Be aware that the 15% restocking fee applies to unopened, non-electrical, anything. My wife purchased a floor jack from GS Equipment. She erroneously purchased a big aluminum jack, when I needed a low-profile jack for a small sports car I own.
I returned the $230 unopened jack on the 27th of Dec and planned on exchanging it for an Arcan XL35 low profile jack. The $159 Arcan was there on the floor, even though I knew the exact same jack was $99 at local Costco. I don't mind spending extra to support local business, especially when service after the sale is considered. I expected the $70 some dollar difference as a refund.
Counter help informed me I wouldn't get a refund, but an "in-store" credit. It took 5 seconds for me to go from GS Equipment proponent, to disbelief. I reiterated that the box was unopened, undamaged, and I was willing to overpay for the lower priced jack. He explained that the 15% restocking fee is clearly in the catalog and on the web site. I explained that my wife did not know his store, catalog, or web site existed the morning before she purchased the gift.
I decided to let them keep the 15% and I'd go get the jack at Costco and STILL save money. After a 20 minute wait, I was refunded 85% of what she spent. I was so disgusted I asked to speak with a manager. 30 seconds later Mr Smith came out. He'd obviously been briefed about my situation, so things didn't go well.
I mentioned I understood why a restocking fee is needed for items that are returned missing fasteners, manuals, scratched, etc. Mr Smith mentioned that his store isn't Walmart, and repeated "the policy is on the web, blah, blah" I informed him that the identical jack I wanted was available for $99 locally, and that I'd just paid him $40 so that I never have to set foot in his store, and that I could post my experience online. He asked "Is that a threat?" It almost sounded rehearsed. I should've seen that coming. I replied "Not at all".
In summary: 1. Costco has his identical jack for $99. $89 with a coupon. 12 in stock in castleton. Well, 11, now. 2. Harbor Freight has much of the rest. They will cheerfully refund your money for chinese equipment. 3.48 years old, and my first negative post on the web about any business. I've posted numerous positive experiences on Angies list for service providers. This won't be one of them.
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