I have seen a lot of posts saying Lowe's has a 90 day return policy. I called them to confirm that and it turns out on large items like the frontloader I want to buy the return policy is only *7* days. Right now I am leaning towards a Bosch frontloader, also considering LG.
1. Which retailers carry Bosch and have a very good return policy?
2. Which retailers carry LG and have a very good return policy?
2. I am having a hard time finding out if I will get good service on the extended warranties that are being offered. I live in the Bay Area (CA). Does anyone have experience with extended warranties for Bosch or LG frontloaders (provided through GE or through Lowe's for example, etc) in the Bay Area?
Thanks!

I would be the source of many of those posts.
If you are unsure about Lowes, consider costco.
I've posted info below, but you should check for yourself.

I have not had to return items, but was assured before I bought my washer that the 90 days applied.

Here is the text from the Lowes web site:

***Our ultimate goal is for you to be completely satisfied *** [emphasis mine] with your purchase from Lowe's. If you receive an item you are dissatisfied with, you may return it within ninety (90) days** to any Lowe's store for a refund or exchange within our current return policy guidelines.


my reading of major appliance return policy is that DEFECTS are limited to 7 days, but your satisfaction is limited only by the 90 days.
My experiences with them - at least at the Ventura, CA store - was that they work very hard to satisfy.

**7-days for Major Appliance Manufacturer Defect
(We will replace your major appliance within 7 days of delivery/purchase if the unit has a manufacturing defect. Contact the Lowe’s store listed on your receipt to arrange replacement)

After 7 Days for Manufacturer Defective Issue: Please Call Lowe’s Service Advantage hotline toll-free at 1-888-77-LOWES (56937) to set up a factory-certified service appointment in your home, or for any general assistance, or use and care questions. Canadian customers, please click here to be taken to Service Advantage-Canada.

Note that the 7 day restriction only applies to DEFECTS - not to dissatisfaction - choose your words well.


I read the COSTCO return policy to be virtually unlimited except for the items that they specify as 90 days.

??what do you think??

Here is the text from COSTCO.com for their return policy:

Returns

Membership: We will refund your membership fee in full at any time if you are dissatisfied.

Merchandise: We guarantee your satisfaction on every product we sell with a full refund. Exceptions: Televisions, projectors, computers, cameras, camcorders, iPOD / MP3 players and cellular phones must be returned within 90 days of purchase for a refund.

How to Return: For an immediate refund (including shipping and handling), simply return your purchase at any one of our Costco warehouses worldwide. If you are unable to return your order at one of our warehouses, please email customer service or call our customer service center at 1-800-955-2292 for assistance. To expedite the processing of your return, please reference your order number.

here is a snippet from the returns q&a at SAMSCLUB.COM

What does it say to you?

What is the samsclub.com return policy? Member Satisfaction is 100% guaranteed by samsclub.com on both products and Memberships. You may return your online purchase (except auction items) to any of our Sam's Club locations nationwide. (Use our Club Locator to find the Club nearest you.) Or, you may return your merchandise directly to samsclub.com using our online return process in the My Account section of our site. You may also contact our Member Service Department for simple instructions. Items purchased on samsclub.com auctions can be returned within 30 days of purchase by contacting a Member Service Representative for approval and instructions. Merchandise purchased from samsclub.com auctions can NOT be returned to a local Sam's Club location. No matter how you choose to process your return, a friendly Sam's Club Member Service Representative will provide you with a full refund. For purchases returned through the online process, you will receive credit to the account that was charged at the time of purchase. For purchases returned to your local Club with a printout of your order, your refund will be in the form of a Shopping Card, cash, or credit to the account charged (if available in the Club of choice.) Returns made to your local Club, without a printout of the order, will receive a full refund in the form of a Shopping Card. Exceptions to this policy include: Computers, which can be returned within 6 months of the original purchase date, except Dell computers which can be returned within 30 days of the invoice (ship) date. All Dell products can be returned within 30 days of the invoice (ship) date. Theme park tickets, which are non-refundable. Shopping Cards, which can not be redeemed for cash. At samsclub.com, we reserve the right, at any time, to modify, alter, or update this policy. Your order constitutes an agreement to be bound by such modifications, alterations, or updates to this policy. Our ultimate goal is for you to be satisfied with your samsclub.com shopping experience and purchases.

Take a look at the return policies at COSTCO and SAMSCLUB.com.

Even Home Depot and Lowes.


Here are some links.
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ContentView?pn=Return_Policy&langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

http://www.costco.com/Service/FeaturePageLeftNav.aspx?ProductNo=11204333

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=pg&p=CustServ/custsvc_oo_returns

Check before the sale - sam's club only had a very limited return on GE the last time I asked.

http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?catg=582

Thanks for your replies, very helpful.
I called two different Lowe's stores and got two different answers. One says the policy is 7 days for major appliances regardless of whether your reason for return is dissatisfaction or defect. The other says 30 days. Both say the 90 days does not apply to washers (and I specified "dissastifaction"). Maybe each store interprets the policy as they see fit? I'm going to try to get something in writing from the 30 day policy store.

they may say almost anything.
But, I think that the WRITTEN material is very clear and would be hard for any reasonable person to interpret in any way except 90 days.


Ask specifically for the store manager.

Get the name,

Have your printouts of the policies from the links.
Underline the 90 days.

Get him or her to initial them.

Lowes really does have a great selection...

I got my (dare I say it) CABRIO top loader there...

We love it.
Excellent capacity.
No agitator.
Cleans well so I run it on light wash and use PRE-SOAK.

But, it doesn't have an internal heater.
And it does use more water that the front loaders.
But, only half what the old style agitator maytag did.
And it is HUGE - fewer loads saves water.
I needed a top loader to keep my dryer, due to the door arrangement.

Sadly -

I received the following email from Sam's CLub:

-----Original Message-----

From: Membership.Services@samsclub.com

[mailto:Membership.Services@samsclub.com]

Sent: Sunday, May 04, 2008 9:55 AM

To: <redacted>

Subject: <<Record:2724016>>Contact Sam's Club

 

To help us provide the best service possible to you, please do not change the subject of, or any replies to, this email.

 

Phil,

 

Thank you for contacting Sam's Club in regards to the GE dishwasher. We apologize for any inconvenience. However, all GE merchandise must be return within 48 hours. On the other hand, if the item is damaged and needs to be repaird, you can contact GE for the warranty informtion (877) 885-2787. If you have additonal quesitons, don't hesitate to contact us back. Have a great day!

 

Respectfully,

 

Sharena

Sam's Club Member Services

bump

I was heartened to see that Home Depot takes returns up to 90 days, assuming one has proof of purchase (receipt).    We recently bought three new appliances at HD and have been very happy with them - and it's great to know they also have that great return policy.

Not sure who posted that link - but THANKS to whomever did!

I have to add to this post.

With the home foreclosures/slowing economy--things have changed quite a bit.

Lately--consumers have been encountering problems with returning appliances to the retailers. On some sales receipts there is a statement on it that mentions returns can be refused--at the discretion of the retailer. Stores are now resisting returns unless absolutely-positively necessary. Consumers are expected to resolve most issues thru an authorized servicer.

Obviously this can lead to bitter experiences. The fact that Home Depot "lost" 66%  profit for the 2nd quarter has much to do with this.

Lowes posted a smaller loss but has fewer stores than HD.

KMart/Sears is bleeding heavily.

Yes, John, the economy has slowed quite a bit.  I'm sure it would be best to check with Home Depot to see if that 90-day return deal is still in effect.   IF it is written at their website or elsewhere, I would think they would be required to honor it.

Same goes for any other companies concerning their deals, of course.

If you bought the Maytag Bravos washer at Home Depot and are hypothetically experiencing a problem,this is the what will likely transpire:

1)  Customer contacts retailer and/or manufacturer to notify them that they are having a problem with their new product.

The model/serial numbers and date of purchase are requested and the consumer provides it.

The customer is advised to contact an authorized servicer to inspect/repair the product. The name and phone number of a local servicer is usually provided to the customer.

2)  Servicer arrives at the customer home and attempts to identify the fault. This may be something as simple as a *customer education* issue (ie, Washer shakes on wood floor). If a part is needed--the servicer replaces it or orders a new replacement part.

3)  Servicer returns with new component--completes repair.

4)  If the repair has resolved the problem--this ends the issue. If not, most consumers will notify the retailer to request that they want either an exchange or a refund. The retailer will tell the customer to either contact the manufacturer to arrange for a different to servicer to make a scheduled appointment or the retailer may provide a referral.

5)  Second servicer examines product--may educate the customer/make repairs or order additional parts. Possibly requiring yet another scheduled appointment to return and complete repairs.

6)  If the problem is still unresolved--the customer--who is by now very unhappy and at their wits end with wasted time being available for servicer visits/being unable to use the new product/feeling neglected as a consumer--contacts the retailer for a return/refund. The retailer may finally agree to an exchange. After scheduling for the delivery truck to arrive--an exchange is executed and all appears well--finally.

However...

In this example, let's assume that the consumer had a front load washer problem with an *error message* and *small amount of water leaking*.

The new replacement washer WILL exhibit the very same "defect". The customer is now extremely p/o'd. Contacts the retailer again to express bitter disappointment at not having a fully functional washer--demands a full refund.

The retailer will again initiate the same process as steps 1 thru 5. Sometimes the manufacturer assumes "control" of the problem at this point. A small percentage of customers will be granted a full refund--requiring a scheduled pick-up.

This is an oft-repeated eposode that is caused by incorrect detergent or too much HE-type detergent. A great deal of  internet forum complaints are of this type of problem (which includes: Musty / Moldy / Mildew Odors).

A competent retail sales person could have totally prevented this unpleasant experience by providing the customer the critical information regarding detergents---at the point of sale.

A competent servicer should have addressed this at the very first visit to the consumer's home.

Retailers will NOT instantly grant a customer's wish for an exchange or a refund.

HOWEVER...

If you are able to do so----returning a new appliance to the retail store YOURSELF---will almost guarantee a refund as long as the receipt is provided and you are within the return period.

Thanks for all the information; I've saved it, and hope I never need it! 

I didn't get to call HD yesterday; am planning to do so today. 

I'm also going to check with AMEX about the extra year on the warranty.

I've got lots of homework to do!

    My experience with return policies:  I purchased an LG set from Home Depot and was very unhappy with the smell and washing performance. (whites not white).  To get them to take it back involved raising a dispute with my credit card company, having the service company come out (who verified it was a rubbish machine), having the local HD manager come to my house....then they finally took it back.

    NEXXT .. not finished yet -- I then bought the Bosch Nexxt 800 series from the Home Depot Expo Design Center store and had the same problems -- whites weren't getting white and the controls were very confusing (as I now realize most German appliances are).  They reluctantly took it back after I involved the credit card company again.

    NOW I have the Whirlpool Duet with Sanitary cycle purchased from a local appliance dealer who pride themselves on customer service.  But there's no way they will take back a machine because I don't like it -- it has to be defective in some way, and then they'd just replace it.  I hate this machine but am stuck with it.

    It would help if Consumer Reports tested washers for how well they get whites white without the use of bleach.  I've purchased several machines based on their so-called recommendations, but none of them can get whites white!  I started out with the dreaded Calypso which I suffered for 6 years, and this new machine was to end all the problems .... ha, ha!

Interesting - the one model COSTCO has is the DUET...
check their return policy.

John -
Interesting about how many problems are caused by detergent.

It seems a smart manufacture would co-market with the detergent makers to:
provide 3 or 4 large samples with every new machine.
and
provide a SMALL reasonable measuring cup that didn't give the impression you needed to inundate the clothes with detergent to get them clean.
Phil

Wendy,

The only way I have found to get whites white is to use the double rince cycle.  More water, but your whites will be whiter.  I had an LG for three years and after several repairs, finally kicked the bucket.  From what I can tell, every front loader has good and bad personal reviews and I am now puzzled as to what brand to buy.

Wendy

We just bought a GE FL from HomeDepot which was delivered 4days ago.  Today the repairman determined that the motor is completely burnt out.  So that means the motor burnt out after washing 4 loads of laundry and considering that we spent $700 on the washer we do not feel that we got a deal by any means.  It will be approximately 1 week before the repairman can come back to attempt to fix this defective merchandise.  So I called HomeDepot and was informed that under no circumstances do they allow the return of merchandise.  I was told that HD is "simply the middle man" and I need to contact the manufacturer from now on.  If you read the "exception" part of return policy you will read, "The Home Depot reserves the right to limit or refuse to accept the return of merchandise at any time and for any reason."  I checked, this is also printed on their receipt. 

Based on our experience I would strongly suggest NOT purchasing any appliances from HomeDepot. 

Id like to give you a little advise on these washers.  I purchased a Bosch Nexxt 500 series from Lowes just over a year ago.  At first I was very impressed with the machine, since it replaced a 15 year old top loader.  (yes it was old, but would not die)

After a few weeks we started having problems with the unit not spinning out the clothes.  Id say 1 in 8 loads would come out soaked in water..  Since my machine does not have a spin only cycle, I have to do another complete wash cycle.  I called Bosch, which turned out to be a joke because they do not have a tech center for consumers, and ended up speaking with a person who works in the corporate office.  I stated my issue and she was certain (with an attitude) I was loading the machine wrong. But no matter what I told her I was wrong and not operating the machine correctly.  At one point she even told me she has "Bosch's highest most expensive model"  and has no problems with it.  So all I got from a lengthy phone call was I'm doing something wrong and Bosch has no effective help center.  I was told to have a service center come out and inspect it. 

Well, currently I am on my second service center to fix this machine.  The first one told me to correct the problem I need to completely fill the machine with clothes, which is NOT what the operators manual states.  So, we tried this and 6 months later still have the same problem.  I called a second service center and am currently awaiting a new "motor drive controller" and "main display control"  I will see if this fixes the problem....  I was in Lowes the other day and I was looking at our model washer on display, kind of funny Bosch made a change to the control and put an optional "spin cycle" on... Now you tell me they don't have problems with this!

So now that you know a little of my story, here is some advise:

1. Buy an extended warranty!  I have one through Lowes and its been awesome.

2. Check which brands have service centers in your area.  I live near Buffalo, NY and have only a couple within 50 miles radius for Bosch.

3. Don't let the sales person persuade you on a specific model, do your own homework...

4. I would NOT advise anyone to buy a BOSCH machine.  Sorry Bosch, but the attitude I received from your representative sucked.... Remember you DO have competition.

5. Some things I'd look for are optional spin cycle, length of wash cycle, and spin speed selection.  I found with heavy items its better to reduce the spin speed. 

6. From what I hear Whirlpool Duet machines are awesome.  But I haven't had one so I cannot speak for myself on them. 

Good luck! 

Sounds like you got the same woman at Bosch I spoke to last year. I got a Bosch range (a $2000 dual fuel model) on closeout through a distributor. I had a VERY minor issue with a grate and and called Bosch to have the piece replaced. The woman at Bosch insisted since I only paid about $700 I got too good of a deal and did not deserve warranty! Go figure. It won't scare me off a Bosch appliance though since in most cases they are superior to just about anything I have ever used or seen. I just approach them with due caution that the wicked witch at Bosch could answer the phone. If you don't get this particular woman they are quite helpful

You all need to look at Speed Queen machines.  I don't know why CR does not review them but they have the BEST warranty in the business. 
Topload Washers
Speed Queen offers:

3 year warranty on parts and labor for the entire machine 5 year limited warranty on the motor 5 year limited warranty on the cabinet 10 year limited warranty on the transmission A lifetime warranty on the outer drain tub and the stainless steel wash basket Frontload Washers Speed Queen offers: 3 year warranty on parts and labor for the entire machine 5 year limited warranty on the motor 5 year limited warranty on the cabinet 5 year limited warranty on the bearing and seal assembly A lifetime warranty on the stainless steel wash basket A lifetime warranty on the stainless steel outer drain tub

After reading all the terrible reviews on just about all washers, we went for one of these.  I had one for 22 years before buying my Maytag Neptune which we all know is a hunk of junk.  It only lasted for 3 years!