Complaint Review: Circuit City

I purchased a Compaq Presario 1800 computer at Circuit City in August 2001. The salesperson talked me into getting the extended warranty because it would allow me to upgrade my computer in a year for free. He said that all the staff did that...they purchase cameras, laptops, etc and then break them to upgrade to the new model.

I asked about the service contract, and I was told I just had to keep my receipt and present that should my laptop need repairs.

In January 2002, the latches that keep the laptop closed broke off. One broke out of the case, the other broke off inside the case and the plastic is still rattling around inside of it. I was incredibly gentle with this laptop. I had it double cased with lots of padding. All I did was open it like normal, and the latch broke off in my hand.

I went to Circuit City, and they said that I had to wait until August 2002 to get it repaired or upgraded for free, because the first year is covered by Compaq.

I went back in August 2002, and they said the warranty doesn't cover misuse of items, and that I needed to contact an outside company. I called them, and they refused to fix it. I went back to the store, and complained and got no where.

A
Campbell, California
U.S.A.