Being unreasonable! That's a poor decision and a poor way to treat a customer (former customer now!). On April 28, 2020, I made a trip to Dowling Tractor and Supply to inquire about a problem I was having with my Craftsman mower's drive belt. Dowling had "repaired" it in January, 2019. The drive started giving me signs of NOT working in late September and early October; only six mowing months after their repair. So, Mr. Dowling informs me on April 28, 2020, upon my visit to solicit assistance with my now, NOT working drive; they no longer work on anything which they do not sell. Doesn't matter that it was just last mowing season that they accepted my business and my money! Doesn't matter that my mower's original drive belt lasted 6 - 8 years and theirs lasted one season! Doesn't matter that maybe it isn't my mower but possibly a faulty repair job, or a bad belt was installed! Yep, none of that matters! Point blank, Dowling will not stand behind the service they performed. So, what matters? Certainly not being reasonable about my complaint and their responsibility to at least look at my mower. Certainly not my money which I paid them for their services. Certainly not attempting to satisfy this customer. So, what lesson is being taught to the paying public, we consumers? That during these times of economic distress: we should support, purchase, and utilize the services of our local small businesses. That it is in OUR BEST interest to see them through these hard times. That they are the life blood of our economy. Really? Seems to me, this a one way street!!!
I think: handshakes, one's word, truth and honesty, integrity, and good business practices exist only in bygone eras. So sad, because I know as a society, we still try to teach our children and grandchildren these and other values which seldom see the light of day, these days. What do you teach your children/grandchildren Mr. Dowling? read more