I had an interstate battery in my car for a number of years, 13 months ago it would not hold a charge, I was unsure of when I purchased it, so went to interstate on University and Honore. I was told that it was outside of the warranty. I was given a couple of options, both above my budget at the time, and told the sales guy I would go to SAMs Club. He then offered me an economy model they carry, it was $55.00, with me installing it myself.
Having just completed a long (5 week and $30k) course of Chemo and Radiation Treatment, this seemed the best option. The installation was a little bit of a struggle, considering at the time I weighed 117 pounds! But that was the most economical option. I was offered installation for $10 extra.
A couple of days ago, my 13 month old battery stopped taking a charge. I found out this location is closed on Sunday, so Monday morning I returned to the location. I was then informed that the "new" battery I was sold, was not either, New or an Interstate! That it may have been a used one which just received a charge in the store, and came with a 30 day warranty! I told the sales person that I was never told this. He then offered me $5 off of the cost of a supposedly New battery.
I therefore went to SAMs club purchased a actual New battery, needless to say they did not mention charging me for installation!
I will never recommend anyone to ever purchase an Interstate battery, no matter what it is for.
On the receipt I have from my Used battery purchase, I noticed that they charged me for a battery Fee. I presume that this is to cover the disposal of a used battery. So they are charging one person for disposal and then reselling the Used Battery instead of disposing of it. I am quite confident that the State of Florida, appreciates the non remittance of this fee.
NEVER BUY INTERSTATE!!!
If you really need a good laugh, check out the Interstate mission statement. They are working to values, which apparently only apply on Sunday. Great way to get business from a set of principles which states the total opposite of what they actually do. If they can morally do this, I feel for their actions.
I received a response from someone who purported to be the business owner. He made a number of quite misleading statements, including that the label on the battery itself stated it was used, it did not. Also that I would understand the terminology of the receipt, it states:-
BLEM 30 MO BLEM( SRVSKU )
of course this is everyday jargon, used in the normal life of everyone! It obviously means:- USED 30 day warranty
But then we all know that. As for being informed that it had a 30 day warranty, who in there right mind would spend $55.00 plus fees =$60.46, for a battery with an expectation of 30 days usage! He also stated that I was made fully aware as to the fact that the battery was used, and it was not recommended for purchase to me. This is not at all demeaning and is a great way to show your kindness towards mankind as laid out in the guiding values held by his companies main office, and by which all franchises are following, Oh, I forgot, that is on Sunday when he is making amends for all that was done during the week! Anyone who even considers buying any battery of any kind, please go elsewhere, maybe a junk yard or the local landfill. At least there you are not treated like an idiot who can't read. read more