ComplaintsforBenson Auto Parts

• Initial Complaint

  26/06/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  FRIDAY, JUNE 23, 2023, IN THE P.M., I WENT INTO THIS BUSINESS (ACROSS FROM *** ******'S IN BANCROFT) TO PURCHASE A SPARK PLUG, AND LOOK FOR VEHICLE SHINE. I FOUND THE COMPRESSED AIR CAN OF AUTO SHINE (FOR BIKES) AND LOOKED FOR A PRICE - CASHIER ASKED IF HE COULD HELP. I ADVISED I THOUGHT THIS PRODUCT WAS ABOUT $15.99, BUT I COULD NOT FIND A PRICE ON IT. HE SAID HE FIGURED I WAS PROBABLY NOT FAR OUT, AND HE TOOK IT TO THE REGISTER AND SCANNED IT. HE SHOOK HIS HAD AS IF IN DISBELIEF, AND SAID "IT COMES UP AS $25.99." I SAID 'I THINK I WILL JUST PUT IT BACK, THANK YOU" AND TOOK IT BACK TO THE SHELF. AS I SAT IT DOWN, I NOTICED FOUR OTHER CANS OF THE SAME PRODUCT, ALL LABELLED WITH A STICKER AT $15.99. I TOOK IT OVER TO HIM AND HE AGAIN SHOOK HIS HEAD, AND SCANNED IT, AND SAID, "IT STILL COMES UP AT $25.99. I DON'T UNDERSTAND." I THEN ASKED IF I COULD BUY IT FOR THE ADVERTISED PRICE, AS IT WAS ON ALL OTHER CANS, AND THE MANAGER SPOKE UP AND SAID, "NO, IT IS $25.99. THAT IS SOMEONE ELSE'S PRICE. I WOULD LOSE MONEY IF I DID THAT." I ARGUED THAT IT IS WHAT THE STICKERS ALL READ, BUT HE MERELY SAID, "NO, THE PRICED IS $25.99." I BELIEVE THIS IS LIKE 'SWITCH & BAIT....

  Business response

  17/07/2023

  In response to Mr. *****' complaint I would like to mention the following.
   
                                            1) I have been manager of this store for over three years as of
                                                June 6th, 2020. I have never seen Mr. ***** shop in our store before.
   
                                            2) Mr. ***** was loud and harrassing when the initial price
                                                of $ 25.49 was quoted, so yes he refused in a loud manner.
   
                                                
                                            3) All the cans on our shelf ( 24 ) did not have a price sticker except
                                                one, which Mr. ***** found on his way out. The sticker belongs to ***** ************
                                                which was at one time probably their sale price. We order this product
                                                from ***** ************ and this is the first time I have ever seen a
                                                price sticker on a stock order.
   
   
                                            4) Even ****** advertises this product at $ 24.99, so we are in line
                                                with the market.
   
                                            5) We only use " Benson Autoparts" price stickers on clearance items.
                                                 This product was not a Benson advertised Sale or Clearance priced item.
   
                                             6) I will sell Mr. ***** (1) can at my store cost, which is $ 17.33 plus tax.
   
            
   
  

  
  

  Customer response

  18/07/2023

  
  Complaint: 20231445
  
  I am rejecting this response because: (1)  This person states he has been manager of this store as of June 6, 2020, and has never seen me in the store before;  in fact he should remember that I congratulated him on taking over the business from Mr. ******** - a longtime friend of mine.  When the cashier asked me if I had an account, and I replied to the effect that I didn't, but I do come in there quite often for parts, this person seemed to nod in agreement.

  (2)  He states I was harassing and loud.............loud, eventually, yes I was, but harassing, absolutely not.  I merely advised him there was a law against such a practice and that I would be letting others know of his practice.

  (3)  I should have taken a photo of the stand with the cans with stickers attached.  He claims there were 24 cans - in fact there were 7 cans plus the one I took to the counter.   There was a sticker on most that I saw, although I didn't specifically check each one.  I did, however, recheck before taking this can to the counter, that there was more than one with a similar sticker.  ( I also order from ***** ************}.

  (4)  Obviously this person and myself are very far apart on the issue at hand.  Personally, I am appalled at his attitude and lack of honesty.  Over the past year I have heard several people comment on how they avoid "The Yellow Canary" as this building is often referred to, because they are not happy with the service or pricing. The last person I spoke to said they deal with *** *****, because they are far more customer-oriented and although their prices generally are higher, they have better quality, an warrant their products.   I believe I can now see why I am hearing these comments.

  (5)  I have spent over 32 years in the field of justice, and I pride myself as being truthful, considerate, and respectful;  I merely expect that in return.  

  (6)  I totally reject the offer of one can for $17.33 plus tax.  With the greatest of respect, I thought he would have handled this matter in a more truthful and appropriate manner.  Money is not the issue now -  the issue is honesty and integrity.  I fully intend to refrain from using this business in future, and I expect several others to follow once the word gets around.  We are a small community and we simply must have honestly and integrity in all our businesses.  If we are to "shop in the local community to help our our businesses" then this practice has to stop, period.

  (7)  I wish to thank The ****** ******** ****** for their action in this matter.  I feel you have done all you can under the circumstances, and I appreciate that.  

  
  Sincerely,
  
  ** **** *****

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