My bad Wal*Mart experience!

[neogamer]

:confused:This just happened today and since I am new to the forums (somewhat new anyway), I thought I would post it.

I purchased Street Fighter Alpha Anthology (Playstation 2 game)from a Wal*Mart store that is roughly twenty miles from my house. I was grateful to find it, as none of my local stores have it in stock. I get home and start to play it and it locks up every time I try to play SF Alpha 3. I try to clean the disc and realize there is a scratch on the disc. Naturally, I try to return the game to my local Wal*Mart-about 4 miles from my house. I have a valid receipt with me and I suppose this should not be a problem-right? Boy was I wrong!

I get to customer service and the wonderful lady behind the counter tells me that they do not have that game in stock and hands it back to me, right after she drops it (how nice, but after all, it is already a defective game). I then tell her I would like to speak to a manager because why should I have to keep a defective game because this Wal*Mart (or the original store I bought it at as well) does not have it in stock. She then tells me management is in a meeting!

After about five minutes of senseless arguing, I finally get a manager and they tell me the same thing. I have to keep the defective game because you can't exchange an opened game for a different one-its company policy. I then ask to talk to a manager who actually understands the situation. After twenty minutes of explaining this horendous ordeal, I finally get a Wal*Mart gift card good for the value of the game. The wonderdul customer service manager tells me to remember their policy for future reference on my way out!

Now, let me get this straight: If you purchase a game at Wal*Mart, and it is defective, you can't return it if they don't have another one in stock! What kind of policy is this?

I will never buy another video game at Wal*Mart! In fact, a complaint letter went out this very morning to Bentonville! I will be surprised if I even get a response, but Wal*Mart is done in my book!

That is one reason why I hate to see Game Crazy go!

[64Bits]

You like exclamation marks, don't you?

[Hep038]

Yeah they use complaint letters like yours to light their 100 dollar bills to light their cigars.

[Nirvana]

After reading, I was like "Good thing I never buy games from Wal-Mart"

Actually, it just so happens I bought All Pro Football 2k8 from there. It works. But I can understand your situation. At least you got the gift card.

[MachineGex]

That is just stupid and I have a hard time believing this is their actual policy. I am glad you stuck to your guns. To bad you left the store with a shitty Walmart gift card instead of the original money you started out with. Some people think it isn't a big deal, but I hate walmart and only buy there if I am in a pickle.

I feel for you having to talk with that many walmart employees in a single day. I'm amazed we didn't see your story on the news, because if I am in that situation, security usually gets called.

[Ponyone]

That is just stupid and I have a hard time believing this is their actual policy. I am glad you stuck to your guns. To bad you left the store with a shitty Walmart gift card instead of the original money you started out with. Some people think it isn't a big deal, but I hate walmart and only buy there if I am in a pickle.

I feel for you having to talk with that many walmart employees in a single day. I'm amazed we didn't see your story on the news, because if I am in that situation, security usually gets called.

I would call security on you too if you always show up there in a pickle.

[8-bitNesMan]

I did nine years with that place and you were severely mistreated in my opinion. It is not your fault that they did not have the game in stock. The policy states that opened software must be exchanged for the same title only unless it is defective, in which case you are entitled to a refund, ESPECIALLY if you still have your receipt. After making you wait to talk with a manager, they should have given you a refund with no questions asked just for your inconvenience in the matter. Technically they shouldn't have even had to call a manager in the first place. If I were you I would call the store you returned the game to and ask for the district manager's phone number. (I think they may call them market managers now, but they will know right away who you are referring to.) This is the store manager's boss. Explain what happened to him/her and I can almost guarantee you that you will probably get at least another gift card for your trouble. If you do nothing, then the morons at that store will continue to treat paying customers badly. I am SO glad that I no longer work for the company, but I am still a stockholder so I hate to hear of honest good customers being given the runaround like this. Keep us posted as to what happens.

Edit: One more thing, I just reread your original post and just noticed the part about the complaint letter. Some kid fresh out of college will read your letter, and then they will call and/or e-mail the management of that store. Some one from the store will contact you (if you put contact info on the letter) because they are required to follow up on these. I would still call the DM because it sounds like the management team at that store is grossly incompetent if not even one of them can be bothered to get their ass out of a meeting to help a customer -- the reason that they have a job!

@ MachineGex: Don't assume that all Wal Mart employees are bad. I'll grant you that they do have more than their fair share of incompetent idiots, but there were/are a few who actually care(d) about treating people right and trying to do the right thing.

[Griking]

I don't see anything too unusual. Doesn't every company have a policy that states you cannot returned opened software except to exchange it for another copy of the same title?

[smokehouse]

That is just stupid and I have a hard time believing this is their actual policy. I am glad you stuck to your guns. To bad you left the store with a shitty Walmart gift card instead of the original money you started out with. Some people think it isn't a big deal, but I hate walmart and only buy there if I am in a pickle.

I feel for you having to talk with that many walmart employees in a single day. I'm amazed we didn't see your story on the news, because if I am in that situation, security usually gets called.

No, it really is. The only way to return opened games to exchange for the same thing. I wasn’t aware that if they did not have the game in stock, they tell you to take a hike.

[cyberfluxor]

I would call security on you too if you always show up there in a pickle.
Haha.
I would too.

[Bluteg]

Every experience I have from Wal-Mart is a bad one. I never buy games there though but it's either 400~ lb obese lady on a scooter over flowing her basket blocking the isle or fucking irresponsible parents who let their kids run around likes it a fucking playground. Also scary inbred methhead locals who are an eye sore.

Plus those fucking kids I went to high school with over 4 years ago and even though I don't have a clue who they are, know my name and insist on telling me what they have doing the past 5 years. I don't fucking care if I don't remember you then there is probably some reason. Usually this goes on for upwards of an hour with me uttering 3 or 4 sentences.

Finally one day one of those obese scooter ladies was blocking the isle containing beer and soda. Well I'm to get on the other side her, but wasn't going to chance brushing against her fat rolls so I kinda just just stood there. Finally she said "What do you want?" I replied nicely excuse me, I need some beer thats on the other side of you." She yelled "Well, GO AROUND THE OTHER ISLE THEN" I then said "Or you can take 3 maybe 4 seconds of your precious fucking time loading 8 cases of Dr. Pepper into you cart which you definately don't need, especially with those 5 bags of chips you already have in their and MOVE THE FUCK OUT OF MY WAY BITCH!" She finally got out of the way and I got my beer and got out of there. That's the last time I was at Wal-Mart.

Edit: Off-Topic I know but fuck the haters. (Oh and that makes 7...)

[8-bitNesMan]

I wonder what happened to that game and guide?

I would bet my next paycheck that someone from that store got themselves a free Mario All Stars, complete with the guide! Another example of bad treatment and incompetence. There really was no reason for them not to give it to you, the paying customer. Technically you were past the store warranty period, which back then would have been 90 days. It still is now on most stuff, but electronic items have been cut back to shorter time frames than that. But if they were going to go ahead and exchange it for you then they should have thrown in the bonus stuff. All they ended up doing was sending your original set (which didn't come with the bonus items) back to Nintendo for a vendor credit. That is why the clerk put the game and guide in a drawer instead of in the box that your 1st system came in. Like I said, someone got themselves a freebie because that stuff would not have been part of the store's inventory. Sorry they screwed you over man.

[Ponyone]

This reminds me of something I did once. Kind of a reverse side of the coin story... but.

So anyway I got my sega genesis (model 1) from my brother around 90-91ish for christmas.

Anyway, fast forward to about 95ish.. and I am sitting with my friend playing some games.

My dad walks near the tv trying to find something on the entertainment center, and steps on the Genesis, popping off the side port cover (for the sega cd).

I kind of dicked him and told him he broke it... and so he takes it to Target (system and plugs only, no box, receipt, or anything) and gets it exchanged for a brand spanking new one.

I doubt if my brother even got the genny from Target. My dad has always been super awesome at returning shit though. He's great at arguing/wheelin' n dealing.

The only thing I can't remember is if they gave him a model 2 or a model 1.

[zektor]

I have had the same exact issues with Walmart. I tried to return a scratched game not too long ago...same deal. I asked for a manager, and really stuck it to him. I explained that I would be contacting his DM, and chances are that the DM would approve the return and come down on him for poor customer service. What did he do? He *still* refused the return, but instead GAVE me a $25 Walmart gift card! WTF? The game was only a $20 game...hah!

Bottom line:

Customer service sucks almost everywhere nowadays. And they don't care. Call their corporate headquarters...and THEY DON'T CARE. I guess they figure that they are making so much money anyway, and they probably figure that you'll be back regardless. And in many cases, sadly, they are right.

I work for CVS/Pharmacy (now CVS/Caremark...heh) and I do have to say that we are TOO good with customer service. Have a product without receipt? No problem. Have a product without a box? Still no problem. Hell, have no receipt, no box, a beat up used two year old electric shaver that we no longer carry and will not accept a money card (store credit)? Heh, we'll give you cash. Come in with a billion coupons that you claim you forgot to use on your last 50 transactions? We'll cash em in. Basically, we are ridiculous. And what happens if we refuse? The store manager gets ridiculed across the district in emails, and chastised by the DSM and RSM.

Why the hell can't other companies be like this with their managers?

Hehehe....guess I got off on a rant there :)

[8-bitNesMan]

You know what the sad part is Zektor? That was Sam Walton's core philosophy and way of doing business. Treat the customer right and they will come back. I hired on in '97 and they made us watch several videos about the history of the company. Sam said to take back anything, with or without a receipt, even if the store personnel knew that it came from a store other than Wal-Mart! He died in '92 and the company has gradually went downhill since then. That's why their once legendary growth is now painfully stagnant. I worked in electronics when I first started and a lady brought a phone back without a receipt one day. I went out of my way to help her because I thought that's what I was there to do. One of the CSM's was very rude to her and was not going to do anything for her. She got on to me later for trying to be good to the customer. I was all of 20 at the time and I guess diplomacy was not my strongest suit. I told her that's not how Mr. Walton would want a customer treated. I know I came off as a naive and pretentious little shit, but the ass kicker of it is that technically I was right! I still always went out of my way to treat customers with dignity and respect the whole time I was employed there. It was a pain in the ass sometimes, but I wanted to do the right thing. This probably had more to do with my good upbringing than any training they gave me at the store, but I'm proud to look back and know that I was good to people. And I'm damn glad it's all over!

[Wolfrider31]

To be on the defense of the employee (thought not Wal-Mart), working there blows the big one. And no matter how dedicated a worker you are, the minimum wage coupled with poor hours, plus an assumption that the company owns you all mixed with fat, sweaty, rude people yelling at you for the smallest things will eventually wear you down. By that point you'll tell pretty much anyone to go fuck themselves. Legitimate excuse or not.

No offense Zektor, but if I was an employee there and you threatened my job it would have taken all but 12 seconds for me to call security and have them haul your ass out of the store as unceremoniously as possible.

Most customer service jobs I've worked have been hell. I've had people scream at me, with their face inches from mine about various things, ignoring the fact that I'm off the clock and eating. To be perfectly honest, I come from the "you get what you deserve" school of customer service. If you're polite and understanding I'll bend over backwards. If you come at me with an attitude you're not going to get anywhere.

It's not customer service that's the problem, its just customers and their entitlement complexes. You bought a game and it was scratched. Ok. It's Wal-Mart which means the game wasnt opened beforehand so (unless you did it) the game was scratched at the factory. So you know what you should have done? Taken advantage of the warranty option and called the manufacturer and had your game replaced. See? A whole lot less hassle and you didn't have to make someone's minimum wage job worse.

[Chuplayer]

My mom tried returning a defective DVD once.

"We can't take that because that would be copyright infringement."

How can you infringe the copyright on a defective DVD?

"COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT."

WTF. Some arguing.

"We could exchange it for a new one, but we don't have any in stock."

I was already at the DVD section, and they had almost a half dozen of them left. Anyway, she got a refund. She vowed never to shop there again. That lasted about four months.

[heybtbm]

Every experience I have from Wal-Mart is a bad one. I never buy games there though but it's either 400~ lb obese lady on a scooter over flowing her basket blocking the isle or fucking irresponsible parents who let their kids run around likes it a fucking playground. Also scary inbred methhead locals who are an eye sore.

Plus those fucking kids I went to high school with over 4 years ago and even though I don't have a clue who they are, know my name and insist on telling me what they have doing the past 5 years. I don't fucking care if I don't remember you then there is probably some reason. Usually this goes on for upwards of an hour with me uttering 3 or 4 sentences.

Finally one day one of those obese scooter ladies was blocking the isle containing beer and soda. Well I'm to get on the other side her, but wasn't going to chance brushing against her fat rolls so I kinda just just stood there. Finally she said "What do you want?" I replied nicely excuse me, I need some beer thats on the other side of you." She yelled "Well, GO AROUND THE OTHER ISLE THEN" I then said "Or you can take 3 maybe 4 seconds of your precious fucking time loading 8 cases of Dr. Pepper into you cart which you definately don't need, especially with those 5 bags of chips you already have in their and MOVE THE FUCK OUT OF MY WAY BITCH!" She finally got out of the way and I got my beer and got out of there. That's the last time I was at Wal-Mart.


http://img357.imageshack.us/img357/1796/aldonobayouwintheprizesw4.jpg


...get over yourself. Jesus.

[8-bitNesMan]

To be on the defense of the employee (thought not Wal-Mart), working there blows the big one. And no matter how dedicated a worker you are, the minimum wage coupled with poor hours, plus an assumption that the company owns you all mixed with fat, sweaty, rude people yelling at you for the smallest things will eventually wear you down. By that point you'll tell pretty much anyone to go fuck themselves. Legitimate excuse or not.

No offense Zektor, but if I was an employee there and you threatened my job it would have taken all but 12 seconds for me to call security and have them haul your ass out of the store as unceremoniously as possible.

Most customer service jobs I've worked have been hell. I've had people scream at me, with their face inches from mine about various things, ignoring the fact that I'm off the clock and eating. To be perfectly honest, I come from the "you get what you deserve" school of customer service. If you're polite and understanding I'll bend over backwards. If you come at me with an attitude you're not going to get anywhere.

It's not customer service that's the problem, its just customers and their entitlement complexes. You bought a game and it was scratched. Ok. It's Wal-Mart which means the game wasnt opened beforehand so (unless you did it) the game was scratched at the factory. So you know what you should have done? Taken advantage of the warranty option and called the manufacturer and had your game replaced. See? A whole lot less hassle and you didn't have to make someone's minimum wage job worse.

Some of your points I wholeheartedly agree with, others not so much. Most store employees that I worked with had very little regard for games. Boxes of new stock would be haphazardly thrown around. I can't tell you how many games I've seen with crushed boxes because employees would cram way too many into the spring loaded slots in the game cases. My biggest pet peeve is games with razor blade cuts down the front or back (through the shrinkwrap, all the way into the insert!) from someone too incompetent to use a box cutter properly. My point is that the game may have very well been damaged at the store due to mishandling. Either way, neogamer didn't buy the game from Capcom, he bought it from Wal-Mart. Their signs say "satisfaction guaranteed" and they should have took care of him without giving him a hassle. If you buy a new car that has problems, who do you take it to? I assume you don't take it to the GM assembly plant, right? You take it to the dealership where you bought it. So why not return a $30 game to the store that sold it? Let them go through the hassle of sending it back to WHO they bought it from. They do it every day. The customer gets his money back and is satisfied and Wal-Mart gets a credit from the vendor for defective merchandise. Everyone wins! Instead they alienate yet another customer and generate more bad word of mouth. To me the gift card thing is a sham. It is necessary in some cases, but not in one like this. Now they will return the defective game for credit AND get neogamer's money again from the gift card. Why not just give him his $30 back, make him happy, and let him go buy his game somewhere where it is actually in stock? Sorry for the rant folks, I'm done bitchin :)

[smokehouse]

Every experience I have from Wal-Mart is a bad one. I never buy games there though but it's either 400~ lb obese lady on a scooter over flowing her basket blocking the isle or fucking irresponsible parents who let their kids run around likes it a fucking playground. Also scary inbred methhead locals who are an eye sore.

Plus those fucking kids I went to high school with over 4 years ago and even though I don't have a clue who they are, know my name and insist on telling me what they have doing the past 5 years. I don't fucking care if I don't remember you then there is probably some reason. Usually this goes on for upwards of an hour with me uttering 3 or 4 sentences.

Finally one day one of those obese scooter ladies was blocking the isle containing beer and soda. Well I'm to get on the other side her, but wasn't going to chance brushing against her fat rolls so I kinda just just stood there. Finally she said "What do you want?" I replied nicely excuse me, I need some beer thats on the other side of you." She yelled "Well, GO AROUND THE OTHER ISLE THEN" I then said "Or you can take 3 maybe 4 seconds of your precious fucking time loading 8 cases of Dr. Pepper into you cart which you definately don't need, especially with those 5 bags of chips you already have in their and MOVE THE FUCK OUT OF MY WAY BITCH!" She finally got out of the way and I got my beer and got out of there. That's the last time I was at Wal-Mart.



Fuck count.....6.....

[exit]

I actually work at Wal-Mart and while I completely agree with whats being said, you have to realize that people try to pull fast shit on us all the time. You have people trying to return games that they ruined, clothes that have been worn and food that they have digested, then they get in your face when we won't give their money back.

I work in the Electronics department and we get all sorts of bullshit from people everyday. I've gotten into arguments with people trying to return TVs/Consoles/Phones/etc.. and have no receipt,the serial numbers do not match, is well past our return policy, or is obviously from another store. I've probably had my job threatened several hundred times and I've been called every name in the book, all of this because I politely tell them that we can not return their beaten up item. I've got thousands of stories I could tell, it's just a never ending loop of bullshit.

With the situation above tho, I would've understood and probably just let the guy exchange the game, but I'd have to get a managers approval before hand.

Pro Tip: If you know someone who works at Wal-Mart, your chances of returning anything are greatly increased and by greatly I mean definite.

[8-bitNesMan]

@ Exit: I feel your pain man. There are a lot of crooks, swindlers, and cheats out there. But he couldn't exchange the game if they didn't have it and if he had his receipt they should have given him a refund. You as a clerk might need to get a manager's approval, but a CSM should have the authority to do this without getting management involved. In this situation it would have been instantly obvious that he wasn't trying to pull a fast one.

[neogamer]

I don't see anything too unusual. Doesn't every company have a policy that states you cannot returned opened software except to exchange it for another copy of the same title?


Thats not what I am complaining about! My point is that they did not have the same defective game in stock. Why should I have to take the loss because of that?

[neogamer]

I will keep everyone posted as to what happens. I did include all my contact info in the complaint letter and it was mailed today, so I will await a reply over the next week or so. In the meantime, I will never again buy a game or system at Wal*Mart and I want to thank all of you for your comments and advice!

I don't think anyone should be treated that poorly, especially when they have a receipt!

:(

[exit]

@ Exit: I feel your pain man. There are a lot of crooks, swindlers, and cheats out there. But he couldn't exchange the game if they didn't have it and if he had his receipt they should have given him a refund. You as a clerk might need to get a manager's approval, but a CSM should have the authority to do this without getting management involved. In this situation it would have been instantly obvious that he wasn't trying to pull a fast one.

That's the thing tho, we only follow what we're told to do, in this situation they called a manager. Like I said, I would've understood his situation and probably would've let him exchange it for another game, but there are factors we have to take in consideration. Maybe he's lying and just didn't like the game, maybe he scratched the game himself, or maybe (if there was no receipt) it's not even from our store. If we do something without authorization, then we could easily lose our jobs over a silly situation.

You'd be surprised on how far people go to get what they want, like I said, I have thousands of stories I could tell.

As for the complaint letter, you'd be better off calling 1800WALMART, but you shouldn't expect much from either, especially if they were following Wal-Marts botched policies.

[FantasiaWHT]

Wait a second...

You tried to return a game... they didn't have that game in stock to replace it... and you got a gift card for the value of the game...

What else did you want?

[neogamer]

Wait a second...

You tried to return a game... they didn't have that game in stock to replace it... and you got a gift card for the value of the game...

What else did you want?


Read what I went through to get the gift card! They did not want to give me the gift card. Their first response was "there is nothing they could do".

Wait a second: Would that be alright with you??

[Wolfrider31]

I think you're making a big of an erroneous comparison. It's significantly more difficult to wrap a car in a box and toss it in the mail box. A game not so much. And as far as I know, stores not accepting open games has been policy around my area for about 5-7 years.

Hate to say it neogamer, but you've got nothing to complain about. Wal-Mart had no reason to offer you any form of return/gift card/exchange (and frankly they shouldn't have, as it just encourages other customers to be obnoxious in an effort to get their way). All you had to do was simply follow the directions on the inside of your game and claim your warranty, which is how it's SUPPOSED to be done. You wouldn't have been taking a loss as you would have had a replacement shipped out to you. The fact that Wal-Mart gave you anything is less of an indication you were right and more of an indication that the manager was tired of dealing with a grown man acting like a 10 year old boy.

[neogamer]

I think you're making a big of an erroneous comparison. It's significantly more difficult to wrap a car in a box and toss it in the mail box. A game not so much. And as far as I know, stores not accepting open games has been policy around my area for about 5-7 years.

Hate to say it neogamer, but you've got nothing to complain about. Wal-Mart had no reason to offer you any form of return/gift card/exchange (and frankly they shouldn't have, as it just encourages other customers to be obnoxious in an effort to get their way). All you had to do was simply follow the directions on the inside of your game and claim your warranty, which is how it's SUPPOSED to be done. You wouldn't have been taking a loss as you would have had a replacement shipped out to you. The fact that Wal-Mart gave you anything is less of an indication you were right and more of an indication that the manager was tired of dealing with a grown man acting like a 10 year old boy.


I'm not going to even bother to get into a flame war over this.....

You're not even worth responding to. I posted my experience, think what you want.

For all those that posted helpful and productive replies, I do thank you.

[walrusmonger]

If he bought a new game and it doesnt work, he should be able to take it back for an exchange or replacment, as long as he's in the return period.

Case closed.

The employees were being dicks. He shouldnt have to call up capcom 20 minutes after buying a game because it didn't work.

Of course, if he had scratched it himself trying to clean it (because his ps2 had problems reading the game for whatever reason) only he knows. But if the truth was that the brand new game was scratched, then he deserves a working copy or an exchange.

[DaBargainHunta]

I think you're making a big of an erroneous comparison. It's significantly more difficult to wrap a car in a box and toss it in the mail box. A game not so much. And as far as I know, stores not accepting open games has been policy around my area for about 5-7 years.

Hate to say it neogamer, but you've got nothing to complain about. Wal-Mart had no reason to offer you any form of return/gift card/exchange (and frankly they shouldn't have, as it just encourages other customers to be obnoxious in an effort to get their way). All you had to do was simply follow the directions on the inside of your game and claim your warranty, which is how it's SUPPOSED to be done. You wouldn't have been taking a loss as you would have had a replacement shipped out to you. The fact that Wal-Mart gave you anything is less of an indication you were right and more of an indication that the manager was tired of dealing with a grown man acting like a 10 year old boy.
Wow... You have absolutely no clue what you're talking about. A store is supposed to exchange a defective item for the exact same item. If that isn't possible (and it wasn't in this case), a refund should be given out. A gift card, I suppose, is a happy medium (though it does strike me as somewhat greedy on the store's part, but I guess it makes sense business-wise).

[neogamer]

If he bought a new game and it doesnt work, he should be able to take it back for an exchange or replacment, as long as he's in the return period.

Case closed.

The employees were being dicks. He shouldnt have to call up capcom 20 minutes after buying a game because it didn't work.

Of course, if he had scratched it himself trying to clean it (because his ps2 had problems reading the game for whatever reason) only he knows. But if the truth was that the brand new game was scratched, then he deserves a working copy or an exchange.


I can assure you that I have never returned anything to Wal*Mart before and that I have done nothing to the game! If I did, I would be responsible for my own misfortunes and would not be posting about my experience here! That being said, I just wanted to warn anybody who may have a similar problem in the future. If your game works fine and you are happy buying items at Wal*Mart, by all means, please continue to shop there. I can only comment on my current situation.

[Wolfrider31]

Wow... You have absolutely no clue what you're talking about. A store is supposed to exchange a defective item for the exact same item. If that isn't possible (and it wasn't in this case), a refund should be given out. A gift card, I suppose, is a happy medium (though it does strike me as somewhat greedy on the store's part, but I guess it makes sense business-wise).

Actually you're mistaken. There is no legal requirement for any business in either the United States or Canada to allow customers to take back purchased opened merchandise. Many stores (particular smaller business that can't afford the costs associated with returning items to a manufacturer) have a "all sales are final" policy. A business may choose to set its own return policy and beyond that it is "buyer beware". Most stores choose to have a return policy simply because it's good business, not because they are "supposed" to.

When it comes to games (or software, or movies, or music) that can easily be duplicated and then returned, many stores (particularly big chains) refuse to accept returns on opened merchandise. If the seal wasn't broken, I imagine he would have had considerably less trouble with returning it. Again, that's why manufacturer's of games have legally required warranty periods to protect consumers against defective merchandise. His beef wasn't with Wal-Mart, it was with the manufacturer. They had zero obligation to honor his request. Yes, it's annoying to ship your item back, but that's how its done and if you don't like it, well tough shit. Put on some big boy pants and follow the warranty guidelines on the inside of your packaging, your blood pressure will thank you for it.

Simple rule, and I've been aware of it since I was 12 years old. If the seal is broken, they don't have to give you your money back.

[DaBargainHunta]

Actually you're mistaken. There is no legal requirement for any business in either the United States or Canada to allow customers to take back purchased opened merchandise. Many stores (particular smaller business that can't afford the costs associated with returning items to a manufacturer) have a "all sales are final" policy. A business may choose to set its own return policy and beyond that it is "buyer beware". Most stores choose to have a return policy simply because it's good business, not because they are "supposed" to.
I never said anything about the legalities or the situation. No, you cannot return an opened game for a refund point blank (nor should you be able to), but you can exchange it for the same product. Since the OP couldn't do that, he should've gotten a refund. Why should be penalized for being the last person to buy an item in stock? That's idiotic, and your defense of it is mind-boggling.

You do raise good points elsewhere in your post, but how do they apply to the OP's situation when he was just trying to get another copy of the same product?

If he was trying to return the game for a refund, nothing else, I'd understand your beef. As it stands, you're arguing for another situation entirely.

[Wolfrider31]

I never said anything about the legalities or the situation. No, you cannot return an opened game for a refund point blank (nor should you be able to), but you can exchange it for the same product. Since the OP couldn't do that, he should've gotten a refund. Why should be penalized for being the last person to buy an item in stock? That's idiotic, and your defense of it is mind-boggling.

You do raise good points elsewhere in your post, but how do they apply to the OP's situation when he was just trying to get another copy of the same product?

If he was trying to return the game for a refund, nothing else, I'd understand your beef. As it stands, you're arguing for another situation entirely.

I'm not arguing for another situation. I'm saying that unless stipulated by the government (and I was wrong in my previous post - apparently a few states do require it) all return policy's are up to the store's discretion, and it was not Wal-Mart's responsibility to deal with defective merchandise, but the manufacturer's. Wal-Mart chose not to honor his request (apparently because they didn't have stock left) which they had every right to do. In fact, they had every right to refuse him point blank. He wasn't "out" money, because all he had to do was contact the manufacturer.

I don't understand what is complicated or "mind boggling" about my defense. And I have no love for Wal-Mart, but I'm just saying if you choose not to be aware of how to deal with faulty merchandise then you're shooting yourself in the foot.

Again, faulty merchandise is the responsibility of the manufacturer, not the store you purchased the merchandise from. It's simple.

[zektor]

To be on the defense of the employee (thought not Wal-Mart), working there blows the big one. And no matter how dedicated a worker you are, the minimum wage coupled with poor hours, plus an assumption that the company owns you all mixed with fat, sweaty, rude people yelling at you for the smallest things will eventually wear you down. By that point you'll tell pretty much anyone to go fuck themselves. Legitimate excuse or not.

No offense Zektor, but if I was an employee there and you threatened my job it would have taken all but 12 seconds for me to call security and have them haul your ass out of the store as unceremoniously as possible.

Most customer service jobs I've worked have been hell. I've had people scream at me, with their face inches from mine about various things, ignoring the fact that I'm off the clock and eating. To be perfectly honest, I come from the "you get what you deserve" school of customer service. If you're polite and understanding I'll bend over backwards. If you come at me with an attitude you're not going to get anywhere.

It's not customer service that's the problem, its just customers and their entitlement complexes. You bought a game and it was scratched. Ok. It's Wal-Mart which means the game wasnt opened beforehand so (unless you did it) the game was scratched at the factory. So you know what you should have done? Taken advantage of the warranty option and called the manufacturer and had your game replaced. See? A whole lot less hassle and you didn't have to make someone's minimum wage job worse.

Hey, I am also on the opposite side (the employee getting bashed side that is) most of my day. I understand what it is to deal with shitty customers...people who think that you *owe* them something for some reason. The whole town I work in is like this, and since my transfer it probably has to be the worst CVS I have encountered for clientèle of this sort.

That said, I am not the person who comes down on other retail employees. I really didn't get in to the entire story of how nasty these Walmart employees were (including the manager) prior to me sending him the DM call threat. Even still, I think it would be a little over the line to call security and throw the customer out because he/she is expressing his/her dissatisfaction in such a way. It is entirely in the customer's right to state that they will call a superior (corporate or the like) if they cannot get help from the current management. Honestly, if you were my employee and you pulled that on a customer in my presence, well, I may just have to conduct a coaching & counseling on you :)

Also, I understand about being on break and getting bothered. Still, if you are wearing the gear (ie: Walmart vest) while on break or whatnot, it's not the customer's fault if they approach you and ask for something. I'd be po'ed if I saw you as an employee and you told me "I'm on lunch" or something. I actually witnessed one of my employees do that to a customer at a Computer City I used to manage...and I wrote him up of course.

Finally, if I have to mail my products back to the manufacturer every time I get a defective product from Walmart, well then I might as well purchase the game right from the manufacturer in the first place. Why does walmart even have a returns counter? Why even supply me with a receipt. No, sorry, that is wrong. You have every right to go back to the place of purchase and make an exchange or refund. I could care less if Walmart didn't break the item. They buy into this business with more than simply buying and selling product.

Ehh, I'm done on this conversation/rant. All I do know is that I will not buy anything at Walmart anymore. At least Target still treats me right :)

[Wolfrider31]

Also, I understand about being on break and getting bothered. Still, if you are wearing the gear (ie: Walmart vest) while on break or whatnot, it's not the customer's fault if they approach you and ask for something. I'd be po'ed if I saw you as an employee and you told me "I'm on lunch" or something. I actually witnessed one of my employees do that to a customer at a Computer City I used to manage...and I wrote him up of course.


Off topic, but in the example I was referring to, I was actually in a dining area, sitting down, eating. I was clearly on my break. But I've had way too many experiences with people throwing hissy-fits (actually, LITERAL, jumping up and down screaming, swearing, name calling hissy fits) as well as just general rudeness to justify doing anything outside of what store policy requires me to. And I don't know what the laws are where you are, but as for being on lunch (and not getting paid ie. off clock) where I'm from, as a manager you would have labour board on you pretty fast, as you are not allowed to take disciplinary action against an employee who is off clock. "I'm on lunch" means "I'm no longer working, and no longer getting paid, therefore not required to do anything."

[heybtbm]

This thread is offically full of shit.

[exit]

It seems that this has turned into a silly argument, it's not odd considering the topic is Wal-Mart. I would go on and try to defend the company, but I wasn't there to see how the employees and customer were acting. Regardless of the fact, you got a gift card, you should feel happy you got reinbursed at all.


Off topic, but in the example I was referring to, I was actually in a dining area, sitting down, eating. I was clearly on my break.

I've actually had customers ask me for help in other stores, knowing me from where I work. I've also had customers come after me when I was on break/off the clock (again they knew I worked there) and after stating that I was off the clock, he told me "I hoped you get fired!"

[Wolfrider31]

It seems that this has turned into a silly argument..."

Most of which seems to be my fault. >.< Sorry...

[Rob2600]

I worked at a major video game chain at a mall for several years. My managers motto was, "The customer is always right!" When I was hired, I agreed with that, but I learned soon enough that many customers were wrong.

The Game Boy Color was released towards the end of 1998 and was very popular that Christmas. A man came into my store two days before Christmas and asked to buy one. I told him we were sold out and he replied, "What do you mean you're sold out? You have Game Boy Color boxes right here on the shelf." I said, "Yes, those are display boxes. Nintendo pays for that shelf space. We're actually sold out at the moment."

His face turned red and he started screaming at my coworkers and me, "Why do you have boxes on display if you're sold out? Why do you trick customers like that? You people are the worst! You ruined Christmas for my son! This is the worst store I've ever been to!" He was screaming curses too, in front of all our other customers, many of whom were children.

Then, he started throwing the empty Game Boy Color boxes at us. This grown man was having a fit. He stormed out of the store just as we were about to call security, so we continued ringing customers up and cleaning the mess he had made.

Another time, a customer vomited all over several shelves of computer games. He left the store and my coworkers had to clean it up.

Another time, a customer came into my store with a completely burnt up PlayStation 2 console. He said it had been in a fire and wanted to exchange it for a new one. He didn't have the box, the receipt, or an extended warranty. I told him I couldn't exchange it and he threatened to come behind the counter and beat me up. Of course, the store manager ended up giving him a brand new PlayStation 2 console.

Several times a day, I'd find half empty cups of soda, used napkins, straws, candy wrappers, and other garbage on our shelves and floor.

Customers would ask me questions while I was eating lunch or dinner at the other end of the mall in the food court. As annoying as it was, I'd always answer them with a smile.

Parents would leave their young children in our store unattended for an hour or two while they went shoppping. I made sure nothing ever happened to them, in addition to processing shipments, taking inventory, changing prices, gutting games, processing defective items, and helping customers.

I took great care of my customers and was usually pretty lenient regarding my store's return policy, but once in a while, customers would try to take advantage of me and ask me to do things that would get me in trouble. I'd refuse and they'd demand I give them the district manager's phone number. My coworkers usually fell for that scare tactic, but I didn't. I'd reply, "No. There's no reason to give you the district manager's phone number. I didn't do anything wrong."

They'd grumble, "I'm never shopping here again!" and stomp out of the store. Of course, they'd be back three days later buying something else.

That said, many of my customers were wonderful and it was a pleasure getting to know and serve them.

[Cornelius]

Just saw this today, so thought it was appropriate...

http://img465.imageshack.us/img465/9510/internetargumentzd6.jpg

[zektor]

Off topic, but in the example I was referring to, I was actually in a dining area, sitting down, eating. I was clearly on my break. But I've had way too many experiences with people throwing hissy-fits (actually, LITERAL, jumping up and down screaming, swearing, name calling hissy fits) as well as just general rudeness to justify doing anything outside of what store policy requires me to. And I don't know what the laws are where you are, but as for being on lunch (and not getting paid ie. off clock) where I'm from, as a manager you would have labour board on you pretty fast, as you are not allowed to take disciplinary action against an employee who is off clock. "I'm on lunch" means "I'm no longer working, and no longer getting paid, therefore not required to do anything."

The point was that the customer does not know you are on break in most cases (like in the one I referred to). And, while you are absolutely right that you are not getting paid while on break, you do not reserve the right to put the company in a bad light by being nasty to a customer while wearing the company uniform. In that respect, yes, you can take disciplinary action. As a matter of fact, if you are wearing the uniform, are off duty, and are somewhere else (another store) and are nasty to someone....you can STILL be disciplined. It is all in the employee handbook. Actually, every employee handbook I have ever read in retail. Go and have a look :)

Anyway...way off topic....done here...

[Wolfrider31]

Just to clarify: I didn't mean being nasty or harrassing customers. I meant informing the customer that you are no longer on duty.

Anyway yeah. I'm out too.

[8-bitNesMan]

I'm not wanting to start a war with you guys either, so this will be my final word on it as well. He did have every right to a refund, he had his receipt and the game was defective. Neo I'm 100% in your corner on this one. Wolf I don't know how ya'll roll in Canada, but here government has little to do with the return policy of Wal-Mart and retailers in general. I'm glad you got your gift card, I still know that they should have given you a refund. Once they bought it from the manufacturer it became theirs, no longer the manufacturer's. I don't think he acted like a 10-year old. He acted like someone who spent their hard earned money on a defective product and should NOT have been given a hassle upon promptly returning it.

[Daria]

You think the off the clock and wearing a uniform thing is bullshit? Try being a teacher, they can be written up for being spoted in bars. Sometimes there's extra responsibilites for being associated with a profession, regardless if you're on the clock or off.

[MachineGex]

@ MachineGex: Don't assume that all Wal Mart employees are bad. I'll grant you that they do have more than their fair share of incompetent idiots, but there were/are a few who actually care(d) about treating people right and trying to do the right thing.
I never assumed/said all Walmart employees are bad. I have however encounter enough of them to know your chances of getting one that cares is slim. My best friend was a manager at Wally World for 10 years, he will also tell you the company has gone down the toilet.


No, it really is. The only way to return opened games to exchange for the same thing. I wasn’t aware that if they did not have the game in stock, they tell you to take a hike.
I was talking about if the game is out of stock. That is what I have a hard time believing.

All of this is silly. Walmart needs to stop treating every customer as if they are ripping off the store. The guy had a receipt. Just wanted a replacement game. Walmart was out so they tell him to take a hike.
<sarcasm>YEAH, that sounds as if the customer is wrong.</sarcasm>

[Icarus Moonsight]

Wow. How did something so simple get so complex? Oh yeah, Walmart! Now I understand. :)

Back in winter 2005 when Target had DS's advertised for $99 we bought the last DS Target had but, we wanted two. So I took the ad to Walmart to get a second one for my wife for $99. No dice, even though they claimed, at the time anyway, to match advertised prices (I asked first). Something about not matching internet prices. When I produced my brick n mortar Target receipt that had the $99 DS on it and pointed out that the sale was listed in the ad as "also available on-line" they still wouldn't budge. I argued for a while and even talked to the store manager but, got no where in the way of getting them to honor their own policies. As an act of revenge I purchased a Nintendogs DS bundle they just happened to have and came back a week later to get it refunded down to $99 with the ad attempting to take advantage of the ignorant dumbasses. It took a conversation with the electronics manager to get anything done. She finally refunded me down to $129 (the MSRP of the base unit at the time). I made out better in the end, I got the DS for $99 and a special limited edition one at that and also the Nintendogs Best Friends Ed for $30 that I would have gotten for her anyways except one of the other versions. Finally, satisfaction! LOL

In neo's case I would have refused the gift card and sent a complaint letter to hq and contacted the DM. That way you might have come out better than you initially wanted and had your revenge as well. Assuming you could have had the disk fixed/resurfaced to working condition plus received comp from Walmart. :) Idiots are prone to social engineering. :D

[Nick]

Yeah they use complaint letters like yours to light their 100 dollar bills to light their cigars.

LOL HELL YA..Nice moves. Tru stuff!

[Sniderman]

Wow. This thread is just filled with assclowns on both sides of the issue. @_@

[FantasiaWHT]

I'm not going to even bother to get into a flame war over this.....

You're not even worth responding to. I posted my experience, think what you want.

For all those that posted helpful and productive replies, I do thank you.

Wow... why start a discussion on a topic and then try to marginalize everybody that disagrees with you?


All of this is silly. Walmart needs to stop treating every customer as if they are ripping off the store.

Maybe if customers stopped trying to rip off Walmart constantly (returning games for cash that they bought (or stole) from another store) they wouldn't have to take a strong line on it.

I still don't understand why people think he deserved a cash-back refund. Store credit for an unreplaceable item is perfectly reasonable.

[neogamer]

[QUOTE=FantasiaWHT;1234816]Wow... why start a discussion on a topic and then try to marginalize everybody that disagrees with you?

Again, I already commented on what happened to me. This is just a warning as to what happened to me at Wal*Mart. If you seriously need me to recap, go back and re-read my other posts. Its that simple. That is it. Take it however you want. What do I have to argue about? My problem was and is with Wal*Mart. More so the way they treated me. I don't even want the gift card. All I want is Street Fighter Alpha Anthology!

Thats all I wanted in the first place! Of course, a working copy would help!

BYT: Just remeber when some of you other collectors happen to buy a "new" sealed game from me on eBay and it doesn't work, remember its the manufacturer's responsiblity! Not mine! Unfortunately, your the ones that would be complaining to Paypal for a full refund!

And if the disc comes loose in shipping, my response is, you should of bought postal insurance!

Now, is this the way to run a professional profitable, customer oriented business? I think not!

[Hawksmoor]

I really do know better than to further exascerbate an already acrimonious thread, but I have some serious qualms with Wal Mart and a portion of their patrons (perhaps taking this thread off on a bit of a tangent isn't so bad after all).

Here's my beef: Wal Mart does some really morally/ethically reprehensible things that they are perfectly within their right to do because restrictions on business are naturally more lax after a conservative has been in office for nearly 8 years and reshaped both the supreme court and antitrust law with a willing congress (both pre and post Dem controlled).

Wal Mart has no qualms with opening a store in a small town, destroying myriad small businesses in the process - one's that people have often poured their sweat equity and life savings into - and then just as abruptly as they arrived, they will shut down the store and depart when it becomes apparent the populace isn't big enough to make the store satisfactorily profitable.

Wal Mart has no qualms about being mysogynistic, if you believe the class action lawsuit brought against them by female employees has merit - which I do.

Wal Mart attempts to appeal to low-income, blue collar, fundamentalist christians by doing things like banning CDs with explicit lyrics from their stores, while at the same time gladly selling a wide array of deadly weapons to whomever meets the bare legal standards to purchase such.

Wal Mart's TV ads have depicted such things as a black female executive, as if that disproves their alleged discriminatory treatment of female employees, and a husband and wife employee duo talking about how wonderful Wal Mart is for helping them take care of their ill child.

Monopolistic practices, and the ultimate ends they lead to, aren't good for consumers and aren't achieved through commonly accepted moral and ethical standards. Wal Mart is attempting to sell every conceivable thing to consumers at a price so drastically below competitor's prices that it's difficult to deny they truly seek to eradicate the mere existence, or semblence, of competitors and competition.

It's far worse than anything MicroSoft has done IMO, and they were raked over the proverbial coals by the Justice Dept. during Clinton's tenure because they violated antitrust. Given the unprecedented levels of foreign influence in the US economy, I feel safe in saying that this "free hand of the market no matter what, no holds barred" climate that seems to have emerged isn't good for any of us and is really just good for the infinite greed of the massive multinational corporations like Wal Mart.

Now, I'm sure what I've just said will get me pigeonholed and or villified by some here, but so be it. It is a mixture of facts and my opinion based on said facts and is not intended as a personal attack on anyone. *End Disclaimer* :)

[All Things Sega]

Funny how the topic has spiralled out of control. each store has about the same policies. He got his refund and arguing that he should return it to the manufacturer is moronic. I wonder how many people who say return to manyfacturer actually did?!? Gotta love hypocrisy. As for Wallyworld, don't mind their store. I just choose to avoid it because of their shitty products and pathetic service. They seem nice but lot of incompetence. Only store I've been to that has 20 cashier lanes but only opens 5. They can put 2 store greeters at front and 2 more greeters to check your receipt when you leave but they can only find 5 cashiers??? Those lines are what makes me avoid them. Not waiting 30 minutes to buy 5 items.

[FantasiaWHT]

Again, I already commented on what happened to me. This is just a warning as to what happened to me at Wal*Mart. If you seriously need me to recap, go back and re-read my other posts. Its that simple. That is it. Take it however you want. What do I have to argue about?

Really, if your only goal was to educate the rest of us about what had happened to you, you would have just ignored any detractors and not engaged them further with your own arguments. *shrug* If you honestly don't want to argue with people... then don't argue with people :P

[neogamer]

Really, if your only goal was to educate the rest of us about what had happened to you, you would have just ignored any detractors and not engaged them further with your own arguments. *shrug* If you honestly don't want to argue with people... then don't argue with people :P


Agreed. I will just "shut up" and let this post end. Its gotten too far out of hand already as it is. I will once again thank everyone for their own responses, wether I agree or disagree!

[Gamereviewgod]

I don't really see how the thread is out of hand. There's no flaming or ripping other users. It's a discussion on return policies.

Anyway, working at Toys R Us, we would have done the same thing. No refund. The only thing we would have done differently is try to locate a copy of the game at another store. A manager may make an exception if the game is older or on clearance. If it's relatively new, no way will we take it back without another copy available. Plus, we'll open that replacement copy to ensure the customer doesn't try to return it again.

Companies lost millions before instituting these policies. Kids would hate a game they purchased, bring it back because they hated it, and get something else. Stores were overstocked with crap titles because people would abuse the system. It's the only way to handle situations like this anymore because of unethical people. Shame we all have to suffer for it, but that's how a store is run.

[Cornelius]

Maybe this is stating the obvious, but when they told you they were out of stock, I think you would have been better off using the warranty, since all you really want is the game. Of course, I didn't know about those warranties at all before now, so I'm better off in case something like this ever happens to me.

[Chaz From Phantasy Star 2]

You think the off the clock and wearing a uniform thing is bullshit? Try being a teacher, they can be written up for being spoted in bars.

That is so dumb..... why is bullcrap like that legal.

[smokehouse]

Wow. This thread is just filled with assclowns on both sides of the issue. @_@

assclown count...1...

[PentiumMMX]

This makes GameFAQs look tame.

[FantasiaWHT]

That is so dumb..... why is bullcrap like that legal.

Because it's perfectly legal for employers to require codes of conduct of their employees. Although I think forbidding an employee from being seen at a bar is a bit of hyperbole... I've usually seen those clauses brought to bear on employees badmouthing the company, or appearing in an adult film.

[monkeychemist]

...Finally one day one of those obese scooter ladies was blocking the isle containing beer and soda. Well I'm to get on the other side her, but wasn't going to chance brushing against her fat rolls so I kinda just just stood there. Finally she said "What do you want?" I replied nicely excuse me, I need some beer thats on the other side of you." She yelled "Well, GO AROUND THE OTHER ISLE THEN" I then said "Or you can take 3 maybe 4 seconds of your precious fucking time loading 8 cases of Dr. Pepper into you cart which you definately don't need, especially with those 5 bags of chips you already have in their and MOVE THE FUCK OUT OF MY WAY BITCH!" She finally got out of the way and I got my beer and got out of there. That's the last time I was at Wal-Mart.

I read this post for the first time today and although it is somewhat off-topic of the OP, it sparked a fire within me.

I will just say it here in a concise manner: I also despise those hugely obese worthless excuses for human beings!

I have had arthritis in both ankles for the past 15 years. It sucks a lot! If I walk for more than 15 minutes I get a lot of pain and it doesn’t stop for the entire day. (I am only 27; I should not get these problems for another 30 years). So I need those scooter carts when shopping for more than 15 min at Wal*Mart, Publix, or wherever the store is nice enough to provide it.

So, half the time that I go grocery shopping, all the carts are out. If I can I wait, if not than I just live with the fact that I will be in pain for the rest of the day. Imagine my anger when I see a perfectly fine (not handicapped) horrendously obese B#$@%$ casually rolling down isles with one. So, just because you are fat, you decide to take the few conveniences for handicapped people? For what, so you don’t burn those 200 calories while buying 200,000 more?

Those fat people should be yelled at and embarrassed in front of everyone in the store. I haven’t had the courage to do that yet, but getting close. At least those fat people can do something about their problem.

Thanks for listening.

[WanganRunner]

You like exclamation marks, don't you?


I counted 7

[DKTheArcadeRat]

I went in to my local Wal-Mart last night, I got scared and felt like i needed a long shower, but I came out with something good at least.

BARBIES HORSE ADVENTURES for xbox. :D not for me, but a friend, but still awesome. But thats the only highlight of Wal-Mart that i've seen in a long time. Supposedly, according to the employees I heard talking, that store is the worst one in NJ. And it was showing, it was a mess.

dave