ComplaintsforChicago Metal Supply & Fabrication Inc

• Initial Complaint

  01/05/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On 9/27/2021 I purchased $2,409.29 in materials from Chicago Metal Supply for new copper gutters for my home per the direction of my contractor ***********************. He injured his knee and was unable to do the job. I contracted with ******************** in *********** to install the new copper gutters on my home. They reviewed the materials I previously purchased from Chicago Metal Supply and gave me a list of additional material I needed purchase. On 11/19/21 I called and left a voice mail and sent an e-mail to Chicago Metal On 12/8/202 I requested the additional items needed. On 11/22/2021 I received an e-mail from ************************* stating the downspouts were back-ordered. On 12/8/2021 I received an e-mail from ************************* requesting that I call her. On 12/8/2021 I called *************************, who stated the backordered downspouts were back in stock. I paid for and purchased an additional $1,646.68 in material from Chicago Metal Supply for the installation of new gutters on my home. ******************** in *********** installed the new gutters on my home on 12/22/21 and 12/23/21. I had a significant amount of leftover material from the job. On 12/29/2021 I called ************************* and told her I had leftover material from the job and wanted to return the material. She requested that I send an e-mail with a list of the leftover material. On 12/30/2021 I sent a list of leftover material which included the following: 4-copper end caps $4.99 each $19.96 5-copper downspout straps $3 each $15 2-5 inch copper outlet tubes $12 each $24 1-4 inch Round corrugated A elbow $15.95 9-5 inch copper rival hangers $9.99 each $89.91 **** foot sections half-round gutter copper $292 2 sections of downspouts 4 inch round $155 each $310 One bottle M-A soldering flux stainless steel $47 Total $813.82 On 1/3/2022 ************************* sent an e-mail replied they cannot accept back items once items are purchased they are a final sale. I sent an email stating the invoice states there will be 15% restoc

  

  Business response

  02/02/2022

  To whom it may concern,

  I recently received a letter regarding an issue from a customer, *********************************.  We did try and accommodate Ms. *********, but unfortunately, we do not take returns on copper items because typically they aren't handled properly after they leave our warehouse.  Even something as simple as fingerprints on copper will cause the item to blacken and start the patina process which then we would have to spend time and money cleaning so that the next customer receives the item in pristine condition.  I understand that various situations can cause undue stress, but I believe that the issue is with the 1st contractor that left Ms. ********* in a tight spot  When copper is left outside and exposed to moisture it will also start the patina process, sometimes internally as in the case of the downspouts, which makes it almost impossible to clean.    We strive to do our best to service our customers and help them where we can, but unfortunately copper is a very expensive product and we don't accept returns on that specific product line.  On a final note your records should reflect that we have never had a single complaint in the 11 years we have been in business, that should speak to the type of Company Chicago Metal Supply is.  Please feel free to contact me with any further questions or concerns.

  Warm regards,

  Ski *******

  President

  Chicago Metal Supply

  Customer response

  02/03/2022

   
  Complaint: 16429851
  
  I am rejecting this response because: The invoice states that returns are accepted within 30 days. I attempted to return the unused material within 30 days. They did not meet their due diligence in meeting the stated return policy on their invoice. The extra material was material I was instructed to purchase by the second installers, not the first contractor. The materials have been stored in my garage in the boxes in which they were delivered and have not been touched and do not have fingerprints.  

   

  They should follow their stated return policy on the invoice they issued, which provides for a 30 day return. No exceptions are listed on the invoice for copper gutters. The company representative told me on the phone that they changed their return policy after my purchase was made and no longer accept returns. However, the return policy of ******************** effect when I purchased the copper material from them. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *********************************

  

  Business response

  04/16/2024

  I have found the invoice for Ms. ******* and want to make one final note in addition to Mr. ******** initial response on why we do not accept returns on any copper orders. He explained why we do not, but I would like to emphasize the fact that on the original invoice there is a note that says, we do not accept returns on any copper products. This has been our policy since inception for reasons explained by ****************** and this term and condition was on ******************** invoice. In addition to having that term outlined on every invoice we also have signage throughout out storefront stating there are no returns on copper products. So, while were sorry we couldnt accommodate her refund request we would also like to note the refund expectations were clearly stated on her invoice. I have attached the invoice to this email.

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