Log in

View Full Version : LOL @ Marine Depot



ErikH
Thu, 9th Sep 2010, 07:07 PM
Ok so here's the reply I received from Marine Depot's customer service department in regards to the bio-pellet reactor incident.

First let me state that I ordered the NP Biopellets and the NextReef SMR1 reactor. Both showed up as "in stock". Well, apparently the last reactor was bought in the same timeframe as when I had purchased mine. Well, they shipped the other pieces to my order minus the reactor. I received the tracking information, and a few hours later I received a message stating that the reactor was backordered. I immediately called them, but of course, their customer service department was closed. So I called them the next morning, and I was told that on the 16th (last month) the reactors were scheduled to be in. I had to wait for the funds to be put back into my account. The 16th came and went, so I called again on the 18th. They told me they did not know when the next time they would receive them was. "Great" I thought. Then I received a request from them asking me to review the biopellets. I wrote them back and asked why they would ask me to review a product that I could not use because of a backordered piece of merchandise that was incomplete from my order. At this point, I was getting impatient. I called them 2 weeks later, they told me today was the day. Nothing happened today either, apparently Next Reef is waiting on parts. So frustrated as all get out I sent them an email....

From: erik@harrisoncomputing.com [mailto:erik@harrisoncomputing.com]
Sent: Thursday, September 09, 2010 1:42 PM
To: Marine Depot Customer Care
Subject: RE: Your Marine Depot Order 100731305 has merchandise backordered(Thread:1309800)

Cancel my order. After going back and forth with you guys for a month on this I am done ordering any further items from you all. When I ordered the reactor it showed as in stock. Y'all shipped my order, and after it was shipped I received a back order notice. It would have been nice for you guys to pick up the phone and call me to let me know that my order was incomplete so I could have removed the bio-pellets from the order, especially since I cannot use them. I am very frustrated with your inaction, and that I have had to contact you repeatedly to try and track down a reactor. It was also pretty brash to send me an email asking me to review the bio-pellets after I had already contacted you guys stating that I had not received a reactor to run them in. I know it's all automated, but come on, where's the personal touch to show that human beings work there? I have since started dosing vodka. I am a sponsor on our local reefclub, and have posted these frustrations in my thread. Make it right?



Frustrated as it gets,

Erik


Here was their reply....
Erik,

Per your request, the backorder has been cancelled.

Respectfully,

Christopher
Customer Service (http://www.marinedepot.com/help_md_general_information_about_marine_depot.asp x#csr)
www.marinedepot.com (http://www.marinedepot.com/?utm_source=MDEmailSignatureEmployee&utm_medium=MDEmail&utm_term=MDEmailSignatureWebsite&utm_content=MDEmailSignatureWebsite&utm_campaign=MDEmailSignature)
1800-566-3474

Subscribe (http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_optNewsletterAddEmail.html?utm_source=MDEmailSi gnatureEmployee&utm_medium=MDEmail&utm_term=MDEmailSignatureEmployeeNewsletter&utm_content=MDEmailSignatureNewsletter&utm_campaign=MDEmailSignature) to Newsletter
Shop (http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_marine_depot_specials_clearance-ap.html?utm_source=MDEmailSignatureEmployee&utm_medium=MDEmail&utm_term=MDEmailSignatureEmployeeSpecials&utm_content=MDEmailSignatureSpecials&utm_campaign=MDEmailSignature) Weekly Specials
Join (http://forum.marinedepot.com/?utm_source=MDEmailSignatureEmployee&utm_medium=MDEmail&utm_term=MDEmailSignatureEmployeeForum&utm_content=MDEmailSignatureForum&utm_campaign=MDEmailSignature) our Forum


Not even a "Sir, we are sorry"

I cannot believe it. I will never in my life order from them again. Apparently the "little guy" is of no concern to them.

If anyone else agrees or has had a similar bad experience with them, please post as I am going to forward this link on to their management.

Mr Cob
Thu, 9th Sep 2010, 07:56 PM
Erik,

Regards,
-Rob

Europhyllia
Thu, 9th Sep 2010, 07:59 PM
lol @ Mr Cob
that was funny

txav8r
Thu, 9th Sep 2010, 08:05 PM
Rob!!! Go sit in the corner...

Mr Cob
Thu, 9th Sep 2010, 08:13 PM
You already sent me in the other thread...LOL!

ErikH
Thu, 9th Sep 2010, 08:21 PM
Erik,

Regards,
-Rob

That's about right!

Seriously, I have worked in and around customer service for years, and WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW. I couldn't believe the reply. I mean, wouldn't you at least contact a supervisor in regards to the issue? I had to laugh at how poorly they handled the entire situation.

txav8r
Thu, 9th Sep 2010, 08:29 PM
I'll bet you are steamed!! That is just sad...

ErikH
Thu, 9th Sep 2010, 08:44 PM
Well, instead of addressing my concerns, they tried to upgrade me. For free. To me that's just like "how can we shut this guy up?" He did not address ANY of the concerns in my email, except that it's not their fault they did not receive any reactors. I UNDERSTAND THAT?!

Here's their reply and I will add mine...

Hello Erik,

Thank you for the email. I am very sorry that you are upset. Unfortunately, we have no control over this backorder as the manufacturer is having issues getting the parts they need to assemble it and fulfill our orders. At this time, as mentioned, we are now looking to receive them in October. I can understand how this is frustrating as you have been waiting for about a month.

If you are interested, I can offer you a different model. We do have the larger size NextReef SMR1 XL Solid Media Reactor (http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_searchstatistics.aspx?SearchStr=&action=view&idProduct=NX1153) which I can offer to you at the same price as the one that is out of stock. Please let me know and I will be happy to assist you accordingly.

Jason G
Customer Service Supervisor
www.marinedepot.com (http://email03.secureserver.net/blocked::http://www.marinedepot.com/?utm_source=MDEmailSignatureEmployee&utm_medium=MDEmail&utm_term=MDEmailSignatureWebsite&utm_content=MDEmailSignatureWebsite&utm_campaign=MDEmailSignature)
1-800-566-3474

Subscribe (http://email03.secureserver.net/blocked::http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_optNewsletterAddEmail.html?utm_source=MDEmailSi gnatureEmployee&utm_medium=MDEmail&utm_term=MDEmailSignatureEmployeeNewsletter&utm_content=MDEmailSignatureNewsletter&utm_campaign=MDEmailSignature) to Newsletter
Shop (http://email03.secureserver.net/blocked::http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_marine_depot_specials_clearance-ap.html?utm_source=MDEmailSignatureEmployee&utm_medium=MDEmail&utm_term=MDEmailSignatureEmployeeSpecials&utm_content=MDEmailSignatureSpecials&utm_campaign=MDEmailSignature) Weekly Specials
Join (http://email03.secureserver.net/blocked::http://forum.marinedepot.com/?utm_source=MDEmailSignatureEmployee&utm_medium=MDEmail&utm_term=MDEmailSignatureEmployeeForum&utm_content=MDEmailSignatureForum&utm_campaign=MDEmailSignature) our Forum
> Subscribe (http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_optNewsletterAddEmail.html?utm_source=MDEmailSi gnatureEmployee&utm_medium=MDEmail&utm_term=MDEmailSignatureEmployeeNewsletter&utm_content=MDEmailSignatureNewsletter&utm_campaign=MDEmailSignature) to the Marine Depot Newsletter
> Check out (http://blog.marinedepot.com/?utm_source=MDEmailSignatureEmployee&utm_medium=MDEmail&utm_term=MDEmailSignatureEmployeeBlog&utm_content=MDEmailSignatureBlog&utm_campaign=MDEmailSignature) the new Marine Depot Blog

ErikH
Thu, 9th Sep 2010, 08:45 PM
Jason,
Thanks for the offer, but in all honesty Christopher's reply was dry and ornery. It was like a slap in the face. I would much rather order from another place and wait it out. I understand fully that it is not directly the fault of your company, and I was not putting blame there. If you read my previous email it states where the problems lie. The problems were:
1.) Christopher handled my complaint 100% the wrong way for ANY customer service environment.
2.) I had to complain and post on a website to get any legitimate response from you all.
3.) You asked me to review a product AFTER I had already contacted you stating that I could not use the product because an "in-stock" item was suddenly "out-of-stock".
4.) I kept receiving emails stating the product was on backorder at random times after I already had the dates at which the product was promised to you all, prompting me to email and call you guys again to find out if the promise dates were still up to date, which they were.


To quote your automated system "If you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact us. We're always here to help and your complete and utter satisfaction is our number one concern."


Do you honestly feel that the issues were handled to anyone's satisfaction? Or that it was anyone's #1 concern?


Please forward this complaint to your supervisor, as trying to "buy me out" was the last thing I was hoping for. This should have been passed up the ladder earlier to address the concerns highlighted in my previous emails and phone calls.


I know I am not your biggest purchaser, nor will what I have spent with you all really amount to much, but I would rather spend my money with a company that handles complaints accordingly.


I do understand that Christopher is probably having an off day but you never express that to a customer when your job is to service them.


I hope you guys take this to heart and that you use it to further improve your customer service department. Sorry for the gripe, but I honestly hope you all see this scenario from my side.


Thanks,


Erik Harrison

ramsey
Thu, 9th Sep 2010, 08:45 PM
I order from them quite a bit and have been pleased but I'v never had to deal with their customer service department. I'd be fired from my current job if I responded that way. I'm seriously reconsidering ever ordering with them again. I noticed Foster and Smith are cheaper on a lot of stuff anyway.

ErikH
Thu, 9th Sep 2010, 08:47 PM
I'll bet you are steamed!! That is just sad...

More mad that they seemed to completely ignore my complaints and just upgrade me for no charge. If they had addressed my concerns, maybe I would feel better. Instead I am only more let down.

ramsey
Thu, 9th Sep 2010, 08:49 PM
You should post this on nano-reef if you have an account. They are sponsors and NR has a vendor feedback board.

Europhyllia
Thu, 9th Sep 2010, 08:57 PM
the first reply did suck

the upgrade offer is probably the only thing they can do right now. I think Aquarium Specialty upgraded Stephen to the larger reactor because they were out of smalls too.

I have the large it's nice and you got a big tank. Give it a day and perhaps consider the offer after all?

Reefer4ever
Thu, 9th Sep 2010, 08:57 PM
More mad that they seemed to completely ignore my complaints and just upgrade me for no charge. If they had addressed my concerns, maybe I would feel better. Instead I am only more let down.

^+1

txg8gxp
Thu, 9th Sep 2010, 09:04 PM
Yes, they did upgrade my order to get it shipped out. I'm glad too, they are the same footprint so I like knowing I will never need another one.


the first reply did suck

the upgrade offer is probably the only thing they can do right now. I think Aquarium Specialty upgraded Stephen to the larger reactor because they were out of smalls too.

I have the large it's nice and you got a big tank. Give it a day and perhaps consider the offer after all?

Bill S
Thu, 9th Sep 2010, 09:08 PM
Yeah, Erik, I'd wait for the apology. But, that's me. The RIGHT apology goes a long way with me. Throwing money/upgrades at me just makes me madder.

ramsey
Thu, 9th Sep 2010, 09:10 PM
Yeah, Erik, I'd wait for the apology. But, that's me. The RIGHT apology goes a long way with me. Throwing money/upgrades at me just makes me madder.

Feel free to pass off the money/upgrades to me then. You'll be less mad and I'll be much happier. :P

Reefer4ever
Thu, 9th Sep 2010, 09:12 PM
lol :D

chunkymonkey
Thu, 9th Sep 2010, 10:18 PM
lol...I'm going to take part of Erik's post and make it my sig...lol....sorry this happened to you. I will GLADLY pay more for bbetter service. I will never darken the doorway of some places because of what they've done. Communication goes A LONG way with me. They could have easily answered you properly the first time and we could all be happy. I agree with the other post, find a site they are a sponsor on and post feedback.

In the mean time, here's my new sig, lol:
(sorry, maybe I'm the only one laughing at the below line, been a long day and I'm tired)



"when your job is to service them."

Kristy
Thu, 9th Sep 2010, 10:21 PM
Yeah, that line gave me pause as well...

chunkymonkey
Thu, 9th Sep 2010, 10:25 PM
lol......

StevenSeas
Thu, 9th Sep 2010, 10:38 PM
Wow Erik, Sorry to hear about your poor customer service at Marine Depot. This is one of the main reasons that I shop at actual store fronts for products pertaining to hobbies that I care about. As long as the price isn't extremely unreasonable I figure I am paying for good customer service and doing my part to help keep people employed lol.

chunkymonkey
Thu, 9th Sep 2010, 10:49 PM
Agreed with Aggie. I try promoting the locals. Even if I find something cheaper online, I'll offer them an opportunity to match or come close. Gabe has never failed me on support.

Bill S
Thu, 9th Sep 2010, 10:53 PM
My almost 90 year old father has said that the "Service" in "Customer Service" has changed definition: "Service: what is a bull's duty to a cow".

ErikH
Thu, 9th Sep 2010, 11:02 PM
lol trust me, I thought twice about the "service the customer" part, but I did not want to leave it out. :)

ErikH
Thu, 9th Sep 2010, 11:07 PM
LOL Chunky, here you go.... for your car you should put "To Protect and Service"

HAHA, don't give me a ticket! :P

ErikH
Thu, 9th Sep 2010, 11:11 PM
OOPS one more thing...

I am having a reactor made. I would rather pay a friend then deal with another online vendor. I had asked him briefly before, but after seeing everyone else's results with the SMR1, I figured I would go with it. Oh stupid me!

Thank God I can rely on all you schlubs to make me smile again! Thanks y'all. :D

corydrysdale
Sun, 12th Sep 2010, 08:52 PM
By the sounds of it, i guess i must have bought the last SMR1 in the smaller size. Although, I didnt purchase at Marine Depot. I bought from their site quoting prices from other stores. Nextreef honored the prices and wham....got my reactor. Fosters & Smith tend to be one of the only places I shop from. Never gotten bad service from them.

On the lighter side, Id gladly trade you my size reactor for the XL they promised to upgrade you to!!!! LOL

Europhyllia
Sun, 12th Sep 2010, 08:58 PM
I love Nextreef, their products and their service (obviously they have no control over the service provided by the resellers). Sorry you won't be getting their reactor. They're very nice. The laser cut plates for the solid media are perfect. I am guessing you will go with plastic canvas to get that same effect?

ErikH
Sun, 12th Sep 2010, 09:26 PM
Nope, the reactor has small holes. :) I was going to go pick it up today, but didn't have the opportunity.

chunkymonkey
Sun, 12th Sep 2010, 09:41 PM
LOL Chunky, here you go.... for your car you should put "To Protect and Service"

HAHA, don't give me a ticket! :P

lol, that would lead to some different looks, lol