Holod's Garden Center, Rental & Hardware — Local services in Whitemarsh Township

Edit: The owner was reasonable and gave me a refund and as I said, everyone else I interacted with was pleasant. I've amended the stars.

Tried to go to this location for warranty work on a mower because they are a service center. When I called the mechanic he said sure, bring it in, after I mentioned what was going on with the engine. What he didn't mention was the $30 diagnostic fee, which I found out when I had already driven 30 minutes in rush hour, and nobody could tell me if I would be reimbursed if it turned out to be warranty. Seems like a simple question; I should have left then. I called a couple days later and he said he'd get to it next week, he was about a week behind. Could have mentioned that when I called or when I dropped it off. Fine. Whatever. I called two weeks later after having not heard anything. "He's off all week for the holiday". Great.

Called again 3 weeks after having dropped it off. "I'm waiting on you to fax me the receipt". I had forgotten the receipt when I initially went in, but they said I could bring it when I picked it up, no problem. When I asked when he was planning on calling to tell me he needed a receipt first, he said I was rude when I had initially come in (I wasn't, I was a little frustrated that nobody had mentioned $30 fee to diagnose warranty work, but I wasn't that rude, and he wasn't even there so I'm not sure how he could know much about my attitude). He then said "did you buy it from here?" as if that matters. If you're a service center for a brand it doesn't matter if someone bought it from you or not, that's not my problem. Apparently he was just planning on holding onto my mower for weeks and weeks until I got fed up and came to get it. To punish me for not purchasing it from them, apparently.

Called the manufacturer to complain and get some answers, and I'm told the engine isn't even part of the warranty, that's handled by the engine manufacturer. So he wasted 3 weeks and hours of my time, for something he should have been able to say on the phone after I described the issue "sorry, that's the engine warranty, I'm not a service center for that part". Ridiculous. I would never, ever go here for service or a purchase. I'll drive 100 miles first if I have to. If you want to keep your business open I'd suggest getting a new mechanic. Everyone else I interacted...

I just called Holod's to ask if they have blueberry bushes and strawberry plants. As soon as I got out the word "bushes". the woman abruptly said, " Hold on." OK, so they're busy. I waited, she came back and said, "$39.95 and up." Up to what? I started to say, "Do you have strawberry plants in multipacks or flats, and as soon as I said "plants", she said "yes" and hung up! No thank you, no goodbye, so I didn't get to ask my question.

I next called a KMart (yes, a Kmart) with the same questions. The woman explained that they have lots of fruit trees, and could I hold while she got someone to check. I said, sure, no hurry. She came back in a few moments and said, "May I please have your name and number to call you back, dear? All of the cashiers are really busy right now." (I didn't expect the 'dear', but it sure was nice after how I was treated by the Holod's person.) I said, "Take your time, and you can leave me a message if I don't answer." She then thanked me BY NAME.

I got a call back, in less than five minutes. The person gave me her name and answered my questions. I said, "Thanks so much." and she said, "Oh, no problem. Any time."

Guess where I'm going to buy my plants?

HEY, HOLOD'S - THE WAY YOU TREAT CUSTOMERS REALLY...

The only reason that I give this place a star is because there isnt an option for zero stars! I have tried and tried this place several times, for a few years now. Everytime I leave, I end up kicking myself. The customer service is awful...especially in the rental center. I rent items on a large scale and try to support local business whenever I can, even if it is a few extra dollars. Well, those days are over. No matter if I stop in in person or call, the service is beyond rude...like they are doing you a favor by taking your order. When I rent items, they are less than helpful giving any information and often make me load the items myself....and then you have to walk to the other side of the 'complex' to pay for it. Im not lazy, but they make it about as difficult as it can be work with. From rentals, to plants, to cashiers...all horrible! It really is unfortunate because they have a great location and wanted commodity...its too bad they are alienating the local customers with their...