While on a snowy trip to Whistler Dec 12/08, I had heard on the radio that a tire check was being done at Alice Lake, which is before Whistler. The RCMP were checking for proper tires for the road conditions. My tires were all season (Mud and snow rated) on a front wheel drive vehicle. I also went by my tire shop to confirm if they were safe. They felt I should be ok.
I decided to drop into Canadaian tire for an update on the road conditions, and also to see if any vehicles had been turned back. They would probably end up at Canadian Tire for chains or new tires, if so. There were quite a few customers like me enquiring on the need of chains. The service counter staff were stating that I should get chains or I will not pass the road block. Only good snow rated tires would pass. I though, ok, I guess I should play it safe. I was told there is a 72 hour exchange policy and only for different size or if defective. I went on my way with the $70 chains in a plastic box.
There was no road check after all, and the road conditions were better from squamish to Whistler than when I drove from Vancouver to squamish earlier.
On the way home monday I went by Canadian tire to refund the unused chains. They would not refund my money stating the receipt states only 72 hour exchange policy. Tire chain purchases weather used or not are not refunded. I stated that thier return policy states returns with recept and resaleable items accepted. They stated that tire chains are the exception.
I stated that they are still in the box unopened and are likely to be resold as this is the start of the winter season in this area. They would likley have no problem selling it. Again they were never even touched. They would not consider it. I asked for a store credit then and they said no. I talked to the store manager as well as the store owner and customer service people with no luck.
Canadian Tire is taking advantage of a situation that scams the consumer into buying an item for safety reasons, and if still in resellable condition (as new) will not refund or give a store credit. I guess is makes for a large cash pot in the winter season. They need to practice discretion in these cases. I could understand if the chains were used, or if it was the latter part of the winter season. Buyer Beware as always. They have lost me as a frequent customer.