Used Appliance Warehouse

A common problem with washing machines is wear in the bearings that support the drum and basket that hold the clothing. The cost of replacing the bearings is usually greater than the cost of the machine. Appliance Warehouse at 206 Pellatt Ave. in Toronto sold me one such machine with worn bearings on July 4 for $531.10, including a 90-day warranty, HST and delivery, for use in a Toronto rental.

I complained shortly afterward, on feedback from the tenant, that the unit vibrated, rattled and shut down in mid-cycle. Mario, the owner of Appliance Warehouse, came and said the exhaust from the dryer (stacked on top of the washer) was the cause of the rattle. The tenant later sent videos (attached) documenting that the rattle was continuing. Mario came again on Aug. 17 and said this time that draining water from the washer was backing up, causing the rattle. He explained that the drain line went down to the floor, across the room and up a wall and the washer pump wasn't strong enough to push the water that far. Mario said a horizontal ABS pipe needed to be installed to eliminate this gravity issue. He charged me $60 plus HST for the service call because the problem was my plumbing, not his washer. I said, "OK, I'll call a plumber and fix that."

I called a plumber I know, but he had to reschedule a couple of times, so today I called a second plumber who could come today. Then I went to the house to take a look myself (I live in Hamilton ON and the rental is in Toronto). I found the rattle continued even when I directed the draining water into an adjacent sink at the same elevation, eliminating any gravity issues with the drain tubing going down and then up. The rattle even continued when no water was draining at all.

At that point I realized something was wrong with Mario's stories. I went to his store and a staff member told me he would be there in two hours. I returned in two hours and found he was furious that during my earlier visit, I had mentioned my experience to another customer. This burly individual screamed "The door is there -- go!" I tried to persuade him to honour his warranty, still in effect, but he just screamed repeatedly "The door is there!" and approached me within inches to intimidate me right out of said door.

I then contacted an appliance repairman who confirmed that the problem was worn bearings and the unit wasn't worth fixing. I bought a new washer and it's working fine -- with NO changes to the plumbing that Mario blamed for the knocking.

Have used them for years for many and varied appliances. We always get prompt delivery (and they take the old one for a very reasonable price). We have always been pleased.

There seem to be several persons who handle sales for this company and i am not sure all have the same attitude but i find Mario very aggressive and not cuctomer friendly. I do not think he is interesting in customers needs and only interesting in making a quick sale. They are not equiped or prepared to do installation which they charged for.

We have bought fridges, freezers, stoves from them over the years and we are always pleased by their service. They are principally a sales location but they have serviced promptly at the house when needed.
For a nominal cost they also remove the old appliance ... that is a great help!

Our coin op washer is not spinning clothes out properly and they are left dripping wet. 6 apartments rely on this washer. A few weeks ago we called Appliance Warehouse and the technician told me that it had to be the clutch based on the above description. He would not set a time but instead told me he would call me the next day to do so. He called me the next day and offered a time for that day which I was not able to make. Instead of booking me in for another day he said he would call me on another day the following week for an appointment that day. Apparently they can't schedule their work ahead of time and so you must wait for their call in the morning on a day of their choosing and make yourself available for whatever time they can get to you on that day. We waited for the day of our call to come, scheduled a time and the tech came over. He remarked that the clutch was worn but still functional and in good repair but replaced it anyway. After he left we tested it and the problem was not resolved so we called the Appliance Warehouse and tried to schedule them to return to find out what the problem was. Instead, the tech gave us suggestions as to what WE should do to repair it, fiddling with the hose or something. After a little persuasion they agreed to come out again and this time they met with the tenant. Once again they replaced the clutch and did something with the hose. Once again, the problem remained. I called again and spoke to the owner who advised that replacing the clutch is the only possible resolution. I asked if they could schedule another visit. He told me to call back later that afternoon because he had a lot of work and would not be able to remember that he needed to get the tech to make another visit. He had to hang up because someone was calling him on another line. I gave up. Over $200, a lot of time and nonsense all for nothing.

It is a shame. I went to their store about a year ago and met with the owner and he seemed really nice and sincere and told us that they also repaired appliances and would be happy to take care of our appliances. We bought a used appliance off of him and it seems to be ok.

I have ordered on the phone sight unseen at least 5 appliances with Mario who has been helpful and friendly including repairs.
This week Mario was away and I spoke with Carlos who was to arrange repair to two appliances and maybe possible replacement. On the second call to book he refused to take appointment using excuse he cannot get ahold of me. I reminded when I book the appointment I am confirmed as my past purchases show. He ignored the fact I had purchased at least 5 other appliances and stated he was the owner and that was it.
Unfortunately, I will not deal with them due to rudeness and lack of customer loyalty.
Its a shame because I have been giving them referrals over the years and planned to buy more in the future for my rentals. Perhaps customer loyalty should account for something. The owner needs to learn manners and in these difficult economic times it is difficult to get new customers, so keep your loyal ones satisfied with your service.

Managed to find a pretty good refrigerator at a low cost. They had good service with on time delivery. Was confident in the product and will be buying from here in the future as well.

Owen is on-time, courteous, trustworthy, and reliable. This time there was nothing he could do as the compressor was gone and not worth fixing on a 17 year old fridge. I went to the store and purchased another fridge and the guys at the shop are great too. Delivery of the new fridge was on time, but it didn't fit down the stairs, so they took it back with no hassles, and I got another fridge two days later. Highly recommend these guys for repairs or purchases of used appliances.

Owen is honest, quick to respond, courteous to customer's needs. I highly recommend for appliance repairs. Delivery is on time with courteous drive for new appliances. Office staff are always alert and responsive and cooperative.