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"Because recent buyers are among the prime suspects for abuse, since some people will exploit retailers' lenient return policies as a free rental service. They'

"Because recent buyers are among the prime suspects for abuse, since some people will exploit retailers' lenient return policies as a free rental service. They'll buy something expensive, use it a handful of times during the conventional 30-day return window, and then return the used, depreciated item to the store for a full refund." I've met people who have bragged about doing that. So, it's a real thing. I always wondered if AutoZone's tool lending policy for customers was to just to help them or to partly counter people buying/returning tools just to fix an immediate problem. The main difference is the tool lending process requires them to hold your ID until you give the stuff back. Plus, it's a spare set in the back whose use doesn't reduce value of their main stuff. I bet Walmart gets hit with hundreds of thousands to millions a year worth of returns for one-off uses of their products alone. Especially automotive or home improvement.

toomuchtodo 9y ago
Autozone’s tool rental (free) sells parts they sell, parts you might not otherwise be able to install without those tools.
wiseleo 9y ago
They definitely do not hold your ID, except perhaps to lend you the tools to replace your battery in the parking lot. Forcing a customer to drive without a hard copy of the driver license is not smart. The deposit you pay to rent the tool is identical to the purchase price. This is true for several states, including California. Some of their rentable tools are better than the tools available for retail sale while costing less or including better accessories like a sturdy case. I kept several rental tools. I rented a few with intent to purchase them and told that to the store personnel so they could order a replacement. One of my favorite tools is a serpentine belt wrench. The rental version comes with a case and a couple of extra crow foot wrenches. The retail version has fewer accessories and no case. Some locations now only rent for 48 hours. I had no problem returning those rentals after a week. Replacing suspension components often requires specialty tools.
- nickpsecurity 9y ago
  You abd I might be talking different services. They did take our ID but charged us nothing. This has happened at several locations where we had a broken down car nearby. Maybe the policies vary by store or state. This was both in TN and MS.

toomuchtodo 9y ago

Autozone’s tool rental (free) sells parts they sell, parts you might not otherwise be able to install without those tools.

wiseleo 9y ago

They definitely do not hold your ID, except perhaps to lend you the tools to replace your battery in the parking lot. Forcing a customer to drive without a hard copy of the driver license is not smart. The deposit you pay to rent the tool is identical to the purchase price. This is true for several states, including California. Some of their rentable tools are better than the tools available for retail sale while costing less or including better accessories like a sturdy case. I kept several rental tools. I rented a few with intent to purchase them and told that to the store personnel so they could order a replacement. One of my favorite tools is a serpentine belt wrench. The rental version comes with a case and a couple of extra crow foot wrenches. The retail version has fewer accessories and no case. Some locations now only rent for 48 hours. I had no problem returning those rentals after a week. Replacing suspension components often requires specialty tools.

nickpsecurity 9y ago
You abd I might be talking different services. They did take our ID but charged us nothing. This has happened at several locations where we had a broken down car nearby. Maybe the policies vary by store or state. This was both in TN and MS.