BUILDERS WAREHOUSE STAFF ARE UNEMPLOYABLE IN THE REAL WORLD!

The following account from my Business Partner, Jacqueline Da Mata, is HORRIFIC. If this is the quality of Staff Selection and Training at Builders then they have no business being granted a renewal of their Equity Offset Benefit given to Massmart by the Department of Trade, Industry & Competition. We do not need the US mentality in SA Business:

I went to Builders Express in Bedfordview to buy potting soil and compost. In total, I needed 12 bags. On exiting the store, I asked who could assist me with the bags, and the security guard, in the most disinterested tone, informed me that I would need to load the vehicle myself.

I asked if I could have plastic bags to line my boot, as compost sometimes leaks. She pointed to the back of the store and said I could go look for boxes there if I wanted.

I then went to the nursery department to ask if I could possibly get bags from there. The staff member pointed to the opposite side of the store and said I should try there. Frustrated, I asked to see the store manager. When she arrived, she stood in front of me with her hands behind her back, repeatedly saying, “Sorry, sorry,” in a dismissive manner, without offering any solutions.

I asked her if it was store policy for customers, especially women, to load heavy potting soil into their cars themselves. She said it wasn’t and that I could either ask a car guard or she could get one of her staff to assist. I pointed out that there was no clear policy or process in place, and that it was unreasonable for customers to have to seek assistance on their own or find plastic liners for their vehicles. She responded again with a nonchalant “sorry,” making no effort to address the issue.

When I remarked that she clearly didn’t care, she looked at me with an impassive smirk, as if she had no intention of taking action.

In an industry that is so competitive and relies heavily on excellent customer service, this apathetic response is unacceptable. Allowing staff and security personnel to behave in such a way undermines the Builders brand. The lack of care, accountability, and proper training is outrageous.

I will not be returning to Builders Bedfordview anytime soon. It’s clear they don’t care about their customers.