Our freezer stopped working, and the refrigerator was barely cooling. I went to Dick Van Dyke to look for a replacement. I was very distraught and tired, and I took some options on the new refrigerator for granted.
The salesman did say that I should take my time in making a decision, but I felt that time was running out for our old refrigerator (an 8 year old Whirlpool - $719.00) - and needed to be replaced ASAP.
I bought a 21 cu. ft. Magtag ($950.00) that was very much like our old refrigerator. It arrived one week later (just in time, as our old refrigerator was barely cooling.) After it was delivered, I noticed that there was no light in the freezer, and there was only one control for cooling the freezer and the refrigerator. My old refrigerator (and every other one I've owned in our 38 year marriage) had a light AND separate controls. I went back to the store and complained - I was told that they don't make refrigerators with lights (on units with the freezer on the top) or separate controls.
It never crossed my mind that the industry would go BACKWARDS and not continue to offer these two options, especially as we were paying $250 MORE for this unit. Therefore, I never asked about it. Of course, I was told that ALL the side-by-side and bottom freezers have lights . . . . . WHY IS THIS?
So my issue with Dick Van Dyke is mainly communication - I probably would have gotten our refrigerator there having found out that ALL refrigerators are made this way. I do wish I had been told this, though, before it was delivered.
Also, I was never told that financing was available - I asked about an interest-free loan one day after my unit had been delivered. Therefore, there was nothing they could do for me. I was extremely upset - granted, I should have asked at the time I paid for the unit with my credit card, but I was very distraught about the 8 year old unit dying (our other refrigerator was 18 years old and STILL WORKING - we just wanted to go with a black unit instead of white).
In conclusion, I wish I had been told about freezers NOT having lights anymore, and about the controls. I also wish I had been offered the financing. I left feeling very disappointed and upset.
I will say that the salesman I had was very helpful and polite, and the two deliverymen were wonderful - they installed everything in a timely fashion and cleaned up any mess before they left.
RESPONSE FROM Dick Van Dyke Appliance World:
Financing options are advertised throughout the store with signs, as well as indicated on our video board on the street sign. Our sales staff will be reminded to offer financing to all customers as an option. It is often overlooked to touch on all lighting options within a refrigerator. I can certainly understand your frustration with no light in the freezer. Unfortunately, to hit the dimensions of your cabinetry only models without a light were available. We appreciate your feedback and your purchase.
Sincerely,
Paul Rieken
Sales Manager
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