View Full Version : flash memory NOT RETURNABLE @ WALMART
bubble.tea
Jul 16th, 2005, 07:13 PM
Funny...I don't know what's the general concensus on flash memory and major stores...but I was asking the photo dept @ Walmart today if pending dissatisfaction, I could return the card..and was flat out told "no".
Interesting is this the general position most stores have or is it only Walmart?
I'm finding the logic puzzling. It's not like flash memory is subject to any more malfunction than ANY OTHER electronic device that stores carry...and which you can return without hassle?
burners of all sorts/computers/monitors/stereos/etc etc? why have flash cards acquired this special exemption?
The exact words the girl said was "It's for our security"??? What? So you don't care for your own security when JoeBloggins returns a $500 home theatre DVD system or a $900 Sony camcorder??? how's this puny $59 going to put you at any sort of disadvantage?
anyways, my post-saturday aft'noon report ;)
Big Brother
Jul 16th, 2005, 07:17 PM
Maybe they dont want people to download illegal stuff inside the flash and ultimately into their owns hands.
synaptech
Jul 16th, 2005, 07:19 PM
Also probably to reduce abise of the return policy.... JoeBloggins goes on vacation and buys a 1G flash before leaving, and probly returns is upon his vacation completion... along with the digicam
bubble.tea
Jul 16th, 2005, 07:30 PM
Also probably to reduce abise of the return policy.... JoeBloggins goes on vacation and buys a 1G flash before leaving, and probly returns is upon his vacation completion... along with the digicam
that's hilarious....well actually I guess that's a good reason. I think it's same as for CDs and DVDs and software?
I'm pretty sure you can't return CDs..(Audio/pre-recorded that is..not blank media) Is this the same for DVD titles, and software?
Yeah good point ;)
HowEver
Jul 16th, 2005, 08:20 PM
Funny...I don't know what's the general concensus on flash memory and major stores...but I was asking the photo dept @ Walmart today if pending dissatisfaction, I could return the card..and was flat out told "no".
Interesting is this the general position most stores have or is it only Walmart?
I'm finding the logic puzzling. It's not like flash memory is subject to any more malfunction than ANY OTHER electronic device that stores carry...and which you can return without hassle?
burners of all sorts/computers/monitors/stereos/etc etc? why have flash cards acquired this special exemption?
The exact words the girl said was "It's for our security"??? What? So you don't care for your own security when JoeBloggins returns a $500 home theatre DVD system or a $900 Sony camcorder??? how's this puny $59 going to put you at any sort of disadvantage?
anyways, my post-saturday aft'noon report ;)
Asking some grunt who works in the photo department is *not* the same as asking a customer service desk rep and certainly *not even close* to asking a grunt manager at Walmart.
You aren't asking someone who can interpret policy, let alone explain it, or bend it where necessary on a return.
Next time, please report what happens when you ask the right person.
Chrispy
Jul 16th, 2005, 08:30 PM
CD's and DVD's are not returnable once opened due to Canadian Copyright Law....not because stores decided to be mean....
As for flash memory, i'd say I agree with the above reasoning, so the return policy is not abused. Especially on a site like this, no one can deny the unfortunate nature of virtually all retailers' return policies being abused.
ainsane
Jul 16th, 2005, 08:31 PM
I seriously doubt this. Walmart will let you return anything. I bet you could get them to even return some used condoms with a good excuse ;)
bubble.tea
Jul 16th, 2005, 08:41 PM
I seriously doubt this. Walmart will let you return anything. I bet you could get them to even return some used condoms with a good excuse ;)
Asking some grunt who works in the photo department is *not* the same as asking a customer service desk rep and certainly *not even close* to asking a grunt manager at Walmart.
You aren't asking someone who can interpret policy, let alone explain it, or bend it where necessary on a return.
Next time, please report what happens when you ask the right person.
damn..I got schooled here. Yes you're right...but thing is...I asked the sales person in the electronics dept who said pretty sure it wasn't permitted to return them..but suggested I speak to the photo-lab since it was in their dept officially, and who would know for sure.
Two people who confirm the policy is good enough for me. I'm not interested in making a scene just to return a bloody $60 mem card. I want to know from the get go. I think I'll email management and get a reply...;) peace. btw..no harm done ;)
pgcanred
Jul 16th, 2005, 08:53 PM
Just take it to the Customer Service desk and you'll find out. I suspect they will take it back.
netgeek
Jul 16th, 2005, 10:31 PM
I work in the electronics department. Technically we are not supposed to allow returns on Flash Memory, this is actual written Wal-Mart policy that has been sent out to every Wal-Mart across Canada. At my store, it really depends on who the duty manager is that day. You basically have a 50-50 shot of getting it returned. It really depends, sometimes I can make the call, sometimes it has to be the department manager. Most of the time though they will call a duty manager. We have a million different managers at Wal-Mart.
We are currently modifying our return policy making it harder for people who are abusing it. It is important to remember that you DO NEED A RECEIPT! Without it you are basically lost. We WILL NOT PUT THE FUNDS ON A GIFT CARD!!. You have 90 days for general merchandise. You have 30 for most electronics (excluding: stereos, tvs, phones, dvd players). Abusers will be banned from returning. We have actually started banning people from returning.
The above return policy is supposed to be used by all stores right now. I doubt that it is. But in the very near future all stores will have to abide by this. We were loosing way too much money because of stupid returns.
NG
Jul 16th, 2005, 10:34 PM
WM's new sign at the CSR desk says exactly what you can and cannot return. If it's not listed as being a special case that doesn't have the 90 day return policy then you're set no matter what a staffer says.
CSR
Jul 17th, 2005, 12:28 AM
Good, keeps the cost down for everyone else.I work in the electronics department. Technically we are not supposed to allow returns on Flash Memory, this is actual written Wal-Mart policy that has been sent out to every Wal-Mart across Canada. At my store, it really depends on who the duty manager is that day. You basically have a 50-50 shot of getting it returned. It really depends, sometimes I can make the call, sometimes it has to be the department manager. Most of the time though they will call a duty manager. We have a million different managers at Wal-Mart.
We are currently modifying our return policy making it harder for people who are abusing it. It is important to remember that you DO NEED A RECEIPT! Without it you are basically lost. We WILL NOT PUT THE FUNDS ON A GIFT CARD!!. You have 90 days for general merchandise. You have 30 for most electronics (excluding: stereos, tvs, phones, dvd players). Abusers will be banned from returning. We have actually started banning people from returning.
The above return policy is supposed to be used by all stores right now. I doubt that it is. But in the very near future all stores will have to abide by this. We were loosing way too much money because of stupid returns.
NG
Jul 17th, 2005, 12:43 AM
I work in the electronics department. Technically we are not supposed to allow returns on Flash Memory, this is actual written Wal-Mart policy that has been sent out to every Wal-Mart across Canada. At my store, it really depends on who the duty manager is that day. You basically have a 50-50 shot of getting it returned. It really depends, sometimes I can make the call, sometimes it has to be the department manager. Most of the time though they will call a duty manager. We have a million different managers at Wal-Mart.
We are currently modifying our return policy making it harder for people who are abusing it. It is important to remember that you DO NEED A RECEIPT! Without it you are basically lost. We WILL NOT PUT THE FUNDS ON A GIFT CARD!!. You have 90 days for general merchandise. You have 30 for most electronics (excluding: stereos, tvs, phones, dvd players). Abusers will be banned from returning. We have actually started banning people from returning.
The above return policy is supposed to be used by all stores right now. I doubt that it is. But in the very near future all stores will have to abide by this. We were loosing way too much money because of stupid returns.
Aslong as it's posted for customers to know what they're getting into fine. However I used to enjoy the year warrenty on the crappy Chinese DVD players/electronics and have not bought any since they've put in the new policy. Might as well buy one with a year warrenty at Best Buy who'll comp the shipping back to the repair depot.
DISH
Jul 17th, 2005, 01:18 AM
You can return anything at walmart. Just state that the card is of poor quality ( slow read/write speeds blah blah) If the CSR gives your trouble ask to speak with a manager and **calmly** explain the situation and ask for a refund. Persisteny is key ;)
Note: Speak directly with the store managers. The "junior" managers are rookies and tend to adhere firmly to store policy.
gman
Jul 17th, 2005, 01:23 AM
I work in the electronics department. Technically we are not supposed to allow returns on Flash Memory, this is actual written Wal-Mart policy that has been sent out to every Wal-Mart across Canada. At my store, it really depends on who the duty manager is that day. You basically have a 50-50 shot of getting it returned. It really depends, sometimes I can make the call, sometimes it has to be the department manager. Most of the time though they will call a duty manager. We have a million different managers at Wal-Mart.
We are currently modifying our return policy making it harder for people who are abusing it. It is important to remember that you DO NEED A RECEIPT! Without it you are basically lost. We WILL NOT PUT THE FUNDS ON A GIFT CARD!!. You have 90 days for general merchandise. You have 30 for most electronics (excluding: stereos, tvs, phones, dvd players). Abusers will be banned from returning. We have actually started banning people from returning.
The above return policy is supposed to be used by all stores right now. I doubt that it is. But in the very near future all stores will have to abide by this. We were loosing way too much money because of stupid returns.
What if the flash memory was not used at all and in the original sealed package?
netgeek
Jul 17th, 2005, 09:28 AM
If it was not used and in the original packaging that go ahead and return it. I was assuming that it was open. You can return it as long as its sealed.
luthair
Jul 17th, 2005, 12:22 PM
CD's and DVD's are not returnable once opened due to Canadian Copyright Law....not because stores decided to be mean....
IANAL but I don't think thats part of copyright law.