Shopping Discussion

Is Canada Computers Poised for Bankruptcy?

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  • Jun 21st, 2020 3:55 pm
[OP]
Sr. Member
Nov 12, 2012
592 posts
283 upvotes
Port Moody

Is Canada Computers Poised for Bankruptcy?

There's a new graphics card I want to buy, and Canada Computers is the only retailer that carries it. BUT - I have been VERY leery about ordering from them online for a couple of reasons:

1- They've changed their return policy to FINAL SALE. They say this is temporary because of Covid-19, but I think at this point, I think this means for the foreseeable future!
2- There's soooo many complaints about them being backed up for weeks with their online orders - and frustrated buyers are not able to reach customer service and are having to resort to credit card chargebacks.

After a little digging, I've noticed some weird stuff. Stuff that reeks of financial trouble. They are not answering any social media posts. They seem to be advertising - but this is typical of companies going through financial trouble - as they want to keep the sales coming in, but they cut the customer service. Also, their stores should also be poised to opening back up again, but there's nothing online about this. I called half a dozen stores in my area and the call either goes to dead air, or some message about not setting up voice mail. All very suspicious, but could very well just be remnants of them scaling back when they closed their stores.

I have seen some posts online about the prospect of some stores opening up again, but no real solid information.

Anyone know what's going on with Canada Computers?
52 replies
Member
Aug 18, 2019
442 posts
417 upvotes
You've got valid points there but I passed by Canada Computer today and they seem to be open. When was the last time you were there? Maybe it's specific to your location? Maybe they're closing certain retail locations but not all?
~teslanaire2bitcoinaireButStillCheapLurking@RFDForDeals~
Deal Expert
Dec 5, 2006
15554 posts
11179 upvotes
Markham
pokee99 wrote: There's a new graphics card I want to buy, and Canada Computers is the only retailer that carries it. BUT - I have been VERY leery about ordering from them online for a couple of reasons:

1- They've changed their return policy to FINAL SALE. They say this is temporary because of Covid-19, but I think at this point, I think this means for the foreseeable future!
2- There's soooo many complaints about them being backed up for weeks with their online orders - and frustrated buyers are not able to reach customer service and are having to resort to credit card chargebacks.

After a little digging, I've noticed some weird stuff. Stuff that reeks of financial trouble. They are not answering any social media posts. They seem to be advertising - but this is typical of companies going through financial trouble - as they want to keep the sales coming in, but they cut the customer service. Also, their stores should also be poised to opening back up again, but there's nothing online about this. I called half a dozen stores in my area and the call either goes to dead air, or some message about not setting up voice mail. All very suspicious, but could very well just be remnants of them scaling back when they closed their stores.

I have seen some posts online about the prospect of some stores opening up again, but no real solid information.

Anyone know what's going on with Canada Computers?
sportchek-customer-service-nonexistent- ... 9-2376764/
Deal Expert
Jan 27, 2006
21636 posts
15273 upvotes
Vancouver, BC
Basically since Covid-19, almost ALL companies have had customer service issues which doesn't necessarily mean that they are running into trouble.

1. Most stores have suspended their return/refund policies due to Covid-19 since they don't understand how to deal with the returns - ie are they contaminated? Can they be resold?
2. Supplies have been an issue especially for anything that might be air freighted in since there is heavily reduced air traffic levels.
3. And lastly, since people are stuck at home or want to work from home, I suspect that a lot of people took the opportunity to upgrade their at-home gear which means higher than normal sales levels for companies like Canada Computers. High sales volume may mean that they can't have as many people answering social media messages as those people are needed to track down orders or track down suppliers.
Deal Addict
Jan 12, 2017
3501 posts
4533 upvotes
B.C.
pokee99 wrote: Anyone know what's going on with Canada Computers?
Sounds like every other business right now.
I tired to call TRU store for curbside pickup, as per their pickup instructions but their phone isn't even on.
Deal Addict
Jul 13, 2007
1210 posts
728 upvotes
Toronto
craftsman wrote: 1. Most stores have suspended their return/refund policies due to Covid-19 since they don't understand how to deal with the returns - ie are they contaminated? Can they be resold?
The answer is yes: they can be re-sold. Just let them sit for 5 days (and even that's probably extreme). Your far bigger risk is the handling of products as you buy them by cashiers/pickers/couriers/concierges. Not the hands of the person that returned something last week.
Deal Addict
User avatar
Dec 3, 2017
3141 posts
3070 upvotes
Guelph
I don't understand how having too much business means that a company is going out of business?
Deal Addict
May 22, 2015
3187 posts
3698 upvotes
Memory Express also has a no return policy at the moment.
Deal Expert
Jan 27, 2006
21636 posts
15273 upvotes
Vancouver, BC
HammerRFDer wrote: The answer is yes: they can be re-sold. Just let them sit for 5 days (and even that's probably extreme). Your far bigger risk is the handling of products as you buy them by cashiers/pickers/couriers/concierges. Not the hands of the person that returned something last week.
Yes, I know that they can be resold... I'm just stating it from the store's point of view as they didn't know at the beginning of the situation and many stores, even with new information and guidance coming out from various government agencies on this subject.
Deal Addict
May 22, 2015
3187 posts
3698 upvotes
They told it to me at the counter when I bought something?

Upon further review, it's just for peripherals and laptops I guess? I bought a mouse and laptop and was told both were final sale.
[OP]
Sr. Member
Nov 12, 2012
592 posts
283 upvotes
Port Moody
craftsman wrote: Basically since Covid-19, almost ALL companies have had customer service issues which doesn't necessarily mean that they are running into trouble.

1. Most stores have suspended their return/refund policies due to Covid-19 since they don't understand how to deal with the returns - ie are they contaminated? Can they be resold?
2. Supplies have been an issue especially for anything that might be air freighted in since there is heavily reduced air traffic levels.
3. And lastly, since people are stuck at home or want to work from home, I suspect that a lot of people took the opportunity to upgrade their at-home gear which means higher than normal sales levels for companies like Canada Computers. High sales volume may mean that they can't have as many people answering social media messages as those people are needed to track down orders or track down suppliers.
All very good points, but it is their recent lack of social media presence that's the difference here. All the other very busy retailers (even the small ones) have at least one person dealing with the frustrated people that are choosing to air their grievances online. Their complete absence seems extremely dodgy. I mean, i guess it's possible that they've chosen to focus those resources elsewhere, but they're definitely at the top of the list for consumer complaints and credit card chargebacks right now.

I guess I'll feel more comfortable once i see all the stores back open again, but it doesn't seem wise to deal with them for a while...
Deal Expert
Jun 30, 2006
21054 posts
9659 upvotes
Toronto
We don't have many options left. Canada Computers has dominated the competition and put a lot of places out of business like NCIX. They are not going anywhere anytime soon.
Deal Expert
Jan 27, 2006
21636 posts
15273 upvotes
Vancouver, BC
pokee99 wrote: All very good points, but it is their recent lack of social media presence that's the difference here. All the other very busy retailers (even the small ones) have at least one person dealing with the frustrated people that are choosing to air their grievances online. Their complete absence seems extremely dodgy. I mean, i guess it's possible that they've chosen to focus those resources elsewhere, but they're definitely at the top of the list for consumer complaints and credit card chargebacks right now.

I guess I'll feel more comfortable once i see all the stores back open again, but it doesn't seem wise to deal with them for a while...
I agree! But some companies are really only in it for the money and not customer service so if the business is great, they don't care about customer service as there is always another customer around the corner (or in this case standing in line 6 feet apart :)). I, like you, like the idea of looking after the customer all of the time... not just when they need to attract customers. As customers, we can send a very important message to those firms that neglect customer service by not shopping there.
Sr. Member
Feb 4, 2011
705 posts
489 upvotes
craftsman wrote: As customers, we can send a very important message to those firms that neglect customer service by not shopping there.
Let's try this with IKEA first. Had people think along the same lines, they wouldn't be discussing about the best time to fetch a slot in click n collect system. Every time IKEA shows its middle finger, people
Just ignore and continue to shop there.

So, people proved that customer service is their last priority.
Deal Expert
Jan 27, 2006
21636 posts
15273 upvotes
Vancouver, BC
dealz4all wrote: Let's try this with IKEA first. Had people think along the same lines, they wouldn't be discussing about the best time to fetch a slot in click n collect system. Every time IKEA shows its middle finger, people
Just ignore and continue to shop there.

So, people proved that customer service is their last priority.
The problem with IKEA is that they have a 'specialized' product - ie you can't go to store Y and buy IKEA furniture - and IKEA knows it. On the other hand, Canada Computers basically sells a commodity product which you can get elsewhere AND you can get probably get it at the same or better price by using price matching policies - ie Memory Express has a decent price matching/beating policy.
Deal Guru
Aug 14, 2007
12650 posts
3644 upvotes
--
Everyone's hated on CC for years. I highly doubt CC is going anywhere.

Final sale is cause of covid 19 like OP stated, same for a lot of other companies.

I've never had a problem with the customer service, their orders are backed up because they're pumping out so many orders... So yea I can almost 100% bet that their profits are through the roof right now.
Deal Addict
User avatar
Dec 15, 2001
3400 posts
1234 upvotes
Toronto
apparently CC is doing really well.

and even busier during the pandemic. ppl nothing to do and tinkering with their computers.
Deal Addict
User avatar
Jun 3, 2010
1341 posts
962 upvotes
Richmond Hill
I usually buy my main components from Amazon over Canada Computers. In the past, CC had decent prices that was a little lower than other places so I would drive over and pick stuff up, but more recently, the prices are not as competitive. I think it is not easy to compete with Amazon over prices because they can by a large quantity and demand a lower price from the vendor.

But that said, WiFi card broke on my desktop and I needed a new one right now...so I had no choice but to buy one from CC online and pick it up. While there, I also bought a new hard drive to add to my computer. Both are final sale...but that just means I cannot complain to CC about it if it is broken. I just have to take it up with the manufacturer's warranty. I basically decided that I will take the risk and buy it.

To be honest, I have always thought that CC does not do returns...but if you complained enough, they may do something for you. So now with "final sale", it just means don't even bother complaining or else I will tap the sign.

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