First, I have to say that Bob at Garber's is wonderful! However, that is not true for all the staff. I am in the process of redoing an office at my home. I found a grasscloth wallpaper I liked online. Garber's had the same paper in one of the wallpaper books that I checked out. I had asked Bob about Garber's price (since the manufacturer's recommended price in the book is often not what is charged) and he said that he would get the "wallpaper expert" for me and we could ask about pricing. She said it's what's in the book. When I said that I had found the same paper at an online retailer for that was about one-half of the book cost ($64.95 v. $116.00 per double roll) she just looked at me and said the price is what's listed in the book.
Bob had mentioned that Garber's had a person that it used for paperhanging. I asked Bob if he had the name and number of the installer. Bob said "sure, let me get it for you." The "wallpaper expert" said we won't give you the name unless you buy the paper from us. I walked next door to O'Leary Paint and was happily given the names and numbers of 2 paper hangers, even though I didn't purchase anything.
I am in the process of redoing several rooms in my house and finishing my basement. I prefer to use local stores over online retailers to source my materials, but the rudeness I experienced from this Garber's employee has convinced me not to go back.
If Garber's is going to be so much more expensive, it should at least have stellar customer service from all employees- not just Bob.