So you think you have an account at Tepperman’s - it's not so? Be aware, if you go through the Tepperman's application process to take advantage of Tepperman’s "don't pay event" they are completely misleading with their definition of "an account" which is very disappointing for a local family business. You run the risk of lowering your credit score with unnecessary credit checks. We fully expect a company will perform a thorough credit check when you first apply to use this service or open an account. Then checks should simply be done based on exceptions that make you a risk.

Then they inform you they've opened an account with a $10K limit for you. Then they encourage you to use it by sending you flyers, emails and advertising. The reality is you do not have an account at all. Each transaction results in an application for financing, a credit check with Equifax and a hit to your credit report showing you have requested more credit.

The reality is you do not have an account in the way you've come to associate the term. At least with Home Depot and Sears they are above board with their don't pay offers and simply have you use your store credit card for processing. No credit checks and a very quick check out process. No stigma associated with applying for financing.

When we were standing in line at Tepperman’s for our purchase of a bed and dishwasher last month, the cashier asked out loud in front of other customers whether we were paying cash or purchasing on our account - that was unprofessional in my view, whose business is that anyway. When we arrived at the cashier, she asked us again, cash or account? We replied "account" - again. Then she began to ask my wife all sorts of questions they should have known and had on file for our account from our previous purchase of a sofa and love seat. My wife asked why they were asking all these questions. She replied we need to do a credit application. We said that we had an account. She said it was standard to do a credit application and credit check. When asked if we had an account, she said yes. So, what is the value of an account at Tepperman's - zero! They don't even reuse the information they should have on file. They make you go though the pain of a 15 minute check out all over again.

We think they carry name brands, have a nice store and very knowledgeable sales people; however this practice of referring to your account is misleading and has changed our perception of the store and their value to us. We are now dissatisfied shoppers of Tepperman’s and plan to use Sears first for all our future appliance and furniture purchases.

With Sears, our experience has been consistent and always received great service. In fact, within the last year the Sears store in London even provided us a replacement range microwave appliance for one that failed just out of warranty simply because we were a very good and long standing customer - how did they know that? They read the information they had on file and trusted us - unlike Tepperman’s. Maybe Noah will use this insight to create a better customer experience and keep a few more customers loyal to them.

By the way, we cancelled the dishwasher purchase because Home Depot had the same model for sale for $130 less. While they offered to price match, my view is they were over charging and Home Depot deserved the sale. In addition, we purchased the mattress cover designed to ensure full warranty on the mattress for $120 and found it at the Mattress Depot for $39 with the same features and warranties. We have not opened it yet so we will be returning it this week.


A London Ontario Customer