Buyer Beware: Big Al's Calgary

[TheMikey]

Originally Posted by globaldesigns

Like I said, buyer beware... And take their price gaurantee's and ignore them as they don't have any merit.

I'm sorry, but you're incorrect. That policy is strictly for online retail. Go see what the Big Al's retail policies are.

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by TheMikey

I'm sorry, but you're incorrect. That policy is strictly for online retail. Go see what the Big Al's retail policies are.

That is also my understanding...

[globaldesigns]

Originally Posted by TheMikey

I'm sorry, but you're incorrect. That policy is strictly for online retail. Go see what the Big Al's retail policies are.

Mikey, Mikey, Mikey... If you are going to quote my entry, please quote it all, as I stated I posted the online store policy, NOT the retail store... please don't try to make me look like an idiot. AS I AM NOT!!!!

So my post you are referring to still stands. GEEZ, this is what irritates me.

[TheMikey]

Originally Posted by globaldesigns

Mikey, Mikey, Mikey... If you are going to quote my entry, please quote it all, as I stated I posted the online store policy, NOT the retail store... please don't try to make me look like an idiot. AS I AM NOT!!!!

So my post you are referring to still stands. GEEZ, this is what irritates me.

I didn't say you were an idiot. I said you were incorrect. I'll try again:

Originally Posted by globaldesigns

Here is the link to Big Al's Best Price Gaurantee (for online website):

http://www.bigalsonline.ca/staticPag...eGuarantee.jsp

If the stores support the same rules, but only storefronts (not online shops) then they can call many of our sponsors with storefronts. Of which I told them about. These canreef sponsors have them in stock, have storefronts, and qaulify for the Price Gaurantee. So again what gives?

Like I said, buyer beware... And take their price gaurantee's and ignore them as they don't have any merit.

I'm not trying to misquote you, merely highlighting the bolded portion. Big Al's retail outlet in Calgary is not ignoring any price guarantee that you've posted. It specifically states in the online agreement that those terms apply ONLY to the online stores and ONLY to sales at other online outlets.

My point is this: You've claimed that Big Al's is ignoring its Price Guarantee as found online. I'm telling you it doesn't apply to Big Al's in Calgary. Unfortunately, being limited to the online store, Big Al's has every right to refuse to uphold them.

Now, if they have a different IN STORE policy that was guaranteed to you (check the back of your receipt?) you may have an argument. Or find that pamphlet.

[globaldesigns]

Originally Posted by TheMikey

I didn't say you were an idiot. I said you were incorrect. I'll try again:



I'm not trying to misquote you, merely highlighting the bolded portion. Big Al's retail outlet in Calgary is not ignoring any price guarantee that you've posted. It specifically states in the online agreement that those terms apply ONLY to the online stores and ONLY to sales at other online outlets.

My point is this: You've claimed that Big Al's is ignoring its Price Guarantee as found online. I'm telling you it doesn't apply to Big Al's in Calgary. Unfortunately, being limited to the online store, Big Al's has every right to refuse to uphold them.

Now, if they have a different IN STORE policy that was guaranteed to you (check the back of your receipt?) you may have an argument. Or find that pamphlet.

I gave the online page as reference, as they don't post the retail store policies on the corporate website. But in-store they do promote this also, but they state online sites don't qualify. Well I gave retailers that have storefronts, but that isn't good enough. Why? because they deal online also?

Edit: next will they hide behind things like the storefront has to be as big as them, they have to have at least as many staff as them... Sounds like they make up the rules depending on the circumstance.

[TheMikey]

Originally Posted by globaldesigns

I gave the online page as reference, as they don't post the retail store policies on the corporate website. But in-store they do promote this also, but they state online sites don't qualify. Well I gave retailers that have storefronts, but that isn't good enough. Why? because they deal online also?

The simple answer might be because the Calgary store is a franchise and is competing with the Big Al's Online store. I have no idea how Big Al's corporate structure works, but it's possible that the online retailer is another entity entirely and not affiliated with the Calgary location at all other than by name.

[TheMikey]

One final thing before I go to bed, I think Big Al's handled the situation poorly. Given the importance of customer satisfaction in an age where you can sit at home and order the same thing for less (and much more conveniently), I think they've alienated the customer. And given the rather small population of hobbyists in Canada, I think good word of mouth and having happy customers is of utmost importance.

With that in mind, though, my point remains that they've done nothing wrong, nor - from the evidence provided - are they obligated to correct. As a private business, they are free to create the rules they run their business upon. Businesses can hide behind whatever rules they like - sometimes to their own detriment - but that doesn't mean they owe the consumer anything (which is why I avoid large chains in general).

[globaldesigns]

Originally Posted by TheMikey

One final thing before I go to bed, I think Big Al's handled the situation poorly. Given the importance of customer satisfaction in an age where you can sit at home and order the same thing for less (and much more conveniently), I think they've alienated the customer. And given the rather small population of hobbyists in Canada, I think good word of mouth and having happy customers is of utmost importance.

With that in mind, though, my point remains that they've done nothing wrong, nor - from the evidence provided - are they obligated to correct. As a private business, they are free to create the rules they run their business upon. Businesses can hide behind whatever rules they like - sometimes to their own detriment - but that doesn't mean they owe the consumer anything (which is why I avoid large chains in general).

Mikey, well put and I do agree with most points.

Even though I don't agree with what happened to me, it is their business, and they can do what they wish... I just wanted to post this poor attempt to customer service and customer retention. They failed at both.

Edit: I am not going to give Big Al's credit for this, but the skimmer is working like a hot damn. So support the Canreef Sponsors, buy from them, they are cheaper.