Brock Farms Home & Garden World — Local services in Freehold Township

Disappointed in my experience today at the Freehold location. I've enjoyed shopping at this location for the past couple of years. Never had a problem with staff before, they're usually always helpful and kind. So I'm not sure what happened today, but the lady on register outside with red hair and glasses was straight up RUDE.

Their chip reader machine apparently prompts every customer that their card is expired. So naturally, I went to go hold my card and wait for the cashier to give me instructions. She YELLED at me to keep my card in, so I awkwardly laughed and said "okay..." like it's not that serious. Then she said "READ! You need to read the sign. Reading is a crucial skill for every day living!" And I was shocked! I had to snap back because it was just downright disrespectful.. it wasn't done in a playful way, it was just rude! If your machine is old and broken, kindly prep customers for the prompt that is going to pop up. Not insult them! And she kept going and loud enough for people in line to hear!

She needs some updates on customer service and stop disrespecting paying customers. I would rather shop at the Colts Neck location from...

I can't tell if it's the lack of training of their staff or sheer deception but I have had the most inconsistent experience with this garden center. During this ongoing crisis, I purchased over the phone sight unseen a Meyer Lemon Tree. I ended up with a shrub. Next, last year, I purchased 4 PJM Elite rhododendrons and 1 died by the fall not from user mistreatment. Around the same time I rescued a flat of pachysandra baking in full sun at their facility. Finally, I purchased a euonymus, which I was told was silver king euonymus but, based on my research and speaking with others, it is actually a golden euonymus. I'm giving 3 stars for the array of plants they carry and taking off two stars, one for the care of those plants and the second for the inconsistent guidance I receive each time I visit...

POOR CUSTOMER RELATIONS = LOST BUSINESS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I purchase two plants two weeks ago from the Rt 9 Freehold location. One dried-up and died while the other is doing really well. They only cost less than $20 each and I didn't save my receipt. I've been living in the neighborhood for 20 years and have purchased thousands of dollars of plants, stone, ornamental pots, etc over that period of time.

When I went to the store today, they just smiled and said they can't help me without my receipt. While I understand the 'rule' they don't understand the bad customer relationship they have just caused. They have now lost me as a customer and anyone else I can share my story with. I know it's only $20 - but that's really not the point.

POOR CUSTOMER RELATIONS = LOST BUSINESS...