Menards

August 5th,2023, approximately 11:30 am. Manitowoc, Wisconsin.

I found myself in dire need of a car battery, as mine had deteriorated to the point it was no longer safe to turn the engine off. My town of Two Rivers did not have a suitable replacement, so after a short internet search I found that Menards in Manitowoc had a compatible battery in stock. So off we went. My husband used his phone from the passenger seat to purchase the battery, to save time. Remember, I cannot shut off the car until I have a battery. I've needed a jump two days in a row so I was certain it would not start if I did.

We arrive, and are told to go to the pick up area behind the store. The very helpful and pleasant security agent told us that according to his handheld device, we already picked up the battery. A quick call inside cleared that up and we were admitted access to the pickup lot. My husband went inside, returning a few moments later with no battery. They did not have what we had purchased in stock. Which makes the "you already received it" error even more confounding. So, of course, we canceled the order.

No problem, mistakes happen.

But wait, where is my money? I still need to buy a battery TODAY. We were told it will take several days to put the money back into my account (debit card). I needed that money for a battery. I tried to buy one from Menards, they didn't have it, but they kept my money anyways. So instead of grocery shopping for our family of three, I had to spend an additional $120 for a battery at Walmart. I was lucky to have the funds available.

But, what if I didn't? I don't have credit cards. I don't know anyone here well enough to ask for a loan. I feel that my money was taken (immediately, I might add) under false pretenses, and is now being held for several days (this happened on a Saturday) and it feels unethical. My $143 (not a lot, but money is really tight lately) should have been refunded immediately in this case. Or never charged, really. I was in need, and you took advantage of me. That's how I feel. Cheated and used.

Also, the $1.40 surcharge for store pickup? Shame on you.

Thank you for reading this rather long complaint. I have spent thousands of dollars over the years at Menards, in Wisconsin and Minnesota. I bought, from you, my washer and dryer, a freezer, and untold tools, paints, etc since moving to the area 3 years ago. I was happy to see a Menards when we moved here, as we shopped the Richfield, Minnesota store often.

I hope we can be friends again. I really hope I don't get a shifty form letter as a response.

Sincerely,

Wendy Voegtle

Ward Wentz