Returning Halloween candy to Walmart?

[CdnPokerFace]

I bought a whole bunch of candy at Walmart in Kirkland, Quebec for a party, but I really didn't kno what to get, or how much to get, so I bought a bunch. I was left with 2 boxes (worth about $17 total).

I really don't need anymore candy, so I went to return them, and the guy at customer service says "We don't accept returns on seasonal items." I replied that I didn't see that anywhere in writing and had I known I wouldn't have bought as much as I did in the first place. He then says to me "It's not our policy, it's the government". He then turns around and completely ignores me.

That sounds ridiculous to me. Not allowed to return seasonal items? Is that actually a law? Seasonal items are not listed anywhere on the back of the receipt or on the wall in the store. It's not like they stamped my recepit final sale before I left. If it is actually a law, i'm obviously not going to fight them on it, i'll just eat the candy, lol.

What I hate, is being lied to. So if the guy is full of crap (as I suspect) i'm going back to ask him to prove it. Anybody know anything about this?

[mystery]

I never heard of this either.

Go back to another CSR, or go to another Walmart.

[Havo]

I think its ridiculous... try another employee. You should be able to return it as long as its unopened.

[GVRtrader]

News to me. I would try another rep or try calling Walmart Customer service to save yourself a trip.

[patrob]

Candies are now considered seasonal :confused: :D

This guy must have been smoking something. I would go back or call cust. service.
I returned unopened "Easter" candies after Easter & they took it back no problem.

[wilson_wu]

I used to work there

It's 30 days return on seasonal items.

[Hunter316]

There is no law about seasonal items not being eligable for a refund. Many stores have policies in place to stop people from using the item for a specific event and then returning it as they don't need it anymore but that is up to the retailer not the government.

[CdnPokerFace]

There is no law about seasonal items not being eligable for a refund. Many stores have policies in place to stop people from using the item for a specific event and then returning it as they don't need it anymore but that is up to the retailer not the government.

I agree with u and I can understand that logic. It's not like i'm returning decorations that I used for a night. They need to try These are 2 unopened boxes of candy. Anyways, i'm glad i'm not crazy. I will try again tomorrow. What a waste of time, lol.

[CdnPokerFace]

Sorry! I'm on the RFD iPhone app... Can't edit my post. Ignore "They need to try..." Didn't finish a sentence by accident, oops.

[inferno_gn]

Hi there,

Just letting you know, stores can refused any returns, they aren't obligated to do so. Though, they do have a return policy for customer service sake, but seasonal items can't usually return. It's like, I buy a halloween costume, ended up not using it and return it after Halloween? How will the store resell it? It's common sense when you buy these kind of things...

It's like returning a Christmas tree after Christmas...

Ju Leon...

[hightech]

Actually, this has nothing to do with seasonal but with safety.

I had to return some a 4 pack sealed packet of gum one time at the Pickering Walmart and they told me they don't take it back. I spoke to the Store Manager and said that they have a memo from Head Office that some people like to put some nasty stuff inside (i.e. metal, etc.) and then do a good job sealing it up. She didn't say I would do this, but as a safety to the customers they don't take it back. She gave me the $$ back after talking to me and then just tossed the packet in the garbage in front of me.

[brunes]

I can see why they would not want to accept returns on unused halloween candy, as it would be 100% write-off. They will never sell that box of candy again in the next few months (unless they do HUGE markdown), and they can't keep it around until next year as it will be old/expired/gross then.

[kidflash23]

Damn it... I wanted to return my halloween candy as well. Hopefully it will go smoothly.

[CdnPokerFace]

I assumed it would be a write-off, but wal-mart has a return policy to keep customers happy. Candy/food items are not on the list of things you cannot return. By offering a return policy they risk having to write-off products sometimes.

Just to clear things up, his problem was that I was returning it AFTER Halloween. In fact I saw someone return candy with no problem a few days before Halloween. So it's not because it's a safety issue, it's because Halloween is over. But the product I bought is brand new & I genuinely don't need it. The terms of their return policy should allow me to return it.

[chipspew]

I assumed it would be a write-off, but wal-mart has a return policy to keep customers happy. Candy/food items are not on the list of things you cannot return. By offering a return policy they risk having to write-off products sometimes.

Just to clear things up, his problem was that I was returning it AFTER Halloween. In fact I saw someone return candy with no problem a few days before Halloween. So it's not because it's a safety issue, it's because Halloween is over. But the product I bought is brand new & I genuinely don't need it. The terms of their return policy should allow me to return it.

Yer tilting me pokerface. Two trips to walmart plus wasted time (1 hour i am sure). Is it worth $17? I don't get people who will spend extra time and gas to save pennies

[jimmy-j]

i wouldn't expect them to take back any food items you bought unless they were stale or somehow gone bad.

it's like buying milk, letting it expire then trying to return it saying you can't drink it anymore.

good luck on the return though. i do understand it's sealed and closed up but like someone else said, if a sicko bastard wanted to do something to it, they'd know how to seal it back up so it looks like it was never opened.

[champlinD]

"We don't accept returns on seasonal items."

I have heard it...in First week of Jan 2009 buying half priced Xmas lights.

[Cheap Cat]

I'm not a WM fan but most stores will not take Halloween candy back after Halloween. This is commonsense. What do you expect them to do with the candy? Some stores have signs posted stating this. I remember a store that used to offer to take back your Halloween candy if you didn't use it. They specifically advertised this because it was not the norm.

The only error the clerk made was saying that it was the law.

[zoro69]

Its abuse like this that is the reason for ever tightening return policies. its hardly reasonably to expect them to provide a free "rental' over the day, just in case you need it, then have to take it back when its near worthless(or completely worthless if they wont sell returned candy - and I sure as heck wouldnt want to buy halloween candy someone else took home and returned).

heck, even if iI really wanted to, i'd be embarrassed to take a food product like that, that there was nothing wrong with, and ask for a refund.

[CdnPokerFace]

Yer tilting me pokerface. Two trips to walmart plus wasted time (1 hour i am sure). Is it worth $17? I don't get people who will spend extra time and gas to save pennies

I know what you mean, but WalMart is right off the highway. I drive by it twice a day. So gas isn't the issue. Secondly, i don't usually go in just to return. There's always something I need, so i end up shopping. So time wasted is minimal. $17 isn't a huge deal, but it pays for the movies + popcorn tonight! So i think it matters.

I did go back today. Same story. Gave me lots of trouble. So finally i asked if i could get half my money back. A manager approved that deal. I wasn't happy, but i was there already and I really didn't want the candy.

After all this, I think a policy like that should be in writing. How else could I have known?! It would have saved me the trouble.

[TakumiDC5]

I bought a whole bunch of candy at Walmart in Kirkland, Quebec for a party, but I really didn't kno what to get, or how much to get, so I bought a bunch. I was left with 2 boxes (worth about $17 total).

I really don't need anymore candy, so I went to return them, and the guy at customer service says "We don't accept returns on seasonal items." I replied that I didn't see that anywhere in writing and had I known I wouldn't have bought as much as I did in the first place. He then says to me "It's not our policy, it's the government". He then turns around and completely ignores me.

That sounds ridiculous to me. Not allowed to return seasonal items? Is that actually a law? Seasonal items are not listed anywhere on the back of the receipt or on the wall in the store. It's not like they stamped my recepit final sale before I left. If it is actually a law, i'm obviously not going to fight them on it, i'll just eat the candy, lol.

What I hate, is being lied to. So if the guy is full of crap (as I suspect) i'm going back to ask him to prove it. Anybody know anything about this?

Ofcourse its not a law.

But a store is also not obligated to offer you a refund on anything, seasonal or not. You are not entitled to a refund just because you didn't use it.

[cyder]

Actually, this has nothing to do with seasonal but with safety.

I had to return some a 4 pack sealed packet of gum one time at the Pickering Walmart and they told me they don't take it back. I spoke to the Store Manager and said that they have a memo from Head Office that some people like to put some nasty stuff inside (i.e. metal, etc.) and then do a good job sealing it up. She didn't say I would do this, but as a safety to the customers they don't take it back. She gave me the $$ back after talking to me and then just tossed the packet in the garbage in front of me.that is the dumbest excuse I heard, they don't say you can't return food, if they are concerned then they either can say they don't have returns for food or they throw it out. I guarantee if you went to any other walmart that they'd accept food returns. If putting needles and such in it were concerns then it'd be in the news, another needle attack found in frosted flakes etc. The guy at that location was just jerking your chain.

[Ojam]

Really? I'm surprised so many people are siding with the OP, IMHO this is just as low as returning used deodorant. Pathetic.

[mabba18]

Ofcourse its not a law.

But a store is also not obligated to offer you a refund on anything, seasonal or not. You are not entitled to a refund just because you didn't use it.

If OP was not informed of any changes to Wal-Mart's standard return policy at time of purchase, then they are absolutely entitled to a refund within that policy.

[Kasrielle]

What - do you want to return groceries to Safeway, too? Bought some tomatoes and decided not to use them - just take them back?

This is silly - it's food. You don't return food to the store unless it's bad.

[emmafb]

Really? I'm surprised so many people are siding with the OP, IMHO this is just as low as returning used deodorant. Pathetic.

+1.

This Halloween was so windy and not many kids went trick or tweet. I guess all of us should bring back all the unopen candy back for a refund :lol:.

By the way, the reason they told you it is seasonal because those big packing of chocolate only sells on Halloween. You don't usually find those packaging unless you are in Costco.

[ADRiiAN`]

Just eat the damn candy! :lol:

[CdnPokerFace]

Really? I'm surprised so many people are siding with the OP, IMHO this is just as low as returning used deodorant. Pathetic.

I'm a fair minded person and I can appreciate both points of view, but your comparaison is ridiculous. Used deodorant vs. unopened candy? We're not talking about the same thing.

[Ardvark]

calling $17 pennies? comparing deoderant and tomatoes to hallowe'en candy?

$17 would get me a fairly decent lunch thank you very much. I'd take the damn candy back as well.

[nano]

I'm a fair minded person and I can appreciate both points of view, but your comparaison is ridiculous. Used deodorant vs. unopened candy? We're not talking about the same thing.

I personally think its the same... you are trying to return Halloween candy on November 3rd. that's ghetto.... when i worked in retail i would refuse refunds on seasonal items..

[Ardvark]

I think there's no problem refusing refunds on seasonal items... as long as that's the store policy of course. But to use some b.s. excuse like "It's not our policy, it's the government" is lame.

[number8888]

CSR is basically hiding behind his "it's the law" excuse instead of just refusing OP in the face, which he should have done in the first place.

I actually agree that the candies are seasonal, since they only show up once a year before Halloween. No time else would you see candies packaged like that. That's pretty much fits the definition of a seasonal item.

It's just common sense that items like this wouldn't be returnable, so don't know why OP thinks he's entitled to a refund. I think OP got a good deal even getting half the money back. Next time buy less, just eat them yourself, or give them to kids of friends/coworkers/relatives/etc. You were just bringing frustration to yourself.

[myapple]

People need to make better estimates when it comes to seasonal/time-sensitive/perishable items.

I am fine with people returning normal-sized candies that are sold in the snack section, but halloween candies are clearly different because they come in smaller packages that are ONLY sold in the weeks leading up to oct31.

From a store's perspective, you bought perfectly good candy before halloween at full price. This candy could have also been sold to someone that actually wanted to keep it had you just left it on the shelf and not take it home with you. And if you are successful at the return (which i still don't think you should be), you made the store suffer a loss because not only can they not resell that candy at full price, they probably can't sell it at all and will probably take a loss for it.

If you want to return an unopened DVD or washer fluid, sure, go ahead! The store can easily put it back on the shelf and re-sell it. But halloween candy? really? Just eat it or give it away. I'm sure there are kids would want 'em and will appreciate them. And don't buy too much next time.

[redkid]

not sure what the law of Kirkland, Quebec states, but you might want to further investigate this in the library...

or just calle Wally's head office
make sure you get the CSR's name
never herad of these before... just tell them you bought a few and don't like them or they were for someone else and you got the wrong one

you should be able to at least get store credit (if you lost the receipt)
where they clerance or expired perhaps ?
most likely the 15yrd kid just didn't want to do it...

[lesley172]

the walmart I go to had handwritten signs at all the cash registers stating there was no return on halloween items after the 31st...seems reasonable. even if there was no sign, i wouldn't expect that they would let me return it anyway.

[pintobean]

Add me to the growing list of people saying that the OP should not have been entitled to a refund... I don't see why the store needs to put up a sign for a situation that should really be governed by common sense. Candy is considered food, so you should not be entitled to a refund regardless of whether or not there is a sign explicitly stating this.

I think the OP should have gone and donated the candies to a food bank or something like that.

Having said all that, I do agree that the store employee was stupid to claim that the law prevented him from giving a refund...that was a lame attempt to deflect the customer's potential anger away from him and onto something else.

Anyways, I have my own story of being refused a refund by Walmart, and I think I had more of a reason to complain that the OP did, but I just decided to accept my share of the blame and give up...

Before going on my honeymoon, I bought a cheap pair of $20 sunglasses from Walmart. Unfortunately, I was so rushed to pack my suitcase that I left the sunglasses in the bag on the kitchen table. When my wife and I got to the resort, I realized that I didn't have the sunglasses and so I had to go and buy another pair from the resort's gift shop.

When we got back to Toronto a week later, I grabbed the bag of unused sunglasses that still had the tag on and went to Walmart to return them. Unfortunately, the clerk would not take the sunglasses back and said that it was a hygienic issue. She said that there was no way for them to know if I had worn the glasses or not and it became a liability issue if somebody was to later buy those same glasses and then get an eye infection or something like that.

I showed her that the glasses still had the tag and sticker on them, but she stood firm and said that it didn't matter. I explained that people try on the sunglasses in the store before they buy them and so it could hardly be argued that anyone expects the sunglasses to be sterile, but she still refused to accept my refund.

In the end, I just decided that it wasn't worth the hassle and left. I ended up keeping the sunglasses in my car in case I forget to bring along my other pair one day...

[carlepx]

I personally don't see why people are offended by the OP trying to return candy and citing that the store would take a loss. The store makes a lot of money off Halloween candy at regular price. Do you think they actually take a loss for selling it at half off after Halloween? Of course not. So if the store takes back the candy and sells it for half off then why is there an issue?

My gripe is that there are no signs that say you can't return candy.

[zoro69]

I personally don't see why people are offended by the OP trying to return candy and citing that the store would take a loss. The store makes a lot of money off Halloween candy at regular price. Do you think they actually take a loss for selling it at half off after Halloween? Of course not. So if the store takes back the candy and sells it for half off then why is there an issue?

My gripe is that there are no signs that say you can't return candy.


Well, what do you suppose will happen if everyone feels they can buy quantity of halloween candy, easter candy, Xmas Candy, whatever, to hold on too just in case they need it...because they plan to return it all afterward if not?

Retail stores are not libraries, there for you to borrow stuff for free.

[JohnB]

I personally don't see why people are offended by the OP trying to return candy and citing that the store would take a loss. The store makes a lot of money off Halloween candy at regular price. Do you think they actually take a loss for selling it at half off after Halloween? Of course not. So if the store takes back the candy and sells it for half off then why is there an issue?

My gripe is that there are no signs that say you can't return candy.

They dont have a sign for a lot of things.

Decent people would just assume they are stuck with the extra Halloween candy and not be cheap ass and try to return it.

Im always surprised at how cheap and pathetic some people are...:(

[Ottomaddox]

What - do you want to return groceries to Safeway, too? Bought some tomatoes and decided not to use them - just take them back?

This is silly - it's food. You don't return food to the store unless it's bad.

I see people return stuff at Food Basics, Loblaws/RCSS and No Frills all the time.

[LisaB]

I bought a Christmas centrepiece last year before Christmas from Walmart. I didn't end up using it though and tried to return in on Boxing Day (at 6:30 in the morning, very early). It was brand new, I never even took it out of the bag. The associate told me she wouldn't take it back, because it was past 7 days, and that Walmart only takes seasonal items back within 7 days. I told her that I thought I had 90 days, as the back of the receipt says returns can be done within 90 days, with the exception of certain electronics that must be returned within 14 days. I told her the return policy doesn't state anything about seasonal merchandise. She looked annoyed but proceeded with the return.

I have no problem with Walmart refusing to take seasonal merchandise after a number of days, but, I do believe they have a responsibility to their customer to state this return policy in a prominent way as it does in store and on the receipt. They can't write 90 days for everything except electronics in store and on the back of the receipt, and then verbally say 7 days for seasonal (or in OPs case, state a bogus reason for refusing a refund).

OP it would be interesting to call HO and confirm with them their return policy on seasonal items. If they tell you no return or within x number of days, ask them why it isn't stated in the return policy statement on the bill and in store.

[emmafb]

For those who sided with the OP:

Don't you think very soon people is going to abuse the system by buying the candies the day after Halloween and return with their "original" receipt?

[RavenSpawn]

... They can't write 90 days for everything except electronics in store and on the back of the receipt, and then verbally say 7 days for seasonal (or in OPs case, state a bogus reason for refusing a refund).



Do you need a receipt that's a foot long just so they can have even possible return policy printed? I am not sticking for Walmart or any big companies but people need to use common sense. I mean yes companies write up crap to protect themselves but how many of those policies are there because someone just screwed them. Just look at the woman who spilled coffee on herself at Mcdonald's and sue them because "caution: hot" wasn't printed on the cup or lid. I agree with many others where returning Halloween candy shouldn't be allowed after the holiday because it is seasonal, same goes for other holidays. It is in special bulk packaging, not standard packaging you can buy any day of the year. If the OP clearly doesn't want the candy, just donate it to the food bank as already mentioned or bring it to work and give to co-workers, much simpler than trying over and over again to get his money back.

[pintobean]

Do you need a receipt that's a foot long just so they can have even possible return policy printed?
:arrowu: :rolleyes:
Yes, it seems like that's exactly what these people are suggesting. Walmart is a big bad company that makes billions, so they should happily swallow the loss and accept refunds from idiotic customers who claim that the return must be accepted because the policy is not clearly printed on the receipt.

The receipt doesn't have any prohibitions against buying a loaf of bread, eating half of it and then returning the rest for refund, so maybe that should be allowed as well? Seriously, people who think like this should be given their one refund and then banned for life from the stores...it would make things easier (and cheaper) for the rest of us who have common sense.

[LisaB]

Do you need a receipt that's a foot long just so they can have even possible return policy printed?

What's the big deal? Just a sentence saying "Seasonal merchandise must be returned within 7 days of purchase." I don't think that will add much more space to your receipt - maybe a quarter inch. And it's not like your receipt length is based on their return policy. Its length is determined by the number of items you buy and method of payment. Like I said, on the back of the receipt, it's already stated that the only exception to the return is electronics that must be returned within 14 days.

:arrowu: :rolleyes:
Yes, it seems like that's exactly what these people are suggesting. Walmart is a big bad company that makes billions, so they should happily swallow the loss and accept refunds from idiotic customers who claim that the return must be accepted because the policy is not clearly printed on the receipt.

The receipt doesn't have any prohibitions against buying a loaf of bread, eating half of it and then returning the rest for refund, so maybe that should be allowed as well? Seriously, people who think like this should be given their one refund and then banned for life from the stores...it would make things easier (and cheaper) for the rest of us who have common sense.

I never said that Walmart should be the sucker in this and can take the loss. But, I don't like it when stores have an explicit return policy and then use a bogus excuse to deny a customer a return that is perfectly legit and within their return policy.

If you look at Walmart's site and look at their return policy, It says that everything in the store can be returned, with the exception of electronics and other items that are obviously considered final sale. Halloween candy after the 31st, as well as sunglasses (that another poster tried to return), will be accepted.
http://www.walmart.ca/Canada-About_Walmart.jsp?content=returnpolicy

I wouldn't return a half-eaten loaf of bread at Walmart if there was nothing wrong with it. But what if you bought a sliced loaf and then as soon as you went home noticed that 6 slices had mold on them? Would you not be pissed?? Would you just throw it in the trash?

Or consider what happened to me recently: I bought three bags of Omega 3 Natrel milk at $8 a bag. I went home, opened one, and used one of the three bags in a recipe. As I went to get a new bag to put in the milk pitcher, I noticed it had curdled. I looked in the bag and the other one was also rotten. I then opened the other two bags and noticed the same thing, some were ok, some were expired. I called the store and they told me immediately bring it back, and they also checked their coolers to ensure they were the right temperature. I got a full refund for all my bags of milk, plus a $25 GC (that I gave to the kid in the dairy dept). Was Walmart the sucker who took the loss?? Who bent over backwards to make me happy? Or should I have just flushed $24 down the toilet, and many other customers, because someone either at Natrel or Walmart didn't handle the stock properly?

[spf1971]

For those who sided with the OP:

Don't you think very soon people is going to abuse the system by buying the candies the day after Halloween and return with their "original" receipt?

I bet they are now. :lol:

[greenmoon]

What's the big deal? Just a sentence saying "Seasonal merchandise must be returned within 7 days of purchase." I don't think that will add much more space to your receipt - maybe a quarter inch. And it's not like your receipt length is based on their return policy. Its length is determined by the number of items you buy and method of payment. Like I said, on the back of the receipt, it's already stated that the only exception to the return is electronics that must be returned within 14 days.


I never said that Walmart should be the sucker in this and can take the loss. But, I don't like it when stores have an explicit return policy and then use a bogus excuse to deny a customer a return that is perfectly legit and within their return policy.

If you look at Walmart's site and look at their return policy, It says that everything in the store can be returned, with the exception of electronics and other items that are obviously considered final sale. Halloween candy after the 31st, as well as sunglasses (that another poster tried to return), will be accepted.
http://www.walmart.ca/Canada-About_Walmart.jsp?content=returnpolicy

I wouldn't return a half-eaten loaf of bread at Walmart if there was nothing wrong with it. But what if you bought a sliced loaf and then as soon as you went home noticed that 6 slices had mold on them? Would you not be pissed?? Would you just throw it in the trash?

Or consider what happened to me recently: I bought three bags of Omega 3 Natrel milk at $8 a bag. I went home, opened one, and used one of the three bags in a recipe. As I went to get a new bag to put in the milk pitcher, I noticed it had curdled. I looked in the bag and the other one was also rotten. I then opened the other two bags and noticed the same thing, some were ok, some were expired. I called the store and they told me immediately bring it back, and they also checked their coolers to ensure they were the right temperature. I got a full refund for all my bags of milk, plus a $25 GC (that I gave to the kid in the dairy dept). Was Walmart the sucker who took the loss?? Who bent over backwards to make me happy? Or should I have just flushed $24 down the toilet, and many other customers, because someone either at Natrel or Walmart didn't handle the stock properly?

+1. It's not about the candy, it's about BS excuses. It does not take that much space on the receipt to state if seasonal items have different return period. Canadian Tire takes extra two lines on the receipt to tell you that Christmas merchandise is not returnable after the 24th.

I'm on the tangent here, but their receipts are nowhere near the length of some other stores that waste paper by putting the stupid "Go to www.sillysurvey.com for a chance to win a $1000 gift card". That stuff pisses me off. It makes the receipt double the length and when I try to scan it for my paperless records it does not fit in the bloody scanner.

But really, food or not, there is no reason why you cannot return it, unless clearly stated otherwise before the sale was completed. I will not return half eaten loaf of bread if there is nothing wrong with it, but if it was something that I did have to try to realize it's spoiled and I cannot just feed it to the birds in the backyard, of course I'll return it. I feel that you're only doing everyone a favour if you do, so that the store can look over their inventory and not sell the spoiled stuff to others.

[RobDek]

Food products shouldn't be returnable unless there's a problem with it. I don't want to consume any products that's been in the hands of some grub.

[shepd]

LOL. I've had the same sort of problem. Bought a can of honey roasted almonds made by Majel (I think the brand on the can is "Tasty Crunch"). Picture on the can shows them lightly dusted with honey roasting. Inside the can, they're CANDIED. YUCK! I hate candied nuts!

I tried to return them and they said it's the law that they can't accept returns. I told them that in that case I'll be reporting Walmart to the Board of Public Health (or whoever deals with this) for knowingly selling adulterated food, and I have proof that Walmart doesn't want to take away from me. That changed their minds a little. :^) I guess a public health inspection costs a lot more manhours to deal with than a $3 can of nuts.

After some investigation, I found out that, in fact, the lazy-assed company making these almonds re-used the picture of their hickory smoked almonds for their honey roasted ones. Since, clearly, all their product sucks like this, I contacted Walmart corporate.

Walmart corporate called me back, not just to apologize, but to tell me they've phoned the Walmart store that gave me the problem to remind them that they are obligated by policy to take returns in cases like these, and to tell me that they've required the manager to retrain their sales staff regarding these policies. They also explained they've contacted the supplier to have them correct the problem (Sadly, the same effed up almonds are still on the shelves, although after my call, they seemed to "disappear" for a couple of months).

I think the threat of having all their product inspected for adulteration worked pretty well!

[pintobean]

LOL. I've had the same sort of problem. Bought a can of honey roasted almonds made by Majel (I think the brand on the can is "Tasty Crunch"). Picture on the can shows them lightly dusted with honey roasting. Inside the can, they're CANDIED. YUCK! I hate candied nuts!

I tried to return them and they said it's the law that they can't accept returns. I told them that in that case I'll be reporting Walmart to the Board of Public Health (or whoever deals with this) for knowingly selling adulterated food, and I have proof that Walmart doesn't want to take away from me. That changed their minds a little. :^) I guess a public health inspection costs a lot more manhours to deal with than a $3 can of nuts.

After some investigation, I found out that, in fact, the lazy-assed company making these almonds re-used the picture of their hickory smoked almonds for their honey roasted ones. Since, clearly, all their product sucks like this, I contacted Walmart corporate.

Walmart corporate called me back, not just to apologize, but to tell me they've phoned the Walmart store that gave me the problem to remind them that they are obligated by policy to take returns in cases like these, and to tell me that they've required the manager to retrain their sales staff regarding these policies. They also explained they've contacted the supplier to have them correct the problem (Sadly, the same effed up almonds are still on the shelves, although after my call, they seemed to "disappear" for a couple of months).

I think the threat of having all their product inspected for adulteration worked pretty well!
Do you seriously think your "threat" is what caused them to change their minds? I think they just changed their minds because you complained a little bit more than the average consumer and they wanted you to leave.

If the public health inspectors were called out everytime a store sold food that looked different from the picture, then the poor inspectors would be in McDonalds, or Burger King or KFC or Wendy's etc... all day long. The fact that the final product looks different from the picture doesn't mean that the item was "adulterated". I don't know where you got that idea from.

[greenmoon]

Food products shouldn't be returnable unless there's a problem with it. I don't want to consume any products that's been in the hands of some grub.

If it's sealed what's the problem?

[zoro69]

If it's sealed what's the problem?

How do I know if he left chocolate candy sitting in heat so it melted? More so with hallowen candy then anything else with the history of nut jobs tampering with it. Its one thing to take back something defective like the mail that they will just throw out, another to take back food just because you didnt use it and are a cheap person with no shame.

If you buy it for halloween, you've consumed it when the date goes by whether its was eaten or not. its sad so many here would have to see them explicitly spell out every possible common sense restriction to stop them from feeling they can screw over the store for their own advantage

[shepd]

Do you seriously think your "threat" is what caused them to change their minds? I think they just changed their minds because you complained a little bit more than the average consumer and they wanted you to leave.

Yep, being as the first time they still said no. When I came back I said I'd like some info on the store so I can fill out my report. The lady at the counter (same one) then asked her manager to give me whatever info I needed to make sure that public health could inspect them.

The manager hemmed and hawed, but eventually decided it wasn't worth the fight. Probably figured that if I'm willing to make this big a deal out of it, I really WOULD get them inspected (already did it to one supermarket that had constantly broken freezers that they refused to repair [got a nice photo of them actually HEATING the food to 30 celsius], and got the report from public health, too [seems they fixed the problem by then]).

If the public health inspectors were called out everytime a store sold food that looked different from the picture, then the poor inspectors would be in McDonalds, or Burger King or KFC or Wendy's etc... all day long. The fact that the final product looks different from the picture doesn't mean that the item was "adulterated". I don't know where you got that idea from.

Actually, it's specifically illegal to sell food that's different from the picture. All food in pictures is real food and is the real food you are sold--in fact, "food photographer" is a job--the photographers will go through hundreds of burgers to get the right one for their shot.

And there's a big difference between a juicy looking hamburger vs. a squished one and a totally different item being displayed on the can. If I went to McDonald's for the first time and saw their "Big Mac" was a chicken sandwich on the menu, you can be damn certain I'd expect my money back when I get an actual Big Mac. And if they claim the menu matches the item and won't give my money back, yes, I will call the inspectors.

If they can't even get the photo right, what are the chances the ingredients match up?

The fact is that "adulterated" means that the food inside is not what is sold. What I was sold was a picture of hickory smoked almonds, but a title of honey roasted, and an end product of candied almonds. If that's not adulterated, I'm done talking with you, you're nuts (pun intended).

[hightech]

that is the dumbest excuse I heard, they don't say you can't return food, if they are concerned then they either can say they don't have returns for food or they throw it out. I guarantee if you went to any other walmart that they'd accept food returns. If putting needles and such in it were concerns then it'd be in the news, another needle attack found in frosted flakes etc. The guy at that location was just jerking your chain.

I thought that too, but I heard this story from a few people and it is valid. I just wish that if they want to change the return policies that they post this at the time of purchase not after the fact.

[GreyingJay]

The fact is that "adulterated" means that the food inside is not what is sold. What I was sold was a picture of hickory smoked almonds, but a title of honey roasted, and an end product of candied almonds. If that's not adulterated, I'm done talking with you, you're nuts (pun intended).

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adulterated
Main Entry: 1adul·ter·ate
Pronunciation: \ə-ˈdəl-tə-ˌrāt\
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): adul·ter·at·ed; adul·ter·at·ing
Etymology: Latin adulteratus, past participle of adulterare, from ad- + alter other — more at else
Date: 1531
: to corrupt, debase, or make impure by the addition of a foreign or inferior substance or element; especially : to prepare for sale by replacing more valuable with less valuable or inert ingredients

Your nuts weren't adulterated, they were sold in incorrect packaging. Your goods were misrepresented, but they were not tampered with. I don't argue with the end result -- you got them to fix the packaging and refund you the money for being sold goods you didn't expect -- but to call it adulterated food is a bit ostentatious, I think.

[shepd]

: to corrupt, debase, or make impure by the addition of a foreign or inferior substance or element; especially : to prepare for sale by replacing more valuable with less valuable or inert ingredients

Your nuts weren't adulterated, they were sold in incorrect packaging. Your goods were misrepresented, but they were not tampered with. I don't argue with the end result -- you got them to fix the packaging and refund you the money for being sold goods you didn't expect -- but to call it adulterated food is a bit ostentatious, I think.

"to prepare for sale by replacing MORE VALUABLE with LESS VALUABLE or inert ingredients".

Ingredients were to be what was on the picture. More valuable--almonds prepared that way cost about 3 times that price when you buy them at places that actually do it right (as I have before). Instead I got ones worth $3. Which is fine, except that's not what they were represented as on the can, and I wouldn't have thought "Hmm! Hot deal!" and obviously wouldn't have bought them.

Yep, they're probably more misrepresented than adulterated, I'll give you that, but when I contact public health I'm not going to go with the lesser crime, I'm going for the jugular. 'Course, I didn't need to, because corporate isn't stupid. They know that there's a limit to how far you can go with lying about a product, and this is past that limit, adulterated, misrepresented, or just plain stupid. ;-)

[LisaB]

Food products shouldn't be returnable unless there's a problem with it. I don't want to consume any products that's been in the hands of some grub.

Yeah but don't you think this happens all the time in grocery stores? A "grub," as you call him, will pick up a loaf of bread and put it in his cart. At the register when he goes to pay, he decides to skip the bread and tells the cashier he plans to leave it. The cashier then calls someone from bakery to return the item back to the shelf. Ten minutes later, you come along, stop in the bakery and grab the same loaf of bread...

[Acid_]

#1) I don't think anyone here want's to buy and eat returned food. Who knows what happened to it? If someone was motivated they could tamper with it or they could just leave it in gross situations like beside a cat box or something. They could let the chocolate melt in the sun or by a heater. Whatever. Yuck.

#2) If Walmart wants to paint their policies with a broad brush then they need to follow through. They should give the return and not make up BS stories about laws etc.

#3) I think common decency says it's not cool buy seasonal stuff and return it after the season unless it was defective. I'm sure if anyone here owned a store that sold Halloween stuff they wouldn't be happy giving returns for non-defective merchandise after Oct 31st.

#4) As others said donate the candy or take it to work. I guarantee the late afternoon snack monster will eat it.

[Bookpreviews]

Yer tilting me pokerface. Two trips to walmart plus wasted time (1 hour i am sure). Is it worth $17? I don't get people who will spend extra time and gas to save pennies

I would just eat the candy.
If it is chocolates you can always use them in cookies or if other candies use as ice cream toppings.

Or even bring a small package to work every day as a snack or else bring some and give to co workers as they probably did not go trick or treating (probably too old,lol).

or if you really do not want the treats,
the food bank will always take them, they have boxes at loblaws for that.

I was also reading on anther forum how some people were making halloween and chismas surprize bags and leaving them at random friends doors with a surprize note!
sounds like a fun way to get rid of candy :lol:

one of my friends also, whenever she saw cheap snacks on sale she always bought some if it was packaged items and would always keep a few things in her bag to give to the homeless people downtown.

[Acid_]

I would just eat the candy.
If it is chocolates you can always use them in cookies or if other candies use as ice cream toppings.

Or even bring a small package to work every day as a snack or else bring some and give to co workers as they probably did not go trick or treating (probably too old,lol).

or if you really do not want the treats,
the food bank will always take them, they have boxes at loblaws for that.

I was also reading on anther forum how some people were making halloween and chismas surprize bags and leaving them at random friends doors with a surprize note!
sounds like a fun way to get rid of candy :lol:

one of my friends also, whenever she saw cheap snacks on sale she always bought some if it was packaged items and would always keep a few things in her bag to give to the homeless people downtown.

I want to be your friend.

[mabba18]

one of my friends also, whenever she saw cheap snacks on sale she always bought some if it was packaged items and would always keep a few things in her bag to give to the homeless people downtown.

Most of what you wrote are great ideas, but this is terrible. Giving a hungry person a piece of candy is not a nice thing to do. It's deeming and patronizing. Give them money to get real, healthy, filling food.

[raymondly]

Give it away to kids.
Like this:
http://the-grayline.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/free-candy-van.jpg

[Technic]

Return it? What will you do next Halloween, buy it again?
Just store it. How long do you think it takes a MARS bar to expire really? I'm not talking about the date on the package, I mean really.

My bet is a good 7 years. :razz:

[dipple]

I was actually in Walmart on October 31st, and the women in front of me asked the cashier if she could return the candy she was buying. The cashier didn't know, and went to check with CS, and came back with the response that if she wanted to return it, then she had to return it that day.

I hate to take Walmarts side on this one, but leveraging their return policy for Halloween candy seems pretty ridiculous to me. Its abuse like this that makes legitimate returns harder and harder.

[slowtyper]

Most of what you wrote are great ideas, but this is terrible. Giving a hungry person a piece of candy is not a nice thing to do. It's deeming and patronizing. Give them money to get real, healthy, filling food.

Yeah, that. Or crack.

[jimmy-j]

Most of what you wrote are great ideas, but this is terrible. Giving a hungry person a piece of candy is not a nice thing to do. It's deeming and patronizing. Give them money to get real, healthy, filling food.

i never give a homeless person money. you don't know what they'll use it for and you don't know what they'll get themselves into. if i see a homeless person on the way to get some food, i'll pickup some extra and give it to them.

i agree about giving them candy.. it's not nutritious and definitely not a meal but it's better than supporting a bad habit or addiction.