RYOBI Complaint - Worthless Warranty - Leaf Blower / Vac

Leaf Blower / Vac - Complaint

Review by UG on 2009-06-02

UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT -- I purchased a Ryobi Leaf Blower/Vac from Home Depot for non-commercial use. After a few uses the motor became loose from the unit. I returned it to Home Depot who required that I pay a fee to return the Blower to a Ryobi Service Center for inspection. If the Unit was found to be defective It would be replaced or repaired and my "Service Fee" would be refunded. The Service Center's report was that some debris had been found in the motor. They also stated that "I" had opened the motor which further voided the warranty. I explained if there was debris in the motor it would have been as the result of using the vacuum attachment, ( wasn't that what it was for?)I also denied I had ever attempted to access any part of the unit. They refused to acknowledge my claim and said it would cost $85. to repair it. The cost to buy a new on is $119.00. I requested an opportunity to speak to someone in higher authority but was denied. They sent the damaged blower back to Home Depot where I explained my dis-satisfaction to their CSR. It was of no use. I lost the $30.00 inspection fee but gained the knowledge which reminds me to never buy another Ryobi Product, even though I own several others tools purchased at Home Depot.

I now drive past my local Home Depot to shop at a Lowes in another town for all of my major household projects. They won the battle and lost the customer.