Automotive Discussions

Uh, Duly noted. You already understand why they declined, so not much else to say.

When people get hurt, they don't care if they signed a waiver of responsibility; they go after whoever they see with "deep pockets." Would it be the part maker, or would it be Sears?

Besides, what proof do they have that the part you're handing them is not defective, or sabotaged for that matter? If it's a part they sell you, they can go directly to the manufacturer if there's a problem. If it's your part, they have no recourse, and all the responsibility falls on you, which brings us back to the first paragraph.

This is the same reason we won't install an old dryer/range cord on a new dryer/range, or hook up a new dryer to old ducting, or install a range without installing the no-tip bracket. Despite what a lot of people like to say, the customer is not always right. Sometimes we have to protect ourselves and our customers regardless of their personal preferences. That's what responsible companies do. If we were just out for a buck, we'd do anything for anyone willing to pay. Is that the kind of company anyone wants Sears to be?

When I first read the post I would have to agree with thx......but then I read Blue's explanation.  I would have to agree with Blue in this situation.  Thx...you may not be like this but, there are a lot of people in this world that are just looking for a free ride (To put it nicely).

Just return the part to where you bought it and buy one from sears, they'll price match (I assume) and you get the installation.

Definitely some food thought, everyone.  Even if I may not agree.  I appreciate everyone taking the time to post their feedback!

Great!!! Thank you for being cool about it!!!

I had the same reaction a while ago to a similar situation. I thought it was ridiculous that the dealer shop near me would refuse to install an aftermarket part i was looking to get - keep in mind, i hadn't ordered it, in case the shop wanted to order it to verify its source, but they outright refused to. That just meant i went to a shop a little further down the street that my insurance company likes to go through, and they did all the work for about half the price, and had no problem with me ordering the part and bringing it in myself.

Admittedly, though, i can't blame them. I was angry about it then, but now it doesn't phase me, because after i thought about it a while the policy does make sense. But i definitely agree with thx in that i think it would be great if companies with such a policy would have an option to sign a waiver saying the installer is not responsible. I mean, most of us like to go back to the same shop regularly, and having a store like Sears offer something like that would ensure they never had a reason to go elsewhere - keeping them happy and coming back again instead of perhaps sticking with the shop they found to install their home brought part.

Of course, with the line of products Sears has access to and their price match policy, most of the time they can get you exactly what you need at the best price anyway. So long as its not Pirelli tires, apparently. :p

No mechanic I know of will install customer parts.  Why?  Because when it fails or doesn't work right you are going to blame him/her and their shop.  When they supply the part they take full responsibility for what happens to your car -- when you supply if they could be held liable for whatever happens if that part fails, even if it wasn't their fault.

Or look at it this way. They install it and it fails because they installed it incorrectly. You take it back and begin the "The car doesn't work right, you installed it incorrectly" and they say "We installed it correctly, your part was defective" argument. No fun for anyone--been there and done that--not with Sears, but with a neighborhood garage.

The store is not even allowed to help secure a picked up piece of merchandise to a Customer's vehicle.

The potential liability is way too great.

We'll still load it IN your vehicle or help carry it out to the car for you.

But, as the person driving out of the parking lot, with a mattress loosely tied to their sedan's roof, with them holding onto the mattress with their "free hand", heading toward the freeway entrance some times does, the store wants NO PART of this little possible nightmare!

True story.

Or, take it out of the box and slide it into the trunk... It'll fit.

It's a TREADMILL sir...

We can hold it for you, until you get a larger vehicle to pick it up or, for a small fee, deliver it to your location.

The FIRST speed-bump and the Customer is no longer "satisfied" with the product.

They installed a new "special" lug bolt, that was broken in service, on my wife's Caravan...

Reimbursed her for the part, too.

Another scenario not yet mentioned is this..

Let's say the mechanic was installing the part, and it didn't fit, or fell apart in the installation process.  The customer would not be pleased, and might even try to blame Sears.

I also have witnessed folks taking parts for installation that sat in their garage for years.  Though 'brand new in the box', the parts were old, and often defective.

Sears policy is standard for most auto dealerships as well.  It's simply too risky, especially these days.

Yes it is kinda a liabilty reason, but a good mechanic should test drive for problems after the install and to check out the part to see if any defects(not all parts can be seen if defective, but about 80% can, if you are TOUCHING the part). The deal is when you take your own part in, sears doesnt get the mark up on the part. The reason why the other shops install customer provided parts is they adjust then labor hrs to compensate for there loss on the parts. (IN A NUT SHELL) 

In my line of work we install customer provided parts all the time. As long as it's a new OEM part we never have a problem with it. We just charge for the labor to install. We are experts at what we do.

I wonder how many people walk into a Burger King with their own meat and bread and ask them to cook it?

awesome

Actually you would be better off to bring your own meat to Burger King :)

Not a good comparison in my book !

Ostrich meat?

That would contaminate the grill!

It is the mechanic's right to reserve, or refuse service on certain grounds.

Frankly, I do all my own work, and deal with Firestone.  They have a lifetime alignment package that can't be beat.

For the duration of your ownership of the vehicle, they will do the alignment at no charge, for a flat fee.  This is especially useful when changing out front end parts that have outlived they're usefulness after that 100,000 mile mark.

This policy is REDICULOUS!!!  WHY?  Because there might be 10 or 20 names (companies) that might sell that strut, but in all reality, there is maybe (!!!) only three or four MANUFACTURERS that actually MAKE the part.

LOOK, I worked at AMF Western Tool in Des Moines Iowa and they made DYNAMARK mowers, snowthrowers, all kinds of yard equipment, OK?!!!  WELL GUESS WHAT, the ALMIGHTY Sears BOUGHT - FROM AMF WESTERN TOOL - the EXACT SAME lawn mowers and other power yard equipment except it had a different COLOR OF PAINT on the EXACT SAME PARTS and Sears sold it as THEIR OWN.  SO, I say ******** to Sears Policy!!!  You just have that policy so YOU can make the ALMIGHTY DOLLAR!!!!!!  And buying the EXACT same part but in BULK, you can cut your overhead and make MORE MONEY off of the part rather than install - in all likelyhood - the same ****** part!!!!!

YOUR policy is why this country is going DOWN THE TOILET because it is all about Sears and to he|| with the little guy and his wife and four kids!!!  You don't care about any body getting hurt, you're worried about the fact that if the word gets out and people can get CHEAPER parts from somewhere else, you won't be able to sell your EXACT SAME PART for more $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So your - "I'm glad you are cool with it" and "happy you understand" does NOT FLY with those of use that have and ARE making SEARS parts and equipment and only changing the color of the PAINT!!  WE KNOW THE REAL TRUTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

mymechanic31909 said…

I wonder how many people walk into a Burger King with their own meat and bread and ask them to cook it?

---

I would probably more healthy than the junk they buy at $.29 a pound!!!

KRKLEK YOU NEED TO TAKE A PILL. SEARS IS A GOOD PLACE TO SHOP, THERE TOOLS ARE GOOD AND HAVE THE BEST WARRENTY. TAKE A DEEP BREATH AND CALL ME IN THE MORNING.

I am a repair technician here in Michigan, the whole point of all of this is LIABILITY!! Your best friend would never sue you if he or she slipped and fell on your property, whether in your control or not. Their lawyer would be talking to you and or your insurance company. Signing a waiver will not hold up in court, the last person to touch or install that part OWNS IT-PERIOD. Especially if you are a major corporation i.e. Sears/Kmart. If I bring a steak into OUT BACK STEAK HOUSE, then say I got sick from it, who's fault is it? Did it sit out too long? Someone contaminate it with dirty hands or cooking tools? Was the meat bad to begin with? Outback would loose in court guarantied.  If you bring me a used engine to install , I do all the work and it will not start, are you going to pay me to install it again? No you won't. You will not pay me for the first install because you did not get a running car out of the deal, so now I am the bad guy? But I installed your part per your request? If I get a part from my supplier and it is bad out of the box, I am certified, and they (the supplier) will pay me to correct the situation. So look at it this way folks we either DO or DO NOT install customer parts, there is no middle ground, unless you can only be "a little" pregnant. I almost forgot yes I do make a little money from installing the parts, PROFIT is not a bad word when your in business, because no profit=no business. You want someone to channel your anger mr. krklek? Call your local  attorneys office. Thanks, Dave From Michigan.

A little scathing, but, thanks Dave...

I think at this point this whole discussion is mute.  No mechanic, Sears or otherwise, I know of will install a customer-provided part.  This is Sears policy from coast-to-coast, so they didn't just make this up when you walked in the door. 

If you don't like the policies of Sears, then take your business elsewhere or attempt to do the job yourself.

It's all about liability, and the Jerky Boy's "sue everybody" mentality.

It's not that they can't trust you, it's that we've had to make it a policy not to trust ANYBODY.

I believe the actual phrase is moot point not mute point. However, you are all fairly on track, it is all about the money. The money is yours, spend it where you want. The last I checked this is a free enterprise economic system. You have the right to spend your money at what ever business you choose.

Also we are a society where there are more lawyers per capita than there are police or firefighters. Because of the almighty dollar and most people want their "share", there are policies that inconvienence a few to protect the majority.

Finally, I find it very interesting that Sears has the courage to allow this type of marketing tool to be available to the public. Most companies and most people do not want others to know of their shortcomings. What is up with that?

Thank you Sears for allowing me the opportunity to be an informed consumer!

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Hi shopwisely-Thank you for that positive feedback in regards to the site.  Sears is truly interested in hearing what their customers have to say, whether it is about a great shopping experience, or their shortcomings.

Hope you come back to visit, often!

P.S.-nice picture, worldweary!