OK, a change of plan.
I’m going to start with Costco, to provide background on the policies of Canadian Tire.
Will we prove that Costco’s policies are just “variations of the same policy....not exact, but close enough” to Canadian Tire’s?
Is it true that “all of the other retailers … they all same the same damn thing. power equipment is repaired or replaced at the sellers discretion”?
Let’s have a look.
Recall that I'm asking all retailers the following question about pressure washers and lawn mowers:
"If I take it home and it doesn't work, how much time do I have to get a refund?"
If there’s a period of time, even a day, when all models of washers and mowers can be refund, then I’ll give the store an
“A” (Refunds Provided).
If only an exchange is promised, then I’ll give the store a
“B” (Exchange Provided).
But if there's a store policy where even one model of pressure washer or mower cannot ever be refunded or exchanged, then I’ll give the store a fail of “
F” (No Refund, No Exchange).
I checked the following sources of information:
1 – Store Web Site
The official Costco refund/exchange policies is here:
(Forgive me if I've posted that before.)
“Merchandise: We guarantee your satisfaction on every product we sell and will refund your purchase price, with the following exceptions: … Electronics …. Diamonds”.
"Costco may in the future restrict its return policy regarding other products. Restriction will be shown at the point of purchase."
"We ask that you return all other merchandise within 30 days with a Costco receipt and in the original packaging. "
So far, it looks like you've got at least 30 days, on anything they sell. It doesn't say "unopened" or "unused" or "in original condition", so you should be able to try it out to see if is defective.
But let's look at other sources before drawing any conclusions.
2 – Customer Service Line
1-888-426-7826 (1-888-4-COSTCO).
There were recorded messages that answered common questions, and said all defective merchandise can be returned for a “full refund” within 30 days, in the original packaging. It didn’t mention “unopened”, “unused” or "original condition".
I then spoke to Diane, and asked my question about getting a pressure washier home and it not working. She told me that all merchandise can be returned within the first 30 days, and some items can be returned even after that time.
I asked Diane about electric models vs gas powered. She told me that the same rules apply: at least 30 days. For gas-powered, they want the gasoline drained ahead of time for safety reasons.
I also asked about gas and electric mowers. There is always at least 30 days to bring it back if it's defective.
So, I’m going to give Costco full marks:
I also asked what the difference is between their refund policy and their warranty? The store has a policy for refunds and exchanges. The warranty is from the manufacturer, and applies after the store’s return period has expired.
3 – Internet Complaints
I also did some Googling (yes, that’s now a word!).
I used the following search:
canada refund "pressure washer" problem complaint costco
I put "canada" in the search to avoid U.S. complaints, but I think "canada" matched on this thread (“Repair Only Policy" - No Refund, No Exchange) a couple of times.
The first 40 hits were mainly notices of sale prices, specific models, or positive comments on Costco’s generous return policies. I read them all and didn't see a single complaint about a pressure washer refund from Costco in Canada. There might be some out there, but there certainly aren't many.
-----
So, do “other companies in the same business selling the same products as ct have the same procedure”?
Can we really say, “canadiantire's policy is exactly the same as all of the other retailers posted” on the CanadianTireSucks site?
Based on what we’ve previously learned about Canadian Tire’s “No Refund, No Exchange” policy on “Repair Only” items, I’m tempted to say, “
Hell, No”.
Just to be sure, I’ll be taking a closer look at the Crappy Tire stores.
But first, I want to write briefly about my visit to Costco, and what I saw at the store. It's hardly the same as the CT Experience.