A bad experience at Epps

[Claven2]

Let me start by saying yes, I did contact epps first!!!

Unfortunately, I have to register my dissatisfaction with the service I rec'd. I have done business there a few times before and was very satisfied.

This time, I ordered a new Chiappa model 92 take-down 20" rifle in .45 Colt. The rifle is attractive and otherwise nice, but the front sight dovetail was improperly machined and cut too deep resulting in a front sight blade that won't stay put. A factory defect Epps would not have noticed before they shipped the rifle.

I got the rifle yesterday afternoon and called today to request a refund or exchange against a Winchester 1892 since they had no chiqppas left in stock and I explained I needed something for this season.

Caveat emptor.

Epps claimed it was store policy not to exchange or refund any firearm that was defective and that it has to go back to the importer for repair, something they conceded would take months. This is very poor customer service. The gun is unused/unfired and in its original packaging.

To summarize:
- defective product.
- return not being offered.
- exchange not being offered.
- my request to talk to a supervisor denied.
- their response when I suggested their actions were not jaw consumer protection laws: "that's policy - sorry".
- I told them I was considering contacting MasterCard to dispute the charge after it became evident they weren't going to be reasonable. Their response: "you are welcome to try".

Hopefully my experience is isolated, but caveat emptor. I now am out over $1000 and am stuck with a gun with unusable sights and a (possibly) barrel that needs replacing which I can send for warranty, maybe to italy, but will not have a new rifle for this hinting season.

[Daver_II]

Sorry to hear this, I too have had good and bad experiences there. Just watch out for their evil restocking fee.

[caver77]

That stinks, sorry to hear that!

[ajgoldie1968]

Sorry to hear this, I too have had good and bad experiences there. Just watch out for their evil restocking fee.

same here

[tweeters]

same here

Me too. Mostly good experiences, but some bad.

[BigBeaverBoomStix]

They may think that it doesn't matter, but a bad review on CGN definitely changes my mind, especially from a veteran member.

The bad publicity something like this can cause will definitely cost them more than the profit on that gun sale.

I'd rather pay MORE and buy a gun from a store that appreciates it's customers, than getting told to basically "get lost" when there's a legitimate dispute on the condition of a new product.

I bought a defective gun case from a CGN sponsor business, the locks jammed, I had to cut the locks to get the guns out! Told the store, what happened, they said bring it back for exchange or credit, no problem. That gets them thousands of dollars of my continued support and a lot of respect.

I hope Epps can make this right, I don't like to see long standing CGN'ers get the run around, all the best.

[Max Owner]

Use last years rifle. Sounds like the best you will get.

Hope you get things straightened out quickly and painlessly.

[polaris]

Caveat emptor.

Epps claimed it was store policy not to exchange or refund any firearm that was defective and that it has to go back to the importer for repair, something they conceded would take months. This is very poor customer service. The gun is unused/unfired and in its original packaging.

Hopefully my experience is isolated, No, it's not!!!

There was a very long thread not too long ago, about the exact same policy of Epps, how to s...w their customers.`

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum...ervice-unhappy!

"Harrier45" assured us all that this kind of BS will not happen again in the future.
That is very unfortunate, because I like the store (Epps) and will now have to find another place.

[MegaMonkeyChunk]

BRB grabbing my pitchfork.

But seriously, does this mean they'll willingly sell products without first througly inspecting them and then say "Not our fault buddy" when the customer receives his product? I don't like the sound of this.

[jperos]

Thanks for the heads up. I was going to order a rifle from them but I think I will pass. Lots of other reputable dealers to choose from.