Originally Posted by
Boudicca
Nice post, thank you Mr MEC (or was that Ms MEC?).
And I admit MEC has done me proud on returns. I took back a previous-season pair of gloves that split well before their time, and got a credit note with no questions asked. Same for a bike lock that refused to unlock (bit of a problem there). I suspect that was a dud batch of bike locks, as the store no longer seems to stock them.
I've always been impressed with MEC customer service too. I once bought a pair of tights and just stuffed them in the closet for a few of months, until the cold season came. In the fall I dug them out, only to find out they had seams in a place no cyclist wants seams.
So I took them back, not necessarily counting on anything, because I held on to them for so long, and because it was totally my fault for overlooking this crucial and obvious detail in the first place. But after I explained the problem and assured the staff that I haven't worn them, they gave me a refund right away.
I find that sometimes MEC doesn't choose the best product lines, and it's definitely not the place to go for anything really flashy and trendy (as far as bike garb is concerned, anyway). However, typically the quality of their product is very good and their Rock Solid Guarantee is totally rock solid. Most of the time they pick just the right product - going for function, not for fashion. At times, I found their selection lacking when I wanted something from the higher end of some products, but there are lots of other stores around, really happy to sell really expensive stuff to you (like $200 helmets and $100 gloves).
And the prices are hard to beat unless you go online or used (but neither of these is a fair comparison). Though MEC has its limitations, it's a wonderful store to have around, with true outdoor enthusiasts running it.
And no, I don't work for them. I just really like them.
