All Because I Couldn't Find My Receipt
Posted: Wednesday, March 02, 2011
by Teresa Ortiz
Freelance writer/Speaker
I had such high hopes for a productive Saturday. The last of the boxes were unpacked and it was only 10am - woo-hoo! Finally a real day off! The plan was to get the grocery shopping done, then exchange the defective microwave. I should be home by noon! Or so I thought.....
My husband put the micro in the car for me; adding his two-cents of course. "It's no big deal, so what if I don't have the receipt, it's just an exchange!" I jump in the car and crank the tunes, Wal-Mart, here I come!
Nothing you can do can tear me away from my guy (my guy) no handsome face could ever take the place of my guy.
It felt like an "oldies" kind of morning, okay?
It figures, the parking lot was already full, no problem. I could use the exercise, it would do a lot to offset the big tub of popcorn I was going to make for my movie marathon. Wouldn't you know it, the line for customer service was long. Only a 15 minute wait, not too bad.
"How can I help you today?" "I bought this microwave a few weeks ago, and I need to exchange it - it turns off at 4 minutes. I suspect it's because it gets extremely hot" "Do you have your receipt?" "No, but I don't want a refund, I just want a replacement."
She is was already annoyed with me, I could tell by the way she kept looking at the microwave that was sitting in the cart - without its box or manual.
"I'll need to check with my manager." I waited quite a while. I was wondering if she was testing me to see if I would panic - like maybe the cops were called because I'm trying to cash in on a hot microwave. The cops didn't show up, but after 20 minutes, she came back and said that I had to get the exact kind, they will have to take it out of the box and give it to me the way I brought the defective one in. Fine, I say, thank you for your understanding.
11:45am
I went to the microwave aisle only to find they do not have that exact one in stock. Dang, back to the customer service line. This time I only waited 10 minutes. It was a different gal this time. After explaining the situation again, I was pleasantly surprised by how helpful she was. She spent another 15 minutes trying to see if there was a microwave in the back room. Nothing. She called several other stores to see if they had any in stock.
"Mam, you will have to go to one of these stores, they can assist you." "Great, thank you for all of your help. I wish I had my receipt."
Back to the car I went, this time I had to put it in my car on my own. Let me just say, it was easier coming out, then going in! At least I didn't have to listen to the nagging, "Told you so", from my husband.
12:30pm
"Hey hon, I gotta go to Baldwin Park", what?.....
Traffic during the week, I can handle, but on a Saturday afternoon? Sheesh!
Pull the string and I'll kiss your lips, I'm your puppet..." Time to change the station...
1pm
It's a good thing that everyone and their mother was at the other Wal-Mart. Though it was my fault, I was beginning to lose patience. I only stood in line 10-minutes. Nice. After telling this guy the same story, and that the other store manager said I could be helped at this store, he rolled his eyes and told me to go get the exact microwave. Naturally, there was none to be found. The computer was wrong! Trying to remain calm, reminding myself it was my fault, I decided to get the next size up and take my chances.
After waiting in line again, I spoke a tad forcefully explaining that there was not an "EXACT" on the floor, but I would be happy to pay the difference for the new one.
2pm
While waiting for an answer, I saw another guy with a microwave in a cart - no box, but he did have his manual - we exchanged a few words and chuckled at ourselves. This was a nice release of tension.
2:30 pm.
I happily paid the difference for the new microwave and strolled it out to my car. Great, I thought I was done carrying boxes!
2:45 pm
I might as well do my grocery shopping while I am here.....
4 Pm
"Hey hon, I'm home. Can you please help me unload the car"
SO much for my relaxing day..... All because I couldn't find my receipt.
It's a good thing I started my day with Jesus and a cup of coffee. I would have dealt with things a lot differently. Even though it was my fault.
The moral of this story is: Save your receipt. Or don't by a microwave at Wal-Mart. Take your pick.
My husband put the micro in the car for me; adding his two-cents of course. "It's no big deal, so what if I don't have the receipt, it's just an exchange!" I jump in the car and crank the tunes, Wal-Mart, here I come!
It felt like an "oldies" kind of morning, okay?
It figures, the parking lot was already full, no problem. I could use the exercise, it would do a lot to offset the big tub of popcorn I was going to make for my movie marathon. Wouldn't you know it, the line for customer service was long. Only a 15 minute wait, not too bad.
"How can I help you today?" "I bought this microwave a few weeks ago, and I need to exchange it - it turns off at 4 minutes. I suspect it's because it gets extremely hot" "Do you have your receipt?" "No, but I don't want a refund, I just want a replacement."
She is was already annoyed with me, I could tell by the way she kept looking at the microwave that was sitting in the cart - without its box or manual.
"I'll need to check with my manager." I waited quite a while. I was wondering if she was testing me to see if I would panic - like maybe the cops were called because I'm trying to cash in on a hot microwave. The cops didn't show up, but after 20 minutes, she came back and said that I had to get the exact kind, they will have to take it out of the box and give it to me the way I brought the defective one in. Fine, I say, thank you for your understanding.
11:45am
I went to the microwave aisle only to find they do not have that exact one in stock. Dang, back to the customer service line. This time I only waited 10 minutes. It was a different gal this time. After explaining the situation again, I was pleasantly surprised by how helpful she was. She spent another 15 minutes trying to see if there was a microwave in the back room. Nothing. She called several other stores to see if they had any in stock.
"Mam, you will have to go to one of these stores, they can assist you." "Great, thank you for all of your help. I wish I had my receipt."
Back to the car I went, this time I had to put it in my car on my own. Let me just say, it was easier coming out, then going in! At least I didn't have to listen to the nagging, "Told you so", from my husband.
12:30pm
"Hey hon, I gotta go to Baldwin Park", what?.....
Traffic during the week, I can handle, but on a Saturday afternoon? Sheesh!
Pull the string and I'll kiss your lips, I'm your puppet..." Time to change the station...
1pm
It's a good thing that everyone and their mother was at the other Wal-Mart. Though it was my fault, I was beginning to lose patience. I only stood in line 10-minutes. Nice. After telling this guy the same story, and that the other store manager said I could be helped at this store, he rolled his eyes and told me to go get the exact microwave. Naturally, there was none to be found. The computer was wrong! Trying to remain calm, reminding myself it was my fault, I decided to get the next size up and take my chances.
After waiting in line again, I spoke a tad forcefully explaining that there was not an "EXACT" on the floor, but I would be happy to pay the difference for the new one.
2pm
While waiting for an answer, I saw another guy with a microwave in a cart - no box, but he did have his manual - we exchanged a few words and chuckled at ourselves. This was a nice release of tension.
2:30 pm.
I happily paid the difference for the new microwave and strolled it out to my car. Great, I thought I was done carrying boxes!
2:45 pm
I might as well do my grocery shopping while I am here.....
4 Pm
"Hey hon, I'm home. Can you please help me unload the car"
SO much for my relaxing day..... All because I couldn't find my receipt.
It's a good thing I started my day with Jesus and a cup of coffee. I would have dealt with things a lot differently. Even though it was my fault.
The moral of this story is: Save your receipt. Or don't by a microwave at Wal-Mart. Take your pick.
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Top-level comments on this article: (7 total)"It's a good thing I started my day with Jesus and a cup of coffee." Truer words have never been spoken, Sis! I thought Wal-Mart had much more relaxed return policy!Hey Bro, thanks for reading. Yes, it is always the best way to start the day. And I thought it would have been easier too :-) Blessings! sis
OMG I AM NOT ALONE! I loved this. Sorry for your trouble. :) You just have to laugh don't you.Hi Brianna, now why did I know you would be able to personally relate? LOL! Thanks for the comment :-)
You poor thing, what a frustrating day! I'd say don't buy from Wal-Mart. Hope your new microwave holds up!Hi Jennifer. Thanks! So far it is working great :-)
Hi Teresa.
Years ago, Walmart was a lot less fussy about returns. I'd hear about all sorts of people scamming their system from friends who worked there. This is probably what lead to the new policies that gave you so much trouble. But it sounds like you weathered it with grace and equanimity. I would expect no less from you. :)
Love and hugs,
DianneHi Diane. I think you are right. Making it too easy gives room for the dishonest to do their thing. So sad. Thanks for keeping me accountable to high standards, I know you would have done well too :-) Love and hugs right back to you!
Great advice. I always keep my receipts until such time I'm fairly sure they're going to last the 90 days I expect them to last anyway:-). Is there another store to shop at other than Wal Mart? I'd have to pass up 4 or 5 of them to get to another one and the price of gasoline would prohibit that trip so I'll keep hanging on to my receipts.Hi David. Thanks, I need to remember to take my own advice. I am terrible about receipts! It's true, Wal Marts are everywhere!
Oh, my, I have never had problems at our Wal-Marts and I show about 6 of them because of where we are located - AND they give me a store credit card when I don't have a receipt.... sorry you had such a terrible "day off":.... hope you and Art get a real one very soon! The battle of the boxes - I should write a piece about that with 15 moves in 25 years....argh. I am with you!!!I would love to hear your box tales :-) We are enjoying our time together :-)
I just learned that if you paid with debit or credit card and know the exact date of purchase, Wal-Mart can issue (via email or fax, your choice) a duplicate receipt through their Electronics Payment Hotline at 479-277-2643.Hi anon, thanks for the information! Hopefully, I won't need to use it :-)
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