Staples Sells Absolute Garbage Patchogue, New York
We bought a Staples branded cross cut paper shredder from the Staples store in Patchogue, New York. It quit working before the it was halway filled with shredded paper. So we dragged it back to Staples, and they excahnged it no problem. Out the door again, and dragged it home. This wasn't a cheap shredder, either. It was $115.00 plus the price of the extended warranty my dopey wife got was talked into. We get the 2nd shredder home, and that one broke as well.
So I drag this one back to Staples, and demand a refund. At first they tried to get away with that store credit crap. NFG!! My wife paid cash, I want cash back....Enter Chris the ASSistant mangler...I mean, manager. He examines the receipts like he was examing his pet paramecium under a microscope, and finally agrees to a cash refund, but refuses to refund the price of that extended warrantee, which was a whole $15.00. I told him that if my $15 was that important to Staples, I would gladly cancel my commercial account at another location which USED TO generate about $1000 monthly.
Nope... Chris the ASSistant mangler wasn't budging. No problem. So when we arrive home, I call corporate, and speak to some d***o who claims to represent the Office Of The President Of The COMPANY!!! Probably more like the ORAFICE of the President, but that's not important. Now they want to send me the $15.00. Too late....Chris the ASSistant mangler of the Patchogue store cost you a customer. I wouldn't patronize Staples again if the had the last ream of paper on earth.
1 Updates & Rebuttals
unicosmon_00
United States of AmericaShredders
#2Consumer Comment
Wed, February 08, 2012
Foremost, under NO circumstances am I defending Staples. I simply want to add information to customers about buying shredders.
I've been employed by a Staples competitor for over 2 years and here are the things I've learned about those machines.
1. Shredders are a store's most profitable electronic item...
YES! Do you think that an oversized trimmer would be expensive to manufacturer? NO! Stores only make about 1% to 35% profit on most electronics. However, shredders can bring in anywhere from 30% to 65% profit, even more if the customer is buying!
2. Shredders are very fragile.
Most customers take home their new toy and begin tearing through every file that needs chomped. Bad idea.
Shredders have a sheet capacity per cycle (usually anywhere from 6 to 18 sheets), a maximum continuous shredding amount (usually about 200 to 700 sheets or 3 to 10 minutes), AND a sheet cutting style (cross cut - less secure/inexpensive, micro cut - very secure/expensive).
The point is, if you try to shred too many sheets at once, shredders will automatically stop working. This is a built in feature of most machines and it is to protect the internal parts. If this happens a lot, the plastic gears inside could possibly melt. You may consider purchasing a shredder with a longer continuous shred time or one with a larger sheet capacity.
3. Shredders can shred ANYTHING?..?!?
The truth is no.
Shredders should note on the box what the cutting blades can handle. I recommend looking for one which states that it can handle staples, paper clips, hot glue, plastic, compact discs (CD's), junk mail, and credit cards.
The sad part is that most shredders, even ones over $100, cannot handle hot glue, plastic, and junk mail. I urge you to access your needs. If you're shredding junk mail, you will need one that handles the items mentioned in this section. This can get into the retail price of $170 to $350.
4. Shredders are built to last.
The truth is, these machines don't have a ticking time bomb like most items in your technology/electronics department (Stock PC HDD's). They are built to last.
If you want your shredder to last you will need to obey they maximum sheet capacity per cycle, respect the continuous shred amount, heed to the objects that the shredder can handle, and lastly keep the shredder oiled.
Every shredder aisle in your local store will have some shredder lubricant or oil that you'll need to use based on your shredding habits. It comes in an easy squeeze bottle that can be used to apply a line of oil to a regular letter size (8.5x11) sheet of paper, fed through the shredder, and there you have it. Shredders have metal blades that rub together constantly. Sound familiar? Cars need oil, hair trimmers need oil, so why shouldn't your shredder. (I recommend once a month for most users.)
5. Shredders are Electronic
As simple as this sounds, keep this investment protected with a surge protector. Most homes have at least one or one thousand on deck. Don't let a power surge damage your equipment... please.
Tips:
If you need to shred many documents at one time, try finding a retailer or local business which does commercial shredding. It's safe and it saves you the time and money of buying a shredder.
If you shred on a daily basis, you'll need to figure out how many times per day you're shredding and how many sheets a day. This can help you decide on the shredder for you.
Find a store with knowledgable employees who understand shredders. They will help you access your needs.
Conclusion
The report stated that staples originally didn't want to return the warranty that was purchased. That isn't legal. Warranties are profit and help meet goals. This manager only wanted to meet a goal and he should have been replaced.
Next time customer, please don't do business with a store of this caliber. Find a retailer who wants to meet your needs and not their goal!