Reposed

Home Pro is so far the most well-run retailer I've encountered in my time here. I actually like it better than Home Depot. At least they have people in each aisle to help. Nary a hint of anything dissatisfying…until now. Remodeling my kitchen down south, but I also have an apartment in BKK. So I bought all the appliances in Bang Na after visiting the Mex showroom which has displays and specs readily available. Bought mostly Mex (from Home Pro); gas cooktop, hood, built-in oven, water heater, sink/faucet, and a water filter. Now, I have a lot of building experience, but was told if I installed, no warranty. And, the water filter is a bit of a complex one, so that was really the only reason for having an installer. That and a warranty on a 35,000 baht oven. Went into the "local" Home Pro, which is 90 minutes from my house. Told them I was ready for install. Lady spoke decent English. Wrote up the order. In Thai, so I verified that the four items to be installed were the oven, hood, cooktop, and water filter. She confirmed. I signed and paid 4000 baht. Installer came today. I had already wired the outlets for the oven and hood, so that was quickly completed. I pointed at the water filter…..he said, no, no. Not on contract. Huh? I called the lady who worked with me. She said, sorry, I forgot about water filter, my mistake. Okay, no problem. I suggested I would install the cooktop myself, and let's take that 1100 baht and apply it to the water filter and call it a day, that I did not care about the 350 baht refund. Gas would cost more than that to drive 3 hours. Oh, but cannot, sir. You must pay the installer 750 baht, then drive here to get refund. Uh, no. Not going to happen. Or, for all intents and purposes, I could pay 1850 baht to install a water filter, a 30 minute job. So I called the 1284 number. Nice lady, good English. She sent the installer on his way and will get back to me. Or so she says. This has all made me thirsty. Off now to buy some water at the mom and pop up the road. Don't know when I'll be back, the installer did not know how to set the clock on the oven. .