Customer service representatives at Chewy.com say nothing will change ‘for now’
This is a follow-up to the April 18 article on PoC detailing PetSmart purchasing Chewy.com for $3.35 billion. I’ve spent a few days gathering feedback on how Chewy customers feel about the e-commerce deal.
The customers who have contacted Chewy.com customer support were reassured nothing would change “for now.” That Chewy will offer the same great prices and more items will become available.
Most are concerned about an increase in prices, and say they’ll stop using the company should prices increase. I was surprised to find one person commented on my community page that they were glad to see what’s being called the ‘deal of the century.’ The MAP (minimum allowed price) pricing has apparently left Chewy with a low-profit margin and small brick and mortar businesses suffer when they can’t offer the same bargains. So there are those out there who are hoping for a price increase.
PetSmart has bought a company with a very dedicated customer base. One thing that remains to be seen (and I’m surprised it wasn’t brought up more) is how Chewy.com will embrace the declawing issue. Banfield Pet Hospitals, located inside PetSmart stores, does declaw. This article goes into more detail in which they state
- Declawing is determined to be medically necessary as part of a comprehensive treatment plan to relieve pain or illness
- The pet poses a danger or physical health risk to family members
- Attempts to employ behavior modification or environmental modification have been unsuccessful and euthanasia or relinquishment is imminent due to the destructive use of claws
I wonder how many of you could call your local Banfield and ask to set up a declawing appointment, just to see what their response is. My guess is the almighty dollar would win out over concern for the cat.
Will the declawing policy at Banfield affect those who oppose declawing to boycott Chewy.com, should the declawing policy still exist? Not many have responded on that issue and I’m curious.
If any of you speak with Chewy.com customer service and can add anything to this update, please do so in the comments. Would you still feel comfortable ordering from Chewy.com if PetSmart continues their support on declawing?