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best buy
happy endings
Costco Sells You A 60GB iPod In A 160GB Box, Apologizes, Gives Refund
Reader Sean writes:This is a copy of a letter that I just sent to Costco, I X'd out the serial numbersMore »
This is a copy of a letter that I just sent to Costco
This letter is in reference to my purchase of a 160GB Ipod Classic from the Brick, NJ Costco (store #229) on March 29th. While the packaging and box indicate a 160GB device, I discovered that the box actually contained a 60GB Ipod. I seek a full refund on my purchase and an apology from the store’s general manager, Leonard for my treatment.Only one hour after purchasing the Ipod, I opened the box in my apartment in the presence of my girlfriend. To be certain that the capacity of the device was in fact only 60GB, I downloaded Itunes and plugged the Ipod into my computer. Itunes confirmed the device’s capacity was only 60GB. Upon discovering the error, I immediately went back to the store and explained my dilemma. The issue was quickly escalated to Leonard, the store’s general manager. Before I could even begin to explain what happened, Leonard told me in a stern and knowing voice that “this Ipod did not come from this box”. He accused me of going home, switching the Ipod with one that I had previously owned, and was attempting to con Costco for a better Ipod. I felt as if I was being scolded by a teacher in middle school. I was insulted and humiliated. I’ve never been accused of committing a crime in my life. After a few minutes of trying to explain the situation to Leonard, it was evident that his mind had been made up before he even began to talk to me, and my efforts to convince him were fruitless. I can’t help but think that if my girlfriend or mother were the one returning an Ipod that they bought, they would have been treated differently. I believe the general manager saw a young man and assumed I was trying to pull a fast one. Rather than having my issue addressed, I was embarrassed, accused of committing a crime, and escorted out of the store.
I know from working in customer service that the customer isn’t really always right, and there are plenty of deceitful people out there who would try to pull a scam like this, but I believe that a loyal customer with a perfect track record, who has never returned anything to Costco, deserves the benefit of the doubt in situation like this. I should not be guilty until proven innocent. I am NOT a thief. I am an IT professional and make a decent enough living that I do not have to scam my local Costco to get an upgraded Ipod. Never in my life have I been treated like this at a retail establishment
From talking with Apple (case # XXX) I’ve learned that the Ipod that was in my box is a 60GB Video Ipod (the serial # is XXX) that is not in production any more. The serial number on the box that I have (for a 160GB Black Ipod Classic) is XXX. It is also of note that Apple told me that neither of these Ipods has been registered with Itunes, which I believe indicates that neither Ipod has ever been used.
I honestly have no idea how that particular Ipod got in the box that I opened. It was shrink-wrapped when I opened it and I did not notice any obvious tampering with the box or contents. (the pouch with the earplugs was unopened). I’m not sure if Apple is at fault or if it is the misdeed of some warehouse worker along the way who switched out Ipods and re-shrink-wrapped the package. But I do not believe it is my responsibility to figure that out. I just want what I paid my hard earned money for and an apology from Leonard, the general manager for treating me like a thief instead of a customer. Thanks for your assistance in resolving this matter. Here are some pics
http://img388.imageshack.us/img388/5670/contentswl0.jpg
http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/4096/contents2dt2.jpg
http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/1607/ipodaq4.jpg
http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/5575/wrapzu1.jpg
-SeanMac23
misleading
Is It Legal To Use Out Of Date List Prices For Comparison On Sales?
Last week we pointed out how Apple artificially inflates the discount of its refurbished units by using the original introductory list price as a comparison, even if the price has since dropped and the true list price is now lower. Now a reader writes in to say he caught Toys R Us doing the same thing on sale prices of Playstation 3 bundles and 30 gig Zunes. Our question: is this legal? New York City's consumer protection law seems to imply that—at least for retailers doing business in NYC—it's not, unless you clearly indicate the trail of price reductions, something neither company is doing. More »
absurd
Erin writes, "I was searching for an iPod Nano on Google Products and this link came up!" That's one hell of a markup there, anonymous web store with no branding and an empty "Contact Us" page. Our favorite part: "NOT FOR RESALE"—don't even think about buying this and marking it up for your own store.
More »
Steve Jobs Only Wishes He Could Price Like This
Erin writes, "I was searching for an iPod Nano on Google Products and this link came up!" That's one hell of a markup there, anonymous web store with no branding and an empty "Contact Us" page. Our favorite part: "NOT FOR RESALE"—don't even think about buying this and marking it up for your own store.
More »
success stories
Happy Resolution To Very Strange Circuit City iPod Touch Bait And Switch
Circuit City lied to Ian about giving him a discounted iPod Touch, but now he has a satisfactory resolution. He writes:After writing a number of emails to Circuit City and after a making few more (fruitless) calls, I tried something new and posted my story to their public online customer service forums. The forum manager responded very quickly and promised that someone would call me back to resolve things. I received two calls last Thursday from Circuit City staff who wanted to help fix the situation;More »
complaints
Very Strange Circuit City iPod Touch Bait And Switch
Ian writes:Last Thursday 2/14, I ordered a 32GB iPod touch from CircuitCity.com at $474 + tax for a total of about $514. After thinking about it for a bit, I logged back in and canceled the order - just a bit too steep for an iPod, you know? I figured I'd have to wait a while for the price to drop, and left it at that. Well, believe it or not, I received a call at work today from a Circuit City sales rep at corporate telling me he'd offer me the iPod at a discount, so CC could keep my business. I was baffled - nothing like this has ever happened to me before, but the price he gave me $420 + tax... was too good to pass up.More »
warranty
Best Buy Employee Unhappy With The Customer Service At The Apple Store
Here's a letter that just goes to show that customer service depends on which employee you get. Reader Cody works at Best Buy (in the Apple department, apparently) and his brother is getting the runaround at the Apple store. Is this the ultimate retail showdown? More »
shopping
How About Not Buying An iPod?
Okay, we'll say it, and understand that we're writing this post on an old iBook: the iPod line is starting to look tired. Sure, that Touch is elegant in the same way as the iPhone—but its capacity is similar to the Nano, and what if don't want to carry around a Kubrick-style slab of minimalism? There are now some really nice alternatives out there if you're willing to walk away from the perks of being a member of the Apple camp. More »
bait and switch
Target Won't Refund New iPod Box Found Full Of Rocks...Twice
Melanie Ritter thought she was buying a video iPod from Target for her daughter's birthday, only to open the box and find rocks inside. Imagine how much more disappointed she was the second time this happened.
I've heard of rocking out to your iPod, but this is ridiculous!
More »
don't you wanna know how we keep starting fires?
iPod Lights Your Pants On Fire, Not In A Good Way
"So I look down and I see flames coming up to my chest," said Danny Williams. His iPod Nano, and subsequently, his pants, were on fire. More »
ongoing
iPods + Lightning = Debate
The debate continues about what effect wearing an iPod has when/if you are stuck by lightning. Some say the earbuds conduct the electricity away from the jogger's head. Other say that it directs it through his head. More »
video wars
Apple May Be Plotting iTunes Movie Rental Service
According to CNNMoney, Apple may be plotting an iTunes movie rental service that would allow iPod users to rent and watch a movie for 30 days without purchasing the entire film. Rumors place the rental fee at about $2.99. More »
summer
How To Protect Electronics At The Beach
Electronics don't mix well with the beach; sand, sun, and water all conspire to cause damage that isn't covered by most warranties. By taking a few basic precautions, you can safeguard your gadgets from the elements.
• Cover Your Ports: Sand can wreak havoc on exposed ports. Tape shut any ports you don't need.
• Fear The Sun: Protecting against the sun's harmful rays is as easy as tossing your iPod into a beach bag or under a blanket.
• Buy A Case: Bringing electronics near the water is asking for trouble, but if you must, buy a waterproof case; save the DIY effort for another project.
• Fear The Sun: Protecting against the sun's harmful rays is as easy as tossing your iPod into a beach bag or under a blanket.
• Buy A Case: Bringing electronics near the water is asking for trouble, but if you must, buy a waterproof case; save the DIY effort for another project.
If the elements do manage to breach your defenses, send them on their way with a can of compressed air.
Protecting Your Electronic Devices at the Beach [KABC]
(Photo: dan taylor)
best buy
RESOLVED: Geek Squad Fixed My iPod By Sending Me A Broken One
When Charlie's iPod died, again, she took it to Best Buy, again, as it was under one of those extended warranties they push. What she got back in the mail was an even more messed up iPod. When she took it to the store, they were kinda jerks about it. After her complaint got posted here, Best Buy swooped in. More »
readers
Slideon: The Mp3/Video Player With Sliding iPod Killer Controls
This audio/video player designed by Consumerist Flickr pool member unleashedlive features a sliding control panel that hides under the playing screen, just like with a slider cellphone. The maker of this 3d rendering says it would use flash memory and be chargeable via the headphone jack. More »
complaints
Geek Squad Fixed My iPod By Sending Me A Broken One
Charlie gave her 4th gen iPod to Geek Squad for warranty repair. They promised her a new iPod in return. Instead, she received an iPod with a sad face screen. When she shook it, its hard drive rattled around. There was a ding in the side. The back of the iPod was buffed shiny, so much so you couldn't hardly see the iPod logo. When she took it back to the store, she says they were kinda obnoxious to her. The iPod is sent away again, but her hopes are not high. More »
consumerism
