FutureShop & Returns

[EH100501AC]

Can you return an opened game?

[nsd]

Can you return an open game anywhere ? :D Only if it doesn't work, and then for an exchange ;)

[that_staples_guy]

It's against the law... gosh I love enforcing that law at work... makes me feel.... makes me feel so uberly powerful....

[GYR8]

It's against the law... gosh I love enforcing that law at work... makes me feel.... makes me feel so uberly powerful....

And where did you find this 'law'? :lol:

GYR8

[ttt]

Can you return an opened game?
no, but you can exchange tho.

[gamer123]

exchange the same game or a different one?

[that_staples_guy]

And where did you find this 'law'? :lol:

GYR8

It has something to do with copyrighted material and how they can't be duplicated, it was posted up somewhere at work.

[ttt]

exchange the same game or a different one?
the same game.

[EH100501AC]

What if doesn't work on the computer can't I get store credit or something at least?

[gei]

No... and they are usually pretty strict with this.

[Kasakato]

Should of made sure it works before buying. They don't want you buying, copying, and returning.

[kinggori]

Just get the damn game from isohunt
j/k ;)

[sxz]

If you exchange the game for the same one, what's to stop you from just returning the exchanged one? I assume the second one will be brand new and probably unopened?

[LNahid2000]

If you exchange the game for the same one, what's to stop you from just returning the exchanged one? I assume the second one will be brand new and probably unopened?
haha i've always wondered this myself.

[Geologic]

haha i've always wondered this myself.

They won't let you return it since they will adjust the receipt to show that you've already exchanged the copy once.

[GYR8]

It has something to do with copyrighted material and how they can't be duplicated, it was posted up somewhere at work.

Ok so its a 'store policy' and not a 'law'... So when someone returns a piece of software do you actually say "it's against the law for us to take this back"? Or do you say "We don't take back software because our that is our policy"?

GYR8

[gqbluez]

actually i do think its a law but im not sure. what I am sure of is that theres no way that they'll refund you money for an opened game even if it doesnt work. They will exchange for the exact same title but will most likely take out the CD key and give you the disc. If its a ps2 or xbox or gamecube game they will adjust the receipt to show that it was exchanged once already so even if its unopened they almost 99% wont let you return it.

[Chrispy]

It's law in Canada, and is part of the Digital Millenium Copyright Act...what I don't get is though, isn't the DMCA an American law? Or did they create a Canadian version too?

[EH100501AC]

I tried to return it today but then they said they don't take opened items because of the the copyright law. I read their policies on returns and it doesn't say anything about games on them.

[mlerner]

I tried to return it today but then they said they don't take opened items because of the the copyright law. I read their policies on returns and it doesn't say anything about games on them.

Exchanging or returning products purchased in-store

If for any reason you are not completely satisfied with your purchases, Future Shop will gladly give you a full refund or exchange. Simply return the product within 30 days (14 days for Computers, Monitors, Printers, Notebook Computers, Camcorders, Digital Cameras, Radar Detectors, Portable DVD Players and Air Conditioners) in its original condition and packaging (including all manuals & accessories) along with the original sales receipts. There will be a nominal charge for missing packaging, accessories or manuals.

Due to copyright laws, computer and game console software, music CDs, DVDs and videos in opened packages may only be exchanged for the same item. Terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. All transactions, including price protection, require your original Future Shop sales receipt or electronic invoice (obtainable anytime from "my orders") for online orders.
Computer and Game Console Software, Music CDs, DVDs and Videos - Unopened products may be returned or exchanged within 30 days of purchase and opened products may be exchanged for the same item (no refunds) within 30 days of purchase.

http://www.futureshop.ca/informationcentre/EN/retailpolicies.asp?logon=&langid=EN

[ynchu]

There is no return on any software including games, it says on their receipt.

[slimeballzz]

What happens if you bought a bundle like the XBOX GRAW bundle and want to return the entire bundle? Will they charge you for the game that was opened (since it did come free with the system...)?

[gei]

What happens if you bought a bundle like the XBOX GRAW bundle and want to return the entire bundle? Will they charge you for the game that was opened (since it did come free with the system...)?

They usually in my experience accept games bundled with hardware.

i.e. once I bought a psp package and 2 extra games... and long story short, I decided to return it all...

the psp package came with a few extra games.. and it was all part of the same package, so they took that back. they wouldnt take back the 2 extra games though.

[slimeballzz]

^ So those extra games came free but they ended up charging you for them when you returned the bundle?!

[gilboman]

Ok so its a 'store policy' and not a 'law'... So when someone returns a piece of software do you actually say "it's against the law for us to take this back"? Or do you say "We don't take back software because our that is our policy"?

GYR8

NO...copyright LAW.....

[AzNCrAzYcOoLeR]

They won't let you return it since they will adjust the receipt to show that you've already exchanged the copy once.




AND i break the seal at work.

[don242]

If your system meets the minimum requirements as printed on the box and you can't get it to work then contact the support for the game. There should be contact information for support in the documentation. They will help you to get it to work on your system and if they can't (and your system meets the minimum requirments), you can send the game to the manufactuer and they will send you an unopened replacement which you can then return for refund.

I have done this before for a game that was supposed to work on my system but just wouldn't. After customer support for the game couldn't find the problem, they told me to send it to them and they would send a sealed game for return to the store I bought it from.

[slim_shady]

NO...copyright LAW.....

Nowhere in the copyright law does it say that stores cannot accept returns for open games. (if you think i am wrong, please link/quote the relevant data from a government site).

FS just has their policy because of the copyright law, it isn't part of the law.

[gilboman]

Nowhere in the copyright law does it say that stores cannot accept returns for open games. (if you think i am wrong, please link/quote the relevant data from a government site).

FS just has their policy because of the copyright law, it isn't part of the law.

just like nowhere does it state future shop employees cant kill you. but they dont because its against the law:o

if you want to put it this way, what can i say... its a future shop policy not to kill customers and not because of the law

[Vertigo]

AND i break the seal at work.

This is what FS did when I exchanged a season of 24 that had some scratched discs in it. They opened up the new box before giving it to me. Actually, that worked to my benefit, as I was able to verify that the replacement set wasn't scratched up.

[slim_shady]

just like nowhere does it state future shop employees cant kill you..

That is a stupid comment, of course there is a law against murder.

if you want to put it this way, what can i say... its a future shop policy not to kill customers and not because of the law

Murder is not a FS policy... it is the law (you're arguing the opposite of what I stated originally, do you have a relevant point?).

[fonefreak]

If you exchange the game for the same one, what's to stop you from just returning the exchanged one? I assume the second one will be brand new and probably unopened?

it will be brandnew, but they will open it before you can take it, this way you can't just come back to the store next time and return the unopened exchanged game.

[farooq7]

If you exchange the game for the same one, what's to stop you from just returning the exchanged one? I assume the second one will be brand new and probably unopened?

hahahaa, I did this once. I got a game from walmart for my ps2 but didnt like it very much so i wanted to get a diff one. Walmart doesnt require a receipt for returns so I just said to them this game doesnt work and can I just have a new copy of it. The manager came out Got me the game and took my game back. as he walked me out to the store he got a key out and said oh by the way this is new policy we must open the game. So right infront of me he opened the seal!! So much for that plan eh... On a side note how can one purchase a sealer?

[huthut]

The good old days were when EB allowed returns of opened software and games. I took advantage of that policy alot.

[MilkyWind]

It's law in Canada, and is part of the Digital Millenium Copyright Act...what I don't get is though, isn't the DMCA an American law? Or did they create a Canadian version too?

I've done alot of research into this topic and I consider myself to have an imtermediate level knowledge of it.

There is no DMCA in Canada. There was one outlined/drafted, but when the conservatives came into power, it was struck down. The conservatives said they would be making their own, but progress on it has crawled to a snail's pace.

Give it another couple of years and perhaps we will have one.

In Canada, copying is more lax. Almost every court battle here of companies suing users for copying stuff, pirating, or downloading music have been won by the people.

Legally, based on the court's judgements, we are allowed to make a copy of anything for our own personal purposes or as a backup. We are also legally entitled to download "things". One of the reasons for this is the levy we pay on media. There are a couple of other reasons which I won't go into for now as they are long.

Even the CRTC refuse to regulate alot of the things on the internet.

The RIAA (I think it was the RIAA) even tried suing users here in Canada for downloading music, but they lost. The courts cited privacy concerns and whole alot of other things to would make it legal here.

I think you can force futureshop to give you a refund or the company that made the game or software to give you a refund. I remember reading about some cases here where a person has successfully gotten refunds through court battles.

Before you start using a piece of software, you must agree to that company's Terms of Agreement or EULA. If you don't, in most cases, it states you are allowed a full refund.

Basically the contract does not exist because you never signed and agreed to it.

[zymcpcp]

Hi,

I recently returned an item for an exchange (a hard drive), and on my new receipt it says "sold f.f. check serial" under the item.

Does anyone know what this means?

Thanks.

[crimsona]

Sold factory fresh, check serial # so that people don't try to return a used hard drive (say... 10 gigs)

^-- is just a guess, but should be more or less correct

[inferno_gn]

Hi there,

To be honest, all the store policy for not allowing any DVD/CD/games and so forth to be return once they are open, well, law or no law, it's bascially preventing peoples from coping and returning it. It's common sense. It's only exchangable for the same item IF it's defective.

I really hate it when peoples open the game, play with it, decide that they don't like the game and try to return it. Rent the game out or something and see if you like it before actually buying the game. Retail stores like FS and all that is not a rental store.

Please, don't give BS stories. I even seen peoples saying that the game doesn't work and DEMAND for another different game (which hence the BS), like indirectly admitted it that he doens't like the game.

Come on peoples, research, read reviews or even rent the game out before buying it. Save everyone the trouble...

Ju Leon...

[brunes]

It has something to do with copyrighted material and how they can't be duplicated, it was posted up somewhere at work.

There is no such "law" Store policy != "law".

If there is an actual law on the books RE this I would LOVE to see it because it would fly in the face of several other consumer protection laws, since it would make the buyer's contract very tilted in these situations.

EDIT: Oh and as well the DMCA has absolutely nothing to do with any of this. Aside from thae fact that it's an American law and has no effect here, the DMCA has to do with breaking encryption. It has nothing to do with copying anything.

[iamnotamerican.com]

I tried to return it today but then they said they don't take opened items because of the the copyright law.
One of these days, just to fill in some time, I'll challenge them to quote the specific law.

There are no laws that say opened items cannot be returned. Plain and simple. It's store policy (and it makes perfect sense) but it has nothing to do with the law.

[van]

If you exchange the game for the same one, what's to stop you from just returning the exchanged one? I assume the second one will be brand new and probably unopened?

Nope, they will open the exchanged one. I returned a DVD which didn't work, and they ripped open the shrinkwrap on the new replacement right infront of me. They said it was "company policy" to prevent people from returning the new DVD for a refund.

[Neil]

Sorry to the retail workers here that your companies are lying to you. There's no 'law' against taking a return on an opened software.

And I frankly think opened returns should be allowed to be returned. I can think of many instances where myself or someone I know purchased a software in good faith, only to find it doesn't work at all or as promised.

I appreciate if a company wants to state their policy is no returns on opened stuff... then I can choose to shop elsewhere. But to disguise that policy as 'copyright law' is just more unethical business practice.

[trixR4kids]

Sorry to the retail workers here that your companies are lying to you. There's no 'law' against taking a return on an opened software.

And I frankly think opened returns should be allowed to be returned. I can think of many instances where myself or someone I know purchased a software in good faith, only to find it doesn't work at all or as promised.

I appreciate if a company wants to state their policy is no returns on opened stuff... then I can choose to shop elsewhere. But to disguise that policy as 'copyright law' is just more unethical business practice.

lmk wen u open up a store, i wanna "rent" some games :D

[CatDog]

while it's their policy to not returned opened goods, if you're smooth... you'll get it done.

Gears Of War LE I bought (they were out of normal copies)

After tax it was like $93 and change

I hated the game (still do) and it also gave me headaches.

I went to FutureShop... all I got was an offer for store credit.

Wasn't going to fly with me, so I called there line and spoke to a few people. Told them I'd do a credit card charge back (which I had already initiated). I got to the store manager, told him the situation... went in later that day.

I had got the same woman as I did before who only offered store credit, manager told her to give me a full refund to my credit card.

While there's store policy, they are still humans. Pay with credit card so you have some leverage against them and can cause a big problem if needed.

I was very pleased afterwards, I'd shop more at FS if the sales people weren't so pushy, but it's a great place to bargain.

[trixR4kids]

while it's their policy to not returned opened goods, if you're smooth... you'll get it done.

Gears Of War LE I bought (they were out of normal copies)

After tax it was like $93 and change

I hated the game (still do) and it also gave me headaches.

I went to FutureShop... all I got was an offer for store credit.

Wasn't going to fly with me, so I called there line and spoke to a few people. Told them I'd do a credit card charge back (which I had already initiated). I got to the store manager, told him the situation... went in later that day.

I had got the same woman as I did before who only offered store credit, manager told her to give me a full refund to my credit card.

While there's store policy, they are still humans. Pay with credit card so you have some leverage against them and can cause a big problem if needed.

I was very pleased afterwards, I'd shop more at FS if the sales people weren't so pushy, but it's a great place to bargain.

bit of abuse don't you think? Doesn't really fly with me when you say you bought a game and didn't like it, was lucky enough to get a store credit instead of a boot out the door, and insisted on getting your full refund back. And i think a credit card chargeback only works if they lost your initial receipt with signature...

[jacker]

EDIT: Oh and as well the DMCA has absolutely nothing to do with any of this. Aside from thae fact that it's an American law and has no effect here, the DMCA has to do with breaking encryption. It has nothing to do with copying anything.

Well if you break/reverse-engineer encryption to copy the game, then it does apply.

And to the guy threatening charge-backs, that's some lucky stuff right there. I mean, they state on the receipt that they will not return it AND its standard industry policy, but your credit card company would still allow the chargeback? I'm impressed.

[rob187jj]

they wont allow it and if u try to exchange it for the same hoping its brand new, they will open it in front of you or write on the receipt that it cannot be returned. they dont care if ur computer isnt good enough to run the program

[gsrce]

I recently purchased a DVD from Zellers. When I eventually got to watching it, the data was pretty messed up on the disc, as it kept freezing on me.

I went to exchange it for another copy, and the store didn't have any, so they just refunded me my money for it since there wasn't much else they could do.

If you buy a game or dvd, and you have doubts about buying it, either don't buy it, or don't open it until you want to use it, that way if you change your mind, you can still return it. If you don't know if you'll like it, just rent it first.

btw, someone asking about a machine for shrink wrapping, they can be bought for about $200-$300 or so, but the ones that blockbuster, EB, etc. uses to re shrink wrap stuff is just that, shrink wrap. It's plastic that gets hot and conforms to the size of the item.

What games/dvd's come in is not shrink wrap, games and dvd's come in plastic cellophane that is completely different than shrink wrap, so buying a shrink wrap machine wouldn't do anything for you. On that note, if you ever see a game in the cheap plastic shrink wrap at EB and they claim it's new, it's not, because they sell used games as new games and just shrink wrap them.