Problem ordering Toolboxes from Sears

[demoric]

Well this is my first post on this site. I have been looking around alot at tools and reviews and I keep coming back here. So I will start with a short story about my recent desire to upgrade and where things are for me with that process. If this is the wrong section I apologize.

My 2013 so far:
*My looses her job, takes a lower paying job.
*My wife has surgery
*We go bankrupt
*My wife returns to work and gets let go and takes yet again an even lower paying job.
*We have a tree crush our 2 car Garage taking out my Harley Sportster (which damages aren't covered by insurance) and many of my tools and my toolboxes.

Things I am thankful for: My wife's car still runs. I will (probably) be able to repair the motorcycle for my transportation. I have 3 great kids, I still have my house and job and we are slowly recovering. All in all not too bad.

My plan: Get a good toolbox so my tools stay protected and get back to maintaining the car, house, and getting the motorycle running and streat legal (Pretty will have to wait). I will replace cosmetic parts on the bike, and get power tools and air tools over the next several years as money permits. Bonus: My wife would even allow me to store my tools in the living room if they are in a box that the kids can't get into. Right now they are in storage across town.

We recieved the check for insurance for the contents (sans motorcycle repairs). I wanted to put about half back in savings and get a nice toolbox for the remainder of my tools and re-purchase a few necessaties that got damaged or that rusted out due to water damage like pliers, sockets, and screwdrivers.

Now for my one big purchase: a nice toolbox that will protect my tools and hold a good amount of weight. I decide on the Montezuma 36" Crossover box with the lower 6 drawer roller box. I find StrictlyToolboxes.com and they have the item for $1329. I find that Sears has the Montezuma boxes too. Now I am a guy who buys good quality tools, and tries to support local buisness. Montezuma tools is located in KS and I have a sears store in town so I place my purchase at Sears for about $50 more.

It All Goes Wrong:
I order from the local store catalog. They say that the order has to go through online. I look at the picture in the catalog and tell them I want products G & H. The store clerk puts in the item number and I pay cash.

I get home and what was ordered wasn't what the picture showed. It turns out that the letter on the picture and the item codes for the upper box was mis-printed. They can order the black colored upper 36" crossover box for $999 with a different vendor even though they advertise it for $499 through sears. However Sears does have the Crossover upper box for around $499 in red. I say "Okay, red is no problem. I just want the upper and lower box to be the same color". Well it turns out they don't have the lower 36" roller 6 drawer box in red.

They local store manager talks with the online rep and they get the box combo I want for about $100 more than my original purchase If I could just re-buy it for $2111 and then wait for 2 different refunds (my original purchase and the difference on the re-purchase). I can appreciate the effort but it wasn't what I was wanting to do.

So now I have been on the phone with multiple people and in store for several hours just trying to get What was pictured for the advertised listed price. Finally I just say give me a refund. Well they can't do cash, I have to wait for a check. Okay, that is a poor customer service but not unheard of.

Next thing I know I get home with an email saying that they didn't get ahold of the shipping department quickly enough, and the item may have been shipped. No problem though because I can ship it back to them for a refund except for the nearly $300 of shipping. I call customer support and find that Sears doesn't know if the item will ship. Check back in 48hrs they should know by then. All I want is my money back at this point. Who knows how this will turn out. I will report back here as to how it goes.

Bottom Line: If I would have purchased from strictlytoolboxes.com then I would have gotten a cheaper price and skipped out on alot of frustration.

 

[turdferguson13]

Sears may be local but it is a large corporation. I would demand a full refund at this point, no more BS or excuses. You aren't getting what you paid for and this situation is ridiculous.

 

[softailgarage]

Man, I thought I was having a rough year. ***** about the Sporty too ('71 Sportster was my first Harley). Insurance wont pay 'cause it was an act of God? First mistake was CALLING Sears for anything, the last time I did that I think I talked to half of Southside Chicago and never accomplished a thing . For now just lay low and let it play out. If you have any problems with a refund, go straight to (and I hate these people, but they get it done) the B.B.B.. Second, your gonna have to sue God (let me know how that works out for ya) Third, if you find yourself without a box you can always go to, gulp (man, somebody slap me ) Harbor Fright. I will admit they do have fairly decent boxes at great prices (cant believe I just said that) and in your situation it might be best (economically speaking). On the bright side... you're young, you'll get thru this.

 

[mds5951]

Here's your chance, demand a full refund. Find a harbor freight and pick up a 44" lower and upper for ~560+ tax and have an equally good box with even more room, for a lot less $$$

 

[boostedgt]

rusty pliers and sockets usually clean up pretty good with some oil and elbow grease. they will be perfectly functional but dont enter them in a judged tool show

 

[demoric]

I had requested a refund and then got the whole "shipping cost" thing, I sent a reply for the full refund amount. Hope it turns out well.

The 2000 Sporster Custom was lapsed for the month on insurance. I was literally planning on paying it the following day. It was just bad timing / luck. Really though it has been one tough bike. I was hit by a Tahoe when it turned left into me. I had to replace the grips, brake / clutch levers, tank, and the front wheel. After the garage smashed it I have to replace the drag bar, controls, grips, tank mirrors, and I never really liked the windshield anyway.

The pliers / sockets I soaked for 4 days in motor oil. They are servicable but heavily rusted due to a tooltray getting water in it because of a leaky roof at my previous residence. Its the second time they have had the oil treatment and the teeth are getting pretty shoddy on some of them.

My big issue was the terrible customer support. For me in a poor economy it was literally a decision I sat on for weeks. Trying to find what I wanted within my budget. The ol' Stack-On / Mastermechanic boxes I used jammed under the weight of the tools I had stored in them and now after being smashed won't work. I just wanted something that would work well and last. I prefer to buy 1 good product over 3 bad ones. Honestly, though I looked at Harbor Freight but kept thinking it was too good to be true.

 

[mds5951]

I thought the same thing about the hf box, so I can't blame you one bit. Those crossover boxes do look pretty sweet! I hope you get it all worked out

 

[TwoInch]

the HF boxes are worth every penny they cost, and probably more in most eyes.

but getting a more expensive, higher quality box is much more satisfying to some, so you must weigh what works for you. i own the HF 44" and am completely pleased, although i need another already... as usual

 

[crewchief888]

if i needed more tool storage, (i dont), and had the room for a larger box, i'd head done to HF and grab one.

IMHO the crossover boxes are kinda "cool looking", but for the cost, i dont think they have much real storage for tools.


for home use, i'd get the HF


i'm kind of a toolbox "snob"

 

[signcrafter]

I would tell sears you want this figured out asap, either get you the stuff you wanted at the advertised price or a full refund. Then go to HF or menards if you have one. I really like the menards boxes and now they come in other colors then just green and they go on sale all the time. Otherwise the HF boxes are a great deal also.

Try soaking you sockets in evaporust. Can get that at HF also.

 

[The Ratchet Man]

Get the HF 44" and your storage problems will go away.

I had the same experience with Sears over a Craftsman truck box made by Delta. Took 14 months to resolve the warranty issues. In the end I requested a refund and went directly through Delta to get a better box.

 

[jakemac]

Try soaking you sockets in evaporust.

EvapoRust will eat the chrome that is left. Soak the sockets in CLR for a few hours, more if needed. It doesn't eat the chrome unless you leave it in for days.

 

[CWP1616L]

I had requested a refund and then got the whole "shipping cost" thing, I sent a reply for the full refund amount. Hope it turns out well.

You should demand that they refund you the shipping cost as well.

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

doesn't take long for the harbor freight lobby to chime in

 

[Adam McLaughlin]

No, No it doesn't

 

[demoric]

Well persistance has paid off. I called yet again and was transfered to a "Case Management Specialist". He contacted the distributor and cancelled the order, and said a full refund will be issued and I should expect it in 7-10 days.

I will give HF a good look over before ordering again.

 

[CNGsaves]

Sorry to say it, but going thru Bankruptcy . . and some adversity with wife's job loss, wife's surgery, and tree crashing garage / Harley. . . .

. . . . has NOT YET taught you the lesson !!! Live within your means!

You've got to study how some these guys on GJ have made their money . .
. . . AND . . kept that money . . . ie by saving their money.

There are millionaires here on GJ still buying quality tool boxes at garage sales and estate sales. Same millionaires buying $20 quality USA vises at garage sales, and refurbishing them into keepers or to sell at 7 to 10 times the price, or more.

WHEREAS, you just got wiped out, and you're trying to waste money on a Piece of **** toolbox from Sears ?? Are you "spending the insurance check" before it ever got to you?? Has the garage all been fixed??
Think, man think !!

Use your computer to help you . . . example for toolbox, use Google:

. . . . . US General Tool Box site:craigslist.org

Find any listing for $300 or less for 44" roller tool box, and have the seller email bunch of pictures and make sure it doesn't have damage. Also check at pawn shops for US General toox boxes - - - that's where I got mine for $210 and it's nearly perfect !!

Sounds like you are prime candidate for Dave Ramsey forced savings of NO CREDIT CARDS, and build up rainy day funds and LIVE WITHIN your means.

Good luck, you're going to need it.

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

the hf box is flimsy

 

[RCStocker]

Sorry you are having a bad year but there are those on here that have has such a bad year that it makes yours look like a walk in the park. I am not kidding. Count your blessing and forget the little things that went wrong and did not go your way.

I have been in the hospital 4 times this year, My oldest son is in prison because last Christmas he went nuts and beat his brother with a pipe wrench and almost killed him. My son is seeing double and the other one is in prison for a long time. My daughter had 2 surgeries. My grand son had 2 minor surgeries and has been in the hospital with breathing problems. He also broke his leg in 3 places. My little grand daughter almost died and has been in the hospital and my wife of 30 years left me. All true and some of the members on here can back me up.

I gained 20 more pounds and have such a bad heart my legs are very swollen.

The good news is one of my nurses fell in love with me and has brought me much happiness.


You think you have had a bad year. That is only part of my list.

The big question why the hell did you buy a tool box form Sears?

Get a refund and move on. 99 percent of what sears list needs to be ordered on line. Mistakes are always made and there is no sense fretting over things you have no control about.

May the rest of the year be a good one for all.

 

[trout]

$1300 could have gotten a nice used snap on box. get all your money back and avoid new.

 

[demoric]

RCStocker, sorry to hear about all your troubles. They are indeed very rough. I just try and stay focused on what is going good. I hope things improve for you.

CNGSaves thanks for the good intentions:
Long story short, we prepare all our own meals, we have no credit cards, the vehicles have been paid off for awhile, and we already thrift for clothing, and other items. I use my tools to do all the repairs I can; ncluding plumbing, electrical, and automotive. We kept half the money back for the oh sh*t fund and have still been placing money in savings during this latest disaster. One decent toolbox from Montezuma to replace my entire garage worth of destroyed tools,work benches, boxes, parts bins I don't feel is beyond my means (its not like I am going for new snap-on and matco). Suggestions on where i can get a good toolbox for a decent price is helpful the rest of the comments... less so.

I started the thread so that people would know about the possible difficulty they would have through Sears since both Sears and Strictlytoolboxes have some of the same boxes.

 

[383]

Hopefully things will look up for you soon. I decided the last time I was at Sears, would be the last time I would ever be at Sears. Customer service at my local store is horrible.

 

[CNGsaves]

Anything to do with Sears website, and even more so the SearsOutlet website, has been shady and crappy for quite some time. That's old news.

If you want a quality affordable tool box, check out the GJ thread for Craigslist finds (ie fellow GJer's have already found you a deal !!!) at:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=157363&highlight=craigslist+deal

Another suggestion is Update GJ Profile with your City / State and let other GJer's know you're interested in a quality tool box (ie the WANTED section of GJ forum). Examples: older SnapOn, two-bay Matco or Mac, top and bottom Homak ($599 new on Black Friday or less used), US General 44" roller, etc.

Heck, if you're within driving distance of Mohawk Dave in California, I'm pretty certain he could find you an adequate tool box under $300 within a couple weeks !!

GJer's definitely COULD be a great resource for you . . . however, finding out you just claimed bankruptcy and now trying to buy $1000 + tool box that is POS Sears, doesn't help you. Sorry if this comes across rough, it's just reality.

Wish you luck . . . but there's No Tool Box you should be buying at Sears!

 

[sk farmer]

while i may not recommend most sears or craftsman boxes i don't understand why the op should not buy a montezuma box through sears.

to the op. call vince at montezuma. a great guy and the head of the company. he may be able to help you out.

i have a crossover and like it a lot but i wish i had the larger one with screwdriver storage on the side

i also have three, cpl,slant front or whatever you want to call them boxes. they are bulletproof. i have never had a failure of any kind. two of them are in excess of 20 years old and going strong. other than repaints to match my truck and replacing weather seals they have required zero maintenance. the newer ones with the fancier latches and gas struts may need replacing at some point but i have not seen it yet.

 

[Loscaldazar]

the hf box is flimsy

So we get it. You don't like Harbor Freight or it's boxes.

I agree with you for the most part (HF is junk), but the boxes aren't flimsy. No, they aren't the best. They aren't as good as Snap On, Matco, etc. But they are very good for the money, and definitely the best in price/performance for those who don't have a large budget.

But, I'm guessing both comments in this thread were to just bait someone into responding.

What is embarrassing is Craftsman Boxes (even the ones made in the US right before the switch to China). Talk about a let down to the quality of "Made in the USA."