TSC selling me birds that they know 'don't do well'?

[fmernyer]

I had 6 RSL pullets - gonna be a year soon. Just recently lost one to a hawk.

So I'm in TSC getting feed during 'chick days' - big mistake - and a neighbor is in there trying to buy 4 chicks and, of course, they won't let her because of the 6 chick minimum rule. Now I agree with the idea that they are trying to discourage folk from buying 'cute expendable chicks' but this family had a shopping cart full of chick feed, a heat lamp, feeder and waterer and they were inquiring about the coops (don't get me started that they sell coops for 4 chickens but require 6 sold). Obviously they were serious about taking care of chickens.

Knowing her from the next town and knowing friends in common - I asked her to buy me two bantams. So she got her four chicks and I got my replacements (I only want one but who can buy ONE chick and leave it lonely?).

One of the bantams just doesn't look right from the get-go. It's (they're straight run) just not moving around as much as the other one, showing as much gusto with the food/water and doesn't seem all that steady on it's feet. Sure enough - two days later - it dies.

So I call TSC to find out their policy...and the gal who answers the phone tells me that
1. I can't get another chick to replace it because they have to sell me six and
2. They are willing to refund me the cost of the chick (even though there's no policy for that) because there is a 'known problem' with the bantams.

What?? Let's put aside the annoyance that they can't replace the bird even though I have a receipt showing 6 birds purchased and a history of buying feed from them for some time. Let's focus on the fact that they know there's a problem with these birds and they are selling them. What?? Not even a warning when I bought them?? "these birds aren't as hardy..." ??

Pretty done with them.

 

[missnu01]

That is rough...I don't like the 6 chick minimum either...I don't understand the issue with selling fewer at a time. Unless it is just trying to get rid of them faster. I notice that they don't take very good care of the chicks, and they know almost nothing about them...it also seems to me that if you bought however many and one dies they should be able to replace the one...I don't see why that would be a big deal. If they knew that one batch of chicks were all dying they should have contacted whoever they got the chicks from so they could handle it themselves as opposed to foisting them off onto unsuspecting customers.

 

[chiqita]

I had 6 RSL pullets - gonna be a year soon. Just recently lost one to a hawk.

So I'm in TSC getting feed during 'chick days' - big mistake - and a neighbor is in there trying to buy 4 chicks and, of course, they won't let her because of the 6 chick minimum rule. Now I agree with the idea that they are trying to discourage folk from buying 'cute expendable chicks' but this family had a shopping cart full of chick feed, a heat lamp, feeder and waterer and they were inquiring about the coops (don't get me started that they sell coops for 4 chickens but require 6 sold). Obviously they were serious about taking care of chickens.

Knowing her from the next town and knowing friends in common - I asked her to buy me two bantams. So she got her four chicks and I got my replacements (I only want one but who can buy ONE chick and leave it lonely?).

One of the bantams just doesn't look right from the get-go. It's (they're straight run) just not moving around as much as the other one, showing as much gusto with the food/water and doesn't seem all that steady on it's feet. Sure enough - two days later - it dies.

So I call TSC to find out their policy...and the gal who answers the phone tells me that
1. I can't get another chick to replace it because they have to sell me six and
2. They are willing to refund me the cost of the chick (even though there's no policy for that) because there is a 'known problem' with the bantams.

What?? Let's put aside the annoyance that they can't replace the bird even though I have a receipt showing 6 birds purchased and a history of buying feed from them for some time. Let's focus on the fact that they know there's a problem with these birds and they are selling them. What?? Not even a warning when I bought them?? "these birds aren't as hardy..." ??

Pretty done with them.

What she means is Bantams don't take shipping as well. They are smaller and more delicate, and they are more likely to fail after shipping them.

What are you going to tell people? Sorry we don't sell bantams, they are fragile? If you want bantams, you'll go somewhere else. I agree feed store people don't know a ton about chickens, but I think she was trying to be helpful not upset you more .

 

[fmernyer]

Actually, yes. Knowing they are more fragile and less likely to live would have affected my purchase....which you might say would result in a lost sale but I'll say would result in good business.

And still - if they know they are more fragile and its not my care that is at fault - then they should have a different policy for the bantams. They are willing to give me a refund so its not about money...

 

[fmernyer]

And to be fair - because I sound harsh and I don't mean to - I wasn't even thinking 'small bird - fragile shipping' so I guess I'm a bit more relieved...but yeah - the six chick thing invoked for a replacement bird is still weird. I mean - I'd even buy it. *sigh*

 

[WoodlandWoman]

In our state, the minimum chick law doesn't apply to agricultural sales. It's designed to prevent people from buying chicks as temporary pets for their children at Easter. There's an exception in the law for agricultural sales. Sometimes the ag stores here need a reminder. Maybe check and see how your law is written there.

Still, it just seems wrong that they won't replace a chick. A replacement is not a sale. It's an exchange. I would talk to the manager and if that doesn't help, I'd try contacting the corporate office.

 

[fmernyer]

I'd be interested in the laws - I'll try looking them up - thanks for the tip!

TSC has since contacted me and said that they will replace the one chick with the receipt...yay!

 

[Cuteincamo]

Good deal! some times newer clerks don't understand policy real well and they don't bother to ask if they don't understand. I'm a new hire trainer at a local feed store, not TSC, and chick days is usually a real crash course for clerks who don't pay attention to policy! Glad to hear they worked it out with you!!!