Ace Hardware Bad Backyard Bird Feeder Nationwide

RE: Ace Hardware Cafe Bird Feeder, Item 8405342

My first complaint message to Ace: Just received the feeder and had a messy problem real fast. The top does not remove to fill the feeder, and the small opening provided is inadequate to use with more than one cup of seeds at a time. It now takes forever to fill the thing and results of spilled seeds all over. This feeder is poorly designed and almost useless for us. I'd take it back somewhere but we don't have an Ace store in Newport, TN. This online purchase of mine was a real money loser. Thank you,

My 2nd message after Ace requested more: Just received a new Ace Hardware hopper style bird feeder and had a messy problem real fast -- all because the top does not remove to fill it.

There's a small opening provided which is inadequate to use with more than one cup of seeds at a time. It now takes forever to fill the thing and results in spilled seeds all over the floor. A removable top would have been the sensible way to do things. This feeder is poorly designed and almost useless for us.

The top opening is built into the cover (roof), slides to open, and my next worry of course is how wet will the seeds get in the rain? I'd take it back somewhere but we don't have an Ace store in Newport, TN. They do have a 30 day return scheme, but after having paid for shipping both ways I will lose money by returning it for a refund. This online purchase of mine was a financial drain, but in line, I guess, with today's TV advertising mode of doing business: "Buy junk, return it, pay lots doing so, lose your money." And Ace had to jump on this  bandwagon.

One final concern is Ace Hardware ever buying this item in the first place. Don't the company buyers check into merchandise before selling it? Over the years the company never did me wrong, so I wonder why or how such a poorly engineered product became part of their company? Oh well, another Good Will donation after its replacement arrives.