Princess Auto Reviews 76

Overall it's a pretty great company.
They sell a lot of budget stuff (seems others forget that when buying and expect miracles) and Princess will back all of it up, basically for life.

Have had a few issues over hundreds of purchases, and they always take care of me. Had no issues returning a bad welder after nearly a year.

That said, the stores themselves are sometimes a bit understaffed and quite chaotic. I assume it's hard to keep up with a million rolling SKUs, and retail staff turnover must be pretty high.

Online support is reasonably quick and while I often have to wait a bit when picking up online orders, they've always got the order correct.

Appreciate that they're Canadian owned and operated as well.

Just went in to the Kitchener store. Boy has customer service declined. It’s almost as if the staff in the store don’t want you there. You’re a bother to them, asked for some assistance with some material cutting and was told by five different people. I’ll be right back. Nobody came back honestly I don’t even know how they’re still open if nobody bothers to try and help a customer. Shameful. Just shameful.

Waste of time
I’m from Lac La Biche, and after receiving an email saying my online order was ready, I drove the 2.5 hours to the south side store in Edmonton, waited in line, only to be told it will take about an hour to get my order ready. What a sh*t show. I ended up cancelling my order, and going to Uncle Wieners for what I needed. I usually shop at Princess auto 100%, but after wasting my time driving to the city, and then being told to wait an hour, I’m shopping elsewhere.

Bought a new towable excavator and brought it home 2 hours away. Put it together and filled it up with hydraulic fluid only to have it leak out through the welding and onto my lawn. Couldn’t put it back aboard my truck because I pulled it out with the quad so needed to buy a trailer to get it back to St. John’s. And then they only gave me back money for the excavator not the hydraulic fluid or oil I used to fill it up. Reason why shat is cheap people.

I purchased an item from Princess Auto and considered returning it. I was then told that the original shipping cost is non-refundable.
While I understand this may be standard for heavy items, I could not find this clearly stated before placing the order. This is important information that should be visible on the product page or during checkout.
When I contacted customer service, the response was simply that I had agreed to all costs when submitting the order, without clarifying where this was disclosed.
However, better transparency around shipping and return policies would help customers make more informed decisions.

If custormers keep quiet, poor customer service will continue. I don't understand the issue with the Brantford location. No Hello, no can I help you find something. They just look at you or walk past you. 3rd or 4th time trying this store and it is the samething. To be honest the staff gives off the impression they don't like diversity. Such a shame! Oh well

They have great deals especially in the surplus section. They print a sale flyer every two weeks, but what I REALLY LIKE is that one can purchase a previous sale item as long as it was within a month (time wise). As for returns, one doesn't even need a receipt if it was within the last two years (assuming you registered your phone number). Many things are imported but the return policy is exceptional ( to the point of some people abusing it, using a tool for a job and then returning it). Wonderful store to browse for deals.

I have shopped at PA for 30 plus years. I have always found everyone to be helpful , their return policy is second to none and they carry such a range of items. 5 star always! looking forward to the new store opening spring of 2026 on panet in winnipeg.

I purchased at PA a PROFESSIONAL TOOLS 20v electric scissor car jack for swapping tires, brake jobs etc. Well Professional Tools unit collapsed. I returned to Burlington PA and received a full refund. Then a quality replacement (as PT unit damaged my rocker panel when it failed!) ALEX FED is to be commended for his professional and caring approach to my dilemma. I am a “regular” at this location and now because of ALEX FED’s actions I will continue to make PA my GOTO💯💯💯
Thanks again ALEX FED😊😊😊

I’m sharing my experience so other customers are aware.
I went to the Princess Auto location in Mississauga right at opening time to purchase a sale item that was advertised as available. I was told the store never received the item and no assistance was offered — no rain check, no alternative solution, and no compensation.
Staff then told me that the Bolton location showed several units in stock, so I drove there. Unfortunately, I was told the same thing — that they never received the item. Each store referred me to another location based on what they could “see online,” but none of the stores actually had the advertised product.
This was a frustrating experience, especially after driving between locations and being given conflicting information. I’ve had a similar situation happen before with another sale item that was also claimed to have never arrived.
I attempted to post this experience as a review on Princess Auto’s own website, but it was rejected for “not meeting their guidelines.” Based on that, customers should be aware that negative experiences may not be visible on their website.
I recommend confirming real, in-store availability before making a trip, especially for advertised sale items.

i took some visitors to the Brandon Mb store to find the staff to be the surliest batch ever. Not just one but everyone we encountered. Yes it was a Sunday but if you don't like working Sundays get another job. The first one never let me finish asking where I could find a windshield winter cover when she directed to wipers. I asked a second one who was better but obviously beyond his area. I found it. Checking out the cashier was not only surly but rude. The visitors couldn't get over the disrespectful attitude. We were trying to get Christmas gifts but cut it short,

They do not honor their online orders. Yesterday, I got a call to confirm my order assuring me everything was correct and, today they cancel as it is no long available.

I had the privledge of visiting Princess Auto for the first time this morning. Camen - what an exceptional fellow, went out of his way to assist in getting the proper wheels for the dolly at the best price. And Savana, patient and pleasant. Thank you to both.

Wake a hell up everybody, even them they started to push with digital currency. Today the brainwashed sheepshead cashier lady jumped left and right with her… no cash..

I have shopped at Princess Auto before it opened in Quebec. I used to travel to Ottawa. It is "The Man's Store." I never have a problem and do not understand the low reviews?!? The products have a guarantee that can't go wrong. With that in mind there should be only positive reviews period.

person stocking shelves was not helpful. Another customer over heard conversation and picked up item I asked for then gave them to me... Unusual for Princess Auto staff they are usually excellent.

Website is one of the poorest I've experienced in years. Jumps around showing everything except what you searched for.
PLEASE, HARBOUR FREIGHT COME TO CANADA.
WE NEED YOU!

Princess Auto web site is the worst web site I have ever used. Slow, jumps all over, freezes.
When I go in the store I always have trouble finding help.
Prices are good when you can find an item you are looking for.

Is good store bad online services. I would not recommend using this online service just go into the store, If they don't have what you're looking for ordered somewhere else. I ordered something online thinking it would be ready for the next day and I could go pick it up, Apparently not. Waste of time ordering it online When I could have went to the store, Purchased it and left. They're wasting time their wasting patience, The service is just shit

Stay away from Fredericton. What they say on their website is NOT what they have in stock AND JUST TRY CALLING THEM. If someone finally comes to the phone they are ignorant and could care less what you need or if the stock is actually ON THE FLOOR. Go to Moncton, they have twice the stock and choice and are VERY helpful. I will drive the extra 20 miles to avoid being talked to like you are a MAJOR inconvenience to them. NO MORE FREDERICTON PRINCESS AUTO where royalty don't have time for the people that keep them IN A JOB.