In laws...VENT

[cjnix29]

Ok, I could just kick myself for trying to be nice! My nephew's birthday is in July. I knew he wanted a nintendo DSI. Our Meijer, as part of a grand opening thing, had them on sale for 139.99. Plus, I had a $15 off coupon (which I can no longer use, you will see the relevance later!). I called my sister in law and asked her if she was interested, and if so, I would pick one up. Told her I would put in our money that we would spend on his birthday present towards it, and my mother in law would probably do the same. She said, go ahead, buy it. So I did, using my coupon and getting it for $45 off normal price.

Fast forward a week. Got a call from her saying her husband vetoed the idea. They didnt' want it. Turns out, electronic video game equipment is NOT returnable! Even if it isn't opened! So now, I am stuck with a nintendo dsi that I do not want nor need, plus, I still have to buy my nephew a birthday present!

My mother in law offered to buy it, but I can't do that to her. My sister in law's reaction..." I feel bad for them" THAT'S IT!

My DH said that I should know not to try to do nice things for others....because we get burned. Nice, huh?

Going to try to sell it on craigslist, hopefully I will have success. Thought you would appreciate my rant!!

 

[taylor3297]

Can you get a store credit? Something doesn't sound right with that return policy.

 

[cjnix29]

No, not even store credit. It's posted in the customer service department. No returns on video game systems. I would be happy to take store credit, I am in there all the time, but no dice. They can't re sell it.

 

[Bren's Mom]

YES, you CAN return it if you only bought it a week or so ago, it's unopened and you have the receipt! I have cut and pasted their policy from their website. You can print it from their site and take it with you. It sounds like someone at the store was confused about their policy. OPENED video game systems cannot be returned, only exchanged but UNOPENED *can* be returned but only within 30 days.

"Meijer Store Return Policy - For Purchases Made at a Meijer Store

Meijer policy allows refunds on General Merchandise within 90 days of purchase when accompanied by a store receipt. After 90 days, the manufacturer's warranty applies.
Exceptions to the 90-policy include:

* Consumer Electronics items including but not limited to Computers, DVD Players, Digital Cameras, TVs, Camcorders, MP3 Players and Cell Phones must be in unopened packages and returned within 30 days of purchase. After 30 days the manufacturer's warranty will apply.
* All GFM branded electronics maintain the 90-day policy.
* Ammunition must be returned within 24 hours of purchase.
* Non-returnable items include: State-approved WIC items, formula and alcoholic beverages. Opened packages of music, movies, all collectibles, video games and video game systems may only be returned if they are defective and must be exchanged for the same item. Receipt must accompany the exchange.

Returns for all Foods (includes meat, seafood, deli, produce, grocery, dairy and frozen) will be accepted with or without a receipt provided the package or product is present at the time of return. If no receipt is present, a Meijer Return Card will be issued.

Returns for all Meijer brand items, Food and General Merchandise, will be accepted with or without a receipt provided the package and product is present at the time of return. If no receipt is present, a Meijer Return Card will be issued.

Returns without a receipt are subject to the lowest sale price.

 

[terrier72]

Thats not right, I would let her and her husband know how I feel. Does she not have any more pull in their relationship than that. If not I feel sorry for her.

 

[cjnix29]

* Non-returnable items include: State-approved WIC items, formula and alcoholic beverages. Opened packages of music, movies, all collectibles, video games and video game systems may only be returned if they are defective and must be exchanged for the same item. Receipt must accompany the exchange.

Unfortunately, it says video game systems are not returnable right in their policy, see above. I totally agree it is not right. Have had troubles with them since wedding, but have always tried to take the high road. Most of the times, that seems to be the rockiest path!

also forgot to mention, somehow, not sure, but the seal got broken on the box, so it looks like it has been opened. NEver used, or taken out. Just looks like the box was opened.

 

[Bren's Mom]

also forgot to mention, somehow, not sure, but the seal got broken on the box, so it looks like it has been opened. NEver used, or taken out. Just looks like the box was opened.

I disagree with your interpretation of the policy, it clearly states OPENED packages...but regardless, I'm guessing that they aren't allowing you to return it because it does appear to be open.

 

[secretpantssam]

Would you be able to just split the cost with your mother in law and still give it to him as a gift? I can't imagine he would stop wanting it. And then you guys look like great gift givers! And if the husband is so against his son having it, it'll be his problem to return it.

 

[hockeyprincess]

Sell it on Ebay or Craigslist for the original sale price and pocket the $45 difference!! That's a good return on your money, much better than any stock right now or a savings acct! You won't have any trouble at all trying to sell it.

 

[eliza61]

My mother in law offered to buy it, but I can't do that to her. My sister in law's reaction..." I feel bad for them" THAT'S IT!

My DH said that I should know not to try to do nice things for others....because we get burned. Nice, huh?
Going to try to sell it on craigslist, hopefully I will have success. Thought you would appreciate my rant!!

Cj,
Listen, you did a really nice thing. Do not beat yourself up. Why should you not be a nice person. In today's world there are too little nice people as is. You cannot control other peoples actions and if you let them change you, who really wins.

You've learned a lesson that cost a few bucks but your SIL is the one who is the loser

 

[DVCBELLE]

You are misinterpreting the policy - it means opened video games - I have returned a system there....but the broken seal might be where your problem is. Have you actually taken it into the store and tried?

 

[cjnix29]

I did try to return it. They said no go. Most likely because of the opened seal, but they also said they wouldn't return any game system, regardless.

 

[cjnix29]

Oh, and I thought about just giving it to him, but I am not sure I want to get into that big can of worms either. My brother in law is a real jerk anyway. Thanks for all your advice. And I will continue to do nice things, just not for my husband's family!

 

[PinballFamily]

Don't know all the family dynamics (ick!) - but maybe you could get your nephew a very modest b-day gift and then put the DSi away for him for Xmas...?

You and your MIL would be totally done holiday shopping for him - and perhaps the storm clouds over this item will have blown over by then. My DS just got one for his b-day and adores it - it is an awesome little device.

Aren't families wonderful sometimes...? Good luck - in any case, it was a lovely thought and thing to do for this kid.

 

[stitchlovestink]

Do they have a corporate office? If so, I would try calling them and explaining the abbreviated version to them. They may take pity and call the store mgr and tell him/her to take it back as a good will gesture. Tell corporate you're even willing to take the return $ as a store credit. That very well may prompt them to accept it back. Maybe not though. All you would be out is some time and possibly the cost of a phone call.
good luck.
I would try craigslist first to sell it though. by the time you pay all of the ebay listing, selling, paypal fees, you might be out even more $
Hugs for being such a nice person trying to help. I too have had something similar happen but not in the same cost range as you.

 

[HGD24]

Check your state's return policy as well. Some states have laws about returning merchandise that override a store's individual policy.

 

[rainy~daze]

I would give it to him anyway. Just tell sister that you asked, she said yes, you bought, she changed her mind--can't be returned, so they can keep it or sell it and use the money to buy something else. It's a gift, they take or leave it.

 

[momx2]

I'd give it to him anyway. If the parents want to return it then leave it up to them. No way I would be out all that money and buy him something else after the mother approved in the first place.

 

[cjnix29]

Update.....I think I just sold it! Thanks craigslist! Assuming the woman shows up with the cash at the rendezvous site....good to go!

 

[tngramma]

Update.....I think I just sold it! Thanks craigslist! Assuming the woman shows up with the cash at the rendezvous site....good to go!

Got my fingers crossed for you.