pissed at Sears

[carterbeauford]

I bought a 59355 tool cart these 3 months ago. got it home, it was missing a couple screws. I though no big deal, I can substitute an 8MM machine screw or something. they are an odd screw with a large flat head, couldn't find anything that matched the others. called the 800 number, it would be too easy to be able to call and order a few screws. 8 phone calls later I finally got the manager at the store who said he'd steal some screws out of another one in the box.

I never made it down there to get my screws until the cart started to lock all my tools in its drawers. I never once slid the locking lever to lock the drawers. there are 2 sliding sheetmetal u-channels that move up and down in the back of the toolbox part of the cart to lock the drawers in place, I had to reach up inside there and manually push them up to get my tools out. I took the drawers out and upon inspection the locking mechanism is defective. took it back, they gave me a hard time about exchanging it since it was outside of 90 days. eventually I got a new one in a sealed box (that hadn't been robbed of its screws) got it home, went to assemble it, the powdercoat is flaking off with rust underneath. whole back panel of the cart has a seam of rust.

when I originally bought the cart, I bought a Sony flatscreen TV on the same transaction. the screen was smashed when I got it home. I talked to Sears customer service who did nothing but read a prepared script expressing sympathy. at this point a gift card would be nice. I am not looking for a handout, I am just sick of spending the 48 hours off every week running to Sears. insanity is doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting a different result.

cliffnotes: I spent $1000+ at Sears and everything I got is ******* defective or damaged, and when I exchange it, the replacement is damaged, and no one has done anything about it other than argue with me when I try to make an exchange.

thoughts?

 

[bad_idea]

thoughts?

I've pissed at Sears before and always found the bathrooms to be clean.

 

[carterbeauford]

I've pissed at Sears before and always found the bathrooms to be clean.

the men's room was about like this

Had to use a public restroom today..ugh.
Isn't that the worst when you have to?
Godamnit..you j walk in, right. Here's the first thing, I don't care.
Anywhere in the country you go, why when you walk into a public restroom.
Why is everything ******* wet?! Right, there's puddles,
water all over the counter. It's dripping like you're in a ******* cave.

 

[pipsters]

I bought my tv at Amazon.

 

[carterbeauford]

I bought my tv at Amazon.

congrats, I've had a working TV for a while, my question is how do I get a working tool cart?

 

[nehog]

What's a Sears?

Oh, that store going out of business mostly because of horrible customer service!

 

[Frank The Plumber]

What's a Sears?

Oh, that store going out of business mostly because of horrible customer service!

Oh come on, they're nice. Til ya buy some thing.

 

[jjjrmx5]

Let's back this up to a little place I like to call reality. Hahaha.

First off, this is a tool forum, not electronics. You have a store with knuckle draggers as tv loaders ti seems, but that is neither here nor there.

Now...
Even on Black friday back in 2008, this cart was $175, which is pushing the limit of ROI. Back then.
http://www.dealigg.com/black-friday-Craftsman-2-Drawer-Deluxe-Mechanic-Cart

Missing hdwre is not good and a deal breaker. iOn the other hand, if you are good, a quick trip to your local Ace if they have the Hillman bin fastener set up will solve the problem.

If you can't fix it, then return, but even at HF the u-leg carts are only $50 or so these days and not a match but acceptable, so the Sears box is really ******* in the wind . At $175 in 2008 $$ are iffy, now HF 4 dwr or 5dwr cart offereings all the way for = or less.

As a side note, You deserve a full box of product o hardware and box from sears if you keep it no matter the case, but there are many many offerings out there today that provide better ROI and quaility sadly.

I once tried to set a heavy transmission on one of those chrome dual u-leg carts once. It racked quicker than a Vegas poker pit dealer on meth.

You can find way better product for less.



If Made in USA, I could see the desire, but that's a long gone thang.

 

[carterbeauford]

Let's back this up to a little place I like to call reality. Hahaha.

First off, this is a tool forum, not electronics.

right, I was included the TV example to prove my point.

I found similar screws, but not the exact screws, and had to use flat washers and it looked retarded. I have a touch of OCD and this did nothing but piss me off, but I was able to ignore it once I locked $500 in wrenches in one drawer and thought I had no way to get them out without destroying the cart.

Blue Point carts are also made in China and I try to stay away from HF. the Craftsman cart seemed to be of acceptable overall quality for my application, just wish the quality control was better.

 

[ElectroLight]

I gave up on Sears years ago. I'd put my HF tool cart up against that Sears cart any day. Just sayin'...

Oh, and I took a **** there once; that was bad...

 

[Diesel_Crawler]

Surprise surprise surprise, another sears rant. I bet half the threads on the General Tool Discussion board are about sears. Yet people still buy from them and rant about what happens after...

If you wanted something that works buy one of the many other good brands mentioned on here, there are lots other then Snap On Cornwell etc or buy over seas junk and live with it, Because no one at sears cares how much you spend there. Its has not been that kind of store for a long time.

 

[B17E1943]

cliffnotes: I spent $1000+ at Sears and everything I got is ******* defective or damaged, and when I exchange it, the replacement is damaged, and no one has done anything about it other than argue with me when I try to make an exchange.

thoughts?

Maybe you should quit buying your ******* **** at Sears?

 

[plung]

Those employees at Sears do not get paid enough to care. Don't blame them either.

 

[pipsters]

congrats, I've had a working TV for a while, my question is how do I get a working tool cart?

Don't buy one from Sears

 

[DiyType]

I still like Sears, but I only buy made in USA Craftsman hand tools only.

 

[jdl25]

You know I absolutely love walking around Sears. I don buy alot from Sears but when I get the chance to look around I sure enjoy it. That does not mean they dont stink at customer service and business on the whole. And their website could be improved by 6th graders. I sure do like to go in and look around though.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I had a little problem during Craftsman Club days. I cancelled the order and after a few emails and finally a call to them on the 22nd, 11 days later, my order was finally cancelled.

 

[NUTTSGT]

And their website could be improved by 6th graders.

You are absolutely correct.


Atleast they are trying to fix that situation with the feedback survey. It is more indepth than it used to be.

 

[ElectroLight]

I still like Sears, but I only buy made in USA Craftsman hand tools only.

Well, you better hurry up because the chicom **** is rolling in fast...

 

[1967lemans]

yep, and that is why this guy dropped the craftsman line. Only Proto, Armstong, SK, Snap on, etc for this guy

 

[DiyType]

Well, you better hurry up because the chicom **** is rolling in fast...

You are correct. I do look at the other brands now and I never use too.

Armstrong (Danaher) also.

 

[Coach James]

Those employees at Sears do not get paid enough to care. Don't blame them either.

What is the exact number of dollars and cents per hour before we should expect employees to care about doing their job correctly?

Coach

 

[el tanque prohibido]

thoughts?

Yes, if the item is easy enough to get out of its package, I'll take it out and inspect it closely before I take it up to the register.

 

[booya719]

I haven't been to Sears in maybe 15, 20 years? Sears in Canada has basically turned into the place where rich people buy their furniture just so they can say they spent $2000 more on it than a regular person did. Unfortunately for Sears that mentality doesn't work with Chinese tools. No one comes home with a shiny new Chinese wrench set from Sears and says, "Guess what guys. Look at what I just spent 200 bucks on!!"

If you're gonna buy Chinese tools why pay American-made price for them at Sears? There are affordable alternatives for Chinese tools here such as Princess Auto, Peavey Mart, Canadian Tire etc. I think Sears has lost a lot of stock in the tool business here and from what I read in these forums there is not much love left for Sears as a tool seller south of the border either.

 

[dankicksass]

If you're gonna buy Chinese tools why pay American-made price for them at Sears?

Gearwrench is a pretty safe bet for Asian tools. I'm frustrated by Sears on about 1 in 5 purchases, but what are ya gonna do? They've got the tools on the shelf when nobody else does around here. Need it today, it's Sears.

 

[darkzero]

I guess I have always been lucky with Sears. I bought a workcenter cart, workbench, & 3 piece tool chest over the past few years & never had any issues with them. My Craftsman/DeVillbiss 20 gal air compressor never had any issues for the 12 years that I've had it & still ran like new when I sold it a couple of months ago.

I just bought a 40" TV from Sears last week. Ordered online ($50 cheaper than in store price), received pick up confirmation in 15 mins, only wait 4 mins for pick up, & it has been working great so far.

I looked at service carts at Sears when I needed to replace my old beat up Snap On cart last month. I ended up going with the HF 5 drawer cart for $150 which was well worth the price I have no regrets at all. Just wish it was black.

Not saying Sears is awesome & I don't visit there as much as I used to but I've never had any issues with them like many people here talk about.

 

[IngyHere]

I still like Sears, but I only buy made in USA Craftsman hand tools only.

They are outsourcing virtually every tool to CHINA. The warranty isn't worth used toilet paper, anymore, and maybe not even that. When the tool breaks you'll be handed a Chinese POS in its place.

No one wants to pay extra for a name that a company won't stand behind. That's what they're doing with subpar imported replacement tools. I'd rather know what I'm getting and pay a fraction of the cost at HF.

 

[jrodc455]

I work at Sears, and yes the customer service is horrible. The way they treat employees is just as horrible. The 2 go hand in hand lol.

 

[monster1]

I gave up on Sears years ago. I'd put my HF tool cart up against that Sears cart any day. Just sayin'...

Oh, and I took a **** there once; that was bad...

My HF 13 drawer cart is top notch for what it is. I wouldnt stack it against snap on but it is far better than any craftsman cart. And yes, I've blown up my local Sears bathroom several times myself!

 

[DiyType]

They are outsourcing virtually every tool to CHINA. The warranty isn't worth used toilet paper, anymore, and maybe not even that. When the tool breaks you'll be handed a Chinese POS in its place.

No one wants to pay extra for a name that a company won't stand behind. That's what they're doing with subpar imported replacement tools. I'd rather know what I'm getting and pay a fraction of the cost at HF.

I agree with you. I do still buy only the last of the USA made stuff only from Sears if it is on sale or clearance for the reasons you pointed out. Much of it (USA made Craftsman) has been on clearance the last 6-months. You are correct the warranty now = HF. In the future I am looking for other brands as I will not buy the CHINA Craftsman hand tools.

 

[Hootbro]

What is the exact number of dollars and cents per hour before we should expect employees to care about doing their job correctly?

Coach

I know what you are alluding to but the one thing a minimum wage employee at Sears is not going to give you, is experience and working knowledge of the product that they are selling.

Prior to the K-Fart merger, you could actually go into most Sears and find guys in the tool department that had been working 10-20+ years and knew what you needed when you asked.

While those guys were not making doctors and lawyers wages, they still were way above minimum wage. After the K-Fart merger, wage cuts and making everybody "part-time" those experience guys are long gone.

If all you want is some guy to barely have a pulse to stock the shelves and check you out, then the minimum wage flunky is what you will get. Expecting anything beyond that is pie in the sky dreaming.

Department store retail was once a career, now it is just a job.

 

[metaldad]

I know what you are alluding to but the one thing a minimum wage employee at Sears is not going to give you, is experience and working knowledge of the product that they are selling.

Prior to the K-Fart merger, you could actually go into most Sears and find guys in the tool department that had been working 10-20+ years and knew what you needed when you asked.

While those guys were not making doctors and lawyers wages, they still were way above minimum wage. After the K-Fart merger, wage cuts and making everybody "part-time" those experience guys are long gone.

If all you want is some guy to barely have a pulse to stock the shelves and check you out, then the minimum wage flunky is what you will get. Expecting anything beyond that is pie in the sky dreaming.

Department store retail was once a career, now it is just a job.

very good reply!

 

[bimmerZ5]

I've also had several bad experiences with Sears. This is what I did:

call 1-800-549-4505, choose option #5.

hours are: Mon-Sat 8am-9pm, Sun 11am-6pm CST.

that is the number to call when you want to complain about the service quality of your particular store. be ready to give them the store number (find it at sears.com). and then remain calm and explain all the pain you've been through and what you think they can do to provide better service.

I've been keeping that number handy and have already used it. They are sending me a $50 gift card. Gift card is nice, but an improved shopping experience at Sears or Sears.com would be better. I want to see them come back...

 

[geologist]

I've pissed at Sears before and always found the bathrooms to be clean.

the men's room was about like this

And yes, I've blown up my local Sears bathroom several times myself!

They probably clean the bathrooms twice a year - once before Black Friday, and once after. Lack of store traffic takes care of the rest. The bathroom in my local Sears doesn't look like it's ever been used - then I remember that I've got IBS and reminisce on the quality of the porcelain.

...just sayin.

 

[carterbeauford]

Maybe you should quit buying your ******* **** at Sears?

I've tried... I originally wanted and ordered a Blue Point cart, but after getting dicked around by my Snap-On guy for 4 months I cancelled the order. I got to spend lots of time on the phone with him talking about a cart, but one never materialized.

Surprise surprise surprise, another sears rant. I bet half the threads on the General Tool Discussion board are about sears. Yet people still buy from them and rant about what happens after...

I was still living in the days where Sears had good customer service... I spent probably $10k at my local Sears over the years and would give the same kid all the sales, when I had a problem, he took care of me. lesson learned.

My HF 13 drawer cart is top notch for what it is. I wouldnt stack it against snap on but it is far better than any craftsman cart.

HF reminds me of a flea market, there's nothing I need there. I looked at the 13 drawer cart when I was originally in the market for one 7 months ago, I needed a 2 drawer style like originally pictured. I was impressed with the construction of the Craftsman cart, it by no means felt flimsy or poor quality. my complaint is that the 8 year old Chinese kid packing them in boxes can't count screws, the locking mechanism on at least one cart was defective, and the second one had damaged powdercoat and the sheetmetal rusted on the boat ride over.

I've also had several bad experiences with Sears. This is what I did:

call 1-800-549-4505, choose option #5.

hours are: Mon-Sat 8am-9pm, Sun 11am-6pm CST.

that is the number to call when you want to complain about the service quality of your particular store. be ready to give them the store number (find it at sears.com). and then remain calm and explain all the pain you've been through and what you think they can do to provide better service.

I've been keeping that number handy and have already used it. They are sending me a $50 gift card. Gift card is nice, but an improved shopping experience at Sears or Sears.com would be better. I want to see them come back...

thanks for the tip, I called, was polite, and got a $30 gift card. the rep said he has heard many complaints regarding made in China and would pass them along. I highly doubt Sears management will listen, but it's worth noting.

 

[Danglerb]

I like the bathrooms at our Sears, not restaurant clean all the time due to a LOT of traffic and kids, but not gas station dirty either.

I am nice to the kids working in Sears and can't say I've ever let any of them get away with giving me bad service.

I'd also say I am very happy with the deals I've gotten over the last three years and I REALLY hope Sears pulls it's bacon out of the fire.

Remember the;

Any three open stock sockets for $10?
The $5 off $5 coupons.
154 pc all six pt mechanics set for $90
Craftsman branded Kastar 48 pc thread chaser set $52
C3 1/2 impact kit for $92
C3 inflator $20

Yeah, I want Sears to stay around, think about it, WHAT is Fing left if Sears goes?

 

[lithdoc]

The $5 off $5 coupons.
154 pc all six pt mechanics set for $90

Memories, memories, especially for the $5 off $5.

As for the set, you probably mean 145 piece, no? I got mine for $75!

 

[concealer404]

I think i have the 154pc set around here somewhere... and i DID get it for $90 at one of the outlet stores.

Unfortunately, it was all china and i blew through the ratchets in about 4 months. Never bothered swapping them out at the store yet. Might have to do that soonish. Swap all my broken things then sell them.

 

[Ign]

thoughts?

Yeah, chock it up as lesson learned about where Sears is now in terms of quality & customer service.

After all this you got a $30 gift card but it shouldn't be so hard. Consider it a learning experience and consider shopping elsewhere in the future.

Realize if you're tempted by Sears in the future it's about the same as dealing with a private party sale - the likelihood of service after the sale or exchanging/returning is low. IOW, buyer beware!

 

[carterbeauford]

going to assemble cart #3. will report back.