What would you do (I really wanna know)

[Daisy Chick]

I've got one of those problems where 2 companies blame each other and I get caught in the middle. How would you handle it?

Got a new laptop which came with free upgrade to Vista, once Vista was available. Circuit City directed me to Sony's website to complete and mail in information to get the free upgrade disc. So, I fill out the form and print it to mail in.

Says I have to attach proof of purchase. I call to ask what they accept. They need a receipt with the model # and serial # on it. My receipt has the model number, but lists the serial # as "NA". They direct me to "Q Media Solutions" who is handling this upgrade stuff for them. Q Media says Too Bad, So Sad - without the info on the receipt, you get nothing. Go to Circuit City and get a receipt with the necessary info.

Circuit City says No Can Do, that's how our receipts look, take it up with Sony.

Back to Sony, who says if Circuit City won't give you that receipt, take it up with them. I do, and Circuit City refers me to Sony.

I'm sick of this! If need be, I have fantastic (and free) legal representation, but (since it is free) I hate to ask.

What would you do - keep fighting back and forth (really don't want to), fight one group (which?!) or call in a favor and let the lawyers deal with it (really hate to do that)? Or other?

 

[brasswillow]

That's a tough one, ugh, I have no idea! Hope you're able to work it out.

 

[Fionasmommy]

I'd probably ask for a refund, because without the free upgrade the item is not as advertised.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Gwak...stupid!

Maybe you can go here for some good advice. It is the Gotta Deals forums. Not sure which one to ask on...however lots of "masters of shopping" there.

http://forums.gottadeal.com/index.php

 

[LisaL]

Consider asking your fantastic, free lawyer for an opinion. Sometimes all it takes is a strongly worded letter from a lawyer to get the appropriate response.

Hope it works out for you!

HP did something very similar. We sent a properly completed rebate form ($150) to HP. After the deadline for disputes (and our numerous calls asking where's the money - it's on its way, Lisa!), they send a letter saying in effect "too bad, so sad; we can't understand what the receipt says, so no money to you. thanks for being a great HP consumer." It was an tremendous uphill battle to get that resolved - which it wasn't. So that company will never see another dime of my money. Which is hard to do.

BTW, the receipt said "15 inch Powerbook" and it was bought in conjunction with an exclusive HP/apple store promotion.

 

[Mrs.Toad]

I'd probably ask for a refund, because without the free upgrade the item is not as advertised.

Me too.

 

[kandeebunny]

You have to go through Sony. As a former CC employee who worked in computers, here's what the deal was...CC was NOT offering the Vista upgrade (as it was not on every computer) the manufacturer was (in this case Sony) CC gave you the paper to go to the website, which directed you to Sony's website to sign up for the offer. CC was in essence the middle man, they were told to hand out these papers to people whos new PC purchases met the requirement. CC did not get the copies of Vista to distribute, the manufacturers did. Your serial number SHOULD be somewhere on that slip, unless you picked up your merchandise at the front counter in which case it would not be as the serial number was not scanned at the point of sale.

Take it up with Sony, they are the one who has the copies and is in charge of handing them out.

(Best Buy and Comp USA were also doing this on equivalent models, same paperwork, except Best Buys website directed you to the manufacturers)

 

[Linzybrooke]

Circuit City should be aware of what is required for the rebate/upgrade and should give their clients the necessary information to get what they are promised at the POS. I would continue to pressure CC and ask to speak with the District and/or Regional Manager about your experience.