When we moved into the 100 year old fix-it-up house we bought we were (and still are) a bit cash strapped. We needed appliances and didn't want to finance them. We are very frugal people and watch our limited pennies with great care.
With that in mind, and the fact that we would hopefully be remodeling the kitchen in 2 years, we went out comparison shopping for new and used refrigerators.
The new were outside of our budget and since we would be buying new when we did the remodle we decided to try a used refrigerator. We had bought a used refrigerator from a rent to own place for $100.00 a few years earlier (we left that in the home we left as family took it over, I understand that fridge is still running). So our experience was good.
We visited Christopher's on Monroe St. The place had been there for as long as I can remember. It had been called Bhers or Bhars previously, having been owned and operated by Christopher's uncle for many years. We were told this by Les, the guy that said he has worked there for something like 19 years a I recall. Sounded like a fairly reputable business.
Les showed us the many refrigerators that they had, all of them were very clean for used. I of course questioned about a guarntee or warranty. Les was happy to tell us that they give a 60 day unconditional guarentee and that they service all appliances they sell, he continued to tell us that we would only have to pay for the parts and a small service call fee, there would be no labor charges. How could we go wrong, soounded like a great deal. So we purchased our "new" used fridge on that November 9th of 2005. Christopher himself delivered it that day. We didn't even mind the "at the door" delivery.
Now we come just 8 months to the day. July 3. We noticed that it was taking an entire day to make ice cubes and the fridge box was warming. Sometimes you just have to defrost an old fridge and thing are ok again. So we did. That appeared to sorta work. Then on July 5th it was doing the same thing again.
I called the store that day and talked to Les. After I told him what was going on and mentioned what HE told us when we bought the frige, he stated "well I know that he does that on washer's, dryers and ranges, but not on refigerators." Odd, that's not what he said when we bought it. He said that he would have Chris call us. Guess what? Chris never called.
I did call on the morning of July 6th again. Chris answered the phone. I filled him in on the details. He said to me "I don't know why Les would have told you that." (Well then Les lied to us didn't he?) Chris said that he would see what he could do and would call us back. That call never came. I did call back and left a message for Chris, but I guess he never got that message either.
Lesson Learned: CHRISTOPHER'S New and Used Furniture and Appliances are a Ripoff and has dishonet, lying employees. That includeds Christopher himself.
Next Step: We bought a new refrigerator from ABC Warehouse, it's great and will be delivered today.
The old frige will be put in my front yard with a big, big sign stating what a rip off CHRISTOPHER'S is.By the way we live on a very busy main street.
I'll report to the BBB just for grins and giggles.
I have nothing better to do on most days, so when the weather cools a bit I have every intention to make a poster board sign saying what a Ripoff CHRISTOPHER'S is and walk up and down the street in front of his store. I do have to use a wheelchair to get around on some days, think how awful that will look.
Christopher could have avoid this nonesense if he had done the right thing to begin with. We were not looking for anything free. We were prepared to pay for what we were supposed to pay for the repair.
End Note: DO NOT PATRONIZE CHRISTOPHER'S APPLIANCE on Monroe St in Toledo, Ohio. You'll be sorry you did. And Chris and Les, if you happen to read this Shame on you!
Melvin & Buddy C
Toledo, Ohio
U.S.A.
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