Complaint Review: WAL MART - Batesville Arkansas

Diana: Though I'm also not a big fan of Wal-Mart for various reasons, I nevertheless understand that any store MUST have specific return policies. Those return policies for electronics are listed below. No store can warranty any item indefinitely! In theory, the manufacturer has a responsibility also. Warranty information is packaged with the product. The manufacturer states what is and is not covered, and for how long. It also states what you must do in order to make a claim. In reality, regardless of where the item is purchased, the warranty is often of little use. Especially in the case of a cheaper electronic item made in China, etc. "...and if it is a gift and you only have the walmart price tag on the box you may as well forget it you won't get an exchange." In most cases, this may well be true. I happen to think that most people are honest. Can I tell just by looking at someone? No! Well, neither can store employees. Millions of items are stolen from stores every year. It's not unusual for the thief to attempt a so-called "return" for cash, with no receipt to show that the item was actually purchased. For every stolen item, especially one that is allowed to be returned for cash without a receipt, you and I pay MORE for the products that we do PURCHASE. If the few dishonest people didn't continuously try to figure new ways to rip the stores, there would be no reason for the store employees to be suspicious of our return motives. And believe it or not, some people have bought all kinds of items (fishing poles & reels, lawn mowers, coolers, etc.) to use for the weekend, and then try to return them. Not because they were defective! What would YOUR return policies be if YOU owned a store? Would you hand your money over for a 'no receipt' return with a smile. Would you be willing to warranty an electronic item for six months or a year? To Return an Item to a Wal-Mart Store 1.Take the item with all original packaging and accessories plus the receipt to Customer Service at your local Wal-Mart. Computer Hardware and Components: Computer hardware and components must be returned with any included software within 15 days of receipt. Electronics: Electronics items, except for computer hardware and components, must be returned within 90 days of receipt. See above for computer hardware and components returns

I too live in a small town and shopping anywhere else requires one to drive an hour or more away. The next town over has TWO WM stores, so onward to the big city one must go for quality goods in natural fabrics instead of cheap polyester crap. One unpleasant situation I encountered as a consumer trying to return an item was the clerk asking for my Social Security Number and Driver's Lisc. number. It was a simple $13.00 return of an item my child received for her birthday which she already owned. It was in pristine condition, shrink wrap still intact. Yet, before they would give me $13.00 they insisted that it was company policy to write down my SSI# and DL# on the return receipt. 10 years as a mortgage banker, helping many unfortunate families who have had their personal info misused by others, has made me wary of giving these numbers to anyone. I have been asked to supply these numbers on job applications...insane! Provide these numbers only after you have been hired. Unless your potential employer has a policy of doing background checks and/or credit checks on their employees as a condition of employment, there is no reason for them to require this at a preliminary application. Back to WM...the clerk was getting rather irate when I continued to refuse to supply the "required" numbers. The floor manager came over wanting to know what the ruckus was...she got the scoop and SHE insisted that this was company policy. They need to "track" people who return stuff to make sure they're not defrauding the company was her reply. I laughed...defraud WM of $13.00??? I asked who had access to this information? She said it goes into their store database. I asked her if it was secure info or could anyone access it? She kind of shrugged her shoulders. Finally I challenged her, very politely, to contact corporate in Bentonville if they wouldn't make the return...she declined to do that and they let me make my return without the required "identification verifications" just this once. I did show them my DL so they could verify who I was and they did take down my name on the return receipt. I had no problem with that. What a crock... People, never give out that info unless it is vital to your transaction. Identity fraud is more common than you think.

Speaking of "profiling", dear "Countache", I am in the process of profiling YOU back to the beginning! You seemed to suffer an identity crisis of sorts back in the beginning, finally got that straightened out. But you made a mistake with your autofill on one post and moved one guy into the wrong town. Oopsie! I have got you back to mid-April; you and your helpers...And all your various nom de plumes. You see, it only takes paying attention to figure this out. Anyone with an eye for detail and a modicum of puzzle-solving ability can follow you quite easily. What you are doing is, at the very least, in the category of "spam"; useless crap that no one wants! I have found lots of posts, but no useful information. Only hateful drivel as is posted here. Since there is no shortage of "I HATE EVERYBODY AND EVERYTHING" sites on the Internet where you could spew your ignorance and be applauded for it, I wonder at your motives for dogging this particular site. I have a few interesting theories which I will share with the ED when I am ready to present my cse aginst you. I do not like you. It is my mission in life at this time to find you and eliminate you from this site. In fact, what you are doing may even fall under the category of "cyber-terrorism"; a nice Federal case would be fun to watch. Homeland Security has given a larger range to the powers that be to deal with people like you. Be afraid, I am a very determined person. If you just happen to suffer some form of mental illness, I intend to see that you get help whether you want it or not. But I really do not think that is the case.... Remember when the authorities show up at your door that you were brought to that low state by a "toothless bumpkin", who, in between running off batches of "moonshine", brought you down! Have a good day, you "bloddy" idiot!

Diana, Since you do not mention what the article was or how long you have had it, it is impossible to remark on the situation in particular. Clearance items are generally not exchanged or refunded because the "store does not carry that item anymore"; they cleared it out. (As far as I know, clearance items are the only items that are "tagged" these days.) Wal-Mart is the champ of this practice. Here today, gone tomorrow; its an adventure to see if you can still buy that same brand of shampoo you got two weeks ago...it might be there, but it might not..Maddening, isn't it? For all consumers: Here is a general suggestion for everyone who purchases any "breakable" item as a gift: keep the receipt and be sure to let the recipient know that you have it available. I just tag each receipt with the recipient's name and keep it in a file for future reference. Yes, its a pain, but one has to do what one has to do these days. I have even gone so far as to mail the receipt with the item, just in case. Vulgar, you say? Crass? Yes, it goes against all etiquette. So what! If I send you a gift, I want it to work! I want you to be able to exchange it without all the trouble Diana is having. Consumers these days are having to perform a number of "self-defense" tactics that cause us to bend or outright break the rules. Rules change when the situation changes...My parents rules do not apply today, alas. Companies no longer follow rules of etiquette; this forces US to follow suit. As for warranty cards, don't bother. It is not necessary to send them in as long as you have a receipt showing the date of purchase. These cards are used to "profile" consumers; notice all those "odd" questions they ask? "How old are you?" "What is your income bracket?" "What are your interests and hobbies?", etc. What does any of that have to do with warranty? I am old enough to buy and use this product, I have enough money to pay the purchase price, and my hobbies are none of your business! If you mail these in, you get put on mailing lists and you will receive all sorts of mailings and emails regarding products you "might be interested in". (If you don't believe this, just fill out a couple and send them in.) If you have a yen for junk mail, by all means, send them in! Consumer, protect thyself!

THE COUNTRY BUMPKIN THAT POSTED THIS COMPLAINT NEEDS TO GET HER HEAD EXAMINED. APPARENTLY SHE HOLDS THE BELIEF THAT WALMART MANUFACTURES EVERY SINGLE ITEM THAT THEY SELL, SINCE SHE EXPECTS THE STORE TO TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE WAY THE PRODUCT PERFORMS LATER ON. WALMART MUST HAVE LITTLE ELVES RUNNING AROUND IN AN UNDERGROUND ASSEMBLY AREA, PUTTING TOGETHER ALL THE "THINGS THAT HAPPEN TO BE ELECTRONIC," RIGHT? FIRST OF ALL, ANYONE WHO GOES TO WALMART AND EXPECTS TO FIND QUALITY ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT IS SIMPLY A LOONEY IF EVER DID I FIND ONE. SECOND OF ALL, THIS WOMAN PROBABLY GOES OUT AND BUYS BRANDS LIKE EMERSON, OR BROKSONIC, OR DAEWOO, AND EXPECTS IT TO BE JUST AS GOOD IF NOT BETTER THAN PANASONIC OR SONY. A $19.99 DVD PLAYER IS SUPPOSED TO LAST 30 YEARS, RIGHT?? OH PUHLEEEEASE... GIVE ME A BREAK! WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO *** YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR *** ??? YOUR COMPLAINT IS NOTHING BUT HOGWASH!

I'm emphasizing that Arkansas in the title, because we have two really great volunteers from that State, and I'm confident R.J. and/or Robin could respond specifically to your State enforced Refund Policies. Just to be on the safe side, if they have not run accross your report, your Attorney General is: Mr. Mike Beebe, phone: 1-800-482-8992, 200 Tower Bldg., 323 Center Street, Little Rock, AR, 72201-2610 or access online: http://www.ag.state.ar.us. They may have standard information for you. I doubt Walmart would be the type to dishonor common State Policies, but there still may be another angle undiscovered. I am curious, what specific electronic item was it? Do they have a sign in clear view from the Management, which states: "There are no refunds available on all of, or any electronic appliances nor on computer components. Thank you. The Management". They should have that sign, legibly displayed in clear view for all customers. In most States of the Union, if you do not inform the customer, that customer is not held liable. I'm really surprised too, that the tag was not enough. I've taken things to Walmart, with no receipt, and still got a refund, with the sale's tag alone. I was told by the Cashier, that they have their own UPC codes, most large stores do. This way you can't take in Kmart products or any others. If I knew the specific electronic based product, it might make better sense. Anyway, the Attorney's General has information that addresses your situation, if not similiar ones. Hope this helps or better yet we can hear form R.J. or Robin. Take care.

I'm emphasizing that Arkansas in the title, because we have two really great volunteers from that State, and I'm confident R.J. and/or Robin could respond specifically to your State enforced Refund Policies. Just to be on the safe side, if they have not run accross your report, your Attorney General is: Mr. Mike Beebe, phone: 1-800-482-8992, 200 Tower Bldg., 323 Center Street, Little Rock, AR, 72201-2610 or access online: http://www.ag.state.ar.us. They may have standard information for you. I doubt Walmart would be the type to dishonor common State Policies, but there still may be another angle undiscovered. I am curious, what specific electronic item was it? Do they have a sign in clear view from the Management, which states: "There are no refunds available on all of, or any electronic appliances nor on computer components. Thank you. The Management". They should have that sign, legibly displayed in clear view for all customers. In most States of the Union, if you do not inform the customer, that customer is not held liable. I'm really surprised too, that the tag was not enough. I've taken things to Walmart, with no receipt, and still got a refund, with the sale's tag alone. I was told by the Cashier, that they have their own UPC codes, most large stores do. This way you can't take in Kmart products or any others. If I knew the specific electronic based product, it might make better sense. Anyway, the Attorney's General has information that addresses your situation, if not similiar ones. Hope this helps or better yet we can hear form R.J. or Robin. Take care.

I'm emphasizing that Arkansas in the title, because we have two really great volunteers from that State, and I'm confident R.J. and/or Robin could respond specifically to your State enforced Refund Policies. Just to be on the safe side, if they have not run accross your report, your Attorney General is: Mr. Mike Beebe, phone: 1-800-482-8992, 200 Tower Bldg., 323 Center Street, Little Rock, AR, 72201-2610 or access online: http://www.ag.state.ar.us. They may have standard information for you. I doubt Walmart would be the type to dishonor common State Policies, but there still may be another angle undiscovered. I am curious, what specific electronic item was it? Do they have a sign in clear view from the Management, which states: "There are no refunds available on all of, or any electronic appliances nor on computer components. Thank you. The Management". They should have that sign, legibly displayed in clear view for all customers. In most States of the Union, if you do not inform the customer, that customer is not held liable. I'm really surprised too, that the tag was not enough. I've taken things to Walmart, with no receipt, and still got a refund, with the sale's tag alone. I was told by the Cashier, that they have their own UPC codes, most large stores do. This way you can't take in Kmart products or any others. If I knew the specific electronic based product, it might make better sense. Anyway, the Attorney's General has information that addresses your situation, if not similiar ones. Hope this helps or better yet we can hear form R.J. or Robin. Take care.

I'm emphasizing that Arkansas in the title, because we have two really great volunteers from that State, and I'm confident R.J. and/or Robin could respond specifically to your State enforced Refund Policies. Just to be on the safe side, if they have not run accross your report, your Attorney General is: Mr. Mike Beebe, phone: 1-800-482-8992, 200 Tower Bldg., 323 Center Street, Little Rock, AR, 72201-2610 or access online: http://www.ag.state.ar.us. They may have standard information for you. I doubt Walmart would be the type to dishonor common State Policies, but there still may be another angle undiscovered. I am curious, what specific electronic item was it? Do they have a sign in clear view from the Management, which states: "There are no refunds available on all of, or any electronic appliances nor on computer components. Thank you. The Management". They should have that sign, legibly displayed in clear view for all customers. In most States of the Union, if you do not inform the customer, that customer is not held liable. I'm really surprised too, that the tag was not enough. I've taken things to Walmart, with no receipt, and still got a refund, with the sale's tag alone. I was told by the Cashier, that they have their own UPC codes, most large stores do. This way you can't take in Kmart products or any others. If I knew the specific electronic based product, it might make better sense. Anyway, the Attorney's General has information that addresses your situation, if not similiar ones. Hope this helps or better yet we can hear form R.J. or Robin. Take care.

What do you mean if "a product that happens to be electronic"? Like that's some random quality of the stuff they sell, like this VCR just "happens" to be electronic, the manufacturer didn't intend for it? I bring it up because you sound too stupid to operate any of the fine advanced gear that WalMart sells. Here's a tip, L'il Abner, for the next time your red neck wanders into a WalMart and you buy something: FILL OUT THE WARRANTY CARD AND READ THE INSTRUCTIONS! And if you think that electric toothbrush doesn't work, it's not WalMart's fault. It's probably because you're a toothless bumpkin who doesn't realize that if it weren't for WalMart the only people in your state with a job would be moonshiners and the only way to make money would be to shoot holes in the ground looking for oil.

When you walk in to walmart if you are looking for a smile forget it. I have seen more frowns and bad attitudes. What a joke And the people at coustomer service don't know what is going on they are robots with one thing to say no we can't exchange your product even if you are having to spend more on your exchange you will get a 800 number and no way will you get a human to speak to you will get a machine that says it didn't unders stand follow store return policy. Well I am sick of following the store policy. Sam must be turning over in his grave to see how is little store turned into the worst store in the country. And to top it off WALMART is the only discount store in my area unless I want to drive two hours to a KMART I have to shop there.