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Not so crazy 8s: Harley guns it for $888 refund
Updated: November 12, 2012 11:01AM
Dear Fixer: I purchased a Harley-Davidson motorcycle from Chicago Harley in May 2008. I also purchased a full warranty that was good until May 2014.
I sold the motorcycle on Feb. 4, 2012, and also canceled the warranty on that date. The Harley-Davidson service center told me I would get a refund of $888 for the remainder of the unused warranty plan. I contacted Chicago Harley and they said they would send me a check for the remainder in six weeks or less. Well, now it’s October and I have yet to get my check. I have been in contact with the financial guy at the dealership and was told the problem was they changed owners. Meanwhile, the service center told me they sent a check with my refund to Chicago Harley.
Dear Anthony: First, you were smart to get the pro-rated cash out of your unused warranty. The Fixer wonders how many people simply forget they’ve paid ahead and don’t bother to file for a refund. It seems your refund check was heading to the dealership just as the former owner of Chicago Harley was packing up — and that’s apparently what caused the problem. The Fixer was able to get the ear of Harley-Davidson spokeswoman Maripat Blankenheim, who jumped on this right away. The corporate folks talked to the new owners of Chicago Harley, an ownership group based in Louisiana. Although the new owners technically aren’t responsible for the missing money, they did the right thing from a customer service standpoint and cut you a check. Your $888 was overnighted to your house and you’ve already gotten it.
Dear Fixer: I have a credit with Carson Pirie Scott for merchandise that was returned to them after we had already paid our store charge bill. They owe me $260.45. I have been waiting since January. I was told it takes three months for a check. I waited three months and no check. So I called again and was told to send a copy of my statement to Columbus, Ohio. I did that, and waited again. I talked to so many people and made so many calls and now I am told that they will make another dispute, which will take another two to three months.
Dear John: The good news is we found your money! The bad news is you already have it. This all started late in 2011 when your wife bought merchandise and later returned it — after you’d already paid your Carson’s charge card bill. We went to the Bon-Ton Stores, the Milwaukee parent company of Carson’s, and asked them to dig through their files. They produced a copy of a canceled check, endorsed by you, for $260.45 and dated Dec. 15, 2011. (We’re mailing it to you for your files.) We’re guessing with the crush of holiday activities last year, it was forgotten.~ At least you can rest easy knowing that no one has ripped you off.
