written by AnahiHay470 on 11/08/2016
Cumbria branch
Carlisle
I called Howdens in the morning because I needed a set of stairs for a barn conversion I was working on
I was informed that I would not be given a price without an account, then I was informed that Howdens closed my account. Howdens- not me! No reason given. It was cash account so no outstanding bills
The girl that took the call had an awful attidude,
I must have interfered with her Facebook time I think
she didn't seem to know anything about anything and said someone would call me back. So I waited all morning
I had no call back by lunch so I called again, again I was informed by another girl that I had to open an account to get a price, (here we go again) It was my customer who wanted to know the price for his records and peace of mind- we were going to buy them regardless since he needed them
then I thought "so how about if I use my brithers account?" No can't do that either!
Again I was greeted with a bad attitude, clearly the employee knew I had been a trade customer and this was supposed to be a sale?
I didn't think I called the Secret Service? So I asked for the manager- apparently he was busy, asked for her name and she put the phone down on me !!!!
Is that how they train their staff? Absolutely disgusting to say the least!
My customer, who was next to me during the whole time - who also has an account - self employed and vat registered, was outraged and went to Andersons in Carlisle instead, opened an account ( only to receive the trade discount) and bought some stairs there and then! And he is going back fir doors, frames, skirting and flooring , because that's how you sell, you listen , advise and sell
Unlike Howdens who is rude every time, argues for no reason and then disconnects you
At least Andersons practice customer service, and a sale is a sale.
I tried to find a customer service number for Howdens online but was instead was greeted with pages and links of how bad they actually perform, that's for products and customer service
Do they actually read them? How are they still in business?
I have now decided I will not re open an account with Howdens again, for one their service stinks, and two- I don't want any association with them full stop since their products aren't great either
There is plenty of other company's who will treat me like a customer and not like an inconvenience !!!!