Last night I attempted to return a vacuum that I purchased earlier this week as I was not satisfied with its performance. I attended the store with my original receipt in hand expecting to receive a refund. Unfortunately, that did not occur. After a brief call to her Manager the young service desk clerk informed me that she could NOT provide me with a refund and there was very little that she could do in her capacity. The matter was escalated to her Manager and the Manager attend to review the situation. I again explained the situation to the Manager whom was very professional. She advised me there was a 7 day exchange period for defects and offered me a new one. I was not happy with the product, that is why I returned it. Instead of a refunding me the money I ended up leaving he store with new vacuum in the box. I know that I can take it to another store and get a refund, but why should I have to go through those hoops. As a customer, I was not happy with performance of the product that I purchased for Canadian Tire. I returned to the store in which I purchased it, was honest with them about the reason I returned it, but yet I return home with an new vacuum in the box which I have no intention of opening. When I arrived home, I called CT Customer Service and explained my situation. The Customer Service Agent advised me of the store's return policy as it pertains to vacuums (which was not communicated to me at the time of purchase). As a remedy, the Customer Service Agent advised that he would get in contact with the store owner to review the situation and see if they will make an exception in this situation and provide me with a refund. I was told that I should hear back from the Owner directly within 24-48 hours. I'm hoping that common sense and reason will prevail. I am very disappointed with Canadian Tire. The outcome of this situation will dictate whether I ever enter another CT store again.
Perhaps you were deceived by the big sign reading "Easy Returns, Keep Your Receipt"?
People assume that Crappy Tire has the same return policies as all the other major retailers, but actually they are closer to The Dollar Dealer, who hold themselves to a lower standard.
Unfortunately, the laws don't require retailers to accept returns on items if you just don't like the item, or changed your mind. But lenient return policies are so common, people naturally assume that it's the law, and expect Crappy Tire to fall in line. You made this ill-fared assumption, and might be stuck with a crappy product, as too many unsuspecting CT customers have don before you.
The law can help you if the item is defective, if it fails to live up to its claims, or if the store gives you bad advise about what to buy. But it sounds like you are may just be stuck with this crappy vacuum.
Good luck with your efforts to squeeze a refund out of those jerks - I hope you are one of the luck ones!
But you've now learned an expensive but important lesson - please share it with your friends, family, neighbours, etc.
And thanks for taking the time to share your experience here, for the benefit of all - well done!
