We are long time customers of Menards, having spent alot of money in their stores. We have never had a complaint with them until we made the mistake of trusting them for our Refrigerator purchase. During their Big 4th of July, 2024 Sales Event, we went into Menards in Antigo, Wisconsin and saw a Whirlpool Stainless Steel 4 Door Refrigerator advertised as SALE PRICE of $ 1,678. Their posted Everyday Retail price showed $ 2,599. The sales person told us that this was the lowest price for this model during this event. Also that the sale price would go back to $ 2,599, on Jul 10, 2024. (Well that never happened, as you will see later on in this review. ) So we "thought" we were getting a good deal. We found out later, that we were wrong.
We purchased the refrigerator, on July 6, 2024. It was delivered on July 19, 2024. The price, with tax, delivery and extended 5 year warranty came to over $ 2,000. Alot of money to spend.
While waiting for delivery, we noticed that NO online retailer, store or even Whirlpool.com was selling this Whirlpool model for $ 2,599 or anywhere near it. The refrigerator was delivered on July 19, 2024.
On August 2, 2024 - just 13 days after delivery, we went to Menards and just happened to see that the same refrigerator was now Sale Price of $ 1,598. That is $80 less than what we paid.
Also, the Everyday Retail Price was now $ 1,678. I was very upset. I went home and called asking to speak to the Store Manager. I was told that he was out until next week. I was also told that Menards does NOT have a District Manager. I did speak to the Assistant Store Manager and tried to explain my position. I was shocked to find out that the Assistant Manager did not care. He cited that there is a 14 day price guarantee. Even though the refrigerator was not delivered until July 19, 2024, they go from the Sale Date of July 6, 2024 - so I am Out of Luck. He told me I could file a complaint with Guest Services. I asked him for the phone number, which he gave me.
I did make a phone call that very day!
What he did NOT tell me was that the number he gave me was ONLY a recording say we can pick up a complaint form and mail in the complaint. NO LIVE PERSON EVER COMES ON THE PHONE. NO OPTION TO SPEAK TO A LIVE PERSON IN EAU CLAIRE, WISCONSIN. Then the recording gives another phone number. I dialed that number, and IT IS ONLY A FAX MACHINE.
To add insult to injury, I tried calling back to speak to the Assistant Manger to tell him that there is no one to speak to at Guest Services. Instead, I get this Lower Level Manager, who was just horrible to me. I asked her to let me speak to the Assistant Manager again. Instead of transferring me to him, she just started yelling at me and:
Accusing me of harrassing the employees (which is clearly not true)
I asked her name, and she refused to tell me and just slammed the phone down. I called back again, saying, I SPEND ALOT OF MONEY HERE. She replied, I DO NOT CARE HOW MUCH MONEY YOU SPEND HERE. Then, she slammed the phone down a 2nd time.
This time I called the switchboard of Menards, and asked to speak to the Assistant Manager. Instead, I was transferred back to this same person, who again was extremely rude to me. I said I AM GOING TO FILE A COMPLAINT AGAINST YOU. She replied, GOOD, FILE A COMPLAINT AGAINST ME AND I WILL FILE A COMPLAINT AGAINST YOU.
Again, I asked for her name. She refused to give it to me, and than for the 3rd time, slammed the phone down upon me.
I guess that $ 80 means more Menards than extending Goodwill to good customers! I am right about this.
I also called Whirlpool.com to register the refrigerator, and was told by a Customer Service person at Whirlpoos that THE SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE OF THAT MODEL REFRIGERATOR WAS AND IS $ 1,678 AND NOT THE $2,599. SHOWN BY MENARDS.
On August 5, 2024 I did speak directly to the Store Manager, and told him everything. Again, he denied my request for the $ 80. Also, he did give me the name of the rude employee, and tried to excuse her by saying, SHE WAS JUST HAVING A BAD DAY AND WAS FRUSTRATED.
This is why she was not afraid of my making a complaint. The truth is that MENARDS DOES NOT CARE ABOUT CUSTOMERS AND THEIR COMPLAINTS - IN MY EXPERIENCE AND OPINION.
I took the time to look at other Review and Complaint Websites. I was shocked to see that there were many 1 STAR NEGATIVE REVIEWS AGAINST MENARDS IN GENERAL, AT OTHER LOCATIONS.
One site, Consumer Affairs shows that 87% of those filing a review on Menards gave them a 1 Star Rating. The complaints were horrible to see and read. This means that only 13% of other reviewers gave Menards a 2 Star or Better Review. Not very good Reviews Indeed.
I made my 1st complaint on August 6, 2024 backing it up with documentation and paperwork. I get a FORM LETTER REPLY, from some Guest Service Manager named Brenda G. who obviously failed to read and understand my complaint and just tried to Blow Me Off with a weak explanation. She even had wrong information in the form letter.
I had said that I saw the price change to $ 1,598 on August 2, 2024. She writes that the price Change Occurred August 10, 2024. Now how can that be, when I saw it on August 2, 2024??? That price change could have occured earlier than August 2, 2024. I guess she is not reading my complaint.
Anyway, complaint DENIED.
I had also sent a copy (on August 6, 2024) of the complaint, with a top letter to Owner, John Menard, asking for his help. To this very day, September 5, 2024, I NEVER got a reply from his office.
I had sent a 2nd complaint lette, a few days later, to this Brenda G. telling her that I did NOT agree with her form letter and the date mistakes she made.
On August 28, 2024, she sent me another Form Letter, which Now she states the Price Change now Occured August 8, 2024, not the August 10, she originally claimed. Still a far cry from the August 2, 2024 date we actually saw the price change.
THE LONG AND SHORT OF THIS MATTER, IS AGAIN, SHE DENIED THE COMPLAINT.
MENARDS IS NOT GOING TO REFUND ME THE $80 THEY CLEARLY OWE TO US, NO MATTER WHAT I SAY OR PROVE. I HAVE COPIES OF THEIR ONLINE AD SHOWING THAT THE $ 1,678 WE PAID IS THE SALE PRICE AND WOULD GO BACK TO $ 2,599 ON JULY 10, 2024.
THE TRUTH IS, THAT THE PRICE OF THE REFRIGERATOR NEVER WENT TO $ 2,599.
I would like to know of anyone out there who has paid $2,599 for Whirlpool Model # WRQA59CNKZ.
Also, I would like correspondence from Menards Corporate Office and Antigo, Wisconsin Store proving to me that they actually sold this model for $ 2,599 base price (not including tax, delivery and extended warranty) to any customers from July 2023 through this date of September, 2024.
Folks, it is very upsetting to us, good customers to be so rudely treated by Menards themselves and the lower level manager, who insulted me and 3 times slammed down the phone.
THIS IS NO WAY TO TREAT CUSTOMERS OR ANY HUMAN BEING. I WISH THERE WAS A LOWES OR HOME DEPOT TO GO TO NEARBY.
I once had a very good experience with Lowes in Georgia. I got a bad refrigerator from them in which the compressor died after 1 week of having the refrigerator in home. The store manager appologized to us and immediately offered us a higher level refrigerator delivered at no extra charge to us, which he did immediately.
NOW THAT PUTS LOWES ON A HIGHER PLANE OF GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE.
My husband and I feel cheated out of $80, but it costs more money to even file a case in Small Claims Court.
So, this website is the only place we can voice the truth of what happened to us.
Shame on Menards for treating us so badly.
Any constructive comments would be welcome.
Signed,
Barbara - a Good Customer Scorned.
Daisy
Los Angeles,#2Consumer Comment
Sun, September 15, 2024
My name is Daisy, and I have twice posted on this rip off report website. I have noticed that this person calling himself, Flint, has been making it his business to attack certain report of posters on this website.
I, myself, have been a victim of this FLINT. who I firmly believe is a crazy person. I had written up a report on the Platte Injury Law Firm in Casper, WY, and immediately got attacked by this FLINT. My report included the name of the neurologist, I had a major problem with, when I sought help from this law firm, who failed me in a big way. Since this Flint is NOT associated with the law firm I wrote up, I have no idea, other than Flint needs to have serious mental health counseling, why he would attack my post.
Now, I see, he has been also attacking this person named Barbara, who wrote up a report on MENARDS. All she did was to write up her unhappy experience with Menards about a refrigerator she bought and Menards being unwilling to help her and give customer service that is expected.
I am very unhappy that this Rip Off Report website choses to allow some idiot, like Flint to attack posters.
I thought this website was supposed to be about people, who have had bad experiences with companies, to be able to tell their story. Especially if they were not able to find help from the company or other legal means.
IT THINK FLINT SHOULD GO AWAY, AND STOP HARRASSING PEOPLE.
Remember is is good to help people and bad to cyber bully them. Look in the Mirror, Flint! Which one are you?
Signed
Daisy
another victim of FLINT.
Barbara
United States#3Author of original report
Sun, September 15, 2024
On September 5, 2024, I wrote up a truthful report on the bad experience I had with Menards and the false "sale pricing" of the refrigerator I purchased.
Menards does not have a good record for customer service, as shown from other reports on Consumer Affairs and other online venues. Also my own personal experience. They do not give their managers the power to resolve a problem. (Like Lowes and Home Depot do) One can only write or fax a complaint.
They do not call back. They do not have a phone number to reach Customer Service or any other management personnel.
All they did was send me 2 form letter not discussing the nature of my complaint.
From this, I will NEVER BUY ANOTHER APPLIANCE FROM MENARDS.
It is good that an ACE Hardware is opening up in my town. Too bad there is no Lowes nor Home Depot as the town is not large enough to support more than 1 Super Home Center.
That should be the end of this for consumers out there. Also an opportunity for Menards to respond.
YET ALL I GET IS THIS IDIOT NAMED "FLINT" WHO HAS NOTHING BETTER TO DO IN HIS LIFE THAN TO ATTACK MY ADS AND SOME ADS OF OTHER POSTERS ON THIS SITE.
I am sure he has nothing to do with Menards. I have some idea who he might be. I ask anyone out there, FLINT has attacked your post, speak up.
This is being reported to the rip off report management.
FLINT IS NOTHING BUT A PARASITE WHO SOMEHOW LIKES TO HARM PEOPLE WHO HAVE ALREADY BEEN HARMED BY A COMPANAY, AND TO ABUSE THE RIGHTS OF THIS WEBSITE.
IT MUST STOP NOW. However, I want this FLINT to know that I will match each and every word of his, with a rebuttal of my own.
It is ashame that stupid people like FLINT (not his read name of course) does not have a life, and should get one.
That is all. Rip Off Management now being informed.
Barbara as I Stand By My Reply.
Flint
Rolla,#4General Comment
Sat, September 14, 2024
I'm sure there are lawyers falling over themselves to take this case that's hypothetically worth $80, and in reality precisely nothing. What is your claim, that you thought the sale was better than it really was? How does that translate to damages? And guess what: items that are about to be discontinued are usually sold at lower and lower prices until inventory is depleted. That's called a clearance sale. They are then replaced with newer models. You don't get to come back to the store months after you bought something and demand they honor the clearance price. That's why it's a clearance sale -- they only have a small number of units and once they are gone, they are gone. You need to get a life and find something more important to gripe about.
Barbara
United States#5Author of original report
Sun, September 08, 2024
So here it is folks. On September 5, 2024, I take the time to write up a truthful and honest report on Menards not resolving the problem with the refrigerator price fixing, and the rude Lower Level Manager. Instead of getting some resolution from Menards, I get a very nasty and downright rude rebuttal from some sick individual calling themselves FLINT. Funny, how that rebuttal (which is nothing more than an attack) is written September 6, - the very next day. - like this FLINT, has nothing better to do in his useless life that to follow posters of reports on their negative experiences with companies.
Also, Flint has now taken to calling me A TYPICAL KAREN. I have no idea whom he is taking about.
Then, September 7, I take the time to write up an UPDATE to Flint's upsetting comment, to explain further my story. I thought it would let go at that, but I was wrong. Now September 8 - the very next day, there is a comment from someone calling themselves IRV - maybe even the same person or someone with a split personality attacking me because I bought a 5 year extended warranty.
Let me explain to IRV:
The Whirlpool refrigerator only has a 1 year limited warranty. This 5 Year Warranty from Allstate has better coverages that begin at year 2 and last through the end of year 5.
Frankly, I do not know what is wrong with these 2 people, and why their comments, which do nothing to resolve my problem with Menards - are even written here.
My only guess, is that they have taken to FOLLOW this site with the objective to cyber stalk and bully those who write reports on companies.
Again, I must explain so these 2 ? people understand that the rip off report is a site where people, who have been cheated or ripped off by a company have a forum to write out their experiences.
IT IS NOT FOR PEOPLE TO CYBER BULLY OR ABUSE ANY AUTHORS. AGAIN, IF YOU CANNOT HELP THE AUTHOR OR HAVE A HELPFUL SUGGESTION, SAY NOTHING AT ALL!!! SIMPLE AS THAT.
There are other websites out there for consumer comments, but some do not want to post anything negative. Such negative comments are Ghosted. Also, there are limits on the number of words one can write.
That is why the Rip off Report is popular and useful, because they do actually print what you say that is truthful and your own experience - good or bad.
Now, I only want to hear from the following:
Menards themselves with a resolution to this problem
An attorney who can help me.
An investigative reporter who wants to do an article.
Anyone, who has also has a bad experience with Menards that is similar to mine.
Anyone who truly wants to HELP AND NOT ABUSE THIS WEBSITE.
Hope I have made myself very clear.
Again, I stand my my report and say Shame on Menards for not resolving my problem. Shame on Menards for allowing their employee to treat me in a shabby manner.
That is all.
Barbara
Barbara
United States#6Author of original report
Sat, September 07, 2024
It seem might suspicious to me that someone out there, who does not know about our problem with Menards and and the Price Issue of the Refrigerator we bought to be so concerned about our truthful report as to reply NOT in a constructive way, but in a mean tempered way.
Seem like this is personal. This person calls himself, FLINT, but I do not think this is a real name.
From the content of the rebuttal, it seems to me that this MIGHT be the lower level manager, that I also complained about. The one, who treated me so horribly on the phone and hung up, NOT allowing me to speak to the Assistant Manager again, when I could not get anyone in Guest Services to reply.
This rebuttal is much too personal to be a stranger named, FLINT. It has to be someone much closer to the situation.
I am going to re- complain to Menards Personel to see who this person might be.
May I remind everyone here, that this RIP OFF REPORT WEBSITE, is for people who have been harmed by companies or other people. It might be the best hope to have their truthful story addressed.
It is clear that Menards cheated us out of $80 by falsely pretending that the refrigerator's Everyday Low Price was $ 2,599, when clearly it was not. My research proves this.
This is when Menards claimed that the Sale Price of $ 1,678 was the Best Price for the 4th of July sale.
Their own advertising, online, which I have a copy states:
"SAVE BIG before it is too late! This Sale Price ends in
3 Days, 12 hours and 2 minutes."
" YOU SAVE $1,105.58 AFTER SALE PRICE AND MAIL IN REBATE"
(This online statement by Menards was dated July 7, 2024, and the Sale was to end at end of day July 10, 2024. As I stated, that $ 1,678 never went to $ 2,599 after July 10, 2024)
Today the refrigerator is still sale priced at $ 1,598 when I first saw it on August 2, 2024.
The only similar refrigerator, that is $ 2,599 is a GE MODEL that is 5 cubic feet bigger and had door handles. GE is a higher end company than Whirlpool.
Now back to FLINT. I have written several reports on companies in the past couple of years on this website, and YES, there has been someone calling himself FLINT, who has misused this website to attack my truthful reports.
I have also seen Flint's name on reports written by other authors.
Maybe Flint is a person with nothing better to do than to attack authors of reports. Maybe it is someone I knew from the past. Maybe, it is the Lower Level Manager at Menards. I will investigate.
I have 1 thing to say to this FLINT - MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS. UNLESS THE REPORT IS ABOUT YOU PERSONALLY - UNLESS YOU HAVE SOMETHING CONSTRUCTIVE TO SAY, - SAY NOTHING AND MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS.
My report is a truthful experience. I stand by it 100% and am still trying to resolve the situation.
If this Flint tries to attack me again, with hateful remarks, I will match him rebuttal for rebuttal.
Too bad it comes to that.
I have read reports here, on this site and other sites, and if I wanted to reply, I always tried to say things to help the person who has been ripped off.
TO FLINT: UNLESS YOU HAVE SOMETHING HELPFUL TO SAY, DO NOT SAY ANYTHING AT ALL.
This website, should not allow personal attacks that do not help people with this problems.
FROM THIS EXPERIENCE WITH MENARDS I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER APPLIANCE FROM THEM EVER!
I WILL GO TO THE LOCAL APPLIANCE STORE TO GET A FAIR DEAL.
Also, if any attorney out there, wants to contact me about this matter, please do so via this website. Also I would welcome anyone from Consumer Protection in Wisconsin to contact me.
Signed,
Barbara.
Irv
United States#7Consumer Comment
Sat, September 07, 2024
I just had THIS conversation a few days ago and when I speak with clients and others where this is applicable, I most definitely bring up this sorry matter. As a sidebar, over the years FLINT has been RIGHT ON TARGET with his/her responses, has shown very intelligent insight and has been out right exceedingly impressive with the intelligence of his/her writing and let me add, unlike far too many people who attempt to "write", Flint's writing has been exemplary in clarity, punctuation, grammar and sentence structure. I would no doubt expect all that to continue! Of course, as you may suspect, I'm leading up to a "however"! Unfortunately this sick, sorry, circling-the-drain society loves to hang onto trends which are entirely inappropriate. One of them is the disrespectful use of the name "Karen". I have no known relatives or friends by that name but once in a while come across a lady named "Karen" and always express my disgust with the "trendy" action of dragging a good name some mother and or father provided thru the septic tank of the current society. The name "Karen" has nothing to do with the complaint of this poster and to address the name "Karen" in some sorry derogatory way is just plain inappropriate despite what is promulgated on talk radio.. The other subject at hand is this complaining about $80. I had to re-read this complaint to see if that was a typo and it wasn't. To the OP (Original Poster), have you ever read the general fallacy of buying these so-called "protection plans"? You have a WARRANTY for this thing. How much did you pay for this useless plan and yes it is useless even if a problem happens after the warranty runs out! Did you pay more than $80 for this plan? Guess what? You wasted your money. How about you writing a complaint about THAT???
Flint
Rolla,#8General Comment
Fri, September 06, 2024
You are a typical Karen. You didn't bother doing any research or shopping around, and you think you can just harass store employees until they give into your badgering, even though you are clearly in the wrong. Obviously, the price appeared like a good deal to you, so you bought it. August 2nd is about a month after July 6th, so how does the 14 day policy become relevant? And what does the delivery date have to do with anything? You knew how much the fridge was when you bought it. Finally, most items become cheaper when they are on close out. That is probably what is happening to this model. I am sure it was originally sold for $2600, or at least that was the MSRP.