What would you do?

[explodingvarmints]

Lets say you went to a local bait shop to buy a new power auger (Mushy1 don't spoil it for everyone;) .) Lets also say that the first time you use the auger the gears do not fully engage so there is no power... you can hold on to the bit and stop it resulting in audible gear slamming noises. Then being obviously unsatisfied you decide to return said auger to said bait store (the same store that yourself and 6 buddies bought augers, power augers, shanty's, supplies, jigs, and not to mention driving out of your way to buy bait EVERYTIME you go out. Now imagine standing in the baitshop with power auger in hand leaking gear lube from the case and being told " how do I even know you bought that here?" To which you would reply "here is my reciept!" to which the bait store guy then says (while talkin to the shop owner on the phone) "were not a service shop so there is nothing we can do with it! You'll have to send it to Jiffy yourself!" You would then begin to explain how you chose to buy this auger from the 'little guy/local guy' instead of the big stores expecting to pay a little more, thus recieving better service. Insert blank stare from bait store guy which makes you want to explode. So said bait shop does not stand behind the products they stock and sell, give a crap about the customer that purchased it, and or want to help you out in any way. Now let's say you have a Simcoe trip planned for this coming Thursday. And your expecting to use your first ever brand new power auger to get through the expected 2 feet of ice. And some rental/u-haul/hardware store has your auger and is still waiting for parts from jiffy (which includes clutches, clutch housing, gears, etc. ) and has no idea when they will be in. Does this sound like fun yet? What would you do?? I thought that I would ask your opinions here befre trying to ruin the guy's business on the net and anyhwere else for that matter.

[William H Bonney]

:confused: Is there a "no return policy" at this store?? Did you use a credit card to buy it?? If so call the credit card company tell them the story. On the otherhand, I NEVER woulda left it at a repair shop without knowing when the parts are even gonna be in. Also,,,, not naming the store doesn't do anyone any favors. I never understood why people are so shy about blasting a store that screws them:confused: This is why I always buy everything at Cabela's,,, awesome return policy.

[bumpbottom]

Lets say you inform the owner that this thread has started and based on his response, you will post the results of his actions along with his business name to everyone that reads this forum. He will be ultimately responsible for what you write about him:yikes: . Maybe even give him the link to this thread so he knows you mean it. Did this with a taxidermist this year with fantastic results;)

[thos1971]

This absolutely stinks. This bait shop owner should be outted and here is a good reason. Like you many of us try to support the smaller guys and go out of our way to shop with them, even though this usually means a little less selection and a little more price. You don't want to slam all independents, so give credit where credit is due to remove suspiscion from any other independents. This sure is a good reason not to use an independent, I know Bass Pro exchanges rods that I brake because of my own stupidity without even asking how.

On a related note, seems like a LOT of people having similar problems with brand new Jiffy's this year, what's up with that?

Thanks for the heads up, I am thinking about getting a power auger this year, just not sure if I want gas or electric, those electric with battery and cables sound pretty good.

[Joe Archer]

Lets say you went to a local bait shop to buy a new power auger (Mushy1 don't spoil it for everyone;) .) Lets also say that the first time you use the auger the gears do not fully engage so there is no power... .
I would have NOT purchased a power auger. Heck, even at this ripe old age I was zipping through a foot or more of ice in abut 15 seconds with Lazer. Quick and quiet... what more can you ask for?
I guess what I would suggest YOU would have done was ask to talk to the owner of the shop on the phone to let him know who you are and how much you have purchased from him.
How old was the auger and when was it purchased?
<----<<<

[AL D.]

Which bait shop is it? I will definately never shop there again..............:evilsmile

[bigrackmack]

He should have just gave you a new one (if he had one) if not made it right...Sent that one back to Jiffy, its has to be under warranty....I don't think that by telling him that you started a thread on it he would even know what your talking about, or even care.....Its to bad that people that run these small shops are so thick headed, because in the ends it will burn them....Chances are we will see a thread about this place closing soon like the rest of the small shops...Because customer service is what keeps these places open....sure not the prices or selection..........Mack

[explodingvarmints]

I am giving the owner 1 more day before I start letting out the name. If I don't have a perfectly running auger by the end of business Tuesday (either the fixed original one or a new one from him, or even a loaner) then I will start blasting away. Dropping bombs via internet like a f-16 or maybe a stealth, or maybe an f-18. There is not a sign stating 'no return' anywhere in the store. The auger is a Jiffy lightning legend 8" 2 h.p. is brand new last years model. In all fairness I have not been able to speak directly with the owner since he was sick last week. I have to beleive that he will do nothing since he was the one coming up with excuses before he even knew the situation. I may have to keep shopping at the big box stores if i am to expect any decent service.

[zfubar20]

Lets say you inform the owner that this thread has started and based on his response, you will post the results of his actions along with his business name to everyone that reads this forum. He will be ultimately responsible for what you write about him:yikes: . Maybe even give him the link to this thread so he knows you mean it. Did this with a taxidermist this year with fantastic results;)

I actually got the run around with Jiffy on the phone 2 weeks ago about something taht broke on my auger. I had it for a lil over a year used a hand full of times. Well I forgot where I put the reciept and they would not cover the warranty unless I had it.
So I emailed Jiffy and gave them the run around and said if you do not send me the parts that I need, I will make sure I will never give you any business again and I will make sure that I would let every body know on this sight what was going on.

I thought it was worth a try, considering that the lady on the phone was a -----, and she did not care. But 2 days later I received an email from jiffy asking me for my address and telephone #. 2 days after that I received the parts and I am about to put them on this week. And I did not have to pay for anything.

But, for sure if you are having problems with things, go directly to the head of the store or the company and come out and state that you will talk about them and everything that went on, on this site.

It worked for me and they treated me great after telling them that.

[muskymaniac]

That story sucks. Let the name out and I'm done. F.Y.I. if this happens to me, the first thing I'm doin is selling him out on this site.

It reminds me of my "brand new snow blower" back in 1998. Called Sears 10 times complaining that it wouldn't start. They told me it wasn't rated below 40 degrees. I not so politely reminded them that it's a snowblower and if it was 40 degrees I wouldn't need the damn thing!! Long story short, don't buy anything craftsman with a motor on it!!!

[ggoblue]

Lets say you went to a local bait shop to buy a new power auger (Mushy1 don't spoil it for everyone;) .) Lets also say that the first time you use the auger the gears do not fully engage so there is no power... you can hold on to the bit and stop it resulting in audible gear slamming noises. Then being obviously unsatisfied you decide to return said auger to said bait store (the same store that yourself and 6 buddies bought augers, power augers, shanty's, supplies, jigs, and not to mention driving out of your way to buy bait EVERYTIME you go out. Now imagine standing in the baitshop with power auger in hand leaking gear lube from the case and being told " how do I even know you bought that here?" To which you would reply "here is my reciept!" to which the bait store guy then says (while talkin to the shop owner on the phone) "were not a service shop so there is nothing we can do with it! You'll have to send it to Jiffy yourself!" You would then begin to explain how you chose to buy this auger from the 'little guy/local guy' instead of the big stores expecting to pay a little more, thus recieving better service. Insert blank stare from bait store guy which makes you want to explode. So said bait shop does not stand behind the products they stock and sell, give a crap about the customer that purchased it, and or want to help you out in any way. Now let's say you have a Simcoe trip planned for this coming Thursday. And your expecting to use your first ever brand new power auger to get through the expected 2 feet of ice. And some rental/u-haul/hardware store has your auger and is still waiting for parts from jiffy (which includes clutches, clutch housing, gears, etc. ) and has no idea when they will be in. Does this sound like fun yet? What would you do?? I thought that I would ask your opinions here befre trying to ruin the guy's business on the net and anyhwere else for that matter. i would bury the bait shop owner and then borrow a power auger from ggoblue because he aint goin anywhere this winter and his auger needs to be run at least once....ggoblue lives in the 15 and moravian area...[btw you aint takin that mushheaded sparty with you are you?] LOL

[thos1971]

I still think you should post the name of the store regardless, and follow up whether it was handled to your satisfaction or not. This atleast clears the others who were not involved.

[explodingvarmints]

stuff like Ggoblue offered are the reason this place is as great as it is. Just like when a certain cat loving, mullet wearing, polaris riding, moderator friend of MS.com's four wheeler took a spit on the ice at a meet and greet. I let him take my quad (even though he likes cat's.... didn't know that then) to run and get some stuff to get his going. This was the first time I met the guy and still didn't worry about lending my stuff to him. That is what this place is all about!

I've tried to get Mushy1 to go, but have resorted to just asking him for his secret spots so I can watch them for him while he's not there!:D

There is a type of hint and or forshadowing about the bait shop in one of my above posts if you look for it..... I was madder then. I will give him 24 hours, and that's it! I'm starting to see a trend in your posts..... please keep them coming.

[yellowbelly80]

i would jus drop the name allready so everyone can bash him maybe he would get the point then and fix it for ya

[musky32]

You are the customer. You paid a good price for a new product that was supposed to be in good working condition. Unless you broke it by doing something you shouldn't have, I would go back to the store and be politely persistent until he returns it or calls the police for trespassing. At which point you will know whether to post or not. It is still one of my biggest pet peeves when businesses give lousy customer service. You are the customer, if he doesn't care about your business, why do you care about his. Think about how many hours you worked to pay for the thing and you are worried about telling anyone that he doesn't care you worked 2 or 3 days or whatever to support his business and have him tell you to take a hike. You are too nice.

[randall cobb]

I definately wouldn't have wanted the broken unit fixed. With my experience if it's not right out of the box you'll continue to have problems long term and it will drive you nuts. It's not too late to demand your money back or get a brand new replacement and let the owner deal with Jiffy on the busted unit. I wouln't go back to this guy ever again even after it's resolved to your liking just because of the aggravation he has already put you through. I hope it's not M&M on 23 mile because I do some business with him on a hunting product I represent.:sad:

[yellowbelly80]

theres only a handfull of stores m&m bluewater selfridge prosport metro and lakeside

[MUSHY1]

I better know you MMGoBlue, to be bashin me.....Or i might just have to take you down to COBO arena, and bop you off the Turnbuckle a couple times:rant:

Hey Matt, you can use mine if you dont get yours fixed. I dont use it unless i have 18" or more. My lazer 5" cuts through ice like butter, let me know....Anyways, you should be getting a call from that Owner tonight, and if he doesnt call, let me know, and i will bash his A**. You dont want to fire me up, Im like the BBBurea of the Michigan-Sportsman......

Im a Saleman, and nothing fires me up more, than a Business Owner that doesnt care about his Customers......

Mushy

[ROBBY MEYERS]

I am giving the owner 1 more day before I start letting out the name. If I don't have a perfectly running auger by the end of business Tuesday (either the fixed original one or a new one from him, or even a loaner) then I will start blasting away. Dropping bombs via internet like a f-16 or maybe a stealth, or maybe an f-18. There is not a sign stating 'no return' anywhere in the store. The auger is a Jiffy lightning legend 8" 2 h.p. is brand new last years model. In all fairness I have not been able to speak directly with the owner since he was sick last week. I have to beleive that he will do nothing since he was the one coming up with excuses before he even knew the situation. I may have to keep shopping at the big box stores if i am to expect any decent service.

THATS WHAT I WOULD DO!!! F-16 :D

[sweatyspartan]

F-16, F-18, stealth bomber....my guess is Selfridge

[BOEDY]

F-16, F-18, stealth bomber....my guess is SelfridgeI hope not

[RyGuy525]

I would say that would be a good guess....

[Ed Michrina]

As much as I like supporting Small bait shops and always do for stuff like that including summer fishing. I hate to see anyone put a hurt on one of these shops. If what happened is confirmed well Heck I'll catch my own minnows and crawlers and go to bass pro for the rest;)

[sullyxlh]

he sounds like a varmint so why don't you go do what your screen name suggests...
:evil:

[Muskie_Addict]

If it is I can relate.
I was interested in buying a flip over style shanty this year and called them for prices.
They had one of the shaties I wanted for sale for $100.00 dollars more then Bass Pro had them. :rant:

Shappell Rover 2.0.
I also like to support the local baitshops but how much do these people need to make??

My 2 cents
The "Addict"

[fishnfeathers]

I say "smoke the dirt bag!" I too try to purchase everything possible from the "small guy" when it comes to my hunting and fishing needs. If that's the thanks you get for being a loyal customer, let him know how you feel.:evil: The shop should be able to replace the unit with a new one and have the Jiffy make it right with them at no cost. That is how a good business owner who values his customers would take care of the problem.

[William H Bonney]

I say "smoke the dirt bag!" I too try to purchase everything possible from the "small guy" when it comes to my hunting and fishing needs. If that's the thanks you get for being a loyal customer, let him know how you feel.:evil: The shop should be able to replace the unit with a new one and have the Jiffy make it right with them at no cost. That is how a good business owner who values his customers would take care of the problem.


I agree. What if this store just got a "bad" shipment of augers and is unloading them on any sucker that walks through the door? Have you happened to call Jiffy and ask them what they do if one of their retailers has a problem similar to yours??

[neil duffey]

i can tell you right now theres no way in hell it is m and m, mike does everything and anything to go out of his way to make you happy. i refuse to ever go to selfrige ever again for exactly the same reason and it sounds exactly like the sob that works there... that guy realy gets my blood boiling. w/ out a shadow of a doubt do i know it is slfrige even w/ out ur hints. i hope that store burns down or some one takes it over.

sorry for ur missfortune. return it and buy at m and m. i promise you mike will take care of u.

[walleyeman2006]

last time i checked there is a 90 day lemon law in michigan that covers allmost all purchases of new merchandice....unless thats been changed the owner of said shop is liable for the repairs

[shadow7663]

In a already tough economy and with the start of the "lack of ice season" Most bait shops are taking a beating right now. I can easily see both sides of this situation. Yes you should get a replacement auger at no cost to you, I agree with that 100%. Now look at the other side just for a moment. Taking into consideration you have traveled this path before, know your current finances. What your monetary losses and gains are. Chances are that you too will lose money in this deal.

Now a wise business owner might just take the monetary loss of a few dollars for the sake having excellent customer service and word of mouth advertising(which is the best advertising) which in turn will turn around your losses at least 10x profit. Now with that being said, a business owner who is on the line of going under/ selling/ closing ect. ect. is not going to take another loss and doesnt care about customer service.

You be the judge.

P.S. Don't bash me. Just some thoughts to ponder and I still agree you should get another auger at no cost to you.

[Nascar31Fan]

No offense Shadow, but in this economy it makes even more sense to take care of your customers because each one is so much more precious than ever. And if they are on the verge of going out of business then whats losing another couple hundred bucks?

I'm guessing from the hints that ole' Brian is up to his tricks again. He must not be getting a new boat from anybody this year!:p

[MiketheElder]

Talked to Matt (Exploding Varmints) on the phone. It seems that the problem may lie with Jiffy and not necessarily the bait shop in question.

Settle down Boys. Answers forthcoming tomorrow.

[Trippin' Dipsies]

i can tell you right now theres no way in hell it is m and m, mike does everything and anything to go out of his way to make you happy.

I used to be loyal to Mike and supported him as much as possible when they used to be Archers & Anglers. But after being burned a number of times on servicing equipment, I haven't been back since.

[lkmifisherman]

This has always been my theory....If you make one customer happy, they tell 3. If you pizz one customer off, they tell 30. You have the potential of telling 18,966 as of today....Alot of them seem to be in your vicinity... Not a good idea to make someone mad so close to them. In my line of work the customer comes first and we battle it out with the higher ups, not them. That's how it has to be to stay alive, esp. in the economy MI has right now.

I try to support my local businesses but they in turn better support me whether by backing a product they sell me or frequenting my place of work. If not, then my money goes elsewhere....

Give them the benefit of the doubt and let them have a day and if you don't have a NEW auger (not a repaired one) then blast away....

LMF :fish:

[deerfetcher53]

i work in a customer service roll and let me tell you that right now you have the upper hand with this guy(i know who he is)after he gives you the run around and he won't make good on his returns then you call jiffy and ask for a sells rep for michigan and give him your info and bone heads name and see if that will do you any good.i bet if he wants to buy from jiffy any more he better make good.if not then we can just make sure that none of us use him for any thing!!!!!!!!!!:rant: :rant: :rant:

[MiketheElder]

Like I said above, don't get your panties all in a bunch YET. I did a little digging around some other icefishing sites and it seems that the Jiffy Company has ticked off more than a few people with their "It's not our fault" attitude. They say, for example, according to a post I read, that the engine is made by Tecumseh. Take it to a Tecumseh repair shop. No mention of whether or not Jiffy will cover the expenses.

So if you take your Jiffy back to a dealer who can't absorb expenses like Cabella's or BPS then your fight is with Jiffy, not the dealer who is stuck in the middle. From what I've read this icefishing season, I wouldn't buy a Jiffy, but that's just me. You guys can buy what you want.

[ggoblue]

just funnin wit ya sparty...ive only met you on the lake simcoe board...although i fish around snake island every spring....maybe we have met there?

[joeleone]

I'd put my money on Selfridge that guy seems like the type and If I remember correctly last time I was in there there wasn't exactly alot of power augers in there maybe just the one leaning on the rack;).

[jigmanII]

I am a small business owner, and have had to eat a few losses over the years to keep my customers happy. I have even gone as far as to refuse their offer to pay when it was my fault. That is just me.
I won't speculate on which place it is either. I find it hard to believe the guy doesn't want to help resolve this, just on principle not on threat.
Sounds like great place to avoid.
I am leaving for Arizona in the next week or so, took a job for 6 to 8 months and will not be here for the jumbo's.
Exploding varmints, I have an 8" piranah by Eskimo that you may borrow until your jiffy issue gets resolved. I have had it 5 years and never even changed the spark plug, it works great. If you want to use it drop me a pm.
You may want to stick a new plug in if your going all that way though. lol
Btw. if someone gets on a good school in the next week I would greatly appreciate a heads up.
I would blame Jiffy customer service and take my fight to them.But that's just me.

[Ninja]

As much as I like supporting Small bait shops and always do for stuff like that including summer fishing. I hate to see anyone put a hurt on one of these shops. If what happened is confirmed well Heck I'll catch my own minnows and crawlers and go to bass pro for the rest;)

Don't make us all suffer for the actions of one.....:)

For what it's worth, if my vendors don't provide the same level of service to me that I give to my customers, I do not carry their products.
And I did not carry Jiffy this year. ;)

[UNCLE AL]

I would demand that the guy that sold the auger to you take up the fight with the manufacturer. You being the customer did everything that you were supposed to do (paying for it), now it's his turn to do everything that he can do to make it right for you. Good Luck.

[MiketheElder]

Matt (exploding varmints)! Contact the store. He's been trying to get ahold of you. Everything will be taken care of.

I have informed sources. Don't ask, I'm not telling.

[thos1971]

Like I said above, don't get your panties all in a bunch YET. I did a little digging around some other icefishing sites and it seems that the Jiffy Company has ticked off more than a few people with their "It's not our fault" attitude. They say, for example, according to a post I read, that the engine is made by Tecumseh. Take it to a Tecumseh repair shop. No mention of whether or not Jiffy will cover the expenses.

So if you take your Jiffy back to a dealer who can't absorb expenses like Cabella's or BPS then your fight is with Jiffy, not the dealer who is stuck in the middle. From what I've read this icefishing season, I wouldn't buy a Jiffy, but that's just me. You guys can buy what you want.

This would be understandable (though not preferable) if it were a warranty issue. But this was a brand new, never worked, first turn out of the box issue. That is a return for refund situation plain and simple. I have had better experience with these issues by paying with a credit card, if something like this happens I just cancel the payment, then the store owner is very happy to take the merchandise back because that is his only option to get anything. Unfortunate, but sometimes you have to force people to do the right thing. :bash: :bash:

[glongworth3232]

Its a shame that he wont help you out.There is a few bait shops downriver and in Monroe that have closed in the last year and i would bet if they were open that they would have helped you out.I provide Lawn and Landscaping services and if someone isnt happy I do 1 of 2 things.Fix it or Fix it.No other options.The customer is always right no matter what!!!!Good luck to you on getting it taken care of.Just a little FYI I bought and Eskimo Barracuda hand auger and it broke the first day.(handles)I got it at Dunhams and I returned it with no problems.(had my receipt of course)So there is a nother brand not to buy.

[explodingvarmints]

Update,
First off thanks to Mushy1 and Mike The Elder for your help and advice. Thanks also to those fine sportsmen on this site with the offers to use your augers...... class act! I am not going to let the name of this store out. They are going to give me a brand new stealth power head and deal with Jiffy on the broken one. I am sorry that it came to this and for whatever reason I sort of feel bad. It's not in my nature to stir the pot or take someone over the coals for my misfortune. I still feel that they could have handled it better right from the start, and this would have been a non-issue. That's just me, and I agree with all of you regarding customer service. I am going to give the shop owner a little advice while I'm there on how to deal with customer issues, and that if you choose to do nothing the results could be devistating. They may have realized this already as he stated that people have been talkin/calling regarding this issue. I am happy to recieve a new auger in time for my trip, I just wish that the whole deal could have been a little more fluid. Thanks for the support and advice guy's.... I appreciate it.

[Canuck136]

Explodingvarmints,

Good luck on your trip!

[explodingvarmints]

Just thought you may want to know that the problem was indeed with Jiffy and not the shop. If I could exchange this unit for any other brand I would, and will let Jiffy know this.

Matt,
That is NOT our warranty policy. Where did you purchase the drill from? The store should have sent you to a service center for repairs under warranty. What repair shop did you drop it off at? You should not have to pay to have it repaired. Again, our warranty is one year from date of purchase. Our policy is that the repair shop should repair the drill at no cost to you and then submit a warranty claim to us and we pay them. If this repair shop will not repair it under warranty and the charge you, please send me the receipt and we will reimburse you. When you pick up your drill, please let me know if the repair shop charged you. Please email me at jeff@jiffyonice.com.

Jeff Huenink
Marketing
Feldmann Engineering & Mfg. Co. Inc.




I just bought a new (last years model) jiffy legend lightning 2 h.p. model. The first time I used it I realized that something was VERY wrong with the gear box. The bit could be stopped from spinning by little to no pressure and the gear box would make terrible noises. The store that I bought the unit from said there was nothing they could do about it! This is outrageous! Why in the world would anyone want to buy your product knowing that if it was broken from the factory that they could not return it,or exchange it. That must be the worst customer service plan I have ever heard of (if it is true.) If I were a store owner and knew your policy I would refuse to sell your product! I am now without a power auger for a once a year trip to Lake Simcoe were the current ice thickness is 24" +. It is at a repair shop right now awaiting parts that I had to pay $30.00 out of my pocket for a unit that has less then 10 seconds of run time. This is terrible in anyone's opinion. I fear that when I do get it back I will find more and more problems, and more and more down time when I need the product for it's intended use.... Drilling ice, not sitting in a repair shop! Please E-mail me with your dealer return information, and or what you intend to do with this matter.



Regards,

Matt

[DEO]

Glad to see your issue was resolved.

[sweatyspartan]

This issue was resolved after lots of noise was made about it. IMHO, this guy is still a rat and runs a subpar business. The only reason he finally came around to making this right is because he saw the potential effects it might have on his business.

He should have taken care of it the first time because that was the right thing to do. Ninja makes a great point about not carrying a product that you wouldn't be able to back up.

I would still tell the name of the shop before anyone else has to jump through hoops to get quality customer service (or just go to K&D)

[Nascar31Fan]

Now you gotta share all your fish that you catch with us as payment!:D

[explodingvarmints]

Now you gotta share all your fish that you catch with us as payment!:D

with my past success at simcoe you'd better have an appeptitir for shiners:lol: .

[MUSHY1]

Dont you be bad talking my Be-loved Simcoe Matt, With some good spots, Start working that wrist a little.....:lol: :yikes:

Mushy

[explodingvarmints]

[quote=MUSHY1]Dont you be bad talking my Be-loved Simcoe Matt, With some good spots, Start working that wrist a little.....:lol: :yikes:

PERV!!!!:lol:
I will be calling you for a little more direction when I get the Simcoe map in front of me..... And you better be telling the truth;) .