Returning without a receipt

[ohiominnie]

On another thread someone said to return things to Wal*mart, that they will return anything without a receipt.

How true is this? I have two Nintendo DS's to return (along with two Nintendogs) I was able to score the bundle packs! But....now my systems (from Best Buy) and my games (from Amazon.com) are both over 30 days and both receipts state they will not return them. I called Best Buy and said they were Christmas gifts that are now duplicates, but they said their Christmas policy doesn't kick in until November 1st (so much for shopping early)

I would sell them on ebay, but I'm afraid by the time I consider I paid tax for them, and my ebay and Paypal fees, I'm afraid I'll take a loss (although losing ALL of the price is worse than just a bit)

Any ideas? Will Walmart "return" these even though the systems themselves are coded on the back? Will they be able to tell I didn't get them at their store?

 

[staci]

I use to work at a different discount store, so i cant speak specifically for walmart, but I know that each individual game console use to have its own barcode that was scanned into the computer at the time of purchase, I assume to prevent this very thing. If it wasnt a barcode sold in one of our stores, the system would not allow the return. Its been a few years since I worked there so things may have changed, but I would assume they have gotten stricter not more lenient.

While we would return things without a reciept, everything is recorded in the computer with the customers name and address (we required id and I know i have been asked at walmart for id as well). The loss prevention really did keep track of the returns made by individuals, and electronics were a high theft item, so they were monitored very closely when they were returned. Because of the security cameras at the service desk, I know of a few times where when a high dollar return was taking place, the security was upstairs monitoring the transaction, and would call down to me at the service desk immediately after the customer left, so that they would have a name to put with the face, and would watch the person whenever they were in the store. After knowing all this, I really try to not to ANYTHING in a store that would make me seem 'suspicious'.

I also know that some stores have merchandise specific to their store, so that while the product may be similar, the barcode is different and wont work at other stores.

If you were to try to return these this way, I would say upfront that they are not needed and you are not sure if they were purchased at Walmart, that way if it doesnt work in their computer system, you wont be caught 'lying' by saying you 'bought them there last week' or something.

I would think the best route would be to go into a bestbuy and calmly explain your situation to a manager. As long as the package is in original condition I would think you may be able to get somewhere with them. After all, there is still a month until Christmas and they want your return business


Im not trying to be scary or anything with all the return stuff, but I just worked retail WAY too long.

 

[mom2my4dwarfs]

Without a receipt they will look up the serial number on the computer and it will tell the Service Desk Associate that it was purchased at Best Buy!

 

[ohiominnie]

Ok, thanks, both of you! I am really not trying to "get away" with anything to make a buck. I'm just disgusted at Best Buy's policy when these are/were indeed Christmas presents. I guess I'm mad I'm being penalized for shopping early.

Maybe I'll have to say "gee, we were in the market for a plasma screen TV, but I guess if you're going to be so unbending, I'll look elsewhere."

Then again, I guess I should be mad at myself b/c I scored the Nintendogs bundles while I still had 3 days left to "legally" return my old DS systems and I didn't get off my butt and do it. It's hard when you homeschool to get time to make these purchases and return things whilst the kids are around 24/7!

Thanks again!

 

[ohiominnie]

Ok, I went to Best Buy.

Explained that I got these DS's for kids for Christmas, they have since decided they wanted the bundle packs, and I'd like to return them. The guy looked at my receipt and said "well, it's been more than 30 days...." (my heart sank) "....so I can't refund your money, but I can give you a store credit."

BINGO!!!

Dh is now all excited that we have a $272 store credit gift card!

Thanks for the advice!

 

[disneychrista]

Store Credit is better then nothing.

 

[staci]

Yeah!!! Im glad it worked out for you! I knew you werent trying to 'get away' with anything but I just wanted to make sure you knew what I did about the service desk. It SCARES me now to return anything after working there so long

Best Buys return policy really irritates me. After working retail, I totally understand how many people will 'abuse' the return system, but Best Buy's strict policy punishes everyone! I mean, I understand if someone uses something for 3 months and then returns it, but any items in original condition, with original reciept, should NOT be that hard to return. Anymore, dh and I buy ANYTHING we can at other stores, because most other return policies at least allow for 90 days. Im glad to hear they made an exception for you!!!!! My dh would surely be excited with store credit in that amount to best buy!

 

[kilee]

I'm glad this worked out for you too. I'm not afraid to return anything. If I'm doing it all on the up and up too bad for what security or anyone else thinks.

 

[Nicolepa]

I hate Best Buy. About a month ago we bought a big screen TV, they were supposed to give us free delivery, but messed up and charged us the extra $20 for next day delivery. Then we were supposed to call after the TV was delivered to get it refunded. Well.....

About 1:00 the next day we still hadn't gotten a call about what time the TV was to be delivered. So after 3 calls and being on hold for 30 minutes EACH time they tell us that it didn't make it on the truck. The salesman tells us if it were a small item he'd bring it to us. Ummm, if it were a small item I would have brought it home instead of paying for delivery!

So finally after going round with them a bit we tell them to deliver it Tuesday but they have to be done by 12:00. So they call Monday and tell us they will be here between 1-4! So we marched our butts to a different store, got the next model up for slightly more and DH went to Best Buy and returned out TV (they wouldn't do it over the phone).