By very VERY unhappy in Vancouver

We bought two new virgin phones for our younger family members during mid December 2009.

We couldn’t get it activated, even after speaking to over 9 customer service reps. Apparently somebody made a mistake and locked them according to the reps.

So they can’t be fixed… because everyone had been on “holiday time”. Okay that’s acceptable. But after 8 days, we had never received a single phone call to follow up on our simple request of “when?”

Yet, they’ve cashed out our payment.

I’ve written them 7 emails… and only received the first generic email 10 days later.  Saying nothing but “thank you for your business and we’re here to help you…blah blah blah”

Obviously they don’t value their customers.

We’ve canceled our Virgin phones, and relayed our story to as many who care to listen… We customers are sick of phoney advertisers like Virgin who claim to be there for the customers. They really don’t care… and don’t believe their bogus advertising and infantile gimmicks.

It’s been over a month… and we still hadn’t heard back from a real Virgin rep.  I did tear a strip off the retail store (Wireless Wave) who apologized profusely for Virgin’s lack of care and service.  But it’s not the retail outlet’s fault.

Virgin Mobile Canada, you SUCK. I’m telling everyone of your poor service.

regards,

very VERY unhappy in Vancouver.

By xemployee of sears canada

Hello all ….reading this,

I would like to mention first that I feel sorry for most of sears employees and that it be known how much abuse they deal with on a daily basis,besides the fact that they are underpaid,and truly shown no respect by the (Management)so called ……….Ass. store managers and the corrupt leader big shot store manager who report to their corporate head office daily…..the truth is that there is nobody that trains new employees,they were fired long ago!

The customer service is beyond belief…………yes I know because I handled some of the problems or tried too…………it is absolutely unbelievable how this company or corporation stays in business……….why?because it prays on ignorant ,elderly,and immigrant people who just do not understand what or who they are dealing with until it is to late!

Sears makes up its policies as it goes and lies to everyone,and once they are cornered they ” the Management” does the blame thing to their loyal associates(employees)….. after first advising their highly overworked so called team leads to fix the problems that they really have no control over……..in other words TOTAL CONFUSION! and TOTAL LACK OF COMMUNICATION AT SEARS EVERY DAY !  in other words the right hand has no idea of what the left hand is doing and on top of this the management wastes thousands of the budgeted dollars(too save pennies) that could be spent wisely to fix things like filthy washrooms,air problems toxins,dust,unsafe work areas,ancient fixtures…………..but what they do is spend their money on biscuits and coffee and cold calls to unsuspecting customers that drop their names into the lame draws monthly or whatever!

I am horrified to believe I actually lasted almost to the end of my probationary time (wasted there) and still to this day can not get the place out of my head.

I am convinced that this horrible place will go belly up soon,even though it is run by Chase Manhattan Bank of greed…… and by the way I hope that the managers happen to read this  (rant) and then realize that they are responsible for making the hard working (untrained associates)………..that they don’t even trust ,look in the mirror and take the blame themselves…they no who they are !…….in 30 years of retail I have never seen such complete assholes run a circus act like they do!

I highly recommend that you do not work for sears and I advise you not to shop there either, beware!

Believe me please!

By SweetDeals

This happened a couple of months ago but it’s bothered me ever since so I thought this would be a good way to get it off my chest.

We had run out so I went out to buy some ketchup from Sobeys.  I paid by debit, but was in a hurry and had things on my mind so I wasn’t really paying attention.

The next day, I glanced at the receipt and saw that the total was $13.49 — $10.00 more than the ketchup had cost.

On closer inspection I saw that I had been charged $10.00 for “cash back”.  But I never asked for, or got, any cash back (I never do that).

I assumed it was a mistake so I went back and asked for a refund.  The customer service person talked to the manager-on-duty and gave the $10 back to me, but as she did she said (with a rude look on her face), “just so you know, the cash back request was signed by you.”

In other words, she was implying that I did ask for the cash back and that I was trying to scam them.

Well I freaked.  I demanded to see the receipt and sure enough, when the manager-on-duty brought it to me, it wasn’t my signature.  I showed her my signature from my license and gave them my contact information so they could follow up with me, but I never heard from them again.

I can’t help feeling that I should have called them back the next day and demanded an explanation and apology, or even called the police (isn’t forging someone’s signature fraud?).  But I let it go and trusted they would do the right thing.

Thinking back, I realized that the cashier had swiped my card for me, and that when she handed it back to me it didn’t ask me to confirm the amount — it just asked me to choose which account to use.

So the cashier typed in the extra $10, took my card, pushed the button to skip the part where I confirmed the amount and gave it back to me, hoping I wouldn’t catch on.  Guess I really am as dumb as I look.

I don’t think this is necessarily a reflection of Sobeys… just one bad cashier,  and the manager who should have followed up with me.

But it did teach me two valuable lessons: 1) always confirm the amount you’re approving before entering your pin, and 2) always check your bill before you leave the store.

Lesson learned.

By Dougto

Never buy your appliances from Sears. The machines are fine but the service is terrible, really terrible. My new dishwasher didn’t work and I had to deal with their call centre. The first repairman came out in 10 days said he would come back in two days and I should make an appt - back through the call centre again- the best they could do was 10 days-again, had no record of the call… even though my machines are under warrantee I don’t think I will use them again.

By lynn

I have stopped getting coffee at my Tim Hortons in Kentville and New Minas NS as they can never get the orders correct!  I order coffee thru the drive thru and sometimes get a tea, black coffee or coffee with cream.

I used to purchase their coffe by the prefilled brick and they have changed the price and  # per box but have not changed their signs!   I brought this to their attention and received 4 different calls advising me wthis would be corrected and it’s been almost 4 months and still not corrected!

So I go to the others ones now even though I don`t really love their coffee but they get the orders correct.

By Lisa

I am so dissatisfied with the optical customer service at the Superstore optical. Joe the store manager is very unprofessional and doesn’t give you a date as when your glasses will be ready. I have been waiting over 1 1/2 weeks for my sons glasses and Joe has not idea when then should be in or if he even ordered them. I had to call the production compamy( where they get there glasses from) myself to see if my sons glasses were even ordered.. I would never go back to this optical place and would not reccomend it to any of my friends or family.

By Ressie

I went to a vacation package sales meeting with the promise of receiving a free trip for 2. Of course I was skeptickle but asked the guy on the phone”Are you sure there are no strings?” He assured me there were not. I went and did in fact get a voucher for a “free” trip. However after paying a $40 admin fee I realized it may not be so free. However with a $40 investment I kept going. I filled out all the forms and got another voucher. Now it was a $65 admin fee. I decided it was worth it for hotel and airfare for two to Las Vegas. I then got another voucher. I sent that one in as now I was in for $105 and refused to quit. Then I hit the bottom line….$300 in “taxes” and a maximum $250 in air fare. Bottom line was my “free” trip would have cost us over $900.

So I hope you all learn my expensive lesson…if it seems to good to be true…IT IS!

Vacation Getaways LLC, SUCKS

By Joy

Drove a little extra distance today to the new Terra Losa Shoppers Drug Mart at West Edmonton today for their Grand Opening Specials. When I got there I saw a sign at the front entrance with their grand opening specials. When I was inside I saw signs with the price that was advertised in their grand opening flyer so I got the items that I needed.
When I went to pay for my items, I was told that the price was not effective anymore even though there are still signs up everywhere. When I told the lady that the signs are still up, she just said ‘no’ those price are not effective anymore and she basically said that you are using the coupons anyways ( which she is trying to tell me that I am getting it cheaper already) When I got home I checked the date on the flyer. This is the exact quote from the flyer ” Prices and shoppers optimum bonus points in effect from Saturday March 6th until Friday, March 12th, 2010 while quantities last.” I check the date today on my calendar and it’s only March 8th! So I am going to go back tomorrow with my flyer and my receipt!
Also, when I left the store. I told the cashier and another staff that if the price are not effective anymore they should take the signs down. They barely acknowledge me and went back to talking about their break. Bad!
Most stores (ex. London Drugs) would honour their price on the signs even if the date has expired as long as the sign is up they will give it to you for that price. I don’t think i will be going back to this NEW store! So much for attracting customer to their new store!

By Ms.Henry

Canadian Tire is supposed to be a community based store. What happened to it? The Windsor West store in Ontario needs to have new customer service skills. They stand around socializing with each other. This is the opening Saturday morning shift, making customers wait while they socialize on company time. They make you feel that you are bothering them ;that is why so many people are going elsewhere. The front desk auto service people I am speaking of. Went to buy windsheild wipers for my car like I did for years and the made me wait while they had fun. They where going to charge me for the wiper of course but they where going to charge me more for the service of putting them on the car than the price of the wipers . I guess I will go elsewhere where customer servces still means something in the Windsor community when u buy their product and I will surely express my exprience to my other working class friend. I won’t deal with your auto department any longer. Sad!

From Brian P.
I see a number of complaints from Weed Man Clients. Be glad you are not a supplier of services, particulary to their Newmarket Location. They do not pay their bills and ignore signed agreements. Imagine supplying them with goods and services and then having the “Manager of Newmarket” tell you we are not paying your bill. Too bad we are a $14. million dollar company, what can you do.
I have never used their individual services, so I cannot comment, but I would caution others from supplying them with goods/services. Get paid first. They do not honour signed agreements. I guess that is how they make their money, off the backs of others. Then it appears they treat their customer badly as well.

Avoid Weed Man, Avoid Weed Man Newmarket.

By JB

I recently hired El Cheapo movers in Toronto. The move was from a bachelor apartment in one building, to a one-bedroom in the bulding next door. I booked a month in advance. The company assured me the movers would arrive between 2-4 PM. By 3:45 I had not received a call, so I phoned the office. A receptionist took my name and number. 30 minutes later I received a call back. The move did not start until 4:45, and took until 10PM!!! It was far more expensive than anticipated, and the movers themselves admitted, after being paid, that in order to get good service, you must request to be the first move of the day. They said they were too tired. There was also damage to several objects, and when I sent a complaint to the company the next day, they never responded. Do not hire this company - or if you do, insist on being the first move of their work day.

By Jim

How many of you will associate computer in a drug store?

London Drugs is probably one of the best place to buy or service Apple as they are the only few places in Vancouver that deals with everything on Mac and PC.

My Macbook Pro went dead some time in Nov 2009. I went back to the Ladner store where I originally bought it from. One of the staff was very kind and told me that they no longer had a technician and suggested me to visit the nearby (10 min away) Richmond Ironwood store as there was an Apple tech there.

The Apple technician there looked at my machine, checked a few things on the computer and concluded that my Macbook Pro had a bad logic board.

Immediately, I was in shock as the unit was only a few months beyond warranty. I spent about $2000 on it and I suppose it would lasted for at least 3 years?

The technician told me it would cost over $1000 for repair when it was out of warranty, but he asked me to leave the computer for him for more diagnostic. I agreed and left the store hoping he was wrong.

He called me in a couple hours, told me that the graphic chip on the board was defective and a new logic board was required. I was in dead silence. He then went on and told me that Apple had a repair extension program for the nVidia graphic problem and my computer fell under the program.

He then told me that even he was certified by Apple to service Apple computer, but the Ironwood location was not an Apple authorized center. My computer would had to be sent to his home store at Kerrisdale in order for him to perform the repair.

The technican then told me that he would ship my computer the next day and order the parts right away; so that when he could repair it once he is at his home store. I asked him about the time it might take and he answered me honestly it could take a week or longer as the logic board was out of stock.

I told him that I couldn’t wait that long. He then told me there was nothing he could do about it as the logic board was in demand. He suggested me to purchase a another Macbook, he would helped me to transfer my stuff from my computer into the new one, then use the new one in the mean time. Once the repair is completed, I could refund the new one and he would transfer my stuff back to my original one.

“You could do that for me?” I asked. This friendly technician told me that I had to purchase the computer at his home store as he had a few open box Macboks there.

I did what he told me, and he got me up and running on one of the open-box Mac in a day. Although this set me down for additional $1200 on my credit card, knowing that I could get a refund later; I didn’t think twice about this. In fact, I started to like this new Mac.

A week passed and the technician called me and told me my Macbook Pro was repaired. He told me to bring everything and gave him another day to transfer my stuff back. I went to the Kerrisdale store again.

I returned the computer and got my money back without any hassle. The technican transferred my stuff back to my machine in a few hours. He even cleaned my dirty Macbook Pro too. He only charged me $60 for the data transfer before and after. Wow! what a deal!

I really want to give my thanks to this young Asian fellow. I think he went above and beyond his duty to satisfy a guy like me who couldn’t live without my computer. I highly recommend London Drugs for their excellent service.

By L AuCoin

The PetSmart in Cambridge Ontario (Hespeler) Injured my Dog and lied (unsuccessfully) to cover it up.
I dropped my 7 mnth old dog off at 1:15 for her 1:30 appointment, they asked me to pick her up at 5 (beyond their 3 hour policy).
At 5:02 I cam to pick her up - the staff was acting very distant and weird, they said she “wasn’t fininshed” and to come back in 20 mins.
I returned, and the receptionist said I needed to see a manager. When asked why, she had indicated that my dog was clipped and was currently at the animal hospital. When I asked the girl when it happened she stated 20 mins ago. When I told her why she didn’t tell me when I was in the store - she said I needed to speak with the manager.
After finding out what hospital they were at, I immediately went to find my dog. As I arrived the PetSmart Staff and my dog were leaving the exam room, I tried to speak to the vet as to the specifics of the injury and to understand the care needed, but each time I asked a question - the PetSmart groomer would talk over me and say that the dog was fine and it was a minor cut. At this point I was escorted (with my dog) back to the store to speak with the Manager - Jennifer who was helpful and apologetic. She soulc not answer why if my dog was dropped off at 1:15 was she not ready by 5. It was now almost 6pm and my dog was still not finished. Additionally, why was I not called to inform me of the cut and/or why was I lied to about the dog not being finished vs. injured? Again she did not have an answer. I was however given a bag of dog food and a bag of treats. I left without a report from the vet or any further information. Later that night I was contacted by the Grooming Manag
er - Emily who apologized and handled the situation as best she could. I have received apologies from everyone except the groomer that cut my dog.
Cuts are going to happen - but not being notified, and essentially lied to are just NOT acceptable.

By Peg

On December 17th, a large tree fell and pulled the mast for the electrical wires off of the side of our house. 240 volts of electricity was supplied to all of our electrical devices. Our new Electrolux wall oven was one of the appliances that was damaged.

I found repair information on the Electrolux website that directed us to contact Sears for repairs if that is where we purchased our oven. We called the Sears Call Centre, gave them the model and serial number of the oven and explained the trouble. They said a repairman would contact us.
Several days went by and it was getting closer to Christmas so I called the Sears number again. They were surprised that a repairman hadn’t contacted us and told us they would make sure someone called.

We got a call that day and Repairman 1 informed that no-one could come out before Christmas. He said someone would call to set up an appointment for after Christmas. So we were without an oven for the entire holiday season.

When we didn’t hear from anyone by Thursday afternoon, January 7th, we called again. Someone called back and set up an appointment for the following week. Repairman 1 came out, looked the oven over and said that the oven needed two parts, a controller and touch panel and they would have to be ordered in before he could fix it.

The parts took until the middle of February to arrive.

Repairman 2 called to say he was coming to install the part on February 12th. My husband noticed that he said part, singular. He warned Repairman 2 that there were supposed to be two parts. Repairman 2 argued and said there was only one part needed and that he knew what was the problem was and how to fix it.
Repairman 2 arrived and installed the controller. My husband had to point out to him that the oven touch panel was still not lighting up. Also, an error message was showing on the display. Repairman 2 then realized he needed a second part. He called in to Sears and the control panel had been too large to put into his parts bin. It was sitting on the floor, near his bin. He wouldn’t go back to Sears to fetch the part. He said he would come back next week.

Repairman 1 showed up the next Friday, February 19th. He had a small, opened part box with him. My husband told him it didn’t look like he had the right part with him. Repairman 1 said that Repairman 2 had given the box to him, saying it was what was needed to be installed. It turned out that it was the damaged controller that Repairman 2 had removed the week before. Repairman 1 called into Sears and found out the touch panel had been returned to the parts supplier. We were told there would be a delay while the part was ordered in again.

My husband also told Repairman 1 that the oven didn’t seem to be calibrated properly anymore. Repairman 1 said that was another issue and he would deal with it later. We had a dinner party the next day where we weren’t sure what temperature we were cooking things at and we had to stare intently at the touch panel to try to see the unlit buttons.

So, we still have a broken oven that gives random error messages and random oven temperatures, after two months. I’ve never waited more than a week to have any major appliance fully repaired, until now. It just seems like a comedy of errors….except I’m not laughing.

By mtlyorel

Anyone has horror stories to share and to forewarn others while dealing with airmiles?

I have been trying to get a refund back from airmiles for a double charge on ticket change fees and is being given the classic runaround. I was scolded by a customer rep, put on hold to speak to a supervisor then cut off unceremoniously while on hold, and made to submit an email on their website.

The email I got back was another totally ridiculous runaround, basically telling me to call them back at their number. I am still trying to deal with them and to at least speak to someone in charge. I told them if the supervisor does not call me to settle this problem, I will write a letter to the CEO and forward my correspondences to him/her.

So, for anyone who is trying to redeem miles, make sure that you ask many times how the flight cancellation insurance work and only buy this insurance if you are flying at a time of variable weather! I was duped! Never will I buy this insurance again! Highway robbery plain and simple. Why of why is customer service so lousy in Canada?!?