So, how do Zellers return policies compare to Crappy Tire’s, for unwanted/unsatisfactory items?
Here's the offical Zellers policy page:
Return Policy
Unopened/Sealed: Applies to “some” items, including digital media.
This is about the same as Crappy Tire, who require unopened/sealed for “ink cartridges, media, and memory cards, books, DVDs, CDs, mattresses and portable beds”.
However, many Crappy Tire stores require
all unsatisfactory items to be “unopened” or in “sealed” packages, which is much worse than Zellers.
Unused/Original Condition: Not required.
Crappy Tire says, “in its original condition”, but the added in-store requirement for “unopened” means it must be “unused”, which is much worse than Zellers.
In Original Packaging: Not required.
Crappy Tire requires “in its original … packaging” for all products, which is much worse than Zellers.
Minimum Time: 30 days minimum (for electronics, seasonal items, and anything not paid for with an HBC credit card).
Crappy Tire allows only 30 days for electronics, so the minimum is the same as Zellers. However, more Zellers items will only have 30 days.
Maximum Time: 90 days, if paid for with an HBC credit card.
Crappy Tire’s maximum is 90 days, which is the same if a Zellers credit card is used. However, Zellers items bought by other means will only have 30 days.
Personal Information Required: Yes (Name, address, phone number. Photo ID “may also be required”).
This is the same as Crappy Tire.
Restocking Fee: “returned items may be subject to a restocking fee”
Crappy Tire’s site does not mention this, but some stores charge a restocking fee for some items. So, both are same.
Other Limitations:
- None (nothing at Zellers has to be “unused” or “unopened”.)
Other Benefits:
- The Zellers return periods increase to 90 days if paid for with an HBC credit card.
Summary:
- Zellers is better than Crappy Tire for the condition of the items being returned (i.e., if they are opened, used, and not in original condition or packaging)
- However, the superior terms are available for a shorter time (30 days instead of 90) if not purchased with an HBC credit card.
- If Crappy Tire insists on “unopened” for every item, then Zellers is much better.
- Overall: Zellers has better policies, but for a shorter time.
Note: the Zellers site does not describe a “repair only”, “exchange only” or a “no return, no exchange” policy for any defective items, so, customers can get a refund for a defective item.