CT even sucks at repairs of auto-related accessories that they, themselves, assembled incorrectly:
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Brian D.W.:
I just purchased an $849.00 trailer from the Cold Lake Canadian Tire today, (Plus $100.00 assembly which the sales lad told me they just started charging this year).
There was an issue with the signal lights not responding for the five pin flat connector.
I also purchased the ball, locking pin and the hitch bar bringing my new trailer up to over a grand. Then went back to see if they could test the trailer electrical connection to see if maybe the wires had been crossed during the assembly, (which I mentioned I paid $100 extra for).
The servicing manager told me that I could purchase some sort of tester and check it myself, and that I should start with testing my 2013 Ford escape which I've had for a week first.
I asked if they couldn't just get a mechanic to test the trailer wiring to rule that possibility out, as I just paid over a grand for it, including the assembly charge.
He told me that assembly did not cover electrical, and that I would have to buy the tester and do it myself.
So, I asked him if I did purchase the tester and we determined that the vehicle electrical was working well, and it did turn out to be the trailer wiring that was the problem, would they refund the tester. He said no.
I must admit that the service manager remained calm and polite during the entire interaction, though I began to feel increasingly irritated and "Ripped Off" by Canadian Tire.
"So,", I continued, "what would Canadian Tire do for me if it turned out that the trailer wiring was faulty?", to which he replied, "Well, considering that it's so new, it would just be easier to exchange the trailer."
I said that rather than purchase the $14.00 tester on top of the grand plus I'd just spent on the trailer, I'll go down to the registry office tomorrow to see if they will refund the $110.00 I spent on registering a plate for the trailer and return it tomorrow.
I really think the fellow was amused with the entire interaction, and really has no concern for the customers or Canadian Tires good name and reputation.
This is the second incident that I experienced at the Cold Lake Canadian Tire. The first incident occurred two years ago when I arrived in Cold Lake, and had my vehicle safety inspected there, only to receive a letter from the government letting me know that the mechanic was not qualified to inspect my vehicle at that time and I would have to get it inspected again. Canadian Tire made good for the administrative charge from the registry office downtown, however on getting it inspected again, I had to purchase two new timers in order for it to pass.
I know Cold Lake has slim pickings for good employees, however there is no need to chase customers away by nickle and diming them to death.
I'll hold out on bringing the trailer back for a couple days, as I'm hoping Canadian Tire will do the right thing and just test the trailer they sold me as a safety precaution, without additional charge.