Standard True Value - Manteca — Local services in Manteca

Although the staff is friendly and helpful, beware regarding "the corporate policy" pertaining to purchase returns. I purchased an item this morning by cash and was told to return it if it wasn't right, didn't fit, etc. Unfortunately during the return process, occurring about a half hour later, I became really surprised.

Returning to the store I conversed with the manager. She informed me that their corporate merchandise return policy is to mail the customer a check for any returned items paid by cash even when accompanied by receipt. I remarked that store personnel should indicate this to customers at purchase time and perhaps post a sign in plain view for customer relations.

The manager pointed downwards below the register counter and I noticed a small black lettered sign. It was posted below my waistline.

The manager repeated she was bound by referenced corporate policy stating there was nothing else she could do.

I subsequently purchased an item totally unrelated to my initial purchase applying the refund money due. I departed without reviewing the receipt handed me.

In my opinion, this corporate policy is totally unfair to customers whom elect to pay cash. By paying cash, we are saving businesses the cost they are charged by credit card companies. Cash paying customers also contribute directly to businesses profits as operating money is received instantly from cash sales.

I am contacting the corporate office to file an official complaint disputing the corporate office cash refund policy. It is not directed toward store personnel.

I may also contact the Dept of Consumer Affairs, the Better Business Bureau and the City of Manteca referencing the corporate refund policy as well.

I feel that customers should have the right to know in advance regarding this company's corporate policy pertaining to cash refunds. Also, it seems to me that, any posted sign should be larger and perhaps at a higher level. Such postings may be helpful in preventing issues and complaints regarding corporate policies.

My advise to others is to be sure regarding any purchases to be made and make purchases by credit card if at all possible. It is my opinion that if other customers don't mind waiting up to two weeks to get their cash back via refund, that is entirely up to them. In my case, I just prefer to get my cash back immediately.

Be wary also that up to date shelf pricing may not be consistent with register pricing. The following explanation for this opinion is hereby noted -

A bit later this morning, I looked at the receipt handed to me by the clerk during the second purchase transaction. I discovered that she handed me back my original purchase receipt for the item that was initially purchased which I then attempted to return for a cash refund.

I proceeded back to the store and obtained a copy of my receipt for the "second item" which had been subsequently purchased. At this point, I noticed two things: The register purchase price for this second item did not correspond with the shelf pricing. (However, it just didn't seem worth the additional trouble to me to bring the thirty cents price discrepancy overcharge of the second item to personnel.) I also noticed what seems to be a replacement sign in larger and red color letters. It seems to be positioned where the previous smaller sign, in black letters, had been posted. My attention to this seeming replacement sign was only because of the previous visit and issues referenced. At least store management and personnel seemingly have attempted to rectify a portion of these previously noted issues. But I still don't believe the newly noticed sign is in the correct location.

As previously stated, the store personnel are friendly, but a mail a check is a mail a check and cash is cash. I am a customer that totally disagrees with Standard True Value corporate policy referencing cash refunds with a valid cash purchase receipt. Especially when the purchase is less than 30 minutes old and the staff recognize you and your cash...

This place is OK. They have almost every plumbing item you can possibly imagine. If you need anything, no matter how random, they will have it. For that reason alone, it is worth going there if you know exactly what you need. The big issue is that it is pretty difficult to get help. Just asking someone for help finding something feels like you are being a pest. This place seems to cater to professional plumbers, which is fine. Though I have seen a worker and a customer (I am assuming a regular customer, probably a professional) bully and laugh at some guy asking questions about water heaters. Not very nice way to treat the guy.

Basically, if you know exactly what you need, and you know where to find it, go here. Otherwise, be ready to some...

I always love going to Standard because everyone is so friendly and helpful. You can't find a store with more knowledgeable people either! They really take the time to work with customers. Standard has a beautiful showroom and I can always count on them for my special orders when I'm updating my home. It looks like they're remodeling right now and I'm excited to see the new garden center and all the plants they plan on having! This place is always my first stop when I need hardware or anything else home/yard related! I appreciate all they have AND do for me...