at a time because he doesn't want to honor a Purina coupon, I would have to go back to the store every other day. Because of their cheapness, they lose a customer that spends about $300 a month on feed. So stupid!

 

[Emzyyy]

I would complain to the manager thats ridiculus.

 

[crtrlovr]

wow... What was the big deal about the coupon -- they get the value of the coupon PLUS a little bit over the face value just for handling the thing. You'd think they'd be only too happy to take them. I ALWAYS ask for an itemized receipt, even if I don't think I'll need it for anything. (only exception being if I just buy something like a candy bar, a coke, etc.) I hope you find a nearby store that can accommodate your needs and do it with a smile and friendly, efficient service!

 

[sparkles2307]

I know that TSC is in Fargo, which is a larger city, but I dont think that "city" people should be working there. They dont even know what end the egg comes out of half the time!

We occasionally get one who is SUPER knowledgeable and awesome, but 9 times out of 10 they prolly cant screw in a light bulb. "Uh, chickens eat feed?" Argh!!!!

I feel you pain. I grew up in rural WA where the feed stores were Mom and Pop operations with great service, so this whole, living in MN with NO feed stores outside of the big city is killing me!

 

[cat]

If I were the manager I would be horrified to loose such a potentialy valuable customer, especially the way the economy is right now.

I would ring him up as you say he was so nice when you spoke to him, and tell him why you will be taking your business else where. It is a foolish man who will not offer you some incentive to come back.

 

[CityChicker]

The sad thing is he is the manager! LOL. I have heard he is the manager, but I have also heard he is the owner so I am not sure which it is.

The *really* funny thing is that the first time I called this store I asked if they had waterfowl feed and they asked me what waterfowl are. I nearly busted a gut. I am like, hello! Ducks and Geese!

I think I just have less patience with this kind of thing anymore. I worked for a company where I was asked to come in on my days off sometimes, help stock without getting paid sometimes, on occasion deliver things to customers on my way home, etc (and I actually loved the company and would work for them again in a second.)....

I do not have the time of day anymore for something as silly as someone not honoring a $5 coupon when I bend over backwards to help customers. Luckily, there are other feed stores so I can go elsewhere.

 

[ksacres]

That is exactly the reason I don't buy purina. The store here gave me the same hassle over the coupons, and finally refused to honor them.

I sent an email to the district manager informing them of what happened. They said they talked to the manager and that they are required to accept them. I went back to the store and they still refused.

They lost over $500 of business a month (we buy goat and chicken feed). Oh well, their loss. The Ranchway dealer is more than happy to have my business, and their feed is less expensive anyway.

 

[CityChicker]

I have to think there must be some sort of hassle in them redeeming the coupons and that is why they don't want to take them. None of that is the customer's fault though, and I have also heard the thing about Purina supposedly making them accept them.

Anyway, I feel the same way- it is their loss. I only have a couple of $5 coupons per month and yet I buy hundreds of dollars in feed so I will happily go elsewhere.

 

[cherig22]

We only have one local feed store, and the owner and his guys are always happy to help. They put up with our odd requests, owner even sold me a round bale at half of what he usually charges because I was desperate to find hay other than fescue for my mare. They are price comperable to the big guys in the larger cities as well.

Cheri

 

[CityChicker]

That is awesome, Cheri. I love feed stores (or businesses in general) that are run like that. I am a big believer in supporting local small businesses that care about their customers like that.