Play It Again Sports, Ski & Bike — Local services in Woodinville

This review concerns strictly bike assembly from Play It Again, and I hate to be this guy.

I bought a bicycle from Priority (a bike manufacturer based in NYC), and for $100 I had the bike sent to Play It Again for assembly through the company Beeline. This company said the latest expected pickup date was a Friday, and the bike arrived the prior Monday; four days to assemble and inspect what is already mostly assembled bike from Priority.

On Tuesday, out of curiosity I called to check in what the employees expected the pickup to be. All potential staff able to assemble the bike were out sick. No big deal, I work in production, I understand.

On Thursday, I went in person to pick up accessories that I had also purchased from Priority, which were sent along with the bike. I got the same story I did on Tuesday: everyone is out sick, but hopefully it would be done sometime over the weekend. "But certainly no longer than a week from now!"

The latest expected pickup day came and went (Friday) with no communication from PIA. The weekend came and went. I called again on Monday (1 week from package arriving) to check in. I was told by a manager that they would have it completed for me the following day, and that the package had "just arrived". Not cool!

The bike was indeed ready the next day. Apparently the inspection did not go well, as the front wheel was terribly misaligned. I pointed out to the employee that retrieved the bike for me, who was apologetic.

Besides the unfortunate fib that the bike had only recently arrived, the employees were apologetic and polite the entire way.

Tl;dr I understand staffing issues, I understand being backed up on work. But poor communication, and poor safety inspection is truly the driving force on...

Just FYI. I asked for the manager and the manager is the one that rejected the refund. I was trying to help your Business and I was also offering just to take a store credit to help. Even that option was rejected. I was there Tuesday December 29th, 2020. 11:30 AM I was a client for 5 years.

I became a customer of this store several years ago. It was always a very pleasant experience. During years I got 2 sets of new skis and several boots for my children and wife. All new stuff. December 2019 I purchased new ski boots for me. Since day one I experiences some fitting challenges so I decided to not use the boots . I tried in home for several hours and I decide to return after 3 days with no use. The gentleman convince me to keep trying and make some adjustments in the boot. I tried again and after a few days went again and tried to get a refund, Definitively not fitting. The same person make more adjustments and send me back home to tried again. No luck. After I went several time to get a refund ( again boots still new never used) every time a lady asked me to come back later since "the gentleman" was not available and he's the only person that can help me. Then COVID hit and they closed. I was trying to return the boots 4 times during the first 30 days and 3 more times after. Recently they fully re open and I decided to get my money back. I was surprise that they told me that can get my money because they are only accepting returns for 30 days. A joke. A scam or just a very bad employee. Anyway I will never be back and I will put my efforts to let people know about this horrible scam that happened in this place. I still have my new boots that never used and...

EDIT (3/18): I appreciate the owner's response and willingness to look into where the staff fell short. It felt genuine, so don't want to hurt the business with one star. Increasing to 3 stars for the genuineness, and due to the long association I've had.

ORiGINAL REVIEW: I am an REI member. Still, I had been going to Play It Again Woodinville for the last 10 years (even though I live in Redmond) since I like to give business to local establishments. They do a good job. I had sent many friends and family over there too. However today is the last time I will visit there, or send anyone over.

I went to pick up the 3 skis that I had given for hot wax. The gentleman who brought the skis brought two skis and asked me to sign the receipt. I said I had 3 skis. His immediate response was "I know, but I have only two hands". Not sure why or with whom he was pissed, but I, as a customer (especially regular) absolutely doesn't have any reason to take this attitude, especially after spending my money with them, with so many choices available in the Redmond area and online for my sporting needs. It may sound simple, but asking to sign the receipt before delivering all the equipment itself is wrong, let alone the attitude. I didn't say anything back, picked up my skis and left (for good).

I had bought many a skis and accessories from here over the years, but today they lost me as a customer.

Note to the business: Treating people (and customers) well is important. Train your...