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Caution: iPad from target

C

Chicagobizdude

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Mar 18, 2012
2
0
So today I attempted to buy an iPad from target.

First off the sales rep was rude and not engaging. Then when I asked about return policies etc. I was told there is a 45 day return for opened iPads. He neglected to tell me the policy for opened items. So I called.

You CANNOT return opened iPads. Wow

Then he explained the target warranty. If you buy the warranty and something goes wrong you do not receive you money back you receive a target gift card. When I replied back that you do not receive your money the guy argued with me that yeah you receive your money because you can buy groceries at target.

Lol

Ridiculous

I went straight to Best Buy
 
Ah Best Buy... where some require you to do a questionnaire, and others lie to customers to sign them up for a postpaid dataplan so the sales guy gets a Verizon activation...

Yeah, good choice... ;)
 
Does it state on your receipt that you CAN'T return open items? Mine doesn't. It just says 45 day return policy. I think they just told you a BS story. I've returned a Kindle Fire within 45 days with no problems at all. They just make sure the serial numbers match to the receipt.
 
mac.cali said:
Does it state on your receipt that you CAN'T return open items? Mine doesn't. It just says 45 day return policy. I think they just told you a BS story. I've returned a Kindle Fire within 45 days with no problems at all. They just make sure the serial numbers match to the receipt.
Click to expand...

Seems Target has a return policy that is different store to store. Most out here in Los Angeles WILL NOT return open iPads and most other electronics (North Hollywood, West Hollywood, Culver City, etc).
 
deeddawg said:
Ah Best Buy... where some require you to do a questionnaire, and others lie to customers to sign them up for a postpaid dataplan so the sales guy gets a Verizon activation...

Yeah, good choice... ;)
Click to expand...

Because saying no is too difficult to do ;)

If you're already on these forums, you know what can be expected and be more informed...
 
davedvdy said:
Seems Target has a return policy that is different store to store. Most out here in Los Angeles WILL NOT return open iPads and most other electronics (North Hollywood, West Hollywood, Culver City, etc).
Click to expand...

I believe that unless it is stated on your receipt, then they must abide by the corporate policy. I would think they would legally have to put it on the receipt if the return policy was different for your particular store than the corporate policy. Online, they would also have to mention that some stores have an exception to their corporate return policy.

Edit: Target clearly states which items are non returnable if opened. Tablets are not one of them.
The following items are non returnable if opened and may only be exchangeable: music, movies, video games and software.
Click to expand...
 
I had the same thing at best buy but I told the guy that I don't want any other thing and not going to fill the paper work either just need my iPad.
 
davedvdy said:
Did u skip the part where it says "most unopened items will receive an exchange within 90 days".? ;). I personally dont trust them if the thought of returning was even in mind.
Click to expand...

No I read the whole thing, did you? Did you read the part on the tablets for a 45 day return policy?
 
mac.cali said:
No I read the whole thing, did you? Did you read the part on the tablets for a 45 day return policy?
Click to expand...

It says nothing about it in that part but does in the first paragraph making a blanket statement about items being unopened.

Regardless, it is a hassle at most stores, and multiple stores would not allow me to return my iPad 2 for being opened.

If u or anyone else wants to take the risk, go for it.
 
fullmanfullninj said:
Because saying no is too difficult to do ;)

If you're already on these forums, you know what can be expected and be more informed...
Click to expand...

Yes, the cognoscenti can avoid the traps. Would you send your less tech savvy family there unaccompanied?

My point was about giving business to a company where employees actively prey on uninformed consumers. Perhaps you are happy to support them, but I'm not.

Not defending Target here. I already didn't think much of BestBuy, but they're now my last choice for anything after reading some of bullshlt pulled during the launch.
 
Last edited:
mac.cali said:
No I read the whole thing, did you? Did you read the part on the tablets for a 45 day return policy?
Click to expand...

Also, I dont believe they are very clear in their return policy up front. However, I certainly can relate to the OP's story cause that is what happened to me at multiple locations!
 
deeddawg said:
Ah Best Buy... where some require you to do a questionnaire, and others lie to customers to sign them up for a postpaid dataplan so the sales guy gets a Verizon activation...

Yeah, good choice... ;)
Click to expand...

I went to BB twice and didn't have either of these issues. :)
 
deeddawg said:
Yes, the cognoscenti can avoid the traps. Would you send your less tech savvy family there unaccompanied?

My point was about giving business to a company where employees actively prey on uninformed consumers. Perhaps you are happy to support them, but I'm not.
Click to expand...

You are right, I wouldn't trust my parents who immigrated here from Asia to go to a Best Buy unaccompanied. And when they do, they typically ask me. I'm not saying Best Buy is the best (lol), but when it comes down to it, people have to make their own decisions and learning from mistakes is always a bonus.

If you are unclear about a return policy, call your son ("you" being a hypothetical "older", less tech savvy person) or daughter and have them explain it to you. If there are any doubts, pause for a second and ask for a second opinion from someone who does know what it's about. I'm not going to go with my parents into Best Buy every time they want something so I can help them avoid traps...

And I'm not "happy" to support them, but rather I have no opinion. Think about it for a second. These employees who "prey on uninformed consumers" have jobs given to them by Best Buy...ideally, they would want to keep these jobs. Best Buy is a profit-driven company, thus managers have pressure from district managers (who have pressure from regional managers, etc) to increase profits. If an employee is not contributing to Best Buy, then why should Best Buy keep that employee hired? Then that employee loses its job.

No one is at fault here...Best Buy needs profits, its employees (ideally) want to keep their jobs. They do what they need to in order to ensure their own income. What they do (BBY employees) cannot be helped. But consumers can. They can call up children, friends, go on the web, etc and figure out an answer to their question. Consumers have options...they can say "no" and move on. But employees cannot. Don't blame the employees...and you can't really blame the company (I mean come on...if it were not driven by profits, BBY would not exist).

I'm willing to say that the average consumer is intelligent enough to know their own needs and ability to say no. "I have to fill out a questionnaire? No." "Oh you can't sell it to me until I do this? Let me talk to your manager." "Oh Mr. Manager, there is nothing you can do? What is BBY corporate's phone number?" It's not always the case, but you (hopefully) get what I mean. Consumers know what is the "norm" and what can be expected...they'll certainly raise an eyebrow at the questionnaire...some will follow through with it and leave it at that, others will firmly say no.

Eh.
 
FWIW

The Target receipt says 45 days BUT immediately after there is this vague statement "some items can't be returned if opened"
 
Chicagobizdude said:
FWIW

The Target receipt says 45 days BUT immediately after there is this vague statement "some items can't be returned if opened"
Click to expand...
Right on the front of my receipt, printed from the register, directly under the serial number it says "Return By <date is printed>" which is 45 days from purchase. On the back of the receipt it says "Most unopened items can be returned within 90 days." One the website it says "The following items are non returnable if opened and may only be exchangeable: music, movies, video games and software."

Such clarity.
 
I work for target you can return any item opened unless its a cd or video game. I have returned countless iPads, tvs etc.... I work returns. You can also return at any target.
 
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I've returned two opened iPads within the 45 day return and no problems. Both were iPad 2's, one had bad yellowing and second for different color.
 
Then go purchase somewhere else. If all else fails, if you have to return just make up that something is wrong with it. This usually works anywhere if you opened the box and have to return for whatever reason.

Target has never charged me extra to return even though it clearly says they do. In fact I've returned outside of 90 days on an accessory.

----------

Besides, these things are available everywhere. I returned it to target to buy with my bb gift crds and they had all models in stock.
 
I think what is happening at those Target locations is a result of rogue managers. I know that BB was specifically told what procedures were and not to deviate from them.

I know some still did with that silly questionnaire, but they were warned.
 
I returned an iPad 3 to Target just Friday due to yellow screen. Target accepts opened iPads just fine.
 
There's an age old saying "Buyer Beware". Then there's the common sense factor. When you turn your power over to someone else & let them upset you, it's already too late. To expect every employee, manager or not, to perform perfectly day in and day out is unreasonable. We are all subject to having a bad day, misunderstanding a question or whatever.

It's our responsibilty as buyers to read the policy before arriving at the store. They're all readily available on the web. A major big box like target is not store by store when it comes to policies. They didn't grow as huge as Target is by being shady. Target is a first class operation. That's just a fact.
 
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