Bman
Philadelphia,#2Consumer Comment
Fri, October 22, 2010
If the company subcontracts, which I know HD does since I
had a successful installation of a granite kitchen counter, then it is a real
problem to determine who is responsible. I am fortunate that everything worked
out as planned (given your experience). If you notice in this site there is a
HUGE problem that is systemic in America concerning customer service and their
rights under the law. Attorneys are making a fortune on our (consumer) bad
treatment by big business. I sense that this very big company will drain more
money from you given your lawyer fees since they have deep pockets. Home Depot
starts the decline of the community using a now traditional guerrilla marketing
technique where they position the store near Mom and Pop stores. Then they
charge a lower price due to product volume. In this instance they probably used
a contractor that was once flourishing in the community to service your needs.
They then (when they take over the market) raise the price and are as expensive
or more expensive than the Mom and Pop stores they forced to close. There are
other issues, like quality of the products and not using American companies,
and causing job loss in any community they infest. This is true of many Mall
type operations and one needs to think is a cheap price worth destroying our
social fabric - especially when communities need to remain connected against
big business renters. There are no ghettos when the fabric of business and
properties remaining in the community and are not rented out to business that
have no real stake in the community. Close your account after this settles and
begin to pay a little more to support local businesses that may charge a bit
more where you will not need to hire an expensive attorney to fight a legal
war. I also suggest filing a report with this government entity, since if we
complain without follow through, nothing really gets accomplished:
http://www.ftc.gov/reports/index.htm
Inspector
Tobyhanna,#3Consumer Comment
Fri, October 22, 2010
No formal law training? I don't think I would like that, it doesen't sound very objective.
OHara
Roswell,#4Consumer Comment
Fri, October 22, 2010
I suggest you file a claim in small claims court (Magistrates Court). From experience, I know that companies generally take these very seriously and usually work out something before the court date. It will probably cost you between $50 and $75 to file the claim but that is recoverable if you win your case.
You don't need a lawyer to go to small claims court and very few who do go there are represented by a lawyer. If you remember the TV show with Judge Wapner, that will give you an idea of how it is conducted. It is very informal and the judge may not even be a lawyer. One of the magistrate judges in my area is a former prize fighter and has no legal education or training at all! They are one of us! He went through a short introductory seminar provided by the state to familiarize him of how to conduct his court room and that's the extent of his training.
Magistrate's courts have limitations on how large their awards can be but generally, it is not large amounts. Several years ago, my state increased the limit from $5,000.00 to $15,000.00. I suspect that could cover your damages.
One thing to remember is that the Statute of Limitations applies. You have a limited length of time from the problem to file in court. This is generally 1 to 3 years. If you miss the dead line, you will not be able to get your case in court.