Buyer Beware at Canadian Tire Calgary
This is a case of “BUYER BEWARE” at Canadian Tire (Calgary Store #419, 64th Ave & Deerfoot Trail N.E, Calgary, Alberta). You need to look really closely at AND FOR the fine print before purchasing anything from them. And good luck finding the fine print disclosed anywhere except may be in an advertising flyer that goes directly from the mail box to the recycle bin.
Here’s my little story:
Apparently Christmas decorations were on sale a few days before and after Christmas with a “no returns policy” on them. No where on the shelf was that posted or highlighted. As well, it wasn’t disclosed on the receipt that the sale was final. All the receipt shows is the normal return/exchange policy (which I complied with -original receipt, original packaging, unused).
One of the items I purchased was not suitable and I tried to take it back (within 6 days). Upon entering the store, I now noticed signs posted around stating absolutely NO RETURNS accepted on “Class 51″ Christmas decorations. Oh, oh, did I buy a Class 51 Christmas decoration? I don’t know, I hope not. I ended up waiting in line for about 10 minutes to find out that I AM the unlucky owner of a Class 51 item.
I contacted the 1-800 Canadian Tire customer service number to find out whether this contradiction to the returns policy stated on the receipt was valid; I was directed to the disclosure in the advertising flyer.
Judging from other blogs and complaints, Canadian Tire continues to have a problem with adequate and accurate disclosure of prices and return policies.
Such a crappy experience! I will definitely go somewhere else where they work harder to keep their customers informed and satisfied.
D. Christensen, Calgary
Disclaimer
This article was submitted by one of our readers. Penciltrick cannot make any claims as to its authenticity but the article was accepted on a good faith belief that it is an accurate and truthful account of the events listed.
April 4th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
i work at one of the stores and i know we had signs at the christmas lights and at customer service,even told customers yet they still tried to return them. i think people are always in a big hurry and dont notice signs posted in the store
August 8th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
‘Bait & Switch’ keeps running through my mind, when shopping at Crappy Tire in Mission and Abbotsford, in BC. Seems, whenever they have discounts on their brand of tools, they always ’seem to be sold out’, but they have similar, but higher priced products in stock.
I’m getting tired, of one product being advertised, but NEVER being available. And with all the stores inventory’s being computerized, they’ll even tell you they never had any in stock on the day the sale starts; same thing with the neighboring stores.
Was a loyal customer, now, upset.
October 18th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
I personally have had it with Canadian Tire. I purchased a set of tires from them that were not even round. They replaced them of tne insurance I purchased with those tires, but attempted to charge me for balancing and the installation labour. The replacement set of tires I got from them lasted about 30,000km. They told me my struts had to be replaced, a claim the dealer and an independent mechanic dispute. I guess you get what you pay for. Sure the tires were less to start with, but the final cost will definitely be more than if I had gotten the tires at Costco. The winter tires I got from Costco have been faultless - same car.
October 21st, 2008 at 12:50 pm
I’am geting tired of waiting for your company to come up with a replacement box for my tool set under life time warrenty WAYNE at your TRENTON ONT store tried to get one they sent the same code #5869-0 but the box is not the same some tool’s wont fit.