I bought a spinlock cam-cleat about 2 weeks ago from West Marine here in Daytona Beach FL. After further discussion with friends, I decided not to use it. Haveing never installed it, I took it back to the store thinking it would be no problem. WRONG. Lady behind the counter said that they havn't sold one of these since July, and that she couldn't give me a refund, and wouldn't even give me store credit. All I wanted to do was exchange it for a harken cam cleat, and a length of rope. Nope she said.
She points out the "store policy" on exchange, and then begins to tell me how I bought it at a surplus marine store or somewhere else, and that I'm just trying to get more money for it! She tells me she would exchange it, but she doesn't "recognize" me?!?!?! WTF is that? I spend 100's of dollars in that store, and this old lady wont exchange a 30$ cleat!!! Not sure what I should do now. It's such a small amount of money it isn't a big deal, but truthfully it's the principal that gets me fired up.
Any suggestions?
Theo,
Talk to the manager!!! I had something similar happen to me at West Marine. I bought a wind indicator that came with some missing parts. I then exchanged it one week later and the new one came with missing parts. When I went to return that one the lady told me that the code numbers on the box were not from that store. I said "excuse me!! I was at this store two days ago and picked it from the shelf myself!!" I guess she believed me because she gave me a full refund.
But speak to the manager. If you have a receipt I can't see how it would be a problem.
Yeah, I think you're problem is with that particular sales person - not West Marine. Ask for the manager.
Jake
I spoke to our West Marine local manager about 6 months ago about stocking some more blocks and things, and he said the corporate office is limiting some things because the small expensive blocks and other sailing gear is being stolen and returnes to other stores for refunds and exchanges. It sounds to me is if we are getting the screw because of thieves. He said he didnt think it was the sailors stealing the stuff, but either an organized group or kids. I encourage you to go an establish a relationship with the manager, you wont have any more problems.
dave mosley
I ran a bike shop that was part of a national chain. The shop (Performance Bike Shop) has a very liberal return policy that would often get abused by people trying to return stuff they had stolen from other stores or bought from another company all together. If you have a receipt, there's never a question. If you don't, as Dave Mosley says, establish a relationship with the manager. If you still can't get satisfaction, contact the main office and explain the problem.
Bring it with you to Eustis and I'll buy it from you.
Dave