Friday, March 28, 2008

3M Command Strips for Shower a Washout

I wanted to put up a soap dish in the shower. Being a big fan of 3M, I decided to try their command strips for the shower. I bought it at Rona. The strips seemed a bit dry, but I followed all the instructions. It stuck well, but as soon as water splashed on it, the soap dish committed suicide. I tried it a second time, with more pressure. Sure enough, I splashed on some water and it flung off! Here is my note to 3M:

Dear Sir, I just bought the Command shower caddy from Rona. As
an engineer, I am stunned by the total failure of this product. I am a devote
follower of instructions, and both times, the strips practically flung
themselves off the shower wall as soon as water hit them. It's a smooth
tile with a gentle ripple. Suction cups stick well to it.

The strips seemed dry, and a bit old. Do they age? I also suppose that we
could have a batch batch. They didn't even stick well to the hangers.

I never call these help centres. I might just outline my horrible
experience in my technical blog, but I have to say that I gave you a chance.

And I got a reply right away:

Dear Harold,

Thank you for contacting 3M Canada.

We would very much like to correct the difficulty you have had with the 3M
Command(TM) Shower Caddy, and we appreciate the opportunity to do so. It
is distressing to learn that a product has not exceeded our customers'
expectations.

It is possible for the adhesive strips to dry out over time; if the strips
are older, or if they have been exposed at any time to extreme
temperatures, their adhesion can be affected.

We would be more than happy to send a $5 coupon that can be used towards
replacement adhesive strips, or any 3M product of your choice. Please
ensure that you are using the Command(TM) Water Resistant Strips 17605BC
(3M stock number 70071493442) which are blue in colour. These strips are
designed to adhere even in a humid environment, such as a bathroom.

We are confident that the replacement will be the quality that you have
come to expect from 3M.

If we can be of further assistance to you please do not hesitate to contact
our Customer Care Centre at 1-800-364-3577 (1-800-3M HELPS).

Thank you for your inquiry and your interest in 3M products.

Best regards,

Jill
Customer Care Centre
3M Canada Company

Now, I can't tell if they are actually sending me the coupon, or I still have to go through a horrible call centre. Since I included my address, I shall assume the coupon is coming.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dear Harold,

I wanted to let you know your coupon is on the way!

Thanks,

Jill
Customer Care Centre
3M Canada Company

Anonymous said...

PS We are also sending two packages of replacement water-resistant strips.

-Jill

Harold Asmis said...

OMG, you're a real person! And not like the Bell response-bot!

For a good bribe, I could do a new youtube video with the new strips!

Unknown said...

I had the same experience with the shower caddy. I think the problem is that the mounting nubbins on the plastic mounting plate are off center, preventing them from mounting flush to the wall when the tray is installed.

I'm on hold with 3m now....and have been for the past half hour!