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April 2024 by Rick Stimson
I was in urgent need of a new undercounter ice maker. I contacted Rice's and the salesman advised that they had an open box unit that was returned because it did not fit in the space it was ordered for. Rice's was offering a small discount and could deliver quickly - I trusted the representations made over the phone and was not in a position to pull up the model number until later that evening. What I discovered is the unit was not a standard ice make, but an ADA unit made for individuals with disabilities - to accommodate a wheelchair. While I applaud a manufacturer for making that product, it is nothing I was interested in and something that should have been disclosed in the original conversation. I immediately called and left a message to cancel the order, including the next day delivery I also left a message for the delivery company. At 10:15 the following day I received a call from Rice's stating that they would allow me to cancel but I would have to pay a $125 delivery fee. I indicated that I did not believe that to fair, but was told that was a management decision. I don't know what upsets one more, the thought that a material product functionality was not explained in the original conversation or the fact that Rice's management felt it was a good deal for me to have to pay $125 to get out of the transaction. I had offered in my cancellation e-mail to use the money I paid ($2700) towards a legitimate ice maker purchase, but no mention of that was made during the demand for $125.00. Seems to me that a moral company would have waived any return fee because of what politely might be called a misunderstanding, and negotiated on another ice maker to keep a customer. I would not recommend them to anyone.After I posted I read the response by Rice's owner. He requested that I provide the name of the associate and the amount that was not refunded so Rice's could train the individual and arrange for a full refund. This response missed the point. if Rice's really cared it would have only taken one or two short internal calls to get the information from within the organization. Instead, the response asks me as the customer to provide more information. So what does Rice's already know. My name, the date of the purchase, the fact that I made a substantial purchase ($2700) for an ice maker that was one of the very few open box returns and was probably the only open box ADA compliant unit in their inventory. In the above initial review, I even advised that my original proposal was to use the funds to purchase a regular ice maker. With all that information It is hard to believe that I need to come forward and provide additional information. What I might have expected is a contact stating that a full refund was made and an offer to assist in purchasing a more appropriate unit. I don't intent to red flag a particular sales person for the world to see, that would not be appropriate, particularly when the information is available within the company. The public response "we don't do that to people so let us know who we need to train" is really not, in my mind, the way to handle this situation. An acceptable response "we investigated, a full refund has been issued and we apologize for the inconvenience" would have been respectable.
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April 2024 by John Solberg
Mike was super professional and knowledgeable. He got us into the right appliances. Courteous
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April 2024 by NAN-SEA
another update: This is a shoutout for Peggy. She does a great job. had a problem with my speed queen- she went above and beyond to help me and really cared! Being a (retired) small business owner I always like to shop small family owned business where I am not just an invoice #. I drive from Sarasota and there is a good reason- Rices appreciates their customers and know the meaning of the service, not just during the sale but after. Thanx again Peggy, In this day and age of huge corporations it is very hard to find company's that employ truly kind and helpful people. I am a lifelong customer.Thomas great manager and Omesh the saleman. I will continue shopping here. last part of review was from years ago.. rundown of my exerience: called Paul with model numbers of what I wanted. Told him specs of my cabinet to make sure range hood would fit. he said yes it will fit. Installerers arrived and the hood doesnt fit- they can modify for additional charge. I was pissed to say the least. well come to find out they dont even make hoods to fit my old style cabinet anymore- Paul and I both looked and looked.( By the way, he was out of town when this took place and the manager personally worked with me.) anyway i payed the upcharge and it looks beautiful. i will buy from paul again (i cant be mad at him for not sending me something that no longer exists!) let me tell you the installers are amazing. Marco with PSI did an outstanding job. So over all this was a positive experience- good company, beautiful appliances- great price and installers, great service. I own another house with the same old style cabinets so look out Paul, your 'worst nightmare' (self proclaimed) will be back! Thanx, Nancy Gianguzzo
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April 2024 by Timothy Smith
In November I bought a GE dishwasher from Rice's appliances. Four months later it quit working. I called the store and they said that it was covered by the warrantee, and someone would schedule an appointment. Two weeks later a tech came out and said he would have to order a part. Two weeks later another tech came out and said it needed another part. He had had trouble finding me because he had the wrong address even though they had already been here. The part was shipped to me at the wrong address. It was a different wrong address than the first one. It will be six weeks that I have been without a dishwasher. I can wash dishes by hand, but I am so glad that it wasn't a stove of refrigerator. I like to support local business, but I will never shop at Rice's again.
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March 2024 by Robert Siegel
I have personally shopped at several Bradenton Appliance Retail Stores and Rice,s offers the Best Selection in Manatee County. The salespeople are patient, knowledgeable and Friendly. But even Better the Delivery Service Was Outstanding! Several of my friends have purchased Appliances from the Lumber Stores only to have them come in scratched and dented. Bobby the delivery driver called me early let me know he was on his way and arrived on time. Before opening my new refrigerator he measured my door and surveyed his approach to the old refrigerator he was removing. Every step of the way Both Delivery gentlemen were Courteous and Committed to delivering my appliance in perfect condition. It was my pleasure having them deliver and setup my appliance. I have purchased a Speed Queen Washer and Dryer from Rices and several of my friends have successfully bought and had items delivered to them. Thank you for the Great Service.
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March 2024 by Bill Longo
I can’t tell you how good of an experience I had. I called Rices and Curt helped me out. I’m in sales myself, so I appreciate the knowledge and courtesy that was extended to me. I kinda knew what brand I wanted, and Curt steered me in the right direction.. I did everything over the phone, and from the sales process to delivery it was all seamless, and Clarence did a great job installing and was on time. Highly recommend Rices over any other, especially the big box stores..Thanks guys!?
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March 2024 by Jimmy Brundage
Had a great experience here! I was extremely comfortable making several purchases,Thomas & mason were amazing! Very knowledgeable & helpful.
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March 2024 by Diane French
I needed to replace my microwave. Mason was the the salesman who helped make my experience the best. THANK YOU !
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February 2024 by sharon price
Rice's is the very best place to shop for any appliance, bed, kitchen, grills etc. Our Salesman, Amesh, was very helpful, informative, and kept us updated on our refrigerator arrival. Very Best Service!
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February 2024 by Lakeetia Hawkins
I recently purchaed a washer. The employess were very helpful and knowledgeable on helping me with my purchase. I would highly recommend Rice Appliances when buying appliances.
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February 2024 by Denise Langlois
Absolutely hands down the best experience I’ve ever had buying an appliance. My salesman Paul was so informative and patient definitely ask for him - I highly recommend Rices- for years I’ve gone to the Best Buy, Home Depot & Lowe’s but no more - it was just a relaxing atmosphere ? I love my Bosch Dishwasher 500 Series
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February 2024 by Rickey Caines Caines
Drove 50 miles (one way) to purchase a new Speed Queen washer and dryer. The sales associate was very knowledgeable and extremely helpful. I will go back for any future appliances.
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February 2024 by Anne Cartwirght
They use the "Family Owned and Local Business" for marketing. If they really meant it they would have good customer service and fair pricing. I don't know if they were good in the past but now they have major customer service issues.
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February 2024 by B G
I visited Rice's in Bradenton on 12/29/2023. I was greeted by a salesman and looked at Washer and Dryer sets. The salesperson recommended a set because of it price and value. I asked him for the price. He used his cell phone and said $1358. So I said ok ill take them. The salesperson prepared the paperwork but when he gave it to me he seemed off and hesitant. As soon as I looked at the invoice I knew why. The price was almost $300 more so I asked him about it. He said he made a mistake in his quote. I should have listened to my gut instinct and not do business with a company that doesn't honor their word. He did come back with a $100 discount so I moved forward.They delivered the washer and dryer and I noticed the washer was chipped in a very obvious place when I got home. I also noticed the Washer was not working. I contacted Rice's and they originally said that the soonest appointment that GE could come look at the washer was the 12th of January. This did not make sense to me. Why would Ge need to look at the washer since it was just delivered and clearly damaged. They should replace it. The employee did say she would call me back if they had it in stock and could replace it. She called me back and let me know that they would be out Friday the 5th of January. I let her know that I only had until 11am and she said she would put that in the notes.The night of the 4th I get a call from the delivery driver and he said the delivery window is much later than the 11am. I told him that will not work and he should contact management at the store since they delivered a damaged washer in the first place so it is important they correct their mistake ASAP. He then says" I have 4 deliveries in Bradenton and 1 in Sarasota so why would I go to Sarasota first. That is stupid." He was rude and condescending. So I told him to get with the store so they could handle him because he clearly has no customer service skills.I called the store at 10:00 AM which is when they opened to discuss the issue. Their phone systems were still set to closed so it took me until 10:05 to get someone on the phone. I asked to speak to a manager and we discussed the issue. He said he would call me back. He did not but another employee did. She said there was nothing they could do and the Washer would now be delivered on Tuesday the 9th of January. I told her that this is unacceptable and to have the manager call me ASAP if they are not available now.Then an individual calls who I believe was the owner. He says there is no way to get it there by 11. So it tell I have had enough and I just want a refund and pick up their broken and damaged washer and dryer. So after telling me he cannot have the new one there by 11 he manages to have someone there to pick them up by 11. So he clearly lied because that same person who left the store in a truck could have easily brought the new washer with him. I know he left the store because the owner told me exactly that. At this point when the owner lied I began to understand why the business has the issues they do. It starts from the top and this owner was the problem.The worst part is they have the broken and damaged washer and dryer in their posession but I still do not have my refund. So yet again the Owner lied as he said he would immediately process the refund. At this point people should avoid a business that lies, doesn't honor their word, and is owned by a person that must teach those principles to the staff. I will be filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, contacting GE to notify them that they have a dealer misrepresenting their brand, and if my refund is not processed in a timely manner be suing for damages as they failed to fulfil their contractual obligations. They also have my old washer and dryer and did not return.*Update*Your response is yet again another lie unless you are the father and I spoke to Junior. If that is the case Junior knows all about this situation and is the one who it worse. You may look up my invoice number 12293015 and all of my contact info is i
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February 2024 by Gail Westmaas
Ordered a washer and dryer installed. Delivered 3 days ago and were told drain hose was too short . So we had to order extension and pay additional $70 and have to wait two more days until they hook it up! Should have extensions on truck when they install.
