Johnson's Workbench/L.L. Johnson Lumber has absolutely the worst customer service I've ever experienced. On Friday March 11th 2011 I called Johnson's to verify inventory on 3 sheets of 6mm marine plywood. I was told there were 20 sheets, and that there was no way they would be out by Saturday afternoon. I asked the customer service reprsentative if I needed to place the order, or even pay for the material right then. He again reassured me that there would be plenty there when I got there. The next morning I filled my truck up with $3.65/gal. Gas and started the 145 mile jouney from my home to Johnson's. At 17mpg that's $63.12 for the round trip. I shopped in the showroom for a few minutes, then make my way to the counter and asked for the plywood. My jaw hit the floor when I was told they were out. At first I thought it was a joke, because the guy actually smiled!\r
All this can happen to anyone, and would only have made me angry for a time. The way in which Johnson's staff chose to handle this transaction is what has prompted this review. All the guy would do is say that he was sorry and look away from me. I mentioned the whole conversation I'd had the previous day. To which he responded: ""he should have put those on reserve for you"". I let him know that I had driven 3 hours to pick this stuff up. He smiled and looked at his computer screen. I complained that I'd wasted the better part of my Saturday. He said there was nothing he could do. At no time did he offer me anything. Finally, I asked if he could sell me a better grade at the same price. He offered me what amounted to a 10% discount on something that cost twice as much as what I needed. I asked to speak to a manager. He said he was a manager. I asked if there was anything else he could do for me. He smiled again, and said (I quote) ""the only thing I could do for you is sell it to you, if we had it.""\r
Bottom line is this, the attitude at Johnson's is ""We've got you. You can't buy this anywhere else, so you can spend your money at OUR convenience."" I will not spend another penny at Johnson's as long as I live. If they have something you must have, I'd suggest more than just a phone call before you drive any distance.
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