A snapshot of the billing screen from a Sears repair person's laptop. Our dryer stopped working a couple of weeks ago, and since it was a Kenmore, we called Sears. (Our landlord doesn't like to be hassled with repair stuff; he just wants us to take care of it and deduct from our rent.) It was not a pleasant thing, but it turned out ok. The first appointment they could give us was about two weeks from when I first called. Fine. But then, 30 minutes before they were supposed to arrive, they called to say they wouldn't be coming. This was after L. had already taken the afternoon off so she could be here to let them in. Great. We rescheduled for two weeks later, they showed this time, the service person was great, and he fixed the thing in less than an hour (for about $150).

I have much worse stories to tell about Sears, but I'll save them for another day. What I will say is that I seriously discourage you from getting a Sears credit card or home maintenance agreement. Trust me, you just don't need that kind of trouble in your life.