What's On Your Mind? Costco, Lumber Liquidators, Richmond American

Companies do not like to make good on a warranty claim. It costs them money, which impacts their bottom line. So, it seems, some will do almost anything to avoid paying off.

“I bought four all-terrain tires with a 65000 mi warranty at Costco,” Jan, of Pinellas Park, Fla., told ConsumerAffairs.com. “One started losing air and when I had it checked, I learned that it is split on the tread due to dry rot and it could not be fixed.”

Jan had the other tires checked and was told all three had dry rot and were splitting.

“I went to where I bought them, Costco, and they said the splitting was normal and is not covered under warranty,” Jan said. “There has only been 48,000 mi on a 65,000 mi warranty. I was told to not drive on a highway at any speed above 50 mph because these tires will come apart on me.”

If a tire warranty doesn't cover dry rot, you have to wonder what good it is in the first place. The tires clearly didn't make it to 65,000 miles. This isn't complicated. Jan needs to stick to her guns and insist that the manufacturer honor the warranty.

Point of no return

Some stores are more difficult than others when a consumer needs to return a purchase. We've never heard of one that won't take a return, period.

Oscar, of Bismark, N.D., said he purchased laminate flooring from Lumber Liquidators for his home, but before he had it installed, decided it wouldn't work because of his dogs.

“When I called to return it I was told that laminate in not returnable,” Oscar said. “It would have been nice if there had been signs in the store.”

Oscar should contact Lumber Liquidator's corporate office and ask if that is indeed a policy. If it is, it's highly unusual for a store not to accept the return of unopened, undamaged product. It's possible someone at the local store just didn't want to deal with it.

Makes you want to rent

What could be worse than being underwater on your home? How about being underwater on your home that seems to be falling apart.

“There are countless issues with our home and lot, but the latest is horrible and needs to be fixed as soon as possible,” Mary, of Woolwich Township, N.J., told ConsumerAffairs.com. “There were multiple windows replaced in our home due to leakage, gapping and faulty installation. Some of the issues, however, were not externally visible and have resulted in severe water damage and insect infestation.”

Mary says she's gotten nowhere dealing with the warranty division of Richmond American Homes, the builder. Builders, these days, are losing money hand over fist. Most likley Mary will have to be firm and persistent to get satisfaction.

Haunted by an old debt

Once a creditor charges off a debt as “uncollectible,” they often turn around and sell it for pennies on the dollar. Who would buy an “uncollectible” debt? A debt collector, of course.

“Midland Funding LLC just started garnishing my wages for HSBC card services,” said Lisa, of Cohoes, N.Y.

Lisa is confused because she says he hasn't had an HSBC credit card in over eight years, since filing for bankruptcy.

“I want to dispute that this card even belonged to me, but I cannot find any contact information at all for Midland Funding, LLC,” she said. “ All the possible phone numbers posted on line are no longer in service. There seem to be all sorts of different addresses as well. Is there anyway you can provide me with correct contact info, this all seems like a scam.”

Actually, Lisa, it's all very legal. Chances are Midland Funding, LLC purchased your charged off debt from HSBC. They went to court and obtained an order that allows them to garnish your wages. From what we've been able to learn, they do this repeatedly, all over the country. 

Lisa should have received a “request for hearing” form with the letter that informed her of the garnishment, but she only have five days in which to return it. If she believes that the debt is not valid, she should ask for a hearing.