Why oh why do I keep shopping at petsmart?

[MeCasa]

I take back every decent think I said about these chain stores. I needed a 3/16" Tee and I didn't have time to wait for an internet purchase so I went by Petsmart While in there I saw a healthy looking plant in one of the tanks and it was labeled Mundo Grass so I bought a few.

When I got home I looked it up on the net and it's not an aquatic plant, it will be dead in a month. I called them up and they were rude, they said that they had NO control over what their vendors do. I'm going to bring them back and get my money back and I'll never feel guilty again going in there and only buying a 'leader' item.

No control huh, they been purposefully cheating people for years with this scam

Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon japonica)

 

[Luananeko]

I take back every decent think I said about these chain stores. I needed a 3/16" Tee and I didn't have time to wait for an internet purchase so I went by Petco. While in there I saw a healthy looking plant in one of the tanks and it was labeled Mundo Grass so I bought a few.

When I got home I looked it up on the net and it's not an aquatic plant, it will be dead in a month. I called them up and they were rude, they said that they had NO control over what their vendors do. I'm going to bring them back and get my money back and I'll never feel guilty again going in there and only buying a 'leader' item.

No control huh, they been purposefully cheating people for years with this scam

Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon japonica)

I wouldn't necessarily say they are cheating people, as they didn't label the plant as being fully aquatic. Just because it was in the tank doesn't guarantee it's not only semi-aquatic. They listed the plant's name, which is better than Petsmart usually does. Petsmart will outright lie by having umbrella plants packaged up in a box with no species name, just a generic "Live aquatic plant" label. Many people like mondo grass for their crab or turtle setups, so its a completely valid plant to sell at a multi-animal chain store.

The terrible customer service is inexcusable though.

 

[MeCasa]

I can show you articles in the internet where they were outright accused of cheating people by representing this as an aquatic plant and that was 10 years ago.

There is NO way that this hasn't been discussed in the company and a conscious decision was made to continue deceiving people.

And I just looked at the receipt, it was Petsmart that I bought it from.

What can I say, I can't tell the difference between them

 

[Fresh2o]

I do go there from time to time if I need to pickup something that can't wait or is expensive.
Just like livestock, plants need to be researched as well. Can't always trust what is printed on the labels. Regarding the Topfin brand plants that come in a bag with gel...I have had good luck with those. These are MUCH smaller than normal because of the way they were propagated but will grow to full size if given proper lighting and fertilizers.

 

[treemanone2003]

I take back every decent think I said about these chain stores. I needed a 3/16" Tee and I didn't have time to wait for an internet purchase so I went by Petsmart While in there I saw a healthy looking plant in one of the tanks and it was labeled Mundo Grass so I bought a few.

When I got home I looked it up on the net and it's not an aquatic plant, it will be dead in a month. I called them up and they were rude, they said that they had NO control over what their vendors do. I'm going to bring them back and get my money back and I'll never feel guilty again going in there and only buying a 'leader' item.

No control huh, they been purposefully cheating people for years with this scam

Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon japonica)

Not that I'm for any chain store, but half the responsibility is on the purchaser to know what they're getting. With the advent of technology nowadays, just about everybody is running around with a smart phone. It's probably something that could have easily been avoided with a quick google search.

 

[MeCasa]

I will willingly accept my ignorance but that does not absolve them of their dishonesty.

To put it more bluntly, I not only have the right to call a dishonest person/corporation dishonest but a duty and what I am doing here is fulfilling that duty.

Willingly and knowingly deceiving customers by misrepresenting a product is wrong. They represent themselves as trade professionals therefore ignorance is no excuse. This goes beyond claims of ignorance, the amount of documentation showing that this same company was misrepresenting the same product nine years ago shows a pattern of willful deceitful behavior.

Convenient or not, they won't get anymore of my money.

 

[treemanone2003]

I will willingly accept my ignorance but that does not absolve them of their dishonesty.

To put it more bluntly, I not only have the right to call a dishonest person/corporation dishonest but a duty and what I am doing here is fulfilling that duty.

Willingly and knowingly deceiving customers by misrepresenting a product is wrong. They represent themselves as trade professionals therefore ignorance is no excuse. This goes beyond claims of ignorance, the amount of documentation showing that this same company was misrepresenting the same product nine years ago shows a pattern of willful deceitful behavior.

Convenient or not, they won't get anymore of my money.

Maybe you didn't understand me. Let me clear my throat and be blunt. It's 50% your fault. It's 50% their fault. Don't impulse buy. Take your phone out of you pocket and instead of tagging yourself on Facebook that you're at some crappy chan store you don't like, open your browser and do some research first. As I said, I am not one for chain stores so I was not advocating for them. To say that you "Strongly disagree with my evaluation" seems fairly absurd IMO.

 

[lectraplayer]

Not that I'm for any chain store, but half the responsibility is on the purchaser to know what they're getting. With the advent of technology nowadays, just about everybody is running around with a smart phone. It's probably something that could have easily been avoided with a quick google search.

True but responsibility falls on the establishment for making sure everything is what they say it is and that all labels are true. How often do you Google unless you're trying trying to make a decision between several candidates?

Sent from my ALCATEL ONE TOUCH Fierce using Tapatalk

 

[UABsleeperSRNA]

I agree it is one's fault at least partially.. to buy something mislabeled. but it's sad that you have to look it up especially something from a major chain store and a pretty well known brand.. it's kinda pitiful that it even occurs.. i mean i read a post the other day where someone bought 2 angelicus loach 1 ended up being a yoyo loach and other other angelicas.. i mean how can a company respect when they don't take the time to properly label their products..?

I bought an amano shrimp a couple of months ago and realized later they had charged me for a bamboo shrimp and extra 4 dollars.. i went back and they told me they didn't have amano shrimp.. i mean really they should have an idea of their stock at least i don't know where the ball is dropped but it is kinda sad

 

[enrgizerbunny]

I agree it is one's fault at least partially.. to buy something mislabeled. but it's sad that you have to look it up especially something from a major chain store and a pretty well known brand.. it's kinda pitiful that it even occurs.. i mean i read a post the other day where someone bought 2 angelicus loach 1 ended up being a yoyo loach and other other angelicas.. i mean how can a company respect when they don't take the time to properly label their products..?

I bought an amano shrimp a couple of months ago and realized later they had charged me for a bamboo shrimp and extra 4 dollars.. i went back and they told me they didn't have amano shrimp.. i mean really they should have an idea of their stock at least i don't know where the ball is dropped but it is kinda sad

A receipt works wonders to clear up those kinds of issues.

Sent from my SCH-I435 using Aquarium Advice mobile app

 

[UABsleeperSRNA]

A receipt works wonders to clear up those kinds of issues.

Sent from my SCH-I435 using Aquarium Advice mobile app

That's very true but not the point.. It should not have occurred in the first place.. It's that kind of incompetence that has leads to distrust from it's customer base

 

[CPryor]

I take back every decent think I said about these chain stores. I needed a 3/16" Tee and I didn't have time to wait for an internet purchase so I went by Petsmart While in there I saw a healthy looking plant in one of the tanks and it was labeled Mundo Grass so I bought a few.

When I got home I looked it up on the net and it's not an aquatic plant, it will be dead in a month. I called them up and they were rude, they said that they had NO control over what their vendors do. I'm going to bring them back and get my money back and I'll never feel guilty again going in there and only buying a 'leader' item.

No control huh, they been purposefully cheating people for years with this scam

Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon japonica)

Ugh. I hate this! I tell people 100% of the time that this is great for TERRARIUMS, but it's not aquatic....nothing they trained me to say, just something I know and share. We have a plant tank, and luckily this is the only non-aquatic we carry, other than some of the potted plants once in awhile (I point those out too). Those plants-in-a-tube though? Ugh....a full half of those are non-aquatic Sorry for your experience.

However, I want to point out that it looks like you called the store itself and talked to an employee (not sure from your post), and the employee is correct - the don't have any control over the stock. This is a matter for corporate - contact them and let them know you are disappointed in THEIR misleading labeling and stock. Or just don't shop there.....but contacting corporate is the only way to seek change, and I wish more people would do it - as an employee, I often sympathize with their complaints and want to do something about it, but can't

 

[Mebbid]

I thought I'd add that if you're shopping for a physical fish tank or another heavy/bulky item such as gravel, Petco/Petsmart is generally the ONLY smart place to go.

Even if you're in a big enough city to still have independents, they can't touch the price of a mass retailer because they pay more than the big boys for product and they have to have the tank shipped in on an order. Their costs are lowered because their order will generally include moire than your tank and quite often be on a weekly route but they still higher costs than the big boys.

Petco,Petsmart buy cheaper and their orders are shipped in on loaded semi's drastically cutting their costs.

Simple economies of scale.

You can't buy a tank online because they either have a no ship policy or a million dollars to ship policy.

For good price and availability that leaves Petco and Petsmart

For those few of us that have independents that they feel loyal to and are willing to pay a touch extra to buy a tank from, I applaud you, but most of us are not in that position especially as Petco/Petsmart have put most small independents out of business :-(

And that leaves Petco and Petsmart. You may love to hate them but if it wasn't for them keeping prices down you would own less than you do now.

I hate going in there more than most of you and I buy 90% online but it is what it is and I go there when it suits my needs and yes I whine and denigrate both Petco/Petsmart and Wallmart

Because I can

Actually, I avoid chain.stores like the plague when.shopping for tanks. Either of my privately owned lfs in town sell used tanks for a very very low price. I got a perfect condition 40 breeder, stand, and lid for $115. Petsmart / co will never beat that.

 

[treemanone2003]

True but responsibility falls on the establishment for making sure everything is what they say it is and that all labels are true. How often do you Google unless you're trying trying to make a decision between several candidates?

Sent from my ALCATEL ONE TOUCH Fierce using Tapatalk

That's why I purchase all my fish from well known, highly reputable importers. It's most often thru emails and phone calls for pics and shipping confirmations and more worry free. I know where I stand since they've been doing it for so long and their customer satisfaction level far exceeds any of a chain pet store. Then again, when you order $650-$900 worth of fish at a time, the vendors take you a little more seriously than some $12/hr goof ball who couldn't tell you if it's proper to put a bamboo shrimp in with a tang.

 

[treemanone2003]

I do visit my local Petco once in a while and that's just to take the dogs for a ride if I need something I ordered that didn't arrive. I only deal with the store manager as she's the most helpful and knowledgable and doesn't beat around the bush. I'm super nice to her every time I see her and always get the respect I give.

 

[MeCasa]

Ugh. I hate this! I tell people 100% of the time that this is great for TERRARIUMS, but it's not aquatic....nothing they trained me to say, just something I know and share. We have a plant tank, and luckily this is the only non-aquatic we carry, other than some of the potted plants once in awhile (I point those out too). Those plants-in-a-tube though? Ugh....a full half of those are non-aquatic Sorry for your experience.

However, I want to point out that it looks like you called the store itself and talked to an employee (not sure from your post), and the employee is correct - the don't have any control over the stock. This is a matter for corporate - contact them and let them know you are disappointed in THEIR misleading labeling and stock. Or just don't shop there.....but contacting corporate is the only way to seek change, and I wish more people would do it - as an employee, I often sympathize with their complaints and want to do something about it, but can't

I was never mad at the employees, I own a company nowadays but I started at the bottom and I never forgot it. Petsmart employees are generally a bunch of young kids trying to get by. Been there done that.

My anger is directed at corporate, for ten years people have been writing internet stories documenting this exact plant being sold in this exact chain. I'm 99% sure that this very matter has been discussed at higher levels and the decision was made to continue this practice.

If that plant was in a tube or on a shelf I would have asked questions before I bought. But installing it IN the tank with a posted price was deceptive.

And as for going there, people like me will continue to shop there because it suits my convenience. When I was young I'd do anything to make a statement, nowadays I don't care enough to even inconvenience myself to make a statement

Piss poor sad

 

[treemanone2003]

I was never mad at the employees, I own a company nowadays but I started at the bottom and I never forgot it. Petsmart employees are generally a bunch of young kids trying to get by. Been there done that.

My anger is directed at corporate, for ten years people have been writing internet stories documenting this exact plant being sold in this exact chain. I'm 99% sure that this very matter has been discussed at higher levels and the decision was made to continue this practice.

If that plant was in a tube or on a shelf I would have asked questions before I bought. But installing it IN the tank with a posted price was deceptive.

And as for going there, people like me will continue to shop there because it suits my convenience. When I was young I'd do anything to make a statement, nowadays I don't care enough to even inconvenience myself to make a statement

Piss poor sad

I can't quote paragraphs as I'm on mobile but your last one here is quite contradictory to post 66. j/s

 

[MeCasa]

Well good sir, I would very much appreciate that when you get to a full blown computer you give your best effort.

Please PM me so that I can reply. I don't follow threads

 

[enrgizerbunny]

That's very true but not the point.. It should not have occurred in the first place.. It's that kind of incompetence that has leads to distrust from it's customer base

Meaning the shrimp THEY removed from the tank was the wrong one. Gotcha.

Sent from my SCH-I435 using Aquarium Advice mobile app

 

[CPryor]

I was never mad at the employees, I own a company nowadays but I started at the bottom and I never forgot it. Petsmart employees are generally a bunch of young kids trying to get by. Been there done that.

My anger is directed at corporate, for ten years people have been writing internet stories documenting this exact plant being sold in this exact chain. I'm 99% sure that this very matter has been discussed at higher levels and the decision was made to continue this practice.

If that plant was in a tube or on a shelf I would have asked questions before I bought. But installing it IN the tank with a posted price was deceptive.

And as for going there, people like me will continue to shop there because it suits my convenience. When I was young I'd do anything to make a statement, nowadays I don't care enough to even inconvenience myself to make a statement

Piss poor sad

Ha! Yup....I'm really confused about why they still do it. I've never LOST a sale, that I can think of, by turning someone away from mondo grass. I just explain that the Vallisneria we sell has a similar look. Usually, people go for the Red Ludwigia (which costs more), because I grow it in my own tank and can share my experience with them. Ain't that a surprise - a better-educated employee can make better sales?!

Anyways, I'm leaving the store in a week to start a full-time job. I think even a bunch of young kids could do a fantastic job, in the right environment. I've printed out fact sheets on plants and cichlid compatibilities, and they seem to enjoy flipping though them, between texting on the job They just need to invest more in good training....and stop false-advertising.

Buuuut I'm sure they've done some sort of fancy research on it and found poorly trained employees, and customers with buyers-regret make them more profit