quote:

Have you looked into getting it repaired maybe?

OP, hasn't even mentioned trying to clean the burners. Some could be clogged with grease and/or nesting insects.

quote:

Originally posted by matai:

...

For those that say it's "too long," too long according to what? Your own principles? If so, what is the correct limits one should set above the policies that a business puts forth?

I understand your comments about what the policy says. There are those who would intentionlly destroy something on the last day of a warranty period to get a new one. Is that right or moral?

You live with your scruples, I'll live with mine. If someone asks, they open themself up to answers that might be contrary to their desire(s).

Where I personally am with this is "chances are if you have to ask if you are doing right wrong, you already know the answer." Think of a child checking to see if someone is watching.

I am sure everyone has their own personal barometer. I personally would be in the 30 day range, but that is because I would know in that time if it was a keeper or not. Weather conditions (lots of rain) might allow a 60 day window, but honestly, after that, it's too long.

quote:

Originally posted by Copefree:
Some of you may not shop Costco or know much about it.

It’s quite common for members to return years old mattresses / furniture / appliances / etc.

And they take it back no questions asked. They’d take this back in a heart beat.

But sometimes I’m too damn nice.

I'm well aware of places that take things back after forever.

quote:

Originally posted by tatortodd:

quote:

Have you looked into getting it repaired maybe?

OP, hasn't even mentioned trying to clean the burners. Some could be clogged with grease and/or nesting insects.

Kinda what I was thinking too. It could be a simple fix.

What does your conscience tell you?

I work part-time for a running shoe store. Our stated public policy is that we'll take back any pair of shoes within 30 days.

The truth is that we'll take back any pair of shoes. We'd like proof of purchase, but we can even look that up.

I've had people return shoes that were over 2 years old. I've had people return shoes that looked like they'd been worn for a Tough Mudder. Twice. We take them back, no questions asked.

Of course, afterwards, we talk about the ethics of a customer who would return an obviously worn out product. The belief behind this policy is that we believe the customer will return.

If we give them grief, they won't.

Customers who abuse this policy might be contacted by the owners, asking them to shop elsewhere. This happens very rarely.

Regarding taking a long time to heat up/small flame, here is a question: Do you leave the propane tank on all the time?

On my grill I have to turn the tank off between uses or I suffer these same isssues. I’ve had the same problem when using a grill and a propane griddle at work as well. I researched it and found that some propane cylinders have some sort of flow limiter and the tank must be shut down completely between uses.

Maybe worth a try if you’ve just been using the grill controls to get gas flowing.

Go to a store and ask a manager what he or she advises. I went to the customer service desk to get a copy of my receipt for a washer that I purchased about a year prior. I wanted it so that I could get warranty work done on it and I wanted to be prepared in case I needed proof of purchase. The employee just told me to bring it back and get a new one.

I voted no but this is between you and Costco.

quote:

Originally posted by 12131:

quote:

Originally posted by Copefree:
Some of you may not shop Costco or know much about it.

It’s quite common for members to return years old mattresses / furniture / appliances / etc.

And they take it back no questions asked. They’d take this back in a heart beat.

But sometimes I’m too damn nice.

I'm well aware of places that take things back after forever.

My wife used to be a store manager at Pier 1 and they had an extremely liberal return policy. She would get dish sets back after holidays that had clearly been used. People would just say they didn’t like them and get their money back.

The thing is, all those returns counted against the numbers for her store, and ultimately against her for raises and bonuses. People tend to look at big companies and think that their little return isn’t going to even make a dent in the total profits but it’s surprising how a few big ticket returns can affect a store and it’s employees.

quote:

Originally posted by thumperfbc:
Regarding taking a long time to heat up/small flame, here is a question: Do you leave the propane tank on all the time?

On my grill I have to turn the tank off between uses or I suffer these same isssues. I’ve had the same problem when using a grill and a propane griddle at work as well. I researched it and found that some propane cylinders have some sort of flow limiter and the tank must be shut down completely between uses.

Maybe worth a try if you’ve just been using the grill controls to get gas flowing.

It's also safer to close the cylinder after each use. For grills with an enclosed cabinet below, gas can collect in there from a leak between the cylinder and burner valves (e.g. hose or fittings). There was a safety minute at work that showed the effects of igniting a grill with the cabinet full of propane and it was not a pretty sight. Not only should the valve be turned off after every use, but periodically (every spring at minimum) you should be soaping the hoses and fittings looking for bubbles indicating a leak and replacement parts needed.

Contact the manufacturer. Call them during normal business hours.


Not sure if it's because the rise of social media, fear of negative online reviews, or what, but I've found companies tend to be much more responsive to consumer complaints lately.

My wife bought some frozen meat balls that had 48 instead of 50 in the bag. 5 minutes over the phone, company sent her coupons for 3 free bags.

Charbroil grill out of warranty with an ignition issue: new igniter shipped at their expense.

Just be nice and express disappointment and ask the person how they would like to handle your situation.

Returning to merchant at this stage doesn't seem the honorable thing to do.

Can't offer much help but I am blown away at the cheap construction of even top tier gas grills. They may be big and Shiney, but they cook like shit with hot spots and cheap components, low grade stainless panels that rust, thermometers that hold water.

Get a weber genisis and be done if you are still looking at a gas unit.

quote:

Originally posted by Copefree: It’s quite common for members to return years old mattresses / furniture / appliances / etc.

And this is why businesses like LL Bean have discontinued or modified their return policies. It's just a matter of time before those who "game" the system screw it for all.

quote:

Originally posted by Tooky13:
I voted 'No', as I think you waited too long. If it was under a year since you bought it, I probably would have voted 'Yes'.

^^^This.

Well, FWIW, I was in the return line at Costco recently, and the man in front of me was returning a 7 year old color printer because they no longer made ink cartridges for it. Costco took it back without question.

I too fall under the “ if you have to ask” camp.

Companies try to “do great right thing” and their policies are taken advantage of.

Very similar to how REI had to modify their return policy some years ago. Folks were bringing back well used boots, tents, etc.

If enough people take advantage of a great return policy, there's a good chance the policy will be changed at some point to something less favorable to the consumer.

I can’t believe someone paid $2500 for a grille.

quote:

Originally posted by sigmonkey:

quote:

Originally posted by ffips:

quote:

Originally posted by Copefree:
...

It’s quite common for members to return years old mattresses / furniture / appliances / etc.

...

That doesn't mean it is right.

30, 60, maybe 90 days, but 2.5 years is abuse of policy.

My sentiments.

I’ll third that.

Wrong is wrong, even if every one is doing it.
Right is right, even if no one is doing it.

quote:

Originally posted by 220-9er:
I can’t believe someone paid $2500 for a grille.

We think alike.

(I didn't vote. I've no opinion.)