The Home Depot — Attraction in Federal Way

Shopped late in the day. I do not steal! It's not right, I get too nervous and will shake like a leaf so end result I do not steal!

I went here to buy a gift card from someone off offer up. A $900 Dollar gift card. I made two trips into the store first buying $375ish in plywood second for some this's and that's but most importantly a Lincoln port a torch. Buying the plywood was no problem. Nothing to note.

But after coming in the store the second time I was immediately approached by an employee and asked if I needed help. Normally I'd say they had great customer service... not this time. I kinda putted around the store for about 18min. During that time I was asked if I needed help 9 times and oddly enough these two guys were shopping for the exact same things I was. They must've been because they would show up in every isle I went to. So I knew they obviously thought I was out to steal something. After turning out of one isle and actually bumping into one of the two guys while simultaneously hearing there was only 15min before store closing I heeded for the tool section. I made my way and found the welding supplies. I went to pick the box up finding it was attached to the shelf. Stood up, looked down the isle towards the front of the store to find 3 employees talking amongst themselves but without a doubt staring at me. One of which must just work there so they can beat other stores at softball because he couldn't have been less the 275. The biggest mother I'd seen working at any home depot before. So like a flagger directing a plane to the runway I started waiving my arms. After a few seconds of that with no reaction from them I left my cart and started to them. Much like before as I got near the end of the half isle I run into another employee. I apologized for bumping into him, he stares at me and says "yes...?" I said I needed help freeing a tool. I pointed the way and recieved a "hmm". Upon arrival I said "right there the lincoln port a torch". He turns to it takes a knee, before touching it he asked " the Lincoln port a torch huh!? What industry are you in where you'd need this??" I replied no industry I buying it as a gift. The man literally Laughed out Loud! And said "ok...right". I asked if there was a problem and he said in a sarcastic tone "ofcourse not". While he took off the safety devices attaching it to the shelf, I cleared room in my cart. He finished before me and stood watching me and asked if I had any more shopping to do. As he asked the question the p.a. system come on saying 5min till close. I responded with I guess not and motioned to my cart. He then said "oh no I have to take this up front". Hmm ok I figured and took off after him. He beat me to the checkout putting the somewhat large box in front of the cashier on her stand. Mind you with all the plastic dividers hanging it was out of place for him to be putting a large item on her stand.

Ok I'll try to make a long story short...

The cashier asks "is this his?" The man replied "no it's not, it's yours for now." She looked at I'm with a puzzled look then welcomed me and started checking me out. The cashier was awesome no complaints there. By the time all was paid for, bagged and in the cart the final security straps had yet to be taken off. I'm not sure how many employee's Home Depot employs on any given night but my unofficial count at and around the exit area specifically the beeper bars in the exit were 9. With 2 manager types on the other side of the bars, one on the phone who stood in front of my for a millisecond before gesturing I was permitted to leave. Walking out of the store, even now I can't believe how rude, disrespectful, unprofessional and out right ridiculous they were. I will not go back to this home depot again and most likely it'll be some time before I go back to any home...

A very hostile experience this morning with Linda who was working the self-checkout line.

Before I personally had an interaction with Linda, I witnessed her yelling at a gentleman, to get in line. The man was unresponsive as I believe he did not speak English.

After witnessing this I proceeded to gather the portable AC I had come in for. Coincidentally, the large portable ACs were located next to the self-checkout line. I had to literally be in line to take the AC down and put it on the flatbed cart. Being that I was already in line, I walked through the sectioned area of the line to self-checkout. There was no one in line and there were 2 self-checkout locations open. I proceeded to go to the first machine available and complete my purchase.

While paying, Linda approached me with an aggressive tone telling me I needed to wait in line like everyone else. She proceeded to yell at me that there is order and that is the purpose of the line. I walked down to customer service and asked for assistance taking the large AC out to my car; something Linda failed to offer as she thought keeping the line “in order” was her main priority.

I would like to add that the Manager Vanessa and the gentleman who helped me to my car were very friendly and provided great customer service. However, the interaction that Linda instigated was completely unnecessary and inappropriate. This is the worst customer service experience I...

Disappointing, as the staff don't seem to care. I went there to purchase drop-in ceiling tiles, and some garden fencing. The fencing was easy enough to find, and the ceiling tiles I found with some help.

Unfortunately for me, the only box with 2x4 ceiling tiles was broken open. There were 5 available, but it's only sold in a case of 6. I brought them up anyway and asked if I could just buy these 5.

The cashier was nice, and tried to help, but it's clear these folks don't get good training anymore. She called a manager, who came over and said "we only sell these by the case". Great, but you're out of cases. Off she goes to go look for them, and calls the cashier to say there is another pallet somewhere else.

The manager comes back up front (1) without a case for me to purchase, (2) no information about where this mystery pallet is, and (3) no ideas about what to do with the 5 tiles I was happy to purchase anyway. I asked the cashier what they were going to do with those tiles, "I dunno", and walked away.

In my mind, I imagine this cart still sitting up in the front. Seeing how much thought they put into helping me, I imagine they just wheeled it back and set it on the shelf again, or left it for the night shift to deal with.

Man, I really miss the old hardware stores. I thought about that the whole way across the street to the Lowe's, where I bought everything I needed, and saved about $7. Should've gone...