Don't let common sense get lost in the noise
A consumer purchased a water heater from a local big box store. When it was installed, the homeowner realized that it was a very loud water heater. The plumber added insulation to no avail. The retailer refused to accept a return of the water heater since it did what it was supposed to do: heat water. The sounds recorded were between 75-82 decibels with intermittent shrill whistles that took it even higher. OCP researched noise standards and determined that Maryland law only permits residential appliances (with certain exceptions) to emit between 55-65 decibels. Once this was pointed out, the big box store picked up the water heater, replaced it with a quieter unit and refunded the price difference. Just because an item is working doesn’t mean it isn’t problematic or defective!
Don’t be left in a pickle
A consumer purchased pickles online, which never arrived. Despite contacting the retailer, and months of complaining, the consumer never heard back from the business or received the jars she ordered. OCP guided the consumer on her options, contacted the retailer and within a week the pickles arrived. If you find yourself in a pickle over small or large retail purchases, reach out to OCP for help.
Don’t let doors shut in your face
A consumer purchased a front and storm doors from a big box retailer and hired one of its recommended installers. The installer failed to properly install the front door. The replacement installer failed to fix the job and only made it worse by improperly installing the storm door. When the consumer complained, the retailer blamed the consumer. After years of negotiating on her own, the consumer called OCP. While it lacked enforcement authority after four years, OCP contacted the retailer, and, after extensive negotiation, obtained a settlement that refunded the price of both doors and the installation costs.
Don’t let poor service dent your resolve
Following a car accident, a consumer had her car towed to a local dealership’s body shop. Insurance processed the claim and authorized the repairs. The body shop quoted 25 days to obtain the necessary parts and to finish the repairs. Months after the accident, the consumer still hadn’t received her car, or a reasonable explanation for the delay. In fact, every call or visit resulted in a new excuse for the delay,leaving her without the use of the vehicle for five months. To make matters worse, the dealership refused to provide a loaner car. Once OCP contacted the dealership, it agreed to order the needed part and provided the consumer with a loaner vehicle. Three weeks after filing the complaint, the consumer drove away in her own car. If your auto repair shop isn’t giving you reasonable explanations about your repair or providing accurate estimates, OCP can help.
