"Taking it seriously" is a phrase companies use over and over again in public statements whenever they have bad PR. Our series of posts on occurrences of the phrase is our attempt to question how seriously companies are really taking these matters if every time they trot out this phrase by rote.

(Thanks to Michael!)
(Photo: cmorran123)

I am a current RS manager in standing, so I'll renege on giving out my name, however, the actual reason for requiring names and addresses is very simple. First, it is listed on the back of every reciept. So it is part of official policy. Second, the rest of our return process is very I suppose lax if nothing else, our products may be returned at any of our stores, following simple rules that are spelled out.

Now the reason the N&A are needed is because it prevents a LARGE portion of theft which is both internal (as spelled out from one of your posters in the comments) and external such as a snatch and grab. If an item is taken from our store, a customer may attempt to return it at several locations around the city as there are numerous radioshacks around, but this is a very big issue, since beyond the name and address, we are liable on our end for issuing the customer credit for potentially stolen merchandise.

This of course is not saying that 99.999 % of our customers are abusing our return policy, but without this, because of our ability to go the extra step, and take care of you, we as a corporation must protect our assets. This also prevents smash and grabs from cars in mall parking lots, as thieves have stolen out of vehicles and attempt to return the items in the store.

The biggest misconception seems to be against a corporation protecting it's items against theft. We in no sense require ID for a purchase (barring unsigned CC purchases) but it HAS to be required since we will help you with out a reciept if at all possible. Since we as a company do attempt to resolve returns in many cases without reciepts, we do have to have some basic measure of fraud protection.

That customer more than likely could have gotten cash returned if needed without the reciept, but in common sense, a store just won't hand out money over the counter without a ticket showing why the money is leaving.

On top of that, we also need the information to verify vs the signature on the return slip, since we have dealt with people stealing from relatives it also helps during holidays where a daughter may try and return something their parents bought to the store, and if the parents come in asking, or we have some one else complaining that they were not the person returning the item, we at least have some paper work showing who did.

Oh, and as an FYI, the Name and Address is actually for warranty info since a bunch of our small parts, batteries, and such have a limited 90 warrenty. If you have like a battery blow up, we can look up your purchase and hand you a new pack. We recently started a lifetime guarentee with some of our AV cables. We have in every store on at least one register a giant 8 x 11 sign stating our name and address policy. We specifically mention the only people that have your info is the company and related parties (if you sign up for ATT it goes to ATT, if you sign up for Dish, it goes to Dish, If you sign up for Greendot prepaid, it goes to Greendot).

Once again, very basic items that have been blown out of proportion. I cannot deny that we used to years ago, but when we stopped doing it, traffic dropped due to customers no longer recieving the RS catalog (That was huge for many many parts nuts). It's a juggling act, so now we ask for it, it's not required for most types of purchases (contractual, prepaid, and service plans are examples of required), and the actual info just goes into a system that we can use to look up your old tickets if you have problems with your items. The last thing we want is to not be able to help our customer find a resolution.

Certain items like routers can be purchased at any electronics store, and then you run into the potential of having shoplifters hitting up one type of store and returning it at another. If we have the capability of preventing this, all in all, everyone can shop a little safer.

We're not sure how any of this is less complicated than keeping track of store inventory and requiring a receipt for all returns. The refund-without-a-receipt policy is the sort of goodwill gesture that this writer feels mainly benefits the careless consumer at the expense of the rest of us, so by all means, do away with it if it will bring an end to ID requirements for receipt returns, particularly for items paid for with cash.

RELATED
"RadioShack Won't Give Refund On Cash Purchase Unless You Show Your Papers"

The clerk told Pete it was for loss prevention. Wait, what? Pete had the parts in his hand, and the receipt that showed he'd paid cash for the parts the day before. You mean there's no way RadioShack can track its purchases more precisely than matching up mailing addresses of anyone who walks into the store?
 
Here's Pete's email:

Dear Consumerist,
 
I have been avoiding RadioShack for ages ever since they started asking you for your street address and phone number just to sell you something. Once they stopped that practice, I reluctantly began returning to buy the odd piece for my electronics projects when I ran out of something and didn't want to wait for an order to be shipped from on-line retailers. At any rate, I was out running errands the other weekend and saw a RadioShack, remembering that I needed a couple of potentiometers for an amplifier I was working on, I stopped to make my purchase. Wading through the overly "helpful" employees I found the electronic components area. But, I couldn't remember the exact values of the potentiometers I needed so I grabbed all they had, paid with cash and was on my way.
 
I went back the following day to return the un-opened potentiometers that I did not need - receipt in hand. The process went smoothly until the clerk asked for my street address. I told him that I prefer not to give that information out. They claimed that it was for "loss prevention purposes". I say "they" because another cashier came over, presumably for moral support to his co-worker. I told them to make an address up - no dice, claiming the "system" "will kick you out". I tried to explain that I have the receipt and the un-opened parts and that I paid with cash so they would have no way of knowing that I was the person who originally purchased them anyway, no luck. I tried for store credit, same result.
 
I suppose, I could have made up an address, or even given them my real one but i didn't feel like it. I shouldn't have to be put through a personal information wringer to complete a legitimate transaction that happens every day at normal stores. I felt like I was being accused of theft or had to in some way, justify my actions.
 
I will say that the employees weren't rude and they were just carrying out what they were trained to do. In the end, I took the ~$10 worth of potentiometers home with me, where they sit waiting for a new project.
 
Is this normal business practice, or is it time for RadioShack to get with the times for its data mining?

(Photo: Brave New Films)

He wasn't. Within about an hour Tim was writing us to say he had $20 in gift certificates from Radio Shack.

Here's Tim's first letter:

Just left Radio Shack store in Jackson Mississippi located on Hwy 18.

Sales Associate took my name and telephone number prior to ringing up about sixty dollars worth of small parts. Refused to finalize cash transaction without my home address! I left the store as he was returning the stock to the shelves.

I have attempted to make Radio Shack aware of this incident as well as my contacting your site. Perhaps their sales are so good in these trying times that they are not interested in doing business with folks who aren't
interested in giving them such information?

Seems highly unlikely, but the whole incident was witnessed by a fellow I assume to be the manager, but I've no way to confirm that. In any event, I will report to you any communications I receive from Radio Shack in regards to this incident. At this time I am limited to going through a form on their website. Why do I feel that will be ignored?

Thanks,

Tim

Wow. I emailed Radio Shack (thru an online form) and then I called their 800 number to report the treatment I had been given earlier in the day. I got thru directly to the Area Coordinator and he apologized profusely and offered me $20 in Radio Shack gift certificates. Turned out their local corporate office is right down the street from my house, so I went right over and picked up the gift certificates. That's a pretty fast response to a complaint wouldn't you say?

Turns out the guy who was abusing me is the freaking store manager! I don't think he's in for a pleasant evening.

Thanks,

Tim

Yesterday I did the unthinkable. I went to Radio Shack.

(I needed some small parts for a project I am working on).

I walked into the store and was very impressed to find no employees working.

I don't mean standing around, I mean no one in the store...at all. So I spend about 5 minutes finding the parts I need, finally two employees walk out of the back room. When they walked out of the room, the unmistakable smell of marijuana filled the store. Both employees were pretty out of it, it was rather amusing watching them work high.

Just more proof of Radio Shacks high standards.


Charlie

(Photo:imorgan73)

UPDATE: Monster Responds To "Monster Cables, Monster Ripoff" Story

Some cables, like the 19ft HDMI-DVI cable, have markups as high as 80%. Retail: $179.99. Wholesale, $99.40, a profit of $80.54. Or consider the 16 ft S-Video cable, which Radio Shack buys for $61.24 and sells for $114.99. We found non-name brand versions of both on Meritline.com for under $20. It's not just limited to Radio Shack, Best Buy charges the same retail price, and, presumably, gets them for a similar wholesale price.

Here's the thing: digital cables, by definition, have no signal loss. A cable is either digital or it's not. As long as its built to HDMI standards, the only difference between a "fancy" digital cable and a no-name one is the price.

The worst part isn't really the markup. Stereo equipment routinely has markups of 80 to 100 to 200% by the time it hits the shelves. It's the initial inflated price, and how gadget stores try to push the cables so hard, telling people that Monster cables offer superior picture and sound then what you would get with another cable. But that simply isn't the case. Our sister site Gizmodo ran a battery of tests and found Monster cables are for the most part, completely unnecessary. (see The Truth About Monster Cable - Grand Finale (Part III), HDMI Cable Battlemodo Resumes, The Truth About Monster Cable, Part 2 (Verdict: Cheap Cables Keep Up...Usually), and The Truth About Monster Cable).

Our recommendation? Buy generic digital cables on Monoprice.com, Meritline.com, eBay, or other places online. If you're the type who wants Gucci-brand cables, then god bless, and at least buy them on eBay. Our tv looks fine without Monsters.

Full price list of Monster products below.

Item | Retail Price | Wholesale Price | Profit Margin

MONSTER 19FT HDMI-DVI | $179.99 | $99.94 | $80.05
MONSTER 8M L 26.24' | $137.99 | $73.49 | $64.5
MONSTER 19FT HDMI-HDMI CA | $169.99 | $105.5 | $64.49
"MONSTER 21' STRAIGHT 1/4""" | $149.99 | $88.87 | $61.12
MONSTER HTS 950 | $149.99 | $90.89 | $59.1
MONSTER SLVR FLAT MNT-37I | $149.99 | $91.44 | $58.55
MONSTER 16FT DVI-DVI CABL | $149.99 | $93.08 | $56.91
MONSTER 13FT HDMI-DVI CAB | $149.99 | $93.08 | $56.91
MONSTER 6M L 19.68' - COM | $114.99 | $61.24 | $53.75
MONSTER 8' DIGITAL FIBER | $114.99 | $61.24 | $53.75
MONSTER 25' SUBWOOFER W/R | $114.99 | $61.24 | $53.75
MONSTER 16' S-VIDEO CABLE | $114.99 | $61.24 | $53.75
MONSTER ULTRA 8FT HDMI CA | $119.99 | $69.3 | $50.69
MONSTER ULTRA 4FT HDMI CA | $99.99 | $49.5 | $50.49
MONSTER 8FT COMPONENT CAB | $91.99 | $41.6 | $50.39
MONSTER 50' GOLD XLRS | $119.99 | $71.1 | $48.89
MONSTER 4M L 13.12' | $103.99 | $55.25 | $48.74
MONSTER 8FT HDMI CABLE | $99.99 | $52.23 | $47.76
MONSTER FLAT SCREEN HDMI | $99.99 | $55.7 | $44.29
MONSTER 20' GOLD XLR | $129.99 | $86.05 | $43.94
MONSTER HTS1000 MKII SURG | $149.99 | $107.04 | $42.95
MONSTER THX V600 4' HDMI | $79.99 | $38.23 | $41.76
MONSTER THX 600 4FT COMPO | $68.99 | $27.52 | $41.47
"MONSTER 12' STRAIGHT 1/4""" | $99.99 | $59.24 | $40.75
MONSTER 4FT HDMI CABLE | $79.99 | $41.78 | $38.21
MONSTER 3FT HDMI-DVI CABL | $99.99 | $62.04 | $37.95
MONSTER 3FT HDMI-HDMI CAB | $99.99 | $62.04 | $37.95
MONSTER 36' PIECE 10.97M | $84.99 | $47.1 | $37.89
MONSTER 16' SUBWOOFER W/R | $84.99 | $47.1 | $37.89
MONSTER 19' RCA ADV AUDIO | $89.99 | $55.83 | $34.16
MONSTER 8' RCA AUDIO INTE | $74.99 | $41.38 | $33.61
MONSTER 30' GOLD XLRS | $79.99 | $47.39 | $32.6
MONSTER THX V500 CV-8 | $54.99 | $22.41 | $32.58
MONSTER 24' PIECE 7.32M | $67.99 | $36.47 | $31.52
MONSTER 6FT HDMI-HDMI CAB | $89.97 | $58.57 | $31.4
MONSTER 10' GOLD XLR | $74.99 | $44.42 | $30.57
MONSTER 18' PIECE 5.49M | $57.99 | $28.13 | $29.86
MONSTER 8' DIGITAL COAX C | $99.99 | $70.31 | $29.68
MONSTER 16' RCA AUDIO INT | $99.99 | $70.31 | $29.68
MONSTER HTS800 HP SURGE | $99.99 | $70.31 | $29.68
MONSTER 4M OPTICAL CABLE | $64.99 | $35.66 | $29.33
MONSTER 12' PIECE 3.66M | $64.99 | $35.66 | $29.33
MONSTER 24' PIECE 7.32M | $79.99 | $51.27 | $28.72
MONSTER RADIOPLAY 300 | $59.99 | $31.9 | $28.09
MONSTER THX V500 CV-4 | $45.99 | $18.35 | $27.64
MONSTER 500 SPEAKER CABLE | $64.99 | $37.47 | $27.52
MONSTER 19FT AUDIO W/RCA | $54.99 | $27.53 | $27.46
"MONSTER 6' 1/4"" AUDIO CAB" | $54.99 | $27.53 | $27.46
MONSTER 3FT DVI-DVI CABLE | $69.99 | $43.05 | $26.94
MONSTER GAME TO GO MOBILE | $99.99 | $73.15 | $26.84
MONSTER 6M 19.68' | $51.99 | $25.28 | $26.71
MONSTER 13' RCA ADV AUDIO | $69.99 | $43.43 | $26.56
MONSTER 18' PIECE 5.49M | $69.99 | $44.87 | $25.12
MONSTER 4' DIGITAL COAX C | $62.99 | $38.14 | $24.85
"MONSTER 21' ANGLED 1/4"" P" | $59.99 | $35.54 | $24.45
MONSTER 1000 SPEAKER CABL | $59.99 | $35.54 | $24.45
MONSTER FLAT SCREEN F-PIN | $49.99 | $25.69 | $24.3
MONSTER HT800 SURGE | $79.99 | $56.24 | $23.75
MONSTER PC800 HP SURGE | $79.99 | $56.24 | $23.75
MONSTER 4M 13.12' | $45.99 | $22.42 | $23.57
MONSTER 13FT AUDIO W/RCA | $44.99 | $22.22 | $22.77
"MONSTER 21' STRAIGHT 1/4""" | $49.99 | $29.61 | $20.38
"MONSTER 21' 1/4"" PLUGS " | $49.99 | $29.61 | $20.38
MONSTER 15' GOLD XLRS | $49.99 | $29.61 | $20.38
MONSTER 50' PRECISION XLR | $59.99 | $39.7 | $20.29
MONSTER 4FTDIGITAL OPTIC | $35.99 | $16.25 | $19.74
MONSTER SIRIUS HOME ANTEN | $49.99 | $30.31 | $19.68
MONSTER HDMI TO DVI ADAPT | $34.99 | $16 | $18.99
MONSTER DVI TO HDMI ADAPT | $34.99 | $16 | $18.99
MONSTER 6' RCA ADV AUDIO | $49.99 | $31.01 | $18.98
MONSTER 2M DIGITAL COAX | $49.99 | $31.01 | $18.98
"MONSTER 1M 1/4"" SEND&RETU" | $39.99 | $21.08 | $18.91
MONSTER GAMELINK 450 COMP | $69.99 | $51.2 | $18.79
MONSTER AV800 | $39.97 | $21.42 | $18.55
"MONSTER 12FT ANGLED 1/4"" " | $44.99 | $26.65 | $18.34
MONSTER 6' PEICE 1.83M | $34.99 | $16.91 | $18.08
MONSTER 6' RCA TO 1/8 MIN | $49.99 | $32.04 | $17.95
MONSTER 8M L 26.24' | $40.99 | $23.08 | $17.91
MONSTER 12FT SUB | $39.99 | $22.32 | $17.67
"MONSTER 4M STEREO 1/4"" PL" | $39.99 | $22.5 | $17.49
MONSTER 4M XLR CONNECTORS | $39.99 | $22.5 | $17.49
"MONSTER 21' STRAIGHT 1/4""" | $49.99 | $33.07 | $16.92
MONSTER 400 STEREO RCA TO | $32.99 | $16.51 | $16.48
"MONSTER 400 1/4"" .75M " | $32.99 | $16.51 | $16.48
MONSTER INSTRUMENT 12'-1/ | $39.99 | $23.69 | $16.3
MONSTER 12' 1/4 PLUGS | $39.99 | $23.69 | $16.3
MONSTER 10' GOLD XLRS | $39.99 | $23.69 | $16.3
MONSTER 500 SPEAKER CABLE | $39.99 | $23.69 | $16.3
"MONSTER 10' STRT 1/4"" PLU" | $39.99 | $23.69 | $16.3
MONSTER 2M OPTICAL CABLE | $44.99 | $28.83 | $16.16
MONSTER 1M S-VID | $29.97 | $13.93 | $16.04
"MONSTER 4M 1/4"" RCA " | $34.99 | $19.51 | $15.48
"MONSTER 4M RCA-1/4"" " | $34.99 | $19.51 | $15.48
MONSTER STUDIOLINK 4M 1/4 | $34.99 | $19.51 | $15.48
MONSTER STUDIOLINK 4M RCA | $34.99 | $19.51 | $15.48
MONSTER 500 SPEAKER CABLE | $34.99 | $19.51 | $15.48
MONSTER 100 SPEAKER CABLE | $44.99 | $29.76 | $15.23
MONSTER 3FT ADV AUDIO W/R | $39.99 | $24.8 | $15.19
MONSTER 1.5M L 4.92' | $28.99 | $14.05 | $14.94
MONSTER TYPE A MALE TO TY | $34.99 | $20.55 | $14.44
MONSTER 6M L 19.68' - COM | $39.99 | $25.62 | $14.37
MONSTER 4M TRS-TRS CABLE | $34.99 | $20.72 | $14.27
MONSTER 4M XLRM-XLRF CABL | $34.99 | $20.72 | $14.27
"MONSTER 6' STRAIGHT 1/4"" " | $34.99 | $20.72 | $14.27
MONSTER 13FT HDMI-HDMI CA | $99.97 | $85.74 | $14.23
MONSTER SIRIUS ANTENNA EX | $44.97 | $31 | $13.97
"MONSTER 2M 1/4"" SEND/RETU" | $44.99 | $31.09 | $13.9
MONSTER PRINTER HIGH SPEE | $39.99 | $26.45 | $13.54
MONSTER KEYBOARD 12' -1/4 | $39.99 | $26.45 | $13.54
MONSTER 30' PRECISION XLR | $39.99 | $26.45 | $13.54
"MONSTER 8"" ANGLED 1/4"" PL" | $29.99 | $16.52 | $13.47
"MONSTER 2M STEREO 1/4"" PL" | $29.99 | $16.52 | $13.47
MONSTER GAMELINK 350 S-VI | $49.99 | $36.55 | $13.44
MONSTER GAMELINK 400 COMP | $49.99 | $36.55 | $13.44
MONSTER 3FT AUDIO W/RCA | $26.99 | $13.65 | $13.34
MONSTER 2 HIGH RES VID CA | $34.99 | $22.43 | $12.56
"MONSTER DJ CABLE 4M 1/4""-" | $29.99 | $17.76 | $12.23
MONSTER DJ CABLE 4M RCA-R | $29.99 | $17.76 | $12.23
MONSTER 4M ANGLED RCA-RCA | $29.99 | $17.76 | $12.23
"MONSTER 8"" ANGLED 1/4"" PL" | $29.99 | $17.76 | $12.23
MONSTER 1000 SPEAKER CABL | $29.99 | $17.76 | $12.23
MONSTER GAMELINK 300 S-VI | $44.99 | $32.9 | $12.09
"MONSTER 2M 1/4""-RCA " | $24.99 | $13.52 | $11.47
"MONSTER 2M RCA-1/4"" " | $24.99 | $13.52 | $11.47
MONSTER STUDIOLINK 2M 1/4 | $24.99 | $13.52 | $11.47
"MONSTER 1M STEREO 1/4"" PL" | $24.99 | $13.52 | $11.47
MONSTER 500 SPEAKER CABLE | $24.99 | $13.52 | $11.47
MONSTER LCD POWER PROTECT | $29.99 | $18.78 | $11.21
MONSTER 2M L 6.56' | $29.99 | $19.2 | $10.79
MONSTER GAMELINK 300 S-VI | $39.99 | $29.25 | $10.74
MONSTER 2M TRS-TRS CABLE | $24.99 | $14.79 | $10.2
MONSTER 12' 5 PIN DIN | $24.99 | $14.79 | $10.2
MONSTER PRINTER HIGH SPEE | $29.99 | $19.82 | $10.17
"MONSTER 4M RCA-1/4"" CABLE" | $29.99 | $19.82 | $10.17
MONSTER 100 SPEAKER CABLE | $29.99 | $19.82 | $10.17
MONSTER STUDIOLINK 1M 1/4 | $19.99 | $10.54 | $9.45
MONSTER STUDIOLINK 1M RCA | $19.99 | $10.54 | $9.45
MONSTER STUDIOLINK 1M RCA | $19.99 | $10.54 | $9.45
MONSTER GAMELINK 200 A/V | $34.99 | $25.58 | $9.41
MONSTER MALE DVI-FEM HDMI | $29.97 | $21.06 | $8.91
MONSTER 2M XLRM-XLRF CABL | $24.99 | $16.51 | $8.48
MONSTER 2M XLR CONNECTORS | $24.99 | $16.51 | $8.48
"MONSTER 21' STRAIGHT 1/4""" | $24.99 | $16.51 | $8.48
MONSTER 15' PRECISION XLR | $24.99 | $16.51 | $8.48
"MONSTER 2M RCA-1/4"" CABLE" | $19.99 | $11.83 | $8.16
MONSTER DJ CABLE 2M RCA-R | $19.99 | $11.83 | $8.16
MONSTER 1M TRS-TRS-CABLE | $19.99 | $11.83 | $8.16
MONSTER STUDIOLINK 2M RCA | $19.99 | $11.83 | $8.16
"MONSTER 8"" 1/4"" PLUG " | $19.99 | $11.83 | $8.16
MONSTER GAMELINK 200 PS2 | $29.99 | $21.92 | $8.07
MONSTER LIGHTWAVE 100 FIB | $29.99 | $21.92 | $8.07
MONSTER OUTLETS TO GO | $19.99 | $11.97 | $8.02
MONSTER SIRIUS CAR ANTENN | $39.99 | $32.13 | $7.86
MONSTER ICARPLAY 200 | $49.99 | $42.46 | $7.53
MONSTER 10' PRECISION XLR | $21.99 | $14.53 | $7.46
MONSTER 1M XLR CONNECTROS | $24.99 | $17.78 | $7.21
MONSTER 1M L 3.28' | $19.99 | $12.79 | $7.2
MONSTER LCD SCREEN CLEAN | $19.99 | $12.95 | $7.04
MONSTER HTS850 SUR | $67 | $59.97 | $7.03
"MONSTER DJ CABLE 2M 1/4""-" | $19.99 | $13.2 | $6.79
MONSTER 2M ANGLED RCA-RCA | $19.99 | $13.2 | $6.79
MONSTER 1M XLRM-XLRF CABL | $19.99 | $13.2 | $6.79
"MONSTER 8"" ANGLED 1/4"" " | $19.99 | $13.2 | $6.79
"MONSTER 12' STRAIGHT 1/4""" | $19.99 | $13.2 | $6.79
MONSTER 100 SPEAKER CABLE | $19.99 | $13.2 | $6.79
MONSTER 6' 5 PIN DIN | $19.99 | $13.23 | $6.76
MONSTER STUDIOLINK 1M 1/4 | $19.99 | $13.31 | $6.68
MONSTER 2M S-VID | $26.97 | $20.45 | $6.52
MONSTER DJ CABLE 1M RCA-R | $14.99 | $8.87 | $6.12
MONSTER 1M ANGLED RCA-RCA | $14.99 | $8.87 | $6.12
MONSTER 3' 5 PIN DIN | $14.99 | $8.87 | $6.12
MONSTER PLX12 AC POWER CO | $19.97 | $14.03 | $5.94
MONSTER GAMELINK STD 100 | $19.99 | $14.6 | $5.39
MONSTER GAMELINK STD 100 | $19.99 | $14.6 | $5.39
MONSTER GAMELINK X-LINK E | $19.99 | $14.6 | $5.39
MONSTER GAMELINK STD 100 | $19.99 | $14.6 | $5.39
MONSTER 7' USB | $12.97 | $7.83 | $5.14
MONSTER DJ CABLE 1M RCA-1 | $14.99 | $9.9 | $5.09
"MONSTER DL CABLE 1M 1/4""-" | $14.99 | $9.9 | $5.09
MONSTER 7' USB CABLE | $19.99 | $14.97 | $5.02
MONSTER 6FT HDMI-DVI CABL | $69.97 | $65.08 | $4.89
MONSTER ICLEAN SCREEN CLE | $14.99 | $10.5 | $4.49
"MONSTER 3' STRAIGHT 1/4"" " | $12.99 | $8.58 | $4.41
MONSTER GC COMPOSITE CABL | $19.97 | $15.82 | $4.15
"MONSTER 8"" STRAIGHT 1/4"" " | $9.99 | $6.59 | $3.4
MONS AUDIO W/RCA | $19.97 | $16.73 | $3.24
MONSTER MINI-AV | $19.97 | $17.91 | $2.06
MONSTER PATOL 49MH | $19.57 | $17.97 | $1.6
MONSTER PATROL 27M | $19.02 | $17.97 | $1.05
MONS 1M COMPONENT | $29.97 | $28.94 | $1.03
MONSTER IEZ CLICK | $9.97 | $9.97 | $0
MONSTER DVI400 2 M DVI CA | $29.97 | $29.97 | $0
MONS 1M OPT CABLE | $19.97 | $19.97 | $0
MONS 2M COMPONENT | $29.97 | $29.97 | $0
MONSTER SNOWBOARD (D) | $0.97 | $0.97 | $0
MONSTER PATROL (D) | $19.97 | $19.97 | $0
MONSTER TRUCK SPEED BOOST | $0.97 | $0.97 | $0
MONSTER TRUCK TIRE/WHEEL | $0.97 | $4.09 | $-3.12
MONSTER PWR PS2 | $4.97 | $9.82 | $-4.85
MONS 1M DIG COAX | $8.97 | $22.32 | $-13.35
MONSTER 360 COMPONENT AV | $29.97 | $43.88 | $-13.91
MONSTER 360 VGA VIDEO CAB | $9.97 | $29.97 | $-20
MONSTER SIRIUS RADIO/TV C | $29.97 | $52 | $-22.03
MONSTER ICASE TRAVEL PACK | $6.97 | $42.16 | $-35.19
MONSTER MP AVS2000 | $1499.99 | $909.12 | $590.87
MONSTER MP HTS7000 | $1299.99 | $787.9 | $512.09
MONSTER MP HTS5100 | $699.99 | $453.5 | $246.49
MONSTER MP HTS3600 | $499.99 | $355.27 | $144.72
MONSTER BLACK TILT MOUNT- | $249.99 | $152.43 | $97.56
MONSTER SILVER TILT MOUNT | $249.99 | $152.43 | $97.56
MONSTER HTS2600 SURGE | $349.99 | $253.43 | $96.56
MONSTER MP HTFS500 SURGE | $299.99 | $211 | $88.99
MONSTER FLAT BLK MOUNT-60 | $199.99 | $121.94 | $78.05
MONSTER FLAT SLV MOUNT-60 | $199.99 | $121.94 | $78.05
MONSTER BLK TLIT MNT-37IN | $179.99 | $109.74 | $70.25

CONSUMER ALERT: This television receiver has only an analog broadcast tuner and will require a converter box after February 17, 2009, to receive over-the-air broadcasts with an antenna because of the Nation's transition to digital broadcasting. Analog-only TVs should continue to work as before with cable and satellite TV services, gaming consoles, VCRs, DVD players, and similar products. For more information, call the Federal CommunicationsCommission at 1-888-225-5322 (TTY: 1-888-835-5322) or visit the Commission's digital television website at: www.dtv.gov.

Retailers vs. FCC: fines for warning-free analog TVs as ban draws near [Ars Technica]
(Photo:cmorran123)

The rebate has suddenly been sent out today, at least this is what the website shows. By the way, the CSR, Patrick, lied to me, the rebate processor is a not Radio Shack, it's a vendor, www.web-rebates.com. They process rebates for many companies. Still, the responsibility is on Radio Shack to select a reputable company to represent them, as their vendor.

In this era of keeping every iota "on brand" and "on message," do companies just run out of paint when it comes to customer care? — BEN POPKEN

That's the unprofessionalism Daniel experienced trying to find out when his rebate check from Radio Shack was supposed to arrive. Because of this, and the duplicity of Radio Shack in initially saying his rebate was denied, Daniel is submitting a complaint to the BBB, The NYC Consumer Affairs Bureau, the NYS AG office, and, of course, us.

His letter of complaint to Radio Shack, inside...

UPDATE: Perhaps a happy ending is around the corner?

Daniel V writes Radio Shack:

I have submitted a rebate form to you within the time frame specified on the form (11/13/2006). Then, about a month later I was sent a letter informing me that the submission was late. That was impossible, since the post office is in my work building and I witnessed the letter date stamped. When I called to complain about it, a CSR named Naomi immediately agreed and said that I would be receiving the check within 2 weeks. That conversation took place over a month ago. So today I called again. I was on hold for about 20 minutes and your representative named Patrick (with a very heavy Spanish accent?) answered and told me that the check will be mailed in 4 weeks from today. When I informed him that the check should've been received 2 weeks ago, he said he's sorry for the miscommunication and that there is nothing he can do. I asked to speak with a supervisor, and he responded that no supervisors were available. I asked the name of the supervisor, he refused to give it to me citing company policy. I asked to be transferred to anyone senior, and again was refused. His tone of voice and manner of speech are the most disrespectful I have ever heard from any phone representative. I again began to press on speaking with a supervisor, and Patrick, almost laughing, told me that if I wanted to speak with his supervisor, I'd have to wait 30 minutes. I then, asked to speak with another representative if no senior reps were available. He again said that the wait time would be the same 30 minutes. At that point I asked for his ID and call center location. The info I was given is that the center in Minnesota, and Patrick's ID#: 53812. He again refused to let me speak with anyone else. He said that my check, which I had been expecting since November will not be rushed, and began screaming like a deranged person if there is "Anything else Sir?" over and over. I couldn't even reply for nearly a minute.

I don't know what kind of help center Radio Shack is running, but to me it felt more like a hotline for demeaning Radio Shack customers, where your employees have a free-for-all, and help themselves to let go of their personal issues or problems at the expense of your customers. Also, I believe that Radio Shack is in violation of the rebate agreement. It's been nearly 3 months since the rebate was submitted, and yet no check was sent.

Your rebate tracking website has been showing a "Pending" check #: XXXXXX for $20 and yet no check issued or sent. My rebate tracking ID: XXXX-XXXX-XXXX

As a result of this blatant disrespect of your customer, and violation by Radio Shack of its rebate agreement I will also submit this letter to the Better Business Bureau, The NYC Consumer Affairs Bureau, the NYS AG office, and, www.consumerist.com - a consumer protection website.

Disciplinary action must be taken against your CSR, Patrick, and I do expect an official apology from your company. This whole incident was not a miscommunication. It was clear lying and disrespect!

Respectfully,

Daniel V.

— BEN POPKEN

The newcomers are Target, IKEA, Radio Shack, Lowe's, Sam's Club, Staples, CVS, COSTCO, Tractor Supply Co, AAFES, K&B Toys, and Walgreen's (who knew!).

Ad scans here. Quick registration required. If you loathe registration, try BFADS.net.

Make the most of Black Friday by coming prepared. — BEN POPKEN

We once needed to convert RCA video signal to S-Video and they tried to sell us a whole multichannel video switch apparatchik. Thing was, the S-Video and RCA were on the same side. After pointing out there was no way to route the signal like they described, they finally produced the necessary $25 double-mouthed video connector.

And like a case wrapped inside a point, Jennifer's letter is after the jump...

Jennifer writes:

"I just got back from the Radio Shack on Rochester Rd. in Rochester Hills, MI, and I wanted to share my experience with you.

I've been looking for a headset with microphone to use with TeamSpeak. Unfortunately for me, I'm rather on the small side and even the daintiest of PC headsets looked bulky in comparison to my head. Hoping to find something in the same size as the Bluetooth headsets for cell phones, I ended up at Radio Shack and inspected the Bluetooth headsets themselves.

There were hints that I might get exactly what I wanted if I was willing to shell out over double what I'd planned - one with a USB adapter for $100, a separate USB adapter for $50, both marked as Skype-compatible, and a cardboard display cutout advertising that the sales reps could tell me how to make the headsets work with things like an iPod. But I wanted to make sure, so I called over a rep and asked him whether it was the Skype software that handled the device, or Windows itself. He was completely dumbfounded. Neither of the Radio Shack employees in the store had heard of TeamSpeak or Ventrilo, so I started asking questions aimed at getting to the underlying mechanics. Would it work with Windows Media Player, Winamp, and the like, or only Skype and the iPod music drivers? The first rep started reading from the sign - while pointing to the bullet points he was reading - and stopped short of the iPod part to tell me that it was only VOIP, not any other computer-based application. I pointed out that the sign mentioned iPod too, and what I was really interested in was computer audio (sorta), and he referred me to his coworker the "iPod expert."

I re-explained my interest in playing computer audio, prefacing the summary by saying that it wasn't an iPod question per se. The iPod expert then proceeded to tell me that if I wanted to use a Bluetooth device with my iPod, I needed the stereo adapter kit and the headphones, not the little one-ear design. I asked him why I needed a device with jacks the iPod doesn't even have, especially considering that this was not so much an iPod question as an audio question, and he said that I needed to play music from my stereo. After some further verbal probing, he finally came out with the verdict that I couldn't use the single-ear devices with PC audio at all because they just don't work with it.

Wishing to the furthest depths of my heart that Computer Builders Warehouse also handled cell phone paraphernalia, (If anyone knows anything about what works with TeamSpeak, it's the staff at a store that seems to require its employees to be in a raiding guild on World of Warcraft.) I decided to drive across the strip mall to see if anyone at Best Buy could confirm or deny what the iPod expert told me...to find that I'd spent a full hour in Radio Shack and Best Buy was about to close in one minute. Not only were they ignorant, they took their time being ignorant rather than admitting that they really didn't know how to answer the question even after I tried to restate it in more general terms. So my quest for a liliputian headset is put off, and I'm forced to wait long enough to do the research I probably should have done before going out to look in stores.

And also on the subject of Radio Shack, one of my friends is unfortunate enough to work there (not the same store as described) and I sent him a link to the original article on Sprint giving up customers' billing addresses. He showed it to his store's Sprint rep, who said it was just an Internet rumor. Guess somebody doesn't watch Nightline."

Maybe the new CEO can reinstill his staff with of the importance of actually knowing what the fuck they're talking about.

By the way, we think you should be able to use the USB headsets you found just fine. We own a Skype compatible Logitech headset and to employ it we just plug it in, go to the advanced audio settings, and change the audio recording and playback device to the Logitech. Yeah, we know, plug and play should do all that for us but we're impatient to get our Counterstrike frag on and don't feel like waiting around until XP decides to activate the device.

Shares shot up 23% on the news of Day's assignment.

After the fudge came out, Radio Shack had pulled all of its executive corporate biographies from the company website so as to vet them. They're back up right now, although not all officer's have their bios up. Presumably, they still have a few correspondence courses left.

"RadioShack Names Day CEO" [Forbes]

Previously:
• Radio Shack Ablaze, CEO Resigns
• No Love at the Radio Shack; Store Closings and Resume Fakeries
• Radio Shack CEO Accused of Fabricating His Resume

Only days ago he said he would stay on, even after he admitted to claiming two degrees on his resume when he really had zero.

For his troubles, Edmonson received something less than $1 million in severance pay.

"When our company's credibility becomes based on a single individual, it is time for a change," announced Leonard H. Roberts, the company's executive chairman, who chose Mr. Edmondson as his successor as CEO, "One of the most important things we have as a corporation is integrity and trust. We have to restore that back to the company."

As of yesterday, all of the company's officers biographies, which included their degree record, have been removed and replaced with the statement, "We are currently updating and validating all of the biographical information for each of our senior executives. Please check back soon to receive this information." [archival pic here]

Previously in The Consumerist: No Love at the Radio Shack; Store Closings and Resume Fakeries

RadioShack Chief Resigns After Lying [New York Times]

2005 earnings were substantially below Wall Street expectations.

It came to light last week that the CEO may have lied on his resume about having a degree. He claimed two, one in psychology and one in theology, from an unaccredited Bible school. The school has never offered a degree in psychology. He said the other degree burned in a garage fire, perhaps while attempting unaccredited rituals.

The Radio Shack board initially said it would stand by Edmonson. Wednesday the board announced plans to hire a law firm to investigate the matter.

Investigate or cover up?

We once needed to convert RCA video signal to S-Video and they tried to sell us a whole honkin' multi-channel video switch apparatchik. Thing was, the S-Video and RCA were on the same side. After pointing out there was no way to route the signal like they described, they finally produced the necessary $25 double-mouthed video connector.

While the resume flap is disappointing, is Radio Shack and its lackadaisical customer service even frickin' relevant anymore?

RadioShack to close 400 to 700 stores [MSNBC] (Thanks to Jeff!)

Edmonson claims he spent '77-'78 on campus at Pacific Coast, which the college verifies. But it doesn t have records that he later took correspondence courses or that he completed his degree.

Through a spokesperson, Mr. Edmonson declined to comment on the matter. The Radio Shack board of directors reaffirmed its decision to stand by Edmonson.

The CEO previously told the paper his diploma burned in a fire in his garage and that the college may have misplaced his records.

Last May, after Radio Shack's CEO took the position, he read a critical column by columnist Mitchell Schnurman.

"I expect you to hold me accountable," Edmonson wrote Schnurman afterwards, "In fact, I treasure the role you will play in my life. My greatest fear is that I will lose myself, somehow forget why I have worked so hard to get to this place and will forget that the character of the leader matters more than anything else."

Radio Shack: You ve got questions, we ve got dubious responses.

Pastor Can't Verify RadioShack CEO's Account on Diploma [Star-Telegram]

• It's a rebate deal, so we apologize, but you can get the Kingston Elite Pro 2GB CompactFlash memory card for $90 after $20 rebate at Buy.com, which is a fine price for a fine card. [via TechBargains]

• Today's Woot!: Is sold out. It was a keyboard bundle with a headset.