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Renee
2023.07.21
I went to Siwek Lumber today on Friday July 21st at noon in Minneapolis. The staff member I spoke to was extremally rude. I almost never write negative reviews, but this was some of the worst customer service I have ever encountered.
My husband and I were planning to purchase bamboo plywood in addition to a more expensive plywood for a tiny house project. When we asked the employee if they still carried bamboo plywood, he codependently answered yes and told us he couldn't help us get the plywood down. That is understandable, since the fork lift wasn't in that building, however he did nothing to assist us further.
Afterward, I was interested in buying walnut plywood that was $180 per sheet and we needed quite a few sheets. The plywood was a bit over my head, so I couldn't quite see what it looked like. I carefully lifted the plywood, about an inch off the other sheet, to see what it looked like before I invested in it. When I did this, the employee came over to me and scolded me, as if I were a child and then proceeded to tell me that he will have to charge me $180 for any sheet that I damaged.
First of all, this is unlawful to detain someone and force them to pay for something. And number two, nothing was damaged, and number three, if the lumber is that susceptible to possible damage, than it should be Siwek's responsibility to put cardboard or spacers in between each sheet of plywood. Or put up signage that instructs people not to touch the wood, and have helpful employees assist customers that do want to look at the wood.
None of which were present. I mill my own lumber and we have spacers. This was ridiculous and make me leave without buying a single item.
I gave it two stars because we have been loyal shoppers at Siwek's for years. We have never ran into anything or anyone like this before and the staff is mostly friendly and helpful. I am beyond disappointed with today's visit and I feel like I was treated like I didn't deserve to shop at the store, from the first interaction to the last. And I am not sure if I will return.
Renee, thank you for sharing your experience. I’m so sorry you felt that way during your visit today! I connected with our staff member who assisted you today and he asked to please accept his apologies for your feelings today. He meant no disrespect and did not mean to come across as rude. His days experience tainted his replies to you. Let me explain. Our outside yard team has had that sheds forklifts for 2 days now because of a repair to theirs. Plus, recently a customer scratched multiple pieces of of hardwood sheets because of inappropriate handling. So, those are not excuses but just human nature driving an imperfect experience for you. We hope this isolated incident allows you to continue experiences the great service you expect and receive at our local lumberyard