Box shifters

[graduate_owner]

Interesting chat with my mate who went to a well known superstore on their recent VAT free day to buy a metal bending jig. He knew what he was after because he had seen mine. Only one was left in stock, display model and no box, but no formers etc either, just the basic bender.

My mate - there are pieces missing
Salesman - No, this is how they come, there isn't anything else
My mate - check the picture in the catalogue.
Second salesman is asked, and confirms nothing is missing - that is how they come.

So after some to and fro, the salesman fetched a catalogue, opened it to any page, happened to be strimmers, and said - you see, the strimmer doesn't come complete with the little man.!!
At that point my mate left the store. So, not just box shifters, but condescending too.

I bought a welder there a year ago and found the salesman quite informative and helpful. Perhaps he has moved on.

K

 

[Mark A]

What is the problem with naming the shop? If you are referring to who I think you are then they are are a big company, and a forum thread isn't going to do much damage to their already poor reputation. If anything, you will be doing people a disservice for not calling out the obnoxious, arrogant, patronising little s****s for what they are.

I had dealings with my local Swansea branch a couple of months ago and their attitude was atrocious - I can honestly say that after it was over (I won the dispute!) I could emphasise with people who are driven to committing murder...

Another point I should mention is that their warranties are worthless as they will refuse to honour them.

Be warned!

Oh, and it's Machine Mart btw. If the original poster had another company in mind then apologies. But nevertheless be very careful of them.

 

[Mark A]

Just noticed you are in Llandeillo. You friend probably dealt with the same cantankerous b******s as I did. He has my sympathy.

 

[Mike Jordan]

Machine Mart treated me like rubbish when an item failed at first use. It only happened once because I have never returned to give them a second chance.

 

[cammy9r]

Im not too keen on machine mart in store either. Three occasions I had to return stuff and it always ends in having to better their poor excuses with rock solid fact they cant wriggle from. Glasgow store by the way so staff must all go for training.
First was a Ryobi heat gun, lured by the digital temp read out as I was plastic welding with it. Got home plugged it in and set full heat, only a little hotter than a hair dryer . Took it back and explained but he would not listen so I got him to plug it in and test. Full heat I held my hand in front of the nozzle and said see, there should be a hole in my hand by now. He then stuck his hand in front and pulled it away saying too hot for him it is working and I must have thick skin. Eventually I got my requested refund. Which was good as I only have a half hour patience reserve before I snap.
The second was a space heater. Clarke 3Kw electric type with the big oven element and a fan. Took home plugged in and after running for a half hour was no more heat coming from it than a 40w bulb. Even though this is a space heater I would expect it to heat my 16'*12' shed faster than my 1.5Kw fan heater. Anyway took it back went through the procedure only to be told it was an ir heater and only heated objects.....So what is the fan for I asked........This time I never took the refund I got two Honeywell fan heaters instead, they lasted well enough over the years.
The last item was a cylinder hone. managed to hone 3 cylinders of the mg midget block before a pin failed holding one of the stones. Took back but this time no BS just a form to send hone away and a 4 week wait for my money back.
I have purchased other tools from them like a hydraulic press and metal working hand tools without issue, it just seems to be with returns almost as if it comes out of their own wage.
If a good deal pops up I will likely take it but I don't have to like the staff.

 

[graduate_owner]

Hi Mark,
I didn't name the store because I thought people would probably make a pretty good guess, but yes, it was indeed good old Machine Mart, Swansea branch. I don't often shop there myself even on VAT free days, and as for Clarke kit well, enough said. I do like my welder though, I think these are made in Italy, not China. I have a few other Clarke tools and am generally disappointed with them.

I did take an item back once, if was a Clarke wet and dry grinder and the wetstone was way out of true in all directions. Response - these are very soft wheels so will soon wear into shape. Waste of time. I ended up buying a replacement wheel from elsewhere.

K

Edit - where ars you, Mark?