In 2009 I opened an account with Home Depot for a large project I was bidding. It was the only way to get a bid from Mike at the contractor's desk. Their bid was $2000 higher on a $9000 material list than 2 other suppliers who bid the materials. When Mike followed up like a sales person should, I informed him that I chose the low bidder and had ordered and began the project!.

Forward to 6 months ago: I called Mike to get a bid on a materials list for a new home construction foundation block and framing/. I was informed that my account had been closed due to inactivity?. I asked if I could reopen the account?. Through study and trying, the answer is no:. I went with Menards, who consequently, is building a shiny new store in HD's back yard?. Currently I have to use a Menard's location over 2 hours away, but the price and service make up for the inconvinence;.

I did however run short on Mortar mix?. I sent one of my guys, with cash based on HD's website price, to pick up a pallet of Quikrete S-Mortar at HD. Unfortunately, HD charges $25 pallet deposit on pallet quantity orders. When I called the store manager, Keith, I was informed that not only were they $0.50 per bag higher than Menards, they needed to charge the deposit to insure pallet return.

When I offered to return far more Quikrete pallets than I picked up, he informed me that they did not want or need the pallets. By deduction, I can figure out that they want or need an extra $25 from an unwitting consumer.

Continuing to read HD's actions and communication as encouragement to buy elsewhere,

Matthew 38b14ca

• pallet quantity orders
• construction foundation block