watch what you buy at walmart thinking you can return it

[lincolndog]

Just bought the Acer laptop that was on sale. Our store just had a handful of them. For some strange reason when I was paying I asked for a gift receipt incase I need to return it. I was told by the manager that would no longer be acceptable. You may not return after 15 days unless you buy their warranty. If that is the case you may return but you do not receive the money spent on extended warranty.

So I bought the computer with the intent of making up my mind in the next two weeks. If anyone knows if this is a good computer please let me know. How cheap do you think laptops will be this year?

[shop09]

I've had one for about a year now and it is a good, stable little computer. Great for travel and covers the basics. I would purchase a cooling pad for it (10-20 dollars) as the onboard fan is small. As far as warranty I think Acer still provides a one year traveler warranty with the purchase at no cost to you. Covers international travel, damage, etc...

[jenilyn]

Just for the record... dont expect to return any electroninc that you purchase. Most places we have found in the last year or so have changed their return policies on pretty much everything. We have noticed, as well as friends.

I think with the economy, people have made many purchases they cant really afford and once they realize this they are bringing these items back.

I try to buy new when I do buy electronis items... we seldom buy refurbs. I wouldnt buy a refurb computer, but thts just me, I wouldnt buy a return computer either. I would imagine that alot of effort goes back into them to make sure they can be resold at some point, as with any other item like this.

That being said... no ill will inteneded here by any of this.

 

Yes be careful to read all retunr policies! Ask questions if your not sure and get it in writing if need be, with the sales associates name and employee number if you can!

Have a great holiday season guys! )

[lincolndog]

I agree, I would not purchase a refurb computer either. However, I was surprised that if the box has not been opened and everything on box is 100% intact, they would not honor a gift receipt. Like you said times have changed.

[amyers12345]

We're going through a similar issue with an air mattress. We paid $80 for it, went camping and woke up on the ground. They have a new return policy on air mattresses that says, new can be returned within 15 days for refund, used can be returned within 15 for exchange, and defective can be returned (with no date specified). They will not exchange it because they say they can only accept them for 15 days, even though it was obviously defective.

 

The sign is bulleted, so each 'clause' has it's own line, and it does not specify a time limit on defective. What sucks is that I hate to return things, so the first two (different brands) that we bought are in the shed, so I'm out a lot of $$ on these. They said that too many people return them. Could it be that too many are defective?

[peppysfireball]

I don't think it's that too many are defective. I think too many people get a hole and CLAIM they're defective. When we had a waterbed which is much heavier than an air mattress, even a popcorn kernel would pop a hole in it. Camping is much more hard on them with sticks and such getting in the tent . Instead of getting a patchkit, people try to return them. Walmart has had the 15 day limit on most electronics for years. We bought our DVD players several years ago and had to return them repeatedly and even though they were defective, we had to go through the manufacturer.

[Shortness]

Just bought the Acer laptop that was on sale. Our store just had a handful of them. For some strange reason when I was paying I asked for a gift receipt incase I need to return it. I was told by the manager that would no longer be acceptable. You may not return after 15 days unless you buy their warranty. If that is the case you may return but you do not receive the money spent on extended warranty.

So I bought the computer with the intent of making up my mind in the next two weeks. If anyone knows if this is a good computer please let me know. How cheap do you think laptops will be this year?

I'm sorry about the return policy. But, to answer your question about Acer (from my personal experience)... We bought one last May/June for to have for an extended trip we took. We have had no issues with it. I use it at home, we use it on the road. I do Facebook and Farmville, can watch online videos. Have Microsoft office. It IS small, and the keyboard takes some getting used to. I do not have a problem with it getting hot like someone else mentioned. I love it, and really appreciate being able to throw it in a bag and take it with me. Again, my personal experience.

[conj]

as you ask about return policies - be sure to note who charges a restocking fee - too!

[Kayshar13]

i purchased a computer from walmart about a month ago it was a piece of junk and i returned it on the 15th day with not a single problem maybe they just changed it?

[Rockfordmom]

Many places are starting not to allow you to return electronics or video games, you can only excange defective products. TRU has a very strict electronics return policy.

[leah_steven]

Wal-Mart also will not accept returns or exchanges (even if you have a reciept) for items not in thier store. For example: I bought a shirt @ one store and returned it to another one (less than 20 miles apart) and they wouldn't accept it because it wasn't in thier system, even though it clearly was from Wal-Mart & I had the reciept. I just needed another size & I went round and round with the manager until he called someone and FINALLY let me exchange it. I had to give them my DL# and will not be allowed to return or exchange for 90 days (even if I have the recipt)

[peppysfireball]

I don't understsand that one. I've done it many times. Recently I took back a bunch of flower pots. Our new walmart is tiny. They don't even have a craft section or pet department. They didn't carry the pots but told me they had to give me a refund because I had the receipt. I know if you don't have a receipt, after 3 times, you can't return without a receipt for several months, but I was told with a receipt, you can return anything if it's in the allowed time frame.

[Dylansmommy]

Just bought the Acer laptop that was on sale. Our store just had a handful of them. For some strange reason when I was paying I asked for a gift receipt incase I need to return it. I was told by the manager that would no longer be acceptable. You may not return after 15 days unless you buy their warranty. If that is the case you may return but you do not receive the money spent on extended warranty.

So I bought the computer with the intent of making up my mind in the next two weeks. If anyone knows if this is a good computer please let me know. How cheap do you think laptops will be this year?

I don't know how much you paid at Walmart, but I was looking through the Meijer ad and had an Acer on sale. If you buy it online, it's cheaper at $319. Considering I bought a laptop for over $1000 at BB a few years ago, I would say this is a great deal! Obviously, compare the specs...it does come with Windows 7.

[jmcdon00]

Just for the record... dont expect to return any electroninc that you purchase. Most places we have found in the last year or so have changed their return policies on pretty much everything. We have noticed, as well as friends.

I think with the economy, people have made many purchases they cant really afford and once they realize this they are bringing these items back.

I try to buy new when I do buy electronis items... we seldom buy refurbs. I wouldnt buy a refurb computer, but thts just me, I wouldnt buy a return computer either. I would imagine that alot of effort goes back into them to make sure they can be resold at some point, as with any other item like this.

That being said... no ill will inteneded here by any of this.

 

Yes be careful to read all retunr policies! Ask questions if your not sure and get it in writing if need be, with the sales associates name and employee number if you can!

Have a great holiday season guys! )

I think another reason other than the economy is people returning things to get a better one. Buy a laptop today and chances are in 3 months there is a better one for the same price. Same with cel phones, TV's videos games ect. I had a friend who returned his Iphone the day the new Iphone came out, because he wanted the newer one.

[kselzer]

well good to know about this crazy return policies...

 

I have an Acer netbook I bought from Woot and I love it. My brother also has had one for about a year and he uses it as his primary computer (and tv too). I bought a warranty from Square Trade since mine's a refurb, but so far, so good :)

[conj]

I bought some electronics today at walmart - and stopped to check the return policy. they have different return periods - from 15 days to 90 days.

[mom_of2boyz]

Hi,

The associate that told you that was only partly correct. The return on computers is 15 days, it has been for years. You CAN return the service plan within 90 days (you must have the receipt.), as long as it has not been used. You also have 90 days to come in and purchase the service plan if you choose not to buy it when you buy the computer, again you must have the receipt.

The service plan kicks in after the manufacturers labor warranty ends. The length of the manufacturers warranty varies according to the mf.

After the 15 days, if you have a problem, you do not return to the store, you call the manufacturer. If the warranty has expired, then you use the service plan.

 

And this info applies to anything that is eligible for the service plan, not just computers. Of course, since there are different return policies depending on what you are buying. Cameras are 30 days, and some other things vary between 45 and 90 days.

Edited November 8, 2009 by mom_of2boyz
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