Batteries Plus — Attraction in Ann Arbor

My experience getting a key copy at Batteries Plus was a pretty disappointing one to say the least.

Earlier in the month I headed in to get a key copy for my 2002 Lexus Es300. The associate headed into my car, claimed he needed to reset the car for new programming to take effect, and my new copy would be ready.

During the next day, my Mom tries to start the car and her key no longer works. Having never experienced or heard of any keys being invalidated due to acquiring a key copy, I buy a new $200 battery thinking its the cold weather draining the original battery. After installing the battery and having an appointment missed due to this issue , the car still no longer works and I make an appoint at a mechanic.

They have no problems starting the car but the internal electronics are giving them a code that says there's an invalid key being used. My local mechanic was nice enough to see that this issue was frustrating and waived a $150 inspection fee for dealing with this mess. Thinking its the key copy, I talk to what I presume was a manager at Batteries Plus on the phone to refund the key and instead of handling the transaction smoothly, he attempted to argue about the fact that I used the word 'clone' instead of 'key copy', which was pretty unwarranted. I pop over to the store and finish the refund after a re-stocking fee and I thought it'd be over.

In the following 2 days I realize both the original key fob AND the backup key I have are now invalid and will not start the car. Due to getting a key copy at this Batteries Plus location I now have to go to the local Lexus dealership to re-program or fix two of my original keys which will most likely cost around $400, potentially more; this is after a mechanic's inspection and a $200 battery which could've made this whole endeavor cost north of $600 all because I wanted to save some money for a key copy at Batteries Plus.

Perhaps I would've tried to be more understanding if I signed a waiver informing me this was a possibility or if one the associates talked to me about this beforehand. Neither was accomplished and one small visit has ended up being a big...

Today 11-24-21 I went to Batteries Plus in Ann Arbor to buy a replacement battery for my car's key fob. When I entered the store two men welcomed me and asked what I needed help with. Kyle B. is the person that ended up helping me with my purchase, which was handled very quickly. I also asked about car headlights , as mine had recently gone out, which Kyle also handled. This is where the service went from Very Satisfied to SUPERB! Kyle came out to my car, looked at my headlight situation and helped me figure out what bulb would be needed and told me he’d put it in for me. Thinking that this would be a 1-2-3 thing I paid for my bulbs and happily followed Kyle to my car. Sadly, it wasn't an easy one to change out. Thirty minutes later, Kyle is looking up videos on his phone to figure out how to replace my headlight. Not once did he complain. It was cold, his hands were getting dirty and hurt from the parts that surrounded the housing of my headlight. Kyle went well above and beyond to help me. I just came in for a $12 key fob replacement and ended up being helped with a very stressful headlight situation. Will I be a customer from now on? Yes! I'd recommend Battery Plus for anyone looking for batteries, lights and genuine kindness and great customer service! Kyle Brohl, thank you for such great care today!! I'm so thankful to have found this little...

Updating this review to re-emphasize it. This time I needed a replacement battery for another UPS and not only did they have it, they helped me configure the new one so it was ready to put back into the enclosure. I literally cannot get over the high level of service at this store.

I've gone into this particular B+B store many times, sometimes for normal things, but sometimes for super weird things, and they are always friendly and willing to help with everything. It is like an old-fashioned hardware store where the employees are knowledgable and helpful and will spend a lot of time with you. It is rare these days to get that kind of service, and it is greatly appreciated.

The most recent time I brought in an old APC UPS whose battery no longer held a charge. Kyle extracted the old battery that had swollen and took some time and effort (and some handy suction cups) to get out, then recommended replacement options suited to my need, and put the new battery in. All of that for only the cost of the battery.

If you have something with a battery in it, no matter what it is, it’s worth a phone call or trip to this store - they’ll likely be able to help you right away, and if not, will guide you in the...