As promised, I've been busy investigating the refund and exchange policies for manufacturers’ defects at major retailers operating in Ontario.
Spring is coming, so I've decided to focus on: 1) defective
pressure washers and 2) defective
lawn mowers.
The question I've been asking is simple:
"If I take it home and it doesn't work, how much time do I have to get a refund?"
If the answer I received is "You can’t ever get a refund", I've then asked:
"How much time do I have to exchange it for one that works?"
For each retailer, I will be using the following sources of information:
- Official store web site policy for in-store purchases in Ontario.
- "1-800" customer service number.
- Signs and other documents in the store aisles.
- In-store Customer Service staff or manager.
I will also check for online complaints by searching Google using a standard phrase.
Based on the answers for all models of pressure washers and lawn mowers that they sell, each retailer will be graded as follows:
A - "Refunds Provided" - The store policy allows a refund on all types of pressure washers and lawn mowers for at least some period of time.
B - "Exchange Provided" - The store policy allows an exchange on all types of pressure washers and lawn mowers for at least some period of time.
F - "No Refund, No Exchange" - The store policy does not allow a refund or exchange on at least one model of pressure washer or lawn mower.
Note that I do
not plan investigate nor discuss manufacturers'
warranties, but if a retailer bases their return policy on the manufacturer’s warranty, this will be mentioned.
It seemed logical to start with results for Canadian Tire.
There are two stores in my area, so I'll be looking at both.
I will then move on to other major retailers, such as Home Depot, Walmart and Costco.
The results for CT are almost ready.