Blockbuster Video Bait & Switch Consumer Fraud, False & Misleading Signage Aurora Colorado
On February 14, 2004, I had the intense misfortune of visiting this store. They have signs around the store advertising "Trade any DVD and buy this hit movie for 12.95". Not all selections are eligible for this trade discount, but I was instructed by another store that those with signage were the ones one could select on this program.
Two current videos, The Medallion and Secondhand Lions, both had such signs directly in front of their display. In both instances, videos of the title extended both above and below the sign, and on either side of the sign.
When I took a copy of Mediallion to the front, seeking to get the discount, I was told it was not eligible. Accompanied by a clerk, I walked back to the display and showed the sign to the cler. The sign clearly stated "buy THIS hit video...." and was positioned directly in front of the Medallion.
The clerk pointed out small print in the corner of the sign that said the offer applied to specific titles. This conflicted with the bold print clearly visible on the sign. He then escorted me to the middle of the store where a large 3 sided sign showed six specific titles eligible for discount. He had to turn the sign around to see which selections were available for discount.
The upshot is that the sign in the store leads expressly to false and misleading advertising, the other three sided sign was turned away from what would be obvious to the customer, and the clerk refused to discuss the matter further.
I explained this was clear and unambiguous "bait and switch" as defined in consumer protection law. I also indicated my intention to return with a camera to photograph the sign and display with an intent to use this as evidence in a consumer protection complaint. I was informed that I would not be allowed to take a photograph in their store. Subsequent, I called associates by cellular and asked them to come to the store in order to serve as witnesses.
At this writing, my complaint is not resolved, and I eagerly await Monday when their district office opens whereby I may complain. I also visited their corporate website and sent an email to their HQ in Dallas Texas stating my umbrage and intent to take direct action. I also intend to contact consumer advocate Tom Martion of the Troubleshooter radio program, and the state attorney general consumer protection division to lodge complaint.
Melvin
Aurora, Colorado
U.S.A.
4 Updates & Rebuttals
PeopleareFunny
Yearite,Alabama,
United States of America
Calling the employee pathetic, you are obviously the pathetic one!
#5Consumer Suggestion
Sat, January 16, 2010
It is obvious you are a cheap skate who goes into stores and tries to get stuff for free and then blames it on the employee. First off the only reason why they gave you the movie for free is because they know it will save them hassle in the long run,
Second its pathetic on your part to call the district manager on the person who was working and try to get him in trouble because your cheap self wanted to save four dollars on a movie, the law you stated is void unless that promotion was directly printed or glued to the item you were buying, "select titles" was clearly printed on the sign and in the corner therefore you would have lost your case and wasted your time, a sign can be placed anywhere, as far as we know you removed the sign from its correct spot and placed it in front of the movie you wanted to obtain for 12.95.
And by the way there was no disciplinary action on the employee he was doing his job and trying to avoid cheap customers like you taking advantage of the system, and they all probably laughed about how ridiculous you are and gave the kid a raise for sticking to policy.
And your associates would have wasted more money on gas then you would have saved on the movie, It is clear by your actions of calling your "associates" that you don't care to burden people with you supposed misfortunes.
And lastly this report was posted six years ago. People like you are hilarious. Find better things to do with your abundant spare time then trying to burden people with your stupidity.
Melvin
Aurora,Colorado,
U.S.A.
Kid Got Himself in Trouble!
#5Author of original report
Wed, December 16, 2009
In response to a rebuttal to my complaint, one individual said "cool, you got this kid in trouble".
Nonsense. Illogical. I am the customer, and the customer is always right. Or at least, that was once the philosophy in business. No longer.
The kid got himself in trouble when he first decided to create an argument rather than working through the issue to resolve the matter in a way to achieve customer satisfaction. He did not resolve my issue as suggested in the rebuttal. I had to take my complaint up the food chain to his district manager. Since this clerk failed to exercise basic customer service skills, and failed to deal appropriate with me as a customer, it was his failing that got him into trouble, not I.
To the degree this kid failed to provide appropriate customer service to me, it can be readily assumed he did so to others. If he expected to work in a customer service capacity, he should have understood that customer service is the business of providing service to the customer. Not arguing, quoting policy like some sort of mantra, nor attempting to block the customer from gathering information to set the matter straight. His customer service skills were both pathetic and abusive.
If the kid cannot handle the requirements of the job, i.e. providing satisfactory customer service, he should be waiting tables or pumping gas.
So kindly do not lay blame on me for getting this kid in trouble. He did that very nicely all by himself. When somebody does not do their job properly, or does their job pathetically, they should be brought to the attention of their superior. I did that, and only then did I receive satisfaction for my issue. The amount of money spent is totally irrelevant. The amount of aggrevation and grief is the issue. Fair treatment to me as a customer is the issue. Appropriate customer service is the issue.
So, this rebuttal to the nonsensical one I got on this complaint is simply inappropriate. The only person who can get an employee in trouble is the employee himself, not the customer who was affronted.
Mel.
D
Hb,California,
U.S.A.
cool, you just ruined that kids day, good job.
#5Consumer Comment
Tue, March 02, 2004
he spent all that time trying to not get in trouble by selling it to you, and you got him in trouble anyways. do you really think that 6.75 an hour teen deserves to pay for your brain activity with a write up. once you figure it out, say "oh well, guess i wont get it" instead of making that employee pay for it with a corrective action. you know if you get 3 of those you can be fired, but the medallion is much more important, so its ok.
Melvin
Aurora,Colorado,
U.S.A.
Issue Resolved
#5Author of original report
Tue, February 17, 2004
Today, 02/17/2004, I spoke with a district manager for the Denver area and he agreed the clerk at the store had been wrong in his application of policy, and his treatment of myself, and would receive disciplinary correction. My own request for satisfaction is to be honored and I am to be given the product that I was trying to obtain on the 14th, at no charge to compensate my inconvenience.
I had placed a call earlier in the day to the corporate offices of Blockbuster in Texas, and within minutes after explaining my experience with a customer care representative, I subsequently received a call from the district manager locally, and the matter has been resolved to my satisfaction.
Therefore, I withdraw my complaint, as I have ultimately been treated fairly and my issue satisfied.