Frustration with Sears

[MaximRecoil]

You just did it. By asking. Simply seeking reviews or experiences of others.

There's no consensus on Craftsman tools. You can find conflicting opinions in this thread alone, and you can find similar conflicting opinions about all brands (some more than others of course). Additionally, asking will tell you nothing about the metallurgy of the particular tool or batch of tools you are looking at in the store. The OP's screwdriver problems were metallurgical in nature, assuming he didn't misuse them, and not everyone experiences those same problems with Craftsman screwdrivers.

Short of lab tests, there's no way to fully determine the metallurgical properties of a tool you are considering buying.

 

[treasureseeker]

Craftsman tools for the most part are a good value and generally have an easy warranty but they are in a unique position. The quality of a standard Craftsman tool at some point in their history may be only equal to their current professional line today. I have been upgraded after pointing this out on some items. With the low cost of Snap-On on eBay I have replaced most of my Craftsman tools.

 

[diesel research]

I don't think there is much conflicting reports on craftsmen clear handle screw drivers. Have stinky handles and tips made of cheese.

Time to step up to wera, pb swiss, snap on/williams, vessel, or other such driver.


For other poster, I don't think anyone is excited about SK screw drivers, BUT even if they were, they are not clear handle CM, they were CM pro. Shouldn't be a surprise since western forge is owned by ideal....making them sisters. I'm actually glad they got away from part of the rebranded product line like tool boxes and air tools. Staying mainly with basic wrenches and sockets. Neither of which have anything to do with current CM.

 

[dirtrider]

There's no consensus on Craftsman tools. You can find conflicting opinions in this thread alone, and you can find similar conflicting opinions about all brands (some more than others of course). Additionally, asking will tell you nothing about the metallurgy of the particular tool or batch of tools you are looking at in the store. The OP's screwdriver problems were metallurgical in nature, assuming he didn't misuse them, and not everyone experiences those same problems with Craftsman screwdrivers.

Short of lab tests, there's no way to fully determine the metallurgical properties of a tool you are considering buying.

Your missing the point, whether or not you can check the "metallurgy" characteristics of the tool before you buy is irrelevant. The point is it is no ones responsibility but your own when deciding to buy a tool. You are right there are many opinions and lots of info on particular tools but it is up to you to use your best judgement with whatever info you have and hope for the best. Sometimes the outcome is not the best but that is the world we live in. Considering what the OP paid initially for the screwdrivers this is not a big loss and he has the right not to purchase anything from Sears again.

 

[MaximRecoil]

Your missing the point

No.

whether or not you can check the "metallurgy" characteristics of the tool before you buy is irrelevant.

No. You said:

"Again it is your own responsibility to decide whether or not the tool is quality before you buy not Sears"

Since the OP's screwdriver issue is metallurgical in nature, then "whether or not you can check the 'metallurgy' characteristics of the tool before you buy" absolutely is relevant.

Now, he is having a metallurgy issue. You have told him that he needs to "decide whether or not the tool is quality before [he buys]". "Quality" in this context is the metallurgy. Go ahead and explain how he is supposed to do that.

The point is it is no ones responsibility but your own when deciding to buy a tool.

The company bears responsibility for their advertising, which is why there are laws related to "false advertising". If a company advertises their tools as being high quality, and their tools would not pass a "reasonable person" test of being "high quality", then there is a problem.

 

[diesel research]

Are clear handled CM screw drivers advertised as high quality/professional, or specify certain metrics? No.

Are they widely known to be sub-par? Yes.

 

[MaximRecoil]

Are clear handled CM screw drivers advertised as high quality/professional, or specify certain metrics? No.

Craftsman products in general are advertised as high quality.

 

[diesel research]

I went through my crapsmen catalog. All of the clear handled stuff was on the same page listed as "general purpose", w/o even mentioning warranty like most of the other pages. 2 sets were called "heavy duty" and had a few larger drivers in them. Other than that, no advertising even suggesting such a thing. Only thing suggesting they might be quality is a few people with fading memories of old drivers.

As for metallurgy, that can also sometimes be gauged by finish quality. Typically a better steel will have a finer grain and be more receptive to finish machining/heat treatment. It also shows an attention to detail.

If you have ever used old cheap tools stamped "india", you will know what quality metals do NOT look like.

 

[DARKSCOPE001]

i hate clear handles idk why anyone besides a homeowner would buy them. I realize that you probably bought them back when thats all cman made. (im not blaming you) but yes your right they are terrible tools that make me want to get sick every time i use them.

I dont think sears is obligated to upgrade you (I know that sounds bad) but what i do think sears is obligated to do. if for you to take the new driver in a few days later for store credit. ha

But to be quite honest I find myself reaching for my ratcheting screwdriver more often than not to remove screws and do work. I like the fact that I can replace tips as they get worn not the whole driver. And the gold flake on the craftsman drivers comes off way to easy. knowing my luck i will try to warantee a craftsman driver with no print left on it and they will try to tell me no.

Thanks
Sean Scott

 

[rebelram]

Should screwdrivers (in any brand) be considered a consumable? Every screwdriver I have ever used has some wear on it. Eventually the tips wear out, then you either warranty them, or turn them into other pick type tools.

Snap on replaces shafts, so by doing that I would think they consider the tips/shafts as something that is consumable. Same thing goes for their socket bits, hex, torx etc.

Now that being said, I realize some screwdrivers last longer than others, but in the end, they all wear out. I keep lots of different types, sizes, and brands of screwdrivers on hand, including the clear handled Craftsmans. They work for most of my purposes. But if any of my screwdrivers fail on me while I'm working on a task, I just go back over to my box and grab another one. I replace the worn one when I have time.

Do I warranty clear handled Craftsmans? I have in the past, sometimes I modify them into other tools I can use. As inexpensive as they are, it doesn't bother me in the least.

My suggestion to the OP would be warranty the Craftsmans you have when you need to. Look into buying another quality set of screwdrivers to supplement the tools you have. Nothing wrong with having more tools!

 

[warmpancakes]

since Kmart purchased the warranty policy has changed it was "satisfaction gaurnteed or your money back" Not its replaced or fixed free of charge if its a tool they no longer have you get store credit

 

[Buckgnarly]

So on a garage forum we have people wasting the gas trying to return mag trays? I have a ton of them, almost all of them I have epoxied back on with no problems whatsoever since. It's a pretty complicated procedure that "DIY's" should avoid I guess.

Does it **** that the glue is worthless, yes? Is it that much effort to reglue them, no.

Guess it's easier to go to Sears and throw a tantrum, go on the net to ***** and moan, them spend double for another "name" brand set...............as always, just my humble observations.....



As for the OP, keep the Cman cheapies for prybars, homemade tools, etc. I have a ton of clear handled that I could car less about b/c they are so inexpensive, US made, and "disposable". Save your good ones to use as screwdrivers!

 

[Toolhorder]

So on a garage forum we have people wasting the gas trying to return mag trays? I have a ton of them, almost all of them I have epoxied back on with no problems whatsoever since. It's a pretty complicated procedure that "DIY's" should avoid I guess.

Does it **** that the glue is worthless, yes? Is it that much effort to reglue them, no.

Guess it's easier to go to Sears and throw a tantrum, go on the net to ***** and moan, them spend double for another "name" brand set...............as always, just my humble observations.....

If this is directed toward my experience with the mag trays here are my replies,

My co-worker didn't waste much gas as the Sears is right down the street maybe a mile. Even if he wasted gas to drive back he was within his right to do so since the product is defective and should be replaced under the hand tool warranty.
That's great you choose to ignore the quality problem and fix it yourself but we would rather not fix Sear's quality problems after the sale when we are in the business of fixing cars for profit at the shop. I'm sure Sears likes when a consumer fixes the problem instead of pointing it out so they don't have to fix it.

Nobody threw a fit at Sears, it was a simple replace this defective tool and my friend was made to feel like he was stealing from the store or something. Most likely he got the employee or manager who has decided to dictate warranty policy's on their own on a case by case basis which from my experience is a common practice at the 3-4 stores in our area.
We choose to just spend our money elsewhere which is typical when you have a lack of quality and customer service from a vendor. If the replacement is more so be it, it's our money and we could care less what some homeowner on the internet thinks.

 

[Toolhorder]

since Kmart purchased the warranty policy has changed it was "satisfaction gaurnteed or your money back" Not its replaced or fixed free of charge if its a tool they no longer have you get store credit

You are correct sir. When I started buying tools at Sears as a kid that's exactly what was printed on the packaging.

 

[dirtrider]

No.



No. You said:

"Again it is your own responsibility to decide whether or not the tool is quality before you buy not Sears"

Since the OP's screwdriver issue is metallurgical in nature, then "whether or not you can check the 'metallurgy' characteristics of the tool before you buy" absolutely is relevant.

Now, he is having a metallurgy issue. You have told him that he needs to "decide whether or not the tool is quality before [he buys]". "Quality" in this context is the metallurgy. Go ahead and explain how he is supposed to do that.



The company bears responsibility for their advertising, which is why there are laws related to "false advertising". If a company advertises their tools as being high quality, and their tools would not pass a "reasonable person" test of being "high quality", then there is a problem.

Your still missing the point even if you think your not,checking quality of a tool in this context is not metallurgy in nature but a subjective opinion of the consumer and his decision to buy at his own risk. Whether or not the consumer can tell the quality of the tool in question by any process before purchasing is not my argument only that he has the right and responsibility to decide for himself . Sears is not liable because the OP or anyone else feels that particular tool does not meet the metallurgical standards they wanted as long as Sears holds there end of the warranty agreement.

Yes there are many laws that protect consumers from ads that have the potential to deceive. But technically speaking there is such a fact called a "reasonable person" acknowledged in common law but it is used to define what a reasonable person would do under certain conditions by studying human behavior in determining negligence in criminal and tort law, there is no acceptable application of that precedent in this argument. High quality in it self has many different meanings and definitions if you have a problem with Sears advertising and can prove they violated any advertising regulations especially concerning these screwdrivers I suggest you try and contact the FTC good luck.

 

[clark_nicholas]

I returned a set of craftsman quick wrenches (you know the ones with the rachecting openend )for craftsman pro wanted to pay the difference. I told they **** and they told me they could not do that be cause there was nothing wrong with them. I said ok I go break all them. then they gave a full set of sae pro wrenches inexchange HAHA

 

[johnsdeere850j]

No.



No. You said:

"Again it is your own responsibility to decide whether or not the tool is quality before you buy not Sears"

Since the OP's screwdriver issue is metallurgical in nature, then "whether or not you can check the 'metallurgy' characteristics of the tool before you buy" absolutely is relevant.

Now, he is having a metallurgy issue. You have told him that he needs to "decide whether or not the tool is quality before [he buys]". "Quality" in this context is the metallurgy. Go ahead and explain how he is supposed to do that.



The company bears responsibility for their advertising, which is why there are laws related to "false advertising". If a company advertises their tools as being high quality, and their tools would not pass a "reasonable person" test of being "high quality", then there is a problem.

They are like $1 per screwdriver, who cares!!! Get what you pay for usually..i wouldnt buy a air cooled gas generator and expect it to last as long as a water cooled generator.

 

[oilslick]

I love this forum, it really makes me question my position on all sorts of issues, that being said I think sears *****, maybe I am a whiney ***** but I just hate BS and to me a lot of what sears trys to sell is just that.

 

[Gross]

I am more of a weekend warrior, but I have had nothing but good luck with my Sears. They have replaced everything I have brought in regardless if it was a broken ratcheting wrench, a screwdriver with rust, or a socket with flaking chrome. I will continue to buy Craftsman for most of my hand tool needs.

Granted, at work all I use is Wiha, LOL.

 

[TK LP]

I've got a set of the clear-handled Craftsman screwdrivers that I bought several years ago. Over the years, nearly every one of them has needed to be replaced due to breakage. Last week I brought two in with broken tips, and asked if I could exchange them for the equivalent models from the Professional series, and I would be happy to pay the difference in cost. The salesperson said she couldn't do that. I had her get the department manager, who also said he couldn't do the exchange. In the end, they swapped out my broken ones for the same model, but I was under the impression that Craftsman tools were under a satisfaction guarantee from Sears. If I'm not satisfied with my purchase, what are they going to make things right? It's not like I'm asking for free tools or anything, I'm willing to pay the difference in price, I just want something that's usable and not going to break every third time I try to use it. Has anyone had a similar experience with Sears, and been able to get a fair resolution?

So if I'm reading this right, Sears agreed to honor their stated satisfaction repair or replace warranty, but would not allow you a credit towards an upgrade. For the sake of discussion, do you have your original sales reciept? What exactly gave you the impression that you had the right to demand or expect a refund or credit for your broken tool, without a reciept?

I've never had a problem having a broken Craftsman hand tool replaced when presented to them. I've also never had a problem returning an item to Sears when I had my original sales reciept. It's sounds like you got a "fair" resolution, you're asking for more.

As to the screwdrivers themselves, it's the internet, you can offer any opinion of them you like. If you think they are junk, by all means, get on you soapbox and tell the world. Thats what these forums are for. But they gave you the warranty you bought. Saying otherewise, you're not being fair.

 

[Butters]

But they gave you the warranty you bought. Saying otherewise, you're not being fair.

I don't agree with that. Yes, Sears honored the replacement warranty. I honestly don't know if they have a satisfaction warranty or replacement, but there is a bigger picture. I think any decent business should try to keep their customers satisfied. What the OP requested was not at all unreasonable and it would have cost Sears basically nothing and he would have left satisfied.

To me, it isn't whether Sears HAD to allow the upgrade at his expense. It is more a matter that they absolutely SHOULD have allowed it. It's just good business. Whether it is Sears' policy or lack of training to line level employees, Sears doesn't seem to have good customer service practices.

 

[TK LP]

I don't agree with that. Yes, Sears honored the replacement warranty. I honestly don't know if they have a satisfaction warranty or replacement, but there is a bigger picture. I think any decent business should try to keep their customers satisfied. What the OP requested was not at all unreasonable and it would have cost Sears basically nothing and he would have left satisfied.

To me, it isn't whether Sears HAD to allow the upgrade at his expense. It is more a matter that they absolutely SHOULD have allowed it. It's just good business. Whether it is Sears' policy or lack of training to line level employees, Sears doesn't seem to have good customer service practices.

Then don't agree. He got what he bought. If he had a reciept, it might be different, but he did'nt distinguish that in any of his posts.

Calling Sears out for poor customer service because they don't bend over for everybody that walks in the door is self serving.

 

[jjjrmx5]

I don't agree with that. Yes, Sears honored the replacement warranty. I honestly don't know if they have a satisfaction warranty or replacement, but there is a bigger picture. I think any decent business should try to keep their customers satisfied. What the OP requested was not at all unreasonable and it would have cost Sears basically nothing and he would have left satisfied.

To me, it isn't whether Sears HAD to allow the upgrade at his expense. It is more a matter that they absolutely SHOULD have allowed it. It's just good business. Whether it is Sears' policy or lack of training to line level employees, Sears doesn't seem to have good customer service practices.

But again, you're expressing YOUR vision and business philosphy upon a company that is clearly not your own.

To the OP--In my eyes, the impact driver bits are "wear" items. No different than interchangeable screwdriver bit sets. I own the same Craftsmn impct driver and while the bits are expensive, they do wear and thusly break. Buy more. That's why they are replaceable.

As for the magnetic tray, there is a fine line between tool and storage item. I think if you found that problem with the pucks and returned within 30 days, fine. If not, buy a little glue and slap those suckers back on.

As for the screwdrivers, they offered you an exact replacement for free. While the Snappy guy may offer you the upgrade, a huge company with thousands of employees and hundreds of stores has policy in place for a reason. Some mangers work around it, but for the most part it is set up to ensure that employees are not given the ability to error in any way but in the store's favor. I see it every day in a lot of businesses where vendors or customers knowingly try to defraud suppliers. Cut back that ability and you cut back the losses. I realize you were being genuine, but inventory control and the "bean-counters" insist you play by the rules--especially a company that big.

I pretty much know what I get when buying C'man and have never had a return or exchange policy issue. If you don't like the product nor the customer service , don't buy there.

I continue to see a growing populace of shoppers who constantly complain that the products are never good enough, the price is never cheap enough and customer service doesn't allow themselves to be taken advantage of enough. The constant bitching about HF not allowing customers to use the toolbox coupon AND the 20% coupon or basically the re-work in HF coupon usage policy says it all to me.

 

[Butters]

Perhaps I'm not making this clear (or I am and we just disagree which is fine). Yes, I am holding Sears accountable to my business philosophy. The same way you or anybody else does when we decide where too spend our money. In no way am I saying Sears has an obligation to go beyond their warranty and I fully agree people take advantage of their, and others', warranties. Just because they aren't obligated to do it, doesn't mean shouldn't.

But in many cases like this case and similar ones, it costs them NOTHING to keep the customer happy. They aren't upgrading him for free they would just credit him toward the purchase of a better item and he can pay the difference. They would not have lost any money by allowing this. But now, how many fewer times will the OP buy at Sears? In this case, by adhering to some policy without taking a half second to actually look at the situation is going to cost Sears far more money.

You can't make everybody happy and you shouldn't waste money trying because some people will take advantage of it. But in many cases, and I think this is one, it costs little or nothing and you maintain a loyal customer base.

 

[TK LP]

Perhaps I'm not making this clear (or I am and we just disagree which is fine). Yes, I am holding Sears accountable to my business philosophy. The same way you or anybody else does when we decide where too spend our money. In no way am I saying Sears has an obligation to go beyond their warranty and I fully agree people take advantage of their, and others', warranties. Just because they aren't obligated to do it, doesn't mean shouldn't.

But in many cases like this case and similar ones, it costs them NOTHING to keep the customer happy. They aren't upgrading him for free they would just credit him toward the purchase of a better item and he can pay the difference. They would not have lost any money by allowing this. But now, how many fewer times will the OP buy at Sears? In this case, by adhering to some policy without taking a half second to actually look at the situation is going to cost Sears far more money.

You can't make everybody happy and you shouldn't waste money trying because some people will take advantage of it. But in many cases, and I think this is one, it costs little or nothing and you maintain a loyal customer base.

You're making youself perfectly clear. You don't think that Sears is doing enough to keep the customer happy by honoring their lifetime replacement guarantee. You think it's bad business and costs nothing for Sears to accept a return for full credit, tools that have been used for several years and can't be resold, so the customer can be kept happy and get an upgrade.

I realize the OP was prepared to pay the difference for the upgrade, but how does Sears recover the value of the original set, that thay are now unable to sell. That's not NOTHING. In essence, Sears would be subsidizing his upgrade. I can't imagine that would be a policy of a succesful business model. We disagree.

 

[jay50]

Perhaps I'm not making this clear (or I am and we just disagree which is fine). Yes, I am holding Sears accountable to my business philosophy. The same way you or anybody else does when we decide where too spend our money. In no way am I saying Sears has an obligation to go beyond their warranty and I fully agree people take advantage of their, and others', warranties. Just because they aren't obligated to do it, doesn't mean shouldn't.

But in many cases like this case and similar ones, it costs them NOTHING to keep the customer happy. They aren't upgrading him for free they would just credit him toward the purchase of a better item and he can pay the difference. They would not have lost any money by allowing this. But now, how many fewer times will the OP buy at Sears? In this case, by adhering to some policy without taking a half second to actually look at the situation is going to cost Sears far more money.

You can't make everybody happy and you shouldn't waste money trying because some people will take advantage of it. But in many cases, and I think this is one, it costs little or nothing and you maintain a loyal customer base.

Yeah, you're clear and so is your obvious ignorance as to how businesses operate and make a profit.

 

[diesel research]

But in many cases like this case and similar ones, it costs them NOTHING to keep the customer happy. They aren't upgrading him for free they would just credit him toward the purchase of a better item and he can pay the difference. They would not have lost any money by allowing this.

It kind of does. They are counting on you to decide the basic **** is...**** and purchase the upgraded model on your own free will. Thus losing a little potential profit of buying upgrade outright vs store credit.

How many times have you or I got tired of a tool failing and upgraded to a better model or different brand out of pocket? that is what they are aiming for. No matter how good a warranty is, you eventually get tired of the failures and wisen up (hopefully)


Time to upgrade:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001NQQCC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[jjjrmx5]

Perhaps I'm not making this clear (or I am and we just disagree which is fine).

I actually agree with you 100% Butters, and Companies are in business to make a profit. That said, return/exchange/upgrade policies not only vary from business to business but also change over time.

I applaud Sears for still actually "having and maintaining" a lifetime warranty for tools. For the price paid, it could be worse or even non-existant.

Shoppers have become very good at finding loopholes and "gaps in the fence" for items or policies that begin to bleed red for the bottom line.

The rules are there going in. Changes in management, software, inventory processes, return item processes and hundreds of other factors make the rules of working around the system change. If it were a mom and pop store, sure they'd be happy to help you out. Sears is bigger (sometimes for the worse) than that, thus you work within the system at hand.

Buy or don't buy, that's up to you.
But I don't feel offended nor put-off that someone modifying a Sears policy was countered with a "I'm sorry sir, we can't do that."

It's not Burger King. LOL.

 

[OldHarley]

Bear with me here, because mathematically this upgrade question is not as simple as it would seem. Why? Because Sears uses a 40% markup. If the Craftsman screwdrivers cost $1 each, they sell them for $1.40 and make $0.40 profit. If the higher priced screwdrivers cost $2 each they sell them for $2.80 and make $0.80 profit. OK?

When you bring back a broken Craftsman screwdriver and get a replacement, it basically costs Sears $1. (their cost). They have already made their $.40 profit and they turn the broken screwdriver back in to the manufacturer and get $1 credit. Sears breaks even with the manufacturer and makes their profit.

When you go for an upgrade here is what happens: First, you get $1.40 toward the upgrade, because that was the selling price you paid for the broken Craftsman screwdriver. Then you pay the additional $1.40 for the upgraded screwdriver. So there is $2.80 and you think you are even and Sears should like it.

Here is why they don't: So far, Sears has made $1.40, on the upgrade. Don't forget, though, they still get the $1. credit from the manufacturer on the broken Craftsman screwdriver. So, in this case of an upgrade they end up with a grand total of $2.40! But, they sell the better screwdriver for $2.80, so, what happened to their other $0.40 they should have made?

The answer is : YOU MADE IT!! It may not seem so, but effectively, YOU made their $0.40 profit when you received $1.40 credit on a tool they can buy for $1.00!!!

That equation goes against all sound business principles and is why they mathematically want to discourage giving an upgrade this way.

You may not like it, but it is how they should do business to stay in business,

 

[Butters]

Using your numbers . . .

Under a typical return they're out $2.00 in goods(cost of original and replacement) but that is balanced against the original .40 profit and the $1 credit - for a total loss of $.60.

If they credit the return toward an upgrade, they sell you a $2 screwdriver for $1.40 ($2.80 retail price minus the $1.40 credit) for a loss of $.60. But they still have their original profit of $.40 and will get $1 credit on the return. For a total profit of $.80 if they allow the upgrade. Or you could view it as an even transaction since they will lose the chance to get the $.80 profit on the upgraded screwdriver if sold later.

That's going with your numbers and obviously small changes in those numbers change things greatly. (For instance the $1 credit and I really doubt they profit $.40 on the original transaction)

But whether it costs them nothing or even a small loss, you need customers to return to give you future profits for a business to last. Better to lose a quarter today if it will make you $2 tomorrow.

Obviously some people disagree with my "obvious ignorance as to how businesses operate and make a profit." That's fine.

 

[pipsters]

My guess is Sears doesn't receive a credit when returns are done. It is their warranty not Western Forges. Also the kind of people that want retail credit for a return aren't the kind of customers Sears wants.

 

[PSYKO_Inc]

Bear with me here, because mathematically this upgrade question is not as simple as it would seem. Why? Because Sears uses a 40% markup. If the Craftsman screwdrivers cost $1 each, they sell them for $1.40 and make $0.40 profit. If the higher priced screwdrivers cost $2 each they sell them for $2.80 and make $0.80 profit. OK?

When you bring back a broken Craftsman screwdriver and get a replacement, it basically costs Sears $1. (their cost). They have already made their $.40 profit and they turn the broken screwdriver back in to the manufacturer and get $1 credit. Sears breaks even with the manufacturer and makes their profit.

When you go for an upgrade here is what happens: First, you get $1.40 toward the upgrade, because that was the selling price you paid for the broken Craftsman screwdriver. Then you pay the additional $1.40 for the upgraded screwdriver. So there is $2.80 and you think you are even and Sears should like it.

Here is why they don't: So far, Sears has made $1.40, on the upgrade. Don't forget, though, they still get the $1. credit from the manufacturer on the broken Craftsman screwdriver. So, in this case of an upgrade they end up with a grand total of $2.40! But, they sell the better screwdriver for $2.80, so, what happened to their other $0.40 they should have made?

The answer is : YOU MADE IT!! It may not seem so, but effectively, YOU made their $0.40 profit when you received $1.40 credit on a tool they can buy for $1.00!!!

That equation goes against all sound business principles and is why they mathematically want to discourage giving an upgrade this way.

You may not like it, but it is how they should do business to stay in business,

********. You said yourself they made their .40 cent profit on the first transaction.

 

[diesel research]

********. You said yourself they made their .40 cent profit on the first transaction.

While that is true, they would much rather keep the $.40 from last time and still make $.80 this time. (by selling them outright and you throwing away the old ones)

Similar to what I also had explained.

 

[jeffj78]

To play devil's advocate. Is there any store that would do this?

Yes, the 4 stores I visit frequently in the Chicago Burbs let me pay the difference all the time. It's all about the person because it is not a 30 second transaction. They have to ring up the warranty portion, then do a no receipt return, issue store credit, then I pay the difference for the upgraded tool.

Pretty simple - but again, it depends on who you are dealing with. Most of the employees and managers no me so they will do it.

 

[c_mccann]

I feel the same way, the last 15 years has produced soft screwdrivers for Cman. Though I can always get new screwdrivers from Sears no problem, I want a phillips head driver not to round out on me... I am keeping my eyes open for a Wiha or Wera set I can buy, then sell the Cman ones. It is not bad to evolve your tool set.

 

[diesel research]

go grab those wera chisel drivers