O’Reilly Auto Parts

We’ve come to this store a few times over the years for this-​n-​that as car needs arise. Just recently, we purchased a battery tender/​charger, only to find once we opened the package that it was broken. I took it back, and even though I didn’t have a receipt, they were able too look it up and offered an even exchange or refund. Awesome.

I spend a fair amount of free time detailing my car and I frequently need to replenish my supplies as they dwindle. I used to frequent this store back when it was an Advanced Auto Parts, and had no complaints other than not particularly caring for the perceived «safety» of the location.
However, less than a year ago it transitioned into an O’Reilly’s Auto Parts store and my satisfaction has plummeted rapidly since then.
While the staff is friendly enough and able to assist you moderately while you are perusing the storefront, the return policy of this chain is enough to make me never shop again.
Before I go any further, I have to say that I do not return or exchange merchandise hardly ever. Years of working in retail has taught me to hate people that do this and I don’t want to be one of those people. However, every once in awhile something comes up where, through your error or theirs, a product must be exchanged or returned.
A month ago, I purchased a California Car Duster to dust the pollen off my car. Not paying attention, I accidentally purchased the one for over-​sized vehicles, and merely needed the smaller one like I used to own. I had lost the receipt, and when I went to exchange it (not return it), they flat out refused, citing that because I had no receipt, I could make no return.
I politely reminded him that all I was trying to do was exchange the product (which was not even opened or used), for the smaller one, and that I’d even eat the cost as the one I needed was cheaper. Still, resistance.
A few weeks later, I purchased a small Simoniz car vac. For $ 14, I didn’t expect this to be a Hoover, but I did expect the motor to work for more than half of one vacuuming session before dying.
When I went to return it this time, I was told this product was exchange only. I told the gentleman that I did not want the product as it’s quality was very much lacking, and that I would like my money back, as I had my receipt. He told me he would exchange it but that’s all he would do.
So now I’m stuck with another one of the vacuums, and guess what? That one died after two uses.
I suppose my beef is with the return policy of the company in general, but this is the only store I’ve ever visited, which is why they are getting the review.
I will not be returning — not that I was able to anyways.