We stopped by the small shop that they have at our local military exchange. I don't know how that deal was worked out, but Yellow Box can sell furniture at our PX. Anyway, we have been on the lookout for a television stand. Not necessarily a stand really, nor an entertainment center, but a small, simple cabinet. We saw the perfect item at the Yellow Box, and decided to get it.
When we went in to talk to the young lady behind the counter, we asked if we could purchase that very item that was on display. She said that if she had them "in stock," she could not sell us the display model. Fair enough. She got on the phone and spoke to an unknown person, and informed us that they were indeed "in stock." Ok, so where are these "in stock" items?
"Well, they said they can have it there at our main store in two days, or deliver it, which I can set up a date for," she said.
How does that equate to being "in stock?" Sounds to me like the item is "in stock" in some far away place, not here at the store I'm standing in.
Because of that policy, Yellow Box lost a sale. Unfortunately, they don't seem to give a damn about such things, as evidenced by the salesperson's nonchalant attitude. They make plenty of money, due to the fact that they'll extend credit to any service member with a pulse. Is their success the reason that they don't care? Probably. A few young married couples with little or no disposable income are probably lining up to finance a new bedroom set as I type this.
I suppose that this lack of customer service is pretty much the norm everywhere these days.
Update: Since this post continues to gather an astonishing amount of attention, and an equally astonishing amount of irrational comments, I wanted to point out a few obvious (yet overlooked) points:
-This is a personal blog, documenting my experience at yellowdump. I don't claim to speak for every customer that ever went there.
-There were no unreasonable expectations on my part; I left after they claimed that their item was "in stock," but wasn't.
-Just because you had a great experience at yellowdump doesn't mean that it's impossible for others to have a bad experience; that's just dumb.
-I have no financial stake in taking business away from yellowdump; again, this is just a personal blog.
-No, there's no reason to suspect that any of the deleted comments were from yellowdump employees/owners, so please stop emailing me and asking (although some are pretty suspicious).
-For those of you that can't manage to read the entire post, and simply get butthurt by the title, please use the hurt feelings report to document your butthurt.
43 comments:
Make ya one bro, take you a snap shot with a camera, print the picture, whatever, and go buy you some wood and use your imagination. A lot cheaper too...
Look at every problem as if it was a nail and hammer down! Literally...
You're right, bro. I just wish I could get the materials for what the furniture store charges these days, and that all my tools were not in storage in the states!
I've had similar experiences and walked out and you're right. They don't seem to care about the lost sale.
They also don't consider that when I walk out without buying due to some ignorant person, policy or claim, that not only did they lose that sale, but I will never return and I will tell as many people as possible about my unpleasant experience.
i have been to yellobox many times and they have GONE out of ther way to do everything they could for me and even called the'man on the phone' and got me a delivery date at a time they normally would not do .....all my friends have had the same experience maybe if you walk in there with a bad attitude your gonna get treated as such....we tend to forget we are not the center of the universe, and we are on a small island things do have to be stored elsewere, at least you get them in a few days on base its 6 months you should be happy
Interesting that you couldn't even be bothered to leave a name. We didn't have any sort of "bad attitude" when we entered the store. Quite the contrary, we were pleased to find an item that suited our needs, and we were eager to purchase it.
When a sales person recites a policy that turns out not to be true (the item was not "in stock" on the premises), things change quickly.
Thanks so much for pointing out that I "should be happy." Nope, I think I'll go ahead and decide for myself what makes me happy. The person at the YB isn't it, and I don't feel as privileged as you do to spend my money there. Enjoy your bliss.
Have you even read the post, idiot? I never said that I deserve anything, simply that yellow box doesn't deserve my business. Yellow box needs to go back to the states, where they can experience a little thing called real competition.
In the mean time, if you can't offer an intelligent response,and you haven't yet, then shut the hell up.
Yes, John is a name. Perhaps you've never heard of it in your little sheltered world. "Anonymous" is not a name. I know that's difficult for you to comprehend, but give it a shot.
Sheesh. Trolls.
Troll: Like I said, if you can't come up with any sort of intelligent response, just shut the hell up. You're one of those clowns that could be shown an 8X10 glossy of something and still claim that it's not so. Amazing; sheer luck should have weeded you from the gene pool by now, but there's all sorts of programs in place to protect stupid people from themselves these days...
so serious! i have yet to find a store i love as much as yellowbox, i wish i could go back to okinawa just to shop at yb! even facebook has an okinawa club and people are saying how much they miss yellowbox. i dont think the spoon will fit with your head in the way bro.
@navyjane: Wow. Because a bunch of folks had a good experience with yellowbox, it MUST be impossible for me to have received shitty service from them. The failed logic is flowing freely. Once again, did you bother to read the whole post, or just get butthurt over the title?
What part of "I wanted to buy their product, but it wasn't in stock, despite their claims," don't you understand? When the salesdolt lies to you, do you just bend over and ask for more? Good luck with that.
Wow. John, did you ever think that this, of all posts would bring out so much nastiness in the comments.
Unbelievable how many people just can't comprehend your gripe. THEY are the reason that customer service has become what it is now. They accept whatever is fed them and attack those who prefer better service.
Good for them if they've never experienced bad service at Yellow Box or anywhere else. But, I find that hard to believe. They're just too ignorant to know when they're getting shat on. They probably ask for a spoon so they can eat it.
Trolls and morons. The downfall of society. LOL!
@navyjane: Still can't figure it out? Here's a hint: If you can't discuss the main thesis of the original post, don't bother to leave a comment. I reserve the right to point out the absurdity and lack of common sense of your comments, since this is my blog.
Here's another hint: I didn't ask for a stockpile of anything (and certainly not television stands). Try reading the original post. The product was on display (with a price tag). I wanted to buy it and take it home. The salesdolt said no, because it was,"in stock." It couldn't, however, be picked up at any store on this island. They couldn't even produce it at the "main" store. That's NOT even close to "in stock." This seems to be an idea that you cannot grasp.
Perhaps you should stick to activities that are more your speed. Sidewalk chalk might work for you; give that a shot.
P.S. Maybe you should just bookmark my blog, since you visit this post so much (9 page views just today). Why keep with the google searches for it?
Don't get me wrong; I don't mind the google hits, but you could save yourself some time (since you seem to have some sort of strange crush on me, and a fixation on yellowbox).
You should also switch from IE to Firefox; it's much better.
I can understand your frustration but I can see it from theirs as well. Since they had the item in stock (at their warehouse needing to be transferred maybe?) then selling the display item takes away the possibility of additional sales on that product until they can transfer another that's in stock and assemble it. It doesn't bother me as much here as back home because I'm use to waiting for things (think I've been on island too long). If you liked it and it worked for you I'd say just wait the two days rather then find a different product you like less but is immediately available. But I do understand the frustration. Heck, my husband and I have had our gripes as well. We found a curio cabinet/hutch that we really liked there (after searching for over a year). The issue this time was that they would only sell it with the matching table (although they'd "gladly" order the hutch alone through Ashley. It would cost more and we'd have to wait for it to ship... blah blah blah). Well we didn't need a table and I didn't like it enough to pay a couple hundred more on top of waiting 6 weeks or so... So months later we still don't have a hutch and decided to wait and find something at our next base. I think they had the hutch for sale alone at the Bazaar in April but that bridge was already burned. Really though, without competition, they aren't going to go out of there way to boost the customer service.
That being said though, we still go by every once in a while to look at things. In fact, we're looking for a bunk bed right now and are planning on stopping by to see what they have to offer... so long as they don't expect us to buy a set!
(Sorry for any typos... don't care to proofread)
Hi Amity,
I understand your point, and almost agree. I think I'm just a little frustrated by the fact that customer service seems to be taking a back seat to profit, and the problem is widespread. I would have preferred to be told that their policy is, "We simply don't sell display models."
Oh well. We found something nicer at the PX, picked it up that day, and are very happy with it.
Thanks for stopping by.
Think about this though. We are capitalists right? If you were running a business and you had a popular item that was still being manufactured, would you sell the display model? Two days seems pretty reasonable to me, but we live in a world that increasingly demands instant gratification.
addition to my last comment: I'm guilty of wanting things on the spot myself, especially frustrating when you're overseas and stores have little or no competition.
@T80: You're absolutely right; and I support their right to have whatever policy they want, as well as my right to not like it.
I do not, however, agree with them saying something out of one side of their mouth, while doing the opposite. The salesdolt might as well have stood on top of the thing and said, "This isn't the TV stand you're looking for."
Thanks for your input. I like your nickname; reminds me of the old TRS-80 computer that we had when I was a kid (does that date me?).
@Jason: Did you bother to read the whole post, or any of the comments? I guess not. Try reading the original post from start to finish, and my responses to the silly comments that are much like yours.
Here's a hint(another one): I didn't demand special treatment "dude." I just wanted to buy the product in the store. They wouldn't let me. Their reasons were bullshit. Get it? No? I guess there's no help for the dim.
Heh heh
And that appears to be someone on the island with you, John. Goog luck with that. ;)
@Dan: I guess this will continue to be a source of stupidity from the ill-informed. You nailed it before...Who knew that this little post would be such a magnet for dumbshits?
Wel Im sorry if I hurt your feeling. I just shared my opinion thats all but I guess you want everybody to agree with you... and you said you just wanted to buy their product right? and you just couldnt wait just a little time right??(Only 2days)....... sad.....
if your unhappy with the off base stores i found a great store in naha called " the poodle forest" very nice.
@Anonymous: Thanks for the tip. I'm not unhappy with off-base stores in general, in fact, most of them are great.
Is "Poodle Forrest" a furniture store, or a department store? My wife and I have found a lot of neat items at the OK Gracie store in Awase as well. The furniture store has a large selection, and they even have a section of used furniture in the basement parking area.
@Jason: Again, read the whole post. I could have waited the two days, but why should I when the item was sitting right in front of me? When the sales-dolt lies to my face and claims that it's "in stock," it's time for me to go elsewhere. Did you not catch the part where she says it's in stock, but then admits that they cannot even have it at their main store for two days? Where do you think it was in stock at, Russia? WTF?
@Kelly: Just a "hater?" What, are you like 10 or something? Your off topic insults won't last long here. Find another venue to rave about yellow dump.
I continue to find amusement in the rantings of those that are happy with second-rate service and poorly-trained sales persons. I suppose that the young couples that rush over to yellow dump every pay day because they're in debt up to their eyeballs feel the need to justify the house load of junk that they bought.
Your first thing to do in the mornin' is to check this blog? Cool.....
well calm your ass down I get your point but still I think its not big of deal...
I think it is very immature to wright things like this because even they pist you off like this, then just stop going there!? Your aint 10? or 11?? Your an adult for god sake...Stop try to ruin people's life please? I thought you are trying to save our country? Thank you John!!
@Kelly: Much better, but still a little childish.
How, exactly, am I ruining anyone's life? I don't recall showing up on your doorstep and forcing you to read my blog; if you don't like what I've written, you are more than free to go away and not return, right?
Check this out: This blog is mine. I can write about things that happen in my life, and some folks actually enjoy reading some of my content. I don't expect everyone to. Perhaps my post "pist" you off, but I hardly think that it ruined your life, or anyone else's for that matter.
If my blog angers someone, I simply expect that they will discontinue reading. The internet is sort of like television in that regard; you can change the channel if you don't like what's on.
You claim that yellow box's poor service is not a big deal; I agree. People like you are making my little blog post a much bigger deal than it ever started out to be.
By the way, my first order of business in the morning is not to check my blog, contrary to your claim. I do, however, check my email at some point, and I find pleasant little notifications that another overheated fan of yellow box decided to tell me off. Enjoy your bliss.
Your right. I thought this was fun but I was wrong not anymore. its waist of my time. your boring;P You take everything serious...
but ya thanks again buddy;)
We had the same kind of experience. We wanted to buy my daughter's bunkbeds from there. We were ready to buy outright in cash, and saw a set we fell in love with. They told us they were out of stock on this item but it could be ordered. They told us it would take 6-8 weeks. We were patient and said that was fine but did offer to buy the display unit. We were told "they NEVER do that!" About 4 weeks into the whole thing we decided to go see if they had anything else we might be interested in.Too our surprise the bunkbed display unit we were willing to purchase now had a SOLD sticker on it. Really?! I was under the idea that "they NEVER sold those." I was so mad. They told me that a family was PCS-ing so they sold it to them. WTF? My daughter wanted a bed. Is that less urgent then a family PCS-ing or is the family PCS-ing some money you might have lost?? Anyway after I ranted and raved her bed came. They left all the boxes scattered in the yard, and took off. Regardless my husband has determined we will never go there again. I am with ya. Success has gone to their heads!
Wow. I think I may have been tempted to cancel my order when I saw the "Sold" tag on the display model. Moot point, I guess, since I wouldn't give those creeps a penny anyway.
I agree with you; what in the heck does someone PCSing have to do with priority on a set of bunk beds? Did that family need to purchase those bunk beds in order to check out of their command? What a joke that place is.
well i have had good experiences with YB but that doesnt mean John couldnt have had a bad one. I do think the people go out of their way, especially since they always say they do not work on commission. HOWEVER, if you are told something is in stock that usually means in that locations stock not just anywhere in the world. :) they should have given him the floor sample and then in a couple of days replaced it on the floor with the "in stock" item.
YB usually has superb customer svc so i am surprised to hear they have that odd policy of considering in stock an item anywhere in any of their locations. Better luck next time.
Hi Lori,
I have no doubt that plenty of people have had great experiences with YB; that's why it's so disappointing to get crappy service from there.
I don't recall any other stores ever refusing to sell the display model if they were sold out of an item, but I guess you can get away with that sort of thing if there are enough people lining up to buy from you.
Thanks for stopping by.
I do find yellowbox to be a little pricey for what is there and I totally agree that you have a right to be upset. I do however think that the comment you made about as young couple with little or no disposable income was rude and insulting. I am the wife of an E3. We dont have much extra income but we save and we make do and we are capable of having nice things. To assume that young couples cant manage to do this is to assume that all young couples are irresponsible and that is simply untrue. It's places like yellowbox that allow us to make monthly payments rather than paying the full amount all up front that allow us to be able to afford to have nice things. Perhaps you shouldnt be so quick to judge those that are a little younger or a little lower in rank than you. We all start somewhere and if you think very hard, you might remember what it is like to be an E3 and not have as much money as you may have now.
@USAWife618: You really need to work on your reading comprehension skills and stop leaping to conclusions.
Nowhere in my post did I state that "all young couples are irresponsible," or any other such nonsense. I was far from rude. I suspect your maturity level is more the issue than anything. Try re-reading the post and stop trying to find things that just aren't there.
LMAO, I just wanted to leave a comment to thank you for the morning laughs. This started my day off right.
I just got to the Island and noticed yb. I figured it was a pretty good deal with the price range, my main focus was to see if the wife would be happy and would the kids be happy with anything we bought, because I will rarely use it, lol.
However I have not been to the actual yb store in town, just their display room on KAB. The experience I had I would say was what I wanted,
1) sales person wasn't pushy, didnt try to confront me and make me buy something before I had a chance to look.
2) when I did ask for help, the sales person who was there was courteous enough to assist
However after reading your blog (wish the other comments werent deleted), I am starting to see just how much people take things personal, and just don't fully understand:
1) This is a personal blog, just because you don't agree doesn't mean your a jackass and talk to you as such
2) This is just your recount of your experience, just because people had a great experience there doesn't negate the fact that your experience was crap.
I thank you, and your readers, and commenters for a great way to start my day.
Dont go to the darkside and buy something from yb, I hear they might have a sale coming up soon...
Bigfeet: Thanks for stopping by!
Most exchange and even most furniture stores in general have this "in stock" policy, whether it's actually AAFES or some other random store. Do you expect that the BX could actually store a warehouse worth of just furniture in it? Think about it "rationally" before you call everyone else's comments irrational lol.
The warehouse wasn't that far away and you could of had the item delivered or picked it up yourself. But basically since you couldn't get your way and receive the display, you went home and threw an online fit. Haha! Seeing as how this post was written like 6 years ago or so, I'm gonna assume you've smartened up by now.
Justin: It's a shame that you didn't read the entire post. Did you miss the part where they said they could have it at their main store in three days? I could NOT go pick it up. I'll use small words for you: It was not in stock. Their policy was asinine, much like your comment. Your failed attempt lecture me, while amusing, is no different than those of the other dolts before you. Enjoy your bliss.
Wow. This silly post is still being read by many. Who knew?
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