Well went up to the local sears today to warranty a line up bar only to find out it is no longer available, so the guy says you want a $40 gift card instead? Considering I paid a $1 for it at a yard sale I think I did pretty well, ended up walking away with a Lisle master torx set and $20 left on the card.
Thank you sears!
- Thread starter JUNK-MAN
- Start date
Sanny81
Well-known member
Hmmm I wonder why Sears is dying.
LOL!!! I was thinking the same thing.
Ahem. Prepare for a rant.
My father-in-law loves telling these kinds of stories, he thinks people are impressed by how "crafty" he is. Most agree behind his back he's a guy that can't be trusted.
I often hear people say something akin to "it's a big corporation, they can afford it." Was I in a minority that I was raised to believe that taking something you didn't pay for is theft? Yes, Craftsman has a lifetime warranty, but it's clear what the intent of that warranty is by the terms of it: the original purchaser of the tool is entitled to a replacement assuming they didn't abuse the tool. That's it. Anything other than that is sneaky at best, dishonest at worst. Not only that, but when you have a group of people who break every rule they can get away with, we end up with stricter rules, less trust, and a society of thieves who feel they have to compete on the same level if they simply want to stay in the game. This same principle is what now guides Comcast, Bank of America, and every other company that ignores laws they think they can break as long as they make a buck.
I don't have a lot of things that make me mad, but this is one of them. Please don't do this, don't encourage others to do it, and don't ignore it. Let your friends know that it's not cool to take advantage of anyone just because you can, whoever that anyone is.
I'm sorry, Junk-Man, I don't mean to rip you a new one. I'm disappointed that this kind of thing is becoming so commonplace that no one thinks twice about it, and in fact feels the need to brag about it online. It's just awfully discouraging.
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Ahem. Prepare for a rant.
My father-in-law loves telling these kinds of stories, he thinks people are impressed by how "crafty" he is. Most agree behind his back he's a guy that can't be trusted.
I often hear people say something akin to "it's a big corporation, they can afford it." Was I in a minority that I was raised to believe that taking something you didn't pay for is theft? Yes, Craftsman has a lifetime warranty, but it's clear what the intent of that warranty is by the terms of it: the original purchaser of the tool is entitled to a replacement assuming they didn't abuse the tool. That's it. Anything other than that is sneaky at best, dishonest at worst. Not only that, but when you have a group of people who break every rule they can get away with, we end up with stricter rules, less trust, and a society of thieves.
I don't have a lot of things that make me mad, but this is one of them. Please don't do this, don't encourage others to do it, and don't ignore it. Let your friends know that it's not cool to take advantage of anyone just because you can, whoever that anyone is.
I couldn't agree with you more.
And people wonder why Home Depot and Lowes have become more restrictive on their return policies
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PassnThru
Well-known member
It's like the original Home Depot deals thread. When did we stoop to this level as a forum?
gdocktor3
Well-known member
I was going to say the same exact thing!
On another note, I was at Sears today up in Massachusetts (from CT) and there was a ton a stuff on sale. I literally had to fight myself from buying multiple items. Luckily I already owned most of them. There were 3/4" drive 1-3/4" sockets for $7. Granted they're made in China, that's a heck of a discount down from $20 something dollars. Also all their USA made ball pien hammers were on sale, hatchets, adjustable pry bars, 27mm wrenches were also $7 I believe, and a lot more. One thing I will say though, I wasn't too impressed with the new pry bars. Ya they're made in the USA and have the striking caps, but the handles feel like cheap plastic and will end up breaking after too many hard hits. Maybe I'm wrong, but I won't be buying any...
Easy to justify about any behavior?
Would Sears have been so "customer oriented", if the OP had been honest and told them up front, he purchased the item at a yard sale?
Probably not.
They just assumed that he was an actual Sears customer, the ones that used to help move them to prosperity, verses the toilet
The few ruin things for everybody else.
kctyphoon
Banned
When the vultures figured out they could run an eBay and Craigslist side business without having to pay for anything. Then all morals went out the door as soon as it was them making out, and not someone else. I belive some of them were part of the "buy American to keep American jobs here crowd".. I refuse to open that thread out of pure disgust on what goes on in there with the penny deals, and instructions listed on how to threaten managment into getting something for nothing..
Ahem. Prepare for a rant.
My father-in-law loves telling these kinds of stories, he thinks people are impressed by how "crafty" he is. Most agree behind his back he's a guy that can't be trusted.
I often hear people say something akin to "it's a big corporation, they can afford it." Was I in a minority that I was raised to believe that taking something you didn't pay for is theft? Yes, Craftsman has a lifetime warranty, but it's clear what the intent of that warranty is by the terms of it: the original purchaser of the tool is entitled to a replacement assuming they didn't abuse the tool. That's it. Anything other than that is sneaky at best, dishonest at worst. Not only that, but when you have a group of people who break every rule they can get away with, we end up with stricter rules, less trust, and a society of thieves who feel they have to compete on the same level if they simply want to stay in the game. This same principle is what now guides Comcast, Bank of America, and every other company that ignores laws they think they can break as long as they make a buck.
I don't have a lot of things that make me mad, but this is one of them. Please don't do this, don't encourage others to do it, and don't ignore it. Let your friends know that it's not cool to take advantage of anyone just because you can, whoever that anyone is.
I'm sorry, Junk-Man, I don't mean to rip you a new one. I'm disappointed that this kind of thing is becoming so commonplace that no one thinks twice about it, and in fact feels the need to brag about it online. It's just awfully discouraging.
I agree 100%
OP, congrats on committing fraud on Sears warranty policy... 
I just roll my eyes at these threads, just as bad is the 'I got a warranty craftsman 1/4" ratchet after I durn reefed on 'er with a 5ft cheater bar'
Great...
I just roll my eyes at these threads, just as bad is the 'I got a warranty craftsman 1/4" ratchet after I durn reefed on 'er with a 5ft cheater bar'
Great...
Zen, I deleted my original post after realizing that I misread it the first time. I glossed over the fact that the OP returned a garage sale find... Couldn't agree with you more, My new post is above...
6 & 7/8
Well-known member
HUMMMMMMMMM
Craftsman (or Craftsman Industrial) Hand Tool Full Warranty
If this Craftsman (or Craftsman Industrial) hand tool ever fails to provide complete satisfaction, it will be repaired or replaced free of charge.
Craftsman (or Craftsman Industrial) Hand Tool Full Warranty
If this Craftsman (or Craftsman Industrial) hand tool ever fails to provide complete satisfaction, it will be repaired or replaced free of charge.
Marctrees
Well-known member
Guys - Quit being so hard on Junk-man.
He went with intent to replace the tool, even though he bought it cheap used, I would bet by far the majority of us have done that.
Then, on the spot, they said all they can do is give the $40 card.
How many of you, would at that moment, refused the card?
Not all, but I bet most would accept it.
Stop and be honest w yourself.
He did NOT go in w the prethought intent of ripping Sears off for $40.
I dunno, just my thoughts. Marc
He went with intent to replace the tool, even though he bought it cheap used, I would bet by far the majority of us have done that.
Then, on the spot, they said all they can do is give the $40 card.
How many of you, would at that moment, refused the card?
Not all, but I bet most would accept it.
Stop and be honest w yourself.
He did NOT go in w the prethought intent of ripping Sears off for $40.
I dunno, just my thoughts. Marc
Marctrees
Well-known member
The only dumb part was the amount of the gift card compared to the replacement cost of the tool.
$20 max would have probably more equitable for all.
Marc
$20 max would have probably more equitable for all.
Marc
PassnThru
Well-known member
Well no - I warranty Craftsman tools that I bought from Sears.
It never even occurred to me that I should buy broken Craftsman tools just to get new ones.
Now that I'm aware that people do it - I'll stick to my previous plan.
It never even occurred to me that I should buy broken Craftsman tools just to get new ones.
Now that I'm aware that people do it - I'll stick to my previous plan.
Marctrees
Well-known member
And what if you bought a used tool in useful condition, NOT already broken, at a garage sale, and a year later it snapped off broke?
You would, or would not go for replacement??
??
??
Marc
You would, or would not go for replacement??
??
??
Marc
budmur
Well-known member
This is important - It has Sears' name on it, and by the terms of the warranty they should warrant it. Over the last 20 years, Sears has been removing SKUs of tools they promised to warranty forever. Every Christmas, they bring out a new batch of gimicky **** that they promise to warranty, and within the year, it's no longer available.
Sears has lost all trust with me.
PassnThru
Well-known member
Well - you are comparing apples to oranges - the OP bought a broken tool and warrantied it - he didn't buy a working tool that broke later. I think that is an important distinction.
First off when i bought the tool I didnt buy it with the intent to have it replaced in fact i had forgotten that I even had it untill yesterday when I was looking for a punch, I don't even know how i remember what i paid for it. I took it to sears when i saw it was broken with the thought of getting a new one, the kid at the counter said it was no longer avalible and the closest thing he could find to it on his computer was $40 so he asked if I wanted a gift card instead. What would have you done? Be honest how many of you would have turnded that down? Seriosly, I think your all overreacting a bit, i was simply sharing my good fortune.
TigerDude
Well-known member
Good job, you're a thief
PassnThru
Well-known member
Are you trying to say that you didn't know it was broken when you bought it?
TigerDude
Well-known member
your good fortune comes at the expense of someone else.
Marctrees
Well-known member
The OP NEVER said it was broken when he got it, re read the OP.
I based my comments off of what he said. Marc
I based my comments off of what he said. Marc
PassnThru
Well-known member
Quoted - O K?
Yes, I grabbed it with some other stuff and didn't look too closely.
PassnThru
Well-known member
Ahem. Prepare for a rant.
My father-in-law loves telling these kinds of stories, he thinks people are impressed by how "crafty" he is. Most agree behind his back he's a guy that can't be trusted.
I often hear people say something akin to "it's a big corporation, they can afford it." Was I in a minority that I was raised to believe that taking something you didn't pay for is theft? Yes, Craftsman has a lifetime warranty, but it's clear what the intent of that warranty is by the terms of it: the original purchaser of the tool is entitled to a replacement assuming they didn't abuse the tool. That's it. Anything other than that is sneaky at best, dishonest at worst. Not only that, but when you have a group of people who break every rule they can get away with, we end up with stricter rules, less trust, and a society of thieves who feel they have to compete on the same level if they simply want to stay in the game. This same principle is what now guides Comcast, Bank of America, and every other company that ignores laws they think they can break as long as they make a buck.
I don't have a lot of things that make me mad, but this is one of them. Please don't do this, don't encourage others to do it, and don't ignore it. Let your friends know that it's not cool to take advantage of anyone just because you can, whoever that anyone is.
I'm sorry, Junk-Man, I don't mean to rip you a new one. I'm disappointed that this kind of thing is becoming so commonplace that no one thinks twice about it, and in fact feels the need to brag about it online. It's just awfully discouraging.
Just a shout out to Guatama for steering this thread in the right direction.
Empty Pockets
Well-known member
Ahem. Prepare for a rant.
My father-in-law loves telling these kinds of stories, he thinks people are impressed by how "crafty" he is. Most agree behind his back he's a guy that can't be trusted.
I often hear people say something akin to "it's a big corporation, they can afford it." Was I in a minority that I was raised to believe that taking something you didn't pay for is theft? Yes, Craftsman has a lifetime warranty, but it's clear what the intent of that warranty is by the terms of it: the original purchaser of the tool is entitled to a replacement assuming they didn't abuse the tool. That's it. Anything other than that is sneaky at best, dishonest at worst. Not only that, but when you have a group of people who break every rule they can get away with, we end up with stricter rules, less trust, and a society of thieves who feel they have to compete on the same level if they simply want to stay in the game. This same principle is what now guides Comcast, Bank of America, and every other company that ignores laws they think they can break as long as they make a buck.
I don't have a lot of things that make me mad, but this is one of them. Please don't do this, don't encourage others to do it, and don't ignore it. Let your friends know that it's not cool to take advantage of anyone just because you can, whoever that anyone is.
I'm sorry, Junk-Man, I don't mean to rip you a new one. I'm disappointed that this kind of thing is becoming so commonplace that no one thinks twice about it, and in fact feels the need to brag about it online. It's just awfully discouraging.
^^^ What he said.
From time to time I have had to swap out a tool or two at Sears. Probably no more that 12-13 in over 40 years. In every case, the tool failed and was not abused. Last month, Sears was less then cooperative with a #2 screwdriver whose tip got mushy. After a little civil conversation, we got it exchanged.
Now I understand why
No, I would not have taken the money.
I was given a set of tools with a lifetime warranty by a friend. I won't even warranty the ratchets as I didn't buy it and I don't think it is right for me to get free tolls when I didn't originally buy them.
I was given a set of tools with a lifetime warranty by a friend. I won't even warranty the ratchets as I didn't buy it and I don't think it is right for me to get free tolls when I didn't originally buy them.
Empty Pockets
Well-known member
If the truth be told, I did have the occasion to warranty 2 sockets that I didn't purchase.
Both sockets came to me in my dad's estate, were deep well 3/8 drive and cracked through their entire length.
I sent an email to SK, I explained that they were from my dad's estate, and I said that I would completely understand if they chose not to honor the warranty, as I was not the original purchaser.
The next day, I received an email from SK customer service, with return instructions. They were quite pleasant, and efficient. Soon after, I received replacement sockets.
As Craftsman has moved much of their production off shore, and the quality has declined, SK has since earned my business, many times over.
I sleep well at night, as I told the whole story and did not deceive anyone
Both sockets came to me in my dad's estate, were deep well 3/8 drive and cracked through their entire length.
I sent an email to SK, I explained that they were from my dad's estate, and I said that I would completely understand if they chose not to honor the warranty, as I was not the original purchaser.
The next day, I received an email from SK customer service, with return instructions. They were quite pleasant, and efficient. Soon after, I received replacement sockets.
As Craftsman has moved much of their production off shore, and the quality has declined, SK has since earned my business, many times over.
I sleep well at night, as I told the whole story and did not deceive anyone
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DSLTRK
Well-known member
I love this.
OP make sure you wear some good gloves when you're wrenching on a torx.But, this reminds me when I called Snap-On to exchange some dikes that failed under normal service a few months back. They ended up sending me two of them, and I'm glad I called them back to let them know.
And while they didn't want me to send the extra pliers back to them, It was worth it to me to choose the correct choice and let them know about their mistake.
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Mechanical Noise
Well-known member
Yeah, you're in a minority. It's NOT theft if you take something with permission.
The text of the warranty is quite clear:
Craftsman (or Craftsman Industrial) Hand Tool Full Warranty
If this Craftsman (or Craftsman Industrial) hand tool ever fails to provide complete satisfaction, it will be repaired or replaced free of charge.
This warranty does not cover expendable parts that can wear out from normal use within the warranty period. *
It seems clear that That's It. Of course, Sears is free to change their warranty as they see fit. It is, literally, their business.
Anything other than that is sneaky at best, dishonest at worst. Not only that, but when you have a group of people who break every rule they can get away with, we end up with stricter rules, less trust, and a society of thieves who feel they have to compete on the same level if they simply want to stay in the game. This same principle is what now guides Comcast, Bank of America, and every other company that ignores laws they think they can break as long as they make a buck.
I don't have a lot of things that make me mad, but this is one of them. Please don't do this, don't encourage others to do it, and don't ignore it. Let your friends know that it's not cool to take advantage of anyone just because you can, whoever that anyone is.
I'm sorry, Junk-Man, I don't mean to rip you a new one. I'm disappointed that this kind of thing is becoming so commonplace that no one thinks twice about it, and in fact feels the need to brag about it online. It's just awfully discouraging.
I have a question for anyone who feels this is a Moral Issue. Suppose Sears ran a promotion in which they randomly sent gift cards to a few thousand people. Would it be wrong to use that card? After all, you did NOTHING to earn it, Sears just gave it to you.
Why is exchanging a broken tool, and doing it according to Sears' rules, any different?
Mechanical Noise
Well-known member
I agree, if they made a mistake, it's ethical to return it. And, to make it even bigger, if the bank makes a mistake and adds $1000 to my account, I have no legal right to keep that money.
But we aren't talking about a clerk mistakenly accepting a returned tool for exchange or a card. It's Sears policy.
And what if Sears intentionally sent someone a gift card as a promotion? Would it be unethical to use it?
Weird Tolkienish Figure
Well-known member
Ahem. Prepare for a rant.
My father-in-law loves telling these kinds of stories, he thinks people are impressed by how "crafty" he is. Most agree behind his back he's a guy that can't be trusted.
I often hear people say something akin to "it's a big corporation, they can afford it." Was I in a minority that I was raised to believe that taking something you didn't pay for is theft? Yes, Craftsman has a lifetime warranty, but it's clear what the intent of that warranty is by the terms of it: the original purchaser of the tool is entitled to a replacement assuming they didn't abuse the tool. That's it. Anything other than that is sneaky at best, dishonest at worst. Not only that, but when you have a group of people who break every rule they can get away with, we end up with stricter rules, less trust, and a society of thieves who feel they have to compete on the same level if they simply want to stay in the game. This same principle is what now guides Comcast, Bank of America, and every other company that ignores laws they think they can break as long as they make a buck.
I don't have a lot of things that make me mad, but this is one of them. Please don't do this, don't encourage others to do it, and don't ignore it. Let your friends know that it's not cool to take advantage of anyone just because you can, whoever that anyone is.
I'm sorry, Junk-Man, I don't mean to rip you a new one. I'm disappointed that this kind of thing is becoming so commonplace that no one thinks twice about it, and in fact feels the need to brag about it online. It's just awfully discouraging.
I agree with this. I'm always struck by how many people I hear say they use Sears screwdrivers as chisels, knowing that Sears will replace them when they fail.
Was the lifetime warranty only for the original purchaser? I mean, seriously, unless that was the case you should have absolutely no qualms about a warranty replacement. The terms of the warranty were and are a business decision on the part of the retailer. If that decision leads to hardship for the business then so be it. The next generation of retailers will hopefully learn from that mistake and fill the gap.
Nobody has any responsibility for Sears' warranty policy but Sears. The same goes for Home Depot, Lowes, or any other business. The situation that Sears is in today has a lot more to do with complacency and poor strategy than somebody getting a screwdriver (or any other hand tool) replaced. Everyone who has broken Craftsman tools could throw them away and Sears' situation wouldn't improve one iota.
Hybridss
Well-known member
Nothing wrong with what the OP did. The warranty for specific Craftsman Tools is very clearly stated. For hand tools:
It is implied that the warranty is then transferable. This is also part of the appeal and value of certain Craftsman tools...always has been. Craftsman tools have more initial sale value and resale value for this specific reason.
This of course does not apply to all Craftsman tools. The lesser cheaper brands only come with a short warranty. And other equipment have differing warranties and require proof of purchase or receipt. That is not true to the tools that fall under the warranty quoted.
See this warranty for comparison:
Tape measures have 1 year and require proof of sale.
The same goes for Snap On. They retain value because of this very reason.
It is not theft in any way unless there is deception involved and the transaction was done deceptively and outside the scope and intent of the warranty as it is stated.
Four Cycle I think you are dead wrong when you say it is implied that the warranty is extended only to the original purchaser and not transferable.
You can view all of the warranties here:
https://www.craftsman.com/customer-care/warranty-information
They are very specific when the warranty is meant only for the original purchaser. They plainly state it in the warranty.
I think many of you guys are conflating bad behavior and scamming tactics towards retailers with a very broadly written warranty.
It is implied that the warranty is then transferable. This is also part of the appeal and value of certain Craftsman tools...always has been. Craftsman tools have more initial sale value and resale value for this specific reason.
This of course does not apply to all Craftsman tools. The lesser cheaper brands only come with a short warranty. And other equipment have differing warranties and require proof of purchase or receipt. That is not true to the tools that fall under the warranty quoted.
See this warranty for comparison:
Tape measures have 1 year and require proof of sale.
The same goes for Snap On. They retain value because of this very reason.
It is not theft in any way unless there is deception involved and the transaction was done deceptively and outside the scope and intent of the warranty as it is stated.
Four Cycle I think you are dead wrong when you say it is implied that the warranty is extended only to the original purchaser and not transferable.
You can view all of the warranties here:
https://www.craftsman.com/customer-care/warranty-information
They are very specific when the warranty is meant only for the original purchaser. They plainly state it in the warranty.
I think many of you guys are conflating bad behavior and scamming tactics towards retailers with a very broadly written warranty.
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Mechanical Noise
Well-known member
Which apples, which oranges? I know I've cut a huge block of text to get straight to my point, so if I've snipped something important, please bring it up.
My point is that Sears makes the rules for it's warranty. The text is clear. Any further implications are less clear. Sears has always been free to change their warranty and, aside from a few details, they have not. In my view, Sears keeps the Craftsman warranty as a promotional benefit, much like giving out coupons and such. Perhaps that's not true?
But I think my question remains. Is it unethical to use a free promotional gift card?
I'll admit I get free stuff from corporations all the time. If Sears buys a big banner ad on my homepage, must I buy something from Sears in return? Am I even obligated to click on the link?
So, where are the apples and oranges here? Corporations give out stuff all the time. Assuming I'm not committing a deception or taking advantage of a mistake, why would it be more unethical to return a tool under the terms of the warranty than it would to use a Sears coupon or ignore a Sears banner ad?