Does anyone know if the Costco return policy applies to the HD-DVD discs as well? If I buy a movie, would I be able to return it for a refund?

They do accept open software returns but if you just want to rent movies, why not join Netflix or Blocbuster online?

Are you doing this to avoid paying for rental?

Up here their selection is dry/limited but I was told you can return it if it's defective.

I sure hope you're not asking if you can return a movie simply because you don't like the content of the film. That's pretty low. Now, if it's defective, by all means, bring it back, and Costco will take care of you.

Sounds like this guy is using Costco as his Netflix but without the monthly charge. :p

i returned Fearless HD DVD but only because it was defective. Costco refunded me my purchase amount and I re-bought Fearless again.

that's pretty unethical (probably not illegal). This is one of the reasons why stores change their policy and make it hard to return anything.

My Costco only has about 12 films anyway...get the $4.99 Netflix and get a couple of a month without all the crazy charges on your credit card.

Don't jump to conclusions guys. He could have had problems with combos in the past and is just looking for a place where there will be no headaches.

Of course if he wants to return it because he simply didn't like the film, yeah that's pretty unethical :P

I do not believe this would be unethical. A movie is just a product, and if you are not happy about a sandwich, you ask for another one. Not happy with your A1, or A2 you return it. Why would a movie be any different. I have bought movies and thought that studio owed me 2 hours of my life back. If there was a refund available I would have taken it. I think that most places take return on media in exchange for the same title only. But if Costco is willing to let someone bring something back, then more power to them and him.

that's pretty unethical (probably not illegal). This is one of the reasons why stores change their policy and make it hard to return anything.

My Costco only has about 12 films anyway...get the $4.99 Netflix and get a couple of a month without all the crazy charges on your credit card.

I already have the 3 movie Blockbuster ALL ACCESS pass. Returning a movie because you don't like the content, is not unethical. Who's to say what's immoral, or unethical? Most people base there "morals" and "ethics" on the Bible (which I don't believe in anyhow). Does the Bible say I can't return a DVD to Costco? I don't buy anything without renting first, but I would like to have the option of returning something if I am not satisfied with the transfer.

I already have the 3 movie Blockbuster ALL ACCESS pass. Returning a movie because you don't like the content, is not unethical. Who's to say what's immoral, or unethical? Most people base there "morals" and "ethics" on the Bible (which I don't believe in anyhow). Does the Bible say I can't return a DVD to Costco? I don't buy anything without renting first, but I would like to have the option of returning something if I am not satisfied with the transfer.

Now THATs a tangent i didn't expect this thread to take.

Now THATs a tangent i didn't expect this thread to take.

All I am saying, is who's to judge what is unethical and immoral? We have laws for that, is returning a DVD against the law? It just gets on my nerves when someone tries to tell someone they are unethical, because they are doing something that is allowed. Like I said, if I want to buy an older movie I have already watched on SD DVD and don't like the transfer, I want to be able to return it. If I know I like the movie, I don't want the hassle of renting the HD version and then buying it.

I do not believe this would be unethical. A movie is just a product, and if you are not happy about a sandwich, you ask for another one. Not happy with your A1, or A2 you return it. Why would a movie be any different. I have bought movies and thought that studio owed me 2 hours of my life back. If there was a refund available I would have taken it. I think that most places take return on media in exchange for the same title only. But if Costco is willing to let someone bring something back, then more power to them and him.

You're kidding, right? So you think that because a studio makes a film that doesn't agree with your tastes, that you're entitled to a refund for the entire purchase price? I think it's very unethical to return media that you have used - CD's, books, DVD's, whatever if you just didn't like it. All the companies give you fair warning - reviews, trailers, etc. to let you decide first, but it's always a bit of a gamble. I don't think it's fair that Costco (i.e. Costco members) should pay for the fact a consumer doesn't "like" something. Now, if the studio were to agree to absorb the cost, that would be different. But Costco shouldn't pay, they're just providing you with products.

You're kidding, right? So you think that because a studio makes a film that doesn't agree with your tastes, that you're entitled to a refund for the entire purchase price? I think it's very unethical to return media that you have used - CD's, books, DVD's, whatever if you just didn't like it. All the companies give you fair warning - reviews, trailers, etc. to let you decide first, but it's always a bit of a gamble. I don't think it's fair that Costco (i.e. Costco members) should pay for the fact a consumer doesn't "like" something. Now, if the studio were to agree to absorb the cost, that would be different. But Costco shouldn't pay, they're just providing you with products.


Is it against Costco policy to return a movie, that's all that matters, not what you consider to unethical and immoral? If Costco did not want to honor that, they have the right to change their policy, as they did for televisions and projectors.

You're kidding, right? So you think that because a studio makes a film that doesn't agree with your tastes, that you're entitled to a refund for the entire purchase price? I think it's very unethical to return media that you have used - CD's, books, DVD's, whatever if you just didn't like it. All the companies give you fair warning - reviews, trailers, etc. to let you decide first, but it's always a bit of a gamble. I don't think it's fair that Costco (i.e. Costco members) should pay for the fact a consumer doesn't "like" something. Now, if the studio were to agree to absorb the cost, that would be different. But Costco shouldn't pay, they're just providing you with products.

In a way I understand what he is saying... This is not an issue of "I don't like the movie so I'm returning it." This is a "I don't like the quality/performance of what you are selling me" After all, they (HD-DVD / Blu Ray) are advertising that you are going to get a great picture and great sound with full hd 1080p, etc, etc.... Why should someone spend hours on the internet searching for multiple reviews to verify that a transfer is good or bad? When you go to the store, there is an impulse factor... You are not always thinking "Hmmm, let me go home and look up the reviews on the internet to see if i want to buy it"... Sometimes you're in the store and say"... didn't know they released ____ in high def... hmm it's only $xx.xx, i think I'll buy it" Some people don't want to go home and search and then drive back -- you SHOUDLN'T have to...We should expect quality in high def presentations...Just as a side note, I do my best to look up reviews before making a purchase, but it shouldn't be _expected_ of us

The high def transfer of The Fifth Element is a good example. Sony is re-releasing it because it wasn't a quality transfer... I doubt we're going to see this happen very often...

I will say that there are people who are not seeing the movie well enough to determine how good it is. If you are sitting 20 feet away from a 50 inch plasma, you won't notice any differences between the hd-dvd and the dvd. If that's the case, you shouldn't be allowed to return it.... If you have something that puts out a soft picture, bad contrast ratio, viewing in 480i/via composite cable, etc, etc.. you obviously shoudlnt be allowed to return it... it would be like a person returning a game because "it runs too slow" on his computer... of course he didnt realize that all the spyware on his computer was preventing him from running at a decent speed. When this is the case, it's not the quality of the game/movie, it's the quality of the equipment. This does not seem like the case with dysfunction26 as its obvious he's rented/bought other high def movies and obviously was happy with some or else he would have returned his hd-dvd player :) If it was an issue of piracy, he'd use his blockbuster/netflix account to do that....Unfortunately there's no way to determine a person's intent when he returns a movie...

I definitely agree that their is a certain amount of abuse involved with lenient return policies, but a company gives a lenient return policy as a way to attract consumers... if they aren't willing to deal with the consequences, they shouldn't do it... If they drop it, they lose their competitive advantage over other companies...

Agree or disagree?

I have some history with this issue because I have some friends that have worked at Costco for many many years. The fact of the matter is, people will do what they are allowed to do. Costco has changed their policy on TV's and other products that have a foreseeable half life so people cant take advantage of the "return it for life satisfaction guarantee policy". Doing things like this just forces Costco to change other policy's for all members, which takes away some of the perks of being a member. Personally I think its wrong to return media, Its something that can be copied, your not really buying the movie more so the rights to watch the movie anyway, and after you have watched it, you have consumed the goods. Now the fact that Costco sees it differently for people to return media makes them a store that i'll always shop at for many other goods, cause they do things differently than other stores out there; but since you are a member, and I guess Costco allows you to do this, its not really unethical cause your really not hiding anything but your intentions when buying. I would like to point out, Costco does look at your return history as a member and can refund you your membership and 86 you as a customer, so I can say it just may be matter of time before they flag your account for such activities. Why risk shopping at such a nice store as Costco for something so small. If you are unhappy with a particular title so much that you would like to return it, you should try to get your money back from the studio who is rightfully the ones at fault for the production. Costco is just a vessel to get you what you want at a good price, and offer a liberal return policy because they care about their members who have legitimate problems with media (eg playability issues ect.). I would say don't be a member that ruins that philosophy for the rest of us.

Just my .02-.03

K

In a way I understand what he is saying... This is not an issue of "I don't like the movie so I'm returning it." This is a "I don't like the quality/performance of what you are selling me" After all, they (HD-DVD / Blu Ray) are advertising that you are going to get a great picture and great sound with full hd 1080p, etc, etc.... Why should someone spend hours on the internet searching for multiple reviews to verify that a transfer is good or bad? When you go to the store, there is an impulse factor... You are not always thinking "Hmmm, let me go home and look up the reviews on the internet to see if i want to buy it"... Sometimes you're in the store and say"... didn't know they released ____ in high def... hmm it's only $xx.xx, i think I'll buy it" Some people don't want to go home and search and then drive back -- you SHOUDLN'T have to...We should expect quality in high def presentations...Just as a side note, I do my best to look up reviews before making a purchase, but it shouldn't be _expected_ of us

The high def transfer of The Fifth Element is a good example. Sony is re-releasing it because it wasn't a quality transfer... I doubt we're going to see this happen very often...

I will say that there are people who are not seeing the movie well enough to determine how good it is. If you are sitting 20 feet away from a 50 inch plasma, you won't notice any differences between the hd-dvd and the dvd. If that's the case, you shouldn't be allowed to return it.... If you have something that puts out a soft picture, bad contrast ratio, viewing in 480i/via composite cable, etc, etc.. you obviously shoudlnt be allowed to return it... it would be like a person returning a game because "it runs too slow" on his computer... of course he didnt realize that all the spyware on his computer was preventing him from running at a decent speed. When this is the case, it's not the quality of the game/movie, it's the quality of the equipment. This does not seem like the case with dysfunction26 as its obvious he's rented/bought other high def movies and obviously was happy with some or else he would have returned his hd-dvd player :) If it was an issue of piracy, he'd use his blockbuster/netflix account to do that....Unfortunately there's no way to determine a person's intent when he returns a movie...

I definitely agree that their is a certain amount of abuse involved with lenient return policies, but a company gives a lenient return policy as a way to attract consumers... if they aren't willing to deal with the consequences, they shouldn't do it... If they drop it, they lose their competitive advantage over other companies...

Agree or disagree?

I would have to disagree, I look at consumable media (ie music, movies) as something that should be looked at like food Items. If you don't know whether you like, or will like some specific characteristic of a type of food, but you consumed it, can you take it back.... NO you cant, you ate it all. This should be the mentality of Costco's members, and its legally correct for the most part in mimicking our laws for intellectual property. People don't understand all they are paying for is the "RIGHT" to see someone elses intellectual property, and once you've watched it, you've consumed it. Costco should be praised for being indifferent to allow members the right to return media for legitimate issues, not taken advantage of for it. Don't make them pay for one's opportunistic behavior.

It also made me laugh that you used the ignorant consumer approach about it being too cumbersome having to look up whether a movie is good or not, and posted it on an ENTHUSIASTS web page. We can not identify with the ignorant consumer.

I do not believe this would be unethical. A movie is just a product, and if you are not happy about a sandwich, you ask for another one. Not happy with your A1, or A2 you return it. Why would a movie be any different. I have bought movies and thought that studio owed me 2 hours of my life back. If there was a refund available I would have taken it. I think that most places take return on media in exchange for the same title only. But if Costco is willing to let someone bring something back, then more power to them and him.


This type of thinking is opportunistic behavior, and you are not comparing like Items as well. For one, if you have a sandwich at a restaurant, you can return it while you're at the restaurant, and certainly not if you have finished it. This is acceptable because you paid for the meal, and if you weren't satisfied with it during consuming it, you'll address the issue and they'll give a refund or replace the item. I believe this type of thinking in a restaurant is ok behavior, walking out in the middle of a movie (IN A THEATRE) is the correct example for a comparison. Now comparing eating food at a restaurant to buying a movie off the shelf, opening the package to watch it, and subsequently not liking it and wanting a refund.... thats no ones fault but your own for picking a consumable product and complaining after you have consumed it. We do have measures that will tell you if the movie is a stinker or not. Bare in mind also, one person's sh$t bag is another person's Prada, so when opinion is involved in defining whether something is good or not good, satisfaction is ruled out as a guarantee after consumption.
I feel a lot of times we as consumers need to put ourselves in the perspective of the businesses we criticize for unethical business practices. If you owned a movie shop, would you allow people to return movies because they didn't like them? Your answer should be the expectation that you will accept and live by at the retailers you shop at, if its different, you're a hypocrite and being opportunistic.

Kdbing is absolutely right.

I have worked for Costco for 15 years and even worked as a return clerk for a little while. In that particular position, you really do see it all. Some examples....A woman returned ONE roll of toilet paper claiming that the two ply would "separate" and got a FULL refund for her 32 roll purchase. One guy brought back a fan that was so clogged with dirt and dust and it stopped working, the fan just happened to be 7 years old, he got his $22 back. Another guy returned a stack of DVDs claiming that "he was done watching them" and was refunded in FULL. Now, this can only go on for so long, which is why Costco in the US has changed it's return policy, with Canada and other regions to follow by years end.

The days of upgrading a 5 year old computer because "it's too slow" are pretty much over. Oh, and we don't necessarily spy on accounts, in Canada this is considered by government to be an invasion of privacy. We can still trace large purchase returns, so return a computer just under 90 days three times and we simply say "NO".

The saying "the customer is always right" stops at abuse. Use the liberal return policy for legitimate issues, but once you start to scam the system, your membership gets pulled and cancelled, and I have seen it all too often.

Is it really worth it in the end?

Now, I have returned DVDs in the past because they were scratched and we didn't have any other copies, so in a case like that, you get your money back.

-Murray

all I'm saying is that people that abuse a return policy will not only cause it to change, but also drive up the prices for everyone. If you're not sure if you will like a movie, rent it first, if you like it, then go and purchase it. Not really that hard.

All I am saying, is who's to judge what is unethical and immoral? We have laws for that, is returning a DVD against the law? It just gets on my nerves when someone tries to tell someone they are unethical, because they are doing something that is allowed. Like I said, if I want to buy an older movie I have already watched on SD DVD and don't like the transfer, I want to be able to return it. If I know I like the movie, I don't want the hassle of renting the HD version and then buying it.


the "who's to judge" drivel you're talking about sound like the defense NAMBLA uses. all you do when you buy and return a movie is push costco toward changing their policy.

You missed the point with the whole "ignorant consumer" argument. I said I, myself, look up reviews. but not everyone - even enthusiasts - are going to look up everything every time. Look over the threads... many people on this forum talk about their impulsive habbits when it comes to buying movies. You will also see many threads where people mention how they are not satisfied with the transfer of a movie... but they like the movie.

Here's the way it is. There are a few people who ruin things for everyone else. People can't return movies because others before them did so for reasons other than dissatisfaction... This person has a legitimate reason for returning the movie but cannot do so because of the strict rules (not even sure if Costco accepts returns on movies).

I'll rebring up the Fifth Element. They are re-releasing it because of overall consumer dissatisfaction with the quality of the transfer... it's not, however, the only movie that suffers from a poor transfer on high definition media....

I would have to disagree, I look at consumable media (ie music, movies) as something that should be looked at like food Items. If you don't know whether you like, or will like some specific characteristic of a type of food, but you consumed it, can you take it back.... NO you cant, you ate it all. This should be the mentality of Costco's members, and its legally correct for the most part in mimicking our laws for intellectual property. People don't understand all they are paying for is the "RIGHT" to see someone elses intellectual property, and once you've watched it, you've consumed it. Costco should be praised for being indifferent to allow members the right to return media for legitimate issues, not taken advantage of for it. Don't make them pay for one's opportunistic behavior.

It also made me laugh that you used the ignorant consumer approach about it being too cumbersome having to look up whether a movie is good or not, and posted it on an ENTHUSIASTS web page. We can not identify with the ignorant consumer.

all I'm saying is that people that abuse a return policy will not only cause it to change, but also drive up the prices for everyone. If you're not sure if you will like a movie, rent it first, if you like it, then go and purchase it. Not really that hard.

I am not defending abuse of return policy. I think people return a lot of stuff for the wrong reasons. Companies have to put up with a lot of crap. At the same time, because of this, it makes it hard for people to return stuff when there's a legitimate reason. In this case, he clearly stated he did not return it because he didnt like the movie. He wanted to return it because the HD transfer did not merit the upgrade cost.

I myself try to find reviews before making purchases, but there is an impulse factor when you are in a store. As far as renting first... think about the extra hoops it makes the consumer go through.... Either spend 2-3 hours of your life looking up reviews, or spend 3-4 bucks renting the movie so that you can spend anoher 25 to buy it... and oh yeah, you already own it on DVD so what is the total cost of the movie after all that?

All I'm saying is, not everyone who returns something is doing so for a shady reason. You'll always find those who capitalize on others' leniency and that is the main reason why companies are becoming more and more strict on what can or can't be returned.

I am not defending abuse of return policy. I think people return a lot of stuff for the wrong reasons. Companies have to put up with a lot of crap. At the same time, because of this, it makes it hard for people to return stuff when there's a legitimate reason. In this case, he clearly stated he did not return it because he didnt like the movie. He wanted to return it because the HD transfer did not merit the upgrade cost.

I myself try to find reviews before making purchases, but there is an impulse factor when you are in a store. As far as renting first... think about the extra hoops it makes the consumer go through.... Either spend 2-3 hours of your life looking up reviews, or spend 3-4 bucks renting the movie so that you can spend anoher 25 to buy it... and oh yeah, you already own it on DVD so what is the total cost of the movie after all that?

All I'm saying is, not everyone who returns something is doing so for a shady reason. You'll always find those who capitalize on others' leniency and that is the main reason why companies are becoming more and more strict on what can or can't be returned.


This makes me think that maybe I should buy one of every HD DVD costco has in stock, make a copy and return...yeah!! :p

I can actually appreciate the OP's argument. It's my understanding that Costco has a special arrangement with all of the manufacturer such that when something gets returned they return it back to the manufacturer and get reimbursed. If true, returning a movie with a bad transfer hurts the movie producer's bottom line more than Costco's, which would be a good thing if they properly "got the message" that these returned discs were due to poor transfers.

Of course, what is a "bad transfer"? If they deliver a pristine copy of an original poor quality film reel, is that a good transfer or a bad transfer? More to the point, is that all the consumer can/should expect from them? What if it's impossible to obtain a better film original and the best that can be delivered on HD-DVD will be no better than what a standard DVD could offer? Is a studio doing something unethical by releasing an HD-DVD version of it?

In the end, though, as the OP states, it doesn't much matter what anyone here thinks about the idea of returning a movie to Costco. If their policy allows it "with no questions asked", then that's their policy, and if they're not happy about people making use of it, then they should change it.

Seriously just rent the movie first then buy it if you like it, i used to work for a major retail corporation and when you return stuff like that all your doing is forcing the company to change their policies, we were forced to change ours because of people like this who would buy wetsuits bikes or tents and just return them after they were done, thats bs man and so is what your trying to pull, it ruins it for everyone.

You missed the point with the whole "ignorant consumer" argument. I said I, myself, look up reviews. but not everyone - even enthusiasts - are going to look up everything every time. Look over the threads... many people on this forum talk about their impulsive habbits when it comes to buying movies. You will also see many threads where people mention how they are not satisfied with the transfer of a movie... but they like the movie.

Here's the way it is. There are a few people who ruin things for everyone else. People can't return movies because others before them did so for reasons other than dissatisfaction... This person has a legitimate reason for returning the movie but cannot do so because of the strict rules (not even sure if Costco accepts returns on movies).

I'll rebring up the Fifth Element. They are re-releasing it because of overall consumer dissatisfaction with the quality of the transfer... it's not, however, the only movie that suffers from a poor transfer on high definition media....

I didn't specify to not liking it just because the movie was a stinker, I was encompassing all reasons you open the movie and watch it, don't like it, and want a refund, If its defective then you should be able to get the same movie and they open it for you. It doesn't matter if the transfer is not up to your liking, or you just didn't feel the same movie experience at home like you did in the theatre, look at it like this, if you read a book and didn't like the way the book set with you for whatever reason out side of defect, do you think you should be able to return it.

And I did see exaclty what you were saying regarding the ignorant consumer, I was just saying YOU cant relate to him, you have a higher tolerance to things like transfers and PQ and audio and what not, bringing your skewed views and trying to relate to and ignorant consumer in a scenario is ridiculous, an ignorant consumer or an uninformed impulse buying individual, usually isn't critical and nonchalant all at the same time, thats a conflict of characters. I would hate to be someone who is a picky person who does things on a whim. I believe those people are called SUCKERS, and would do well to research something if they are not easily satisfied.

There is nothing unethical or moral about buying and returning a product.

If the store allows it then it's fine.

What we must remember, is that the movie studios (and software developers) would have a tough time making profits if people were able to watch their shows (use their software) and then return it. That's why most stores don't allow it. Period.

Now, I don't want the music or movie industry to go bankrupt because everyone can watch a movie or listen to music over the weekend and then return it for new stuff. That would kill the industry.

However, I also don't think it's right for the movie industry to hide behind a "no return" policy and put out crap that you are stuck with. That was one of the big failings of the music industry. They would put out a hit single. You go buy the CD and it's the only good song! That stung too many people.

So, let's look at this. If it's not abused then it's generally accepted to return something you watched or used. I think it's ABSOLUTELY ok to return opened software, music, movies, games, or whatever if it doesn't do what it stated, doesn't meet your tastes, etc...

In fact, in many theatures, you can walk out after having watch half the movie and get a refund. You can return books you bought at book stores. What if you read it and returned it? It's allowed. It's hopefully not abused, but if the book's inside cover isn't what the book is about then you should have the right to return it.

Finally, there have been stores and continue to exist, stores in which you can return opened stuff. Costco is one of them. Certain Software Etc.. used to allow you to return their new games opened for full refund within 48 hours, JUST IN CASE YOU HATED THE GAME!!!

I think the point it that we don't abuse it or those few stores will change their policy.

Also, many stores have done some great things to improve your ability to preview items before you buy. larger music stores have listening headphones and you can hear previews, Xbox live lets you download most games, and yes the internet is full of previews, reviews, and forums. It's gotten better for the consumer.

But that's not an excuse to publish crap and expect consumers to be stuck with it.

If anyone thinks that's immoral, then what if you buy a carpet cleaner that doesn't perform like you wanted or the box said. You take it home, use it, and it doesn't work well. You should be able to return it. Sure you used it.

I don't see why movie buyers should be screwed out of that same logic.

There is nothing unethical or moral about buying and returning a product.

If the store allows it then it's fine.

What we must remember, is that the movie studios (and software developers) would have a tough time making profits if people were able to watch their shows (use their software) and then return it. That's why most stores don't allow it. Period.

Now, I don't want the music or movie industry to go bankrupt because everyone can watch a movie or listen to music over the weekend and then return it for new stuff. That would kill the industry.

However, I also don't think it's right for the movie industry to hide behind a "no return" policy and put out crap that you are stuck with. That was one of the big failings of the music industry. They would put out a hit single. You go buy the CD and it's the only good song! That stung too many people.

So, let's look at this. If it's not abused then it's generally accepted to return something you watched or used. I think it's ABSOLUTELY ok to return opened software, music, movies, games, or whatever if it doesn't do what it stated, doesn't meet your tastes, etc...

In fact, in many theatures, you can walk out after having watch half the movie and get a refund. You can return books you bought at book stores. What if you read it and returned it? It's allowed. It's hopefully not abused, but if the book's inside cover isn't what the book is about then you should have the right to return it.

Finally, there have been stores and continue to exist, stores in which you can return opened stuff. Costco is one of them. Certain Software Etc.. used to allow you to return their new games opened for full refund within 48 hours, JUST IN CASE YOU HATED THE GAME!!!

I think the point it that we don't abuse it or those few stores will change their policy.

Also, many stores have done some great things to improve your ability to preview items before you buy. larger music stores have listening headphones and you can hear previews, Xbox live lets you download most games, and yes the internet is full of previews, reviews, and forums. It's gotten better for the consumer.

But that's not an excuse to publish crap and expect consumers to be stuck with it.

If anyone thinks that's immoral, then what if you buy a carpet cleaner that doesn't perform like you wanted or the box said. You take it home, use it, and it doesn't work well. You should be able to return it. Sure you used it.

I don't see why movie buyers should be screwed out of that same logic.

This is a tirade from someone who doesn't appreciate/understand intellectual property. We have song writers and producers that have the government backing them saying its not your movie, its just a purchase price for the RIGHT to view or listen to it. The example you used on a carpet cleaner... you cant compare that, we have buyers remorse laws that protect the consumer on non-consumable goods, thats why most stores have to have a x-many day return policy.

Every major movie theater chain (and some independent ones) have a clear customer policy which is: If you buy a ticket and do not enjoy the show (5 minutes or the whole movie) they will GLADLY refund your money.

So the question becomes...if someone purchased the same movie and watched 10 minutes of the movie (or more) and the PQ, SQ, or content was bad, is it wrong to return said movie to the retailer if they GLADY accept returns?

That's a tough answer but if I was in the dvd business and had a generous return/refund policy that includes open dvds then I would not hold it against the consumer if they were genuinely unhappy with the contenet for whatever reason. IF that was my policy.

And yes, I have run businesses and now advise large billion dollar corporations on global business strategy (including corporate policies). So I do get the point many are making.

Tough call...

Originally Posted by coolstrategist
Every major movie theater chain (and some independent ones) have a clear customer policy which is: If you buy a ticket and do not enjoy the show (5 minutes or the whole movie) they will GLADLY refund your money.

Man, I guess I have to move to Atlanta... I don't usually walk out of movies, but it's a hassle to get a refund here in LA after watching 5 minutes of a film.

fitprod

This is a tirade from someone who doesn't appreciate/understand intellectual property. We have song writers and producers that have the government backing them saying its not your movie, its just a purchase price for the RIGHT to view or listen to it. The example you used on a carpet cleaner... you cant compare that, we have buyers remorse laws that protect the consumer on non-consumable goods, thats why most stores have to have a x-many day return policy.


Intellectual propert has nothing to do with a store's policy of letting you return a movie. Now, if someone were to buy the movie, copy of the movie, sell copies of the movie, and then return it...well, then you STILL WOULD be dealing with two separate things.

There is no reason that consumers have to be stuck with movies when they buy them, other than the retailer and the music industry want to assure their profits. That's not a bad thing. That's business. Like I said, I actually support the fact that the music and movie industry should survive. We don't want everyone subverting sales at retail by returning everything after watching it like a free rental system.

But let's not confuse store return policy, especially one that does allow returns, with Intellectual property rights and laws or morality, like some posted.

I can actually appreciate the OP's argument. It's my understanding that Costco has a special arrangement with all of the manufacturer such that when something gets returned they return it back to the manufacturer and get reimbursed. If true, returning a movie with a bad transfer hurts the movie producer's bottom line more than Costco's, which would be a good thing if they properly "got the message" that these returned discs were due to poor transfers.

Of course, what is a "bad transfer"? If they deliver a pristine copy of an original poor quality film reel, is that a good transfer or a bad transfer? More to the point, is that all the consumer can/should expect from them? What if it's impossible to obtain a better film original and the best that can be delivered on HD-DVD will be no better than what a standard DVD could offer? Is a studio doing something unethical by releasing an HD-DVD version of it?

In the end, though, as the OP states, it doesn't much matter what anyone here thinks about the idea of returning a movie to Costco. If their policy allows it "with no questions asked", then that's their policy, and if they're not happy about people making use of it, then they should change it.

Oh boy. There is no "full reimbursement" for things like this. Costco EATS the loss, yes, you heard that right. This is why the policy is changing, period.

Get it, good. :)

-Murray

long ago comp usa would give you a full refund on soft ware if you weren't satisfied...

I already have the 3 movie Blockbuster ALL ACCESS pass. Returning a movie because you don't like the content, is not unethical. Who's to say what's immoral, or unethical? Most people base there "morals" and "ethics" on the Bible (which I don't believe in anyhow). Does the Bible say I can't return a DVD to Costco? I don't buy anything without renting first, but I would like to have the option of returning something if I am not satisfied with the transfer.

An amazing amount of BS. I believe you actually believe what you're spouting. It's pathetic. And no amount of spin can change that. You chose a very appropriate name for yourself.

An amazing amount of BS. I believe you actually believe what you're spouting. It's pathetic. And no amount of spin can change that. You chose a very appropriate name for yourself.

Frank,

He is actually right. It's not a matter of ethics regarding returning a movie. You know a long time ago, it used to be rather irksome to buy games or music and not be able to return it, especially if it was poor quality. People used to think it was unethical for the music industry to charge you so much and once you opened it you could not return it whether you liked it or not. However, that's not ethics either.

It's been so long that the retail industry has had the business model of not allowing returns that some youngsters actually think it's some sort of moral value.

I ask of you then, what ethical tenet is broken when a store allows you to return a movie?

I understand why stores don't like opened returned software. What would prevent someone from buying all 100 CDs, ripping it all to their PC, then returning the music? Same thing for movies.

Seriously just rent the movie first then buy it if you like it, i used to work for a major retail corporation and when you return stuff like that all your doing is forcing the company to change their policies, we were forced to change ours because of people like this who would buy wetsuits bikes or tents and just return them after they were done, thats bs man and so is what your trying to pull, it ruins it for everyone.
I'm glad someone gets it. Thank you for your offering of common sense. If you don't know if you like it or not, RENT IT. The OP can rationalize all he wants, if you buy it, watch it then say "meh, not good enough" then take it back it is dishonest and it hurts the industry and consumers. Go ahead sugarcoat your dishonesty by hiding behind the "l have different morals than you" facade.

Intellectual propert has nothing to do with a store's policy of letting you return a movie. Now, if someone were to buy the movie, copy of the movie, sell copies of the movie, and then return it...well, then you STILL WOULD be dealing with two separate things.

There is no reason that consumers have to be stuck with movies when they buy them, other than the retailer and the music industry want to assure their profits. That's not a bad thing. That's business. Like I said, I actually support the fact that the music and movie industry should survive. We don't want everyone subverting sales at retail by returning everything after watching it like a free rental system.

But let's not confuse store return policy, especially one that does allow returns, with Intellectual property rights and laws or morality, like some posted.

Like I said in my first post, "people do what they are allowed to do" just cause you can do it doesn't make it right. Laws are developed to keep us from doing things that our better judgement sometimes might not keep us from doing, and capitalizing on anothers graciousness. Costco has changed its stance on many things for this. I would feel as members, people would have more loyalty to being a member and not to themselves in taking movies back. I believe this is 100% a intellectual property discussion, mainly because we are only buying the right to see the movie to judge whether it is good or not good, from whatever point of view. If your reasoning is transfer, the movie sucking, or whatever excuse you want to have for being discontent, I feel you are paying for something that is a consumable resource, and you are consuming it when you read it, eat it, or watch it. You are paying for the right to watch it in its full entirety, and paying for those rights to say I'VE SEEN IT AND NOW I HAVE AN OPINION ABOUT IT THAT I WOULDN'T HAVE IF I DIDN'T CONSUME IT. I would love for anyone of you to attach yourself to a project, be it book, movie, or music, put it out there for market, and see if your OPINION doesn't change. The difference is as a consumer we go by what we think is fair from a nonconsumable goods stand point, and I feel that cant be compared because the law tells us that stores must give us some return time for buyer remorse, but for consumable goods, if opened are exempt. But if you think its right for you to see someones intellectual property and not have to pay for it, cause you didn't like it, you just don't understand what your really buying when you plop down your 20 bux for an HDDVD. And I am a person that walks out IN THE MIDDLE OF A MOVIE all the time and asks for my money back, but if the movie compelled me, and I stayed for THE ENTIRE thing and still didn't like it, than I have to concede that I PICKED A BAD MOVIE, but did get to see why it didn't fair well with me, and ill be that much more the wiser next time when I choose the actors, directors, or producers next film.

Its hard to argue with people who want their cake and eat it too.


"ONE'S PERCEPTION OF SELF ENTITLEMENT IS THE PROBLEM HERE."

I know some of you guys must be ex-inside traders for Enron.

I can actually appreciate the OP's argument. It's my understanding that Costco has a special arrangement with all of the manufacturer such that when something gets returned they return it back to the manufacturer and get reimbursed. If true, returning a movie with a bad transfer hurts the movie producer's bottom line more than Costco's, which would be a good thing if they properly "got the message" that these returned discs were due to poor transfers.

Of course, what is a "bad transfer"? If they deliver a pristine copy of an original poor quality film reel, is that a good transfer or a bad transfer? More to the point, is that all the consumer can/should expect from them? What if it's impossible to obtain a better film original and the best that can be delivered on HD-DVD will be no better than what a standard DVD could offer? Is a studio doing something unethical by releasing an HD-DVD version of it?

In the end, though, as the OP states, it doesn't much matter what anyone here thinks about the idea of returning a movie to Costco. If their policy allows it "with no questions asked", then that's their policy, and if they're not happy about people making use of it, then they should change it.

You dont know what your talking about, Costco takes a loss on most returned goods and sales them to Liquidators, I know because my uncle owns one of the Liquidators that buys from them in Arizona.

To KDBing,

Ok, to be honest, the only movie I remember getting a refund for was Crank. It only took 10 or 15 minutes of that MTV style editing and poor acting to tell me it wasn't worth the money. All in all, I have walked out of about 3 maybe 4 movies in my lifetime. In all cases I didn't ask for a refund (other than Crank). I don't think it's right to stay till the end of the movie and then ask for a refund. That's my take.

Now, per your consumable argument. If you view movies as consumables that's your perogative. I still have all the movies I bought. I am glad my movies are not consumed because I enjoy re-watching them from time to time.

I get what you are saying about the movie industry wanting us to in effect "license" the movie. They would love to have us pay every time we see it. They hate that we can play the movie over and over. Heck that is why the studios loved the whole DIVX disc thing was. But that crashed and burned as most people rejected the notion that they don't own it. I like to own the movie. THankfully I did not sign a contract or license like you mention.

Anyway, the point is moot since some stores do allow returns. It's not unethical.

I think it's entirely fair to expect a consumer would want to return a movie that might be horrible quality transfer, or for instance if parents bought Pan's Labrynth for their kids only to see it and be shocked. Remember, not everyone is as obsessed with movies as we are and do tons of research and know details about everything. There have been CD's that I bought because an artist put out a single that was one style, perhaps a rock singer that was in the style of their previous rock CDs. Then to my surprise the rest of the CD is all heavy metal and nothing like their normal style. It's nice that they are branching out but it's a little misleading that they publish a single that's just like their last stuff and consumers buy it thinking, hey more of what I like only to be suckered.

However, if we were to extend the notion that returning a movie is "unethical" then it's quite allowed for studios to do false advertising with no recourse for the consumer. I don't think that's the best route.

I realize the industry would not be able to sustain itself if everyone could sidestep buying something by using it and then returning it. Hey it's the same in both consumable and not consumable worlds. No business could survive if eveyrone were allowed to use the product then return it. Fortunately returning things is still allowed and is small enough problem that businesses can still survive.

I just dont think we see from the same perspective, the bait and switch yes is deceptive, but when I say a consumable resource, Im saying you are buying the rights to see it again and again on your owned DVD. DVD's take a while to go from theatre to media, and usually by that time one should be up to speed whether its a film they would even like. Purchasing a DVD is a bigger statement of saying you want to own it for life, more so than wanting to watch it to see if its good. Personally I feel a person who BUYS a movie out right is saying its good enough for me to put it in my collection. Would you walk up to a girl who is beautiflul but you dont know whats inside, and say how bout we spend the rest of our lives together... no you wouldnt, and if so I have a cousin with 4 kids from 4 different dudes and shes a beautiful woman ;) but just a bit missunderstood. Blind buy is a statement that encompasses ones own accountability on the risk they are taking in buying an Item. (especially a consumbable Item.)

To KDBing,


Ok, to be honest, the only movie I remember getting a refund for was Crank. It only took 10 or 15 minutes of that MTV style editing and poor acting to tell me it wasn't worth the money. All in all, I have walked out of about 3 maybe 4 movies in my lifetime. In all cases I didn't ask for a refund (other than Crank). I don't think it's right to stay till the end of the movie and then ask for a refund. That's my take.

Now, per your consumable argument. If you view movies as consumables that's your perogative. I still have all the movies I bought. I am glad my movies are not consumed because I enjoy re-watching them from time to time.

I get what you are saying about the movie industry wanting us to in effect "license" the movie. They would love to have us pay every time we see it. They hate that we can play the movie over and over. Heck that is why the studios loved the whole DIVX disc thing was. But that crashed and burned as most people rejected the notion that they don't own it. I like to own the movie. THankfully I did not sign a contract or license like you mention.

Anyway, the point is moot since some stores do allow returns. It's not unethical.

I think it's entirely fair to expect a consumer would want to return a movie that might be horrible quality transfer, or for instance if parents bought Pan's Labrynth for their kids only to see it and be shocked. Remember, not everyone is as obsessed with movies as we are and do tons of research and know details about everything. There have been CD's that I bought because an artist put out a single that was one style, perhaps a rock singer that was in the style of their previous rock CDs. Then to my surprise the rest of the CD is all heavy metal and nothing like their normal style. It's nice that they are branching out but it's a little misleading that they publish a single that's just like their last stuff and consumers buy it thinking, hey more of what I like only to be suckered.

However, if we were to extend the notion that returning a movie is "unethical" then it's quite allowed for studios to do false advertising with no recourse for the consumer. I don't think that's the best route.

I realize the industry would not be able to sustain itself if everyone could sidestep buying something by using it and then returning it. Hey it's the same in both consumable and not consumable worlds. No business could survive if eveyrone were allowed to use the product then return it. Fortunately returning things is still allowed and is small enough problem that businesses can still survive.

Purchasing a DVD is a bigger statement of saying you want to own it for life, more so than wanting to watch it to see if its good. Personally I feel a person who BUYS a movie out right is saying its good enough for me to put it in my collection. Blind buy is a statement that encompasses ones own accountability on the risk they are taking in buying an Item. (especially a consumbable Item.)

That is a good point. I think your point is only valid, though, because we are so accustomed to not being able to return movies for so long. Sure, any adult, having grown up over the past 10-20 years should be very well familiar with the notion that you can't return a movie you bought. Sure, when I buy movies I know I am accepting it might be bad (for those rare movies I blind buy). I have had a couple recently even that were stinkers in my opinion. I usually give them away to friends that might be interested in the genre.

I don't think it would benefit the industry to return bought movies. But I also don't see it as an ethical or moral dilemma if a store allows it and someone does it.

Looking at the OP's posts, it seems he is just cheap. This ethical / moral discussions are merely a diversion.

That is a good point. I think your point is only valid, though, because we are so accustomed to not being able to return movies for so long. Sure, any adult, having grown up over the past 10-20 years should be very well familiar with the notion that you can't return a movie you bought. Sure, when I buy movies I know I am accepting it might be bad (for those rare movies I blind buy). I have had a couple recently even that were stinkers in my opinion. I usually give them away to friends that might be interested in the genre.

I don't think it would benefit the industry to return bought movies. But I also don't see it as an ethical or moral dilemma if a store allows it and someone does it.


I like your statement ... the key point is that we have been manipulated into thinking it's wrong to return a movie/software/media...

Let me tell you why.... We know the return policy is not there because of piracy... you can pirate a movie when you rent it.. so let's thow that out as a valid reason..

Women buy expensive dresses and return them after they attend a wedding. People will buy a rotisserie machine and return it after they've made their turkeys... Someone can buy a book and return it (even if they've read the whole thing)...

I definitely agree that in all of the above scenarios, the consumers did something wrong -- they got their enjoyment out of the item, and returned it...essentially getting it for free..... But what makes the DVD/Software/media a special case???

Purchasing a DVD is a bigger statement of saying you want to own it for life, more so than wanting to watch it to see if its good. Personally I feel a person who BUYS a movie out right is saying its good enough for me to put it in my collection.

See, this is a fuzzy area... Scenario: You watch a movie in the theater and you like it enough to buy it (the right to view it as many times as you like). When you purchase it, the only option is the full-screen version. A year later, they re-release it in widescreen... then they release the "special director's cut" a year later...THEN a yr later, they sell it on HD-DVD. Since you are, in essence, paying for the "right to view it", why can you not get access to the higher def content when it's available? After all, you are buying the right to view the intellectual property....and they didn't provide the intellectual property in a format that allows you to realize the true intentions of artists/director... up until the newest...

The studios will re-release the same movie multiple, and people will keep re-purchasing the "right" to have it as as part of their collection.... Many would call it "smart business" .... but at the same time they have us beleiving "returning" a movie is immoral, and unethical.... They are really good at brainwashing us....

What does Costco do with the media after it is returned? I remember back some years ago I could buy new games (nintendo 64) from Gamestop and return them within 7 days. I don't know if this was at all their stores , but the one by me did this. I asked them once what they did with the new games, and they said they re-shrink wrap them up and sell them for new again. Fast forward ten years to today, the store no longer does this, but they still do the 7 days for all used games, which I will take back when I don't like the game, I read the reviews but I am more willing to take a chance at buying the product if I know I can return it for any reason. I just bought an open box projector because it had a return policy without restocking fee. Of course doing this returning with new products is different since as some of you have pointed out, policies like this get taken advantage of and then changed. But why should the O.P. care, if Costco is allowing this, then he should be able to return without people jumping down his throat. If you go to a restaurant and don't like the meal, they will bring you a new one, if you try to get to many meals they will cut you off. Costco knows this about their policy, I'm sure they know people will take advantage of it, but they still allow it. They are giving you 100% satisfaction by means of a membership price.

Just because you can legally do something doesn't mean that it isn't selfish.

Frank,

He is actually right. It's not a matter of ethics regarding returning a movie. You know a long time ago, it used to be rather irksome to buy games or music and not be able to return it, especially if it was poor quality. People used to think it was unethical for the music industry to charge you so much and once you opened it you could not return it whether you liked it or not. However, that's not ethics either.

It's been so long that the retail industry has had the business model of not allowing returns that some youngsters actually think it's some sort of moral value.

I ask of you then, what ethical tenet is broken when a store allows you to return a movie?What makes movies any different than a book? I've never known anyone that thinks it's OK to buy a book, read it, and then return it because they didn't like it. If you think you might not like a book and can't afford the risk of purchasing it, get it from the library. Same goes for movies - if you think there is any risk in purchasing a movie, rent it first.

Women buy expensive dresses and return them after they attend a wedding. People will buy a rotisserie machine and return it after they've made their turkeys... Someone can buy a book and return it (even if they've read the whole thing)...

I definitely agree that in all of the above scenarios, the consumers did something wrong -- they got their enjoyment out of the item, and returned it...essentially getting it for free..... But what makes the DVD/Software/media a special case???

Yes, in all cases what is being done is not fair. But the problem is for the retailer. How are they do know if the person is lying or legitimately didn't use it? Or if the person states it doesn't work? Let's say they baught a rotisserie machine and it burns the chicken every time and doesn't produce the proper results. Or a lady buys the wedding dress and it falls apart at the seems before even putting it on. Now they should be able to return it. Same with a movie that has a horrible transfer or for instance recently it might not play in an HD DVD player because it's a combo disc.

Should the person be stuck with their purchases? Most would say the rotisserie machine and wedding dress could be returned but not the movie. Why? Because we are used to it? Why can't we return it? Sure stores will let you EXCHANGE it for another copy. That's not returning it though.

Let's say I bought the Fountain to watch with my friends from a store near work on Friday. My friends come over that night and I put the movie it. Since it's a combo disc it has problems and won't play. So I go to a different store and buy it again. This disc works. Well now I own two copies and can't return either. So, because of the "can't return opened movies" you don't get the same return policy as other products. It never did happen to me since I know I can't return movies, I would never buy it again at another store.. Instead, I would have to watch a different movie and exchange the bad Fountain to the original store another day.

Here's another scenario. You buy Mission Impossible 2 on HD DVD. It won't play. You return to the store and they have no more copies of MI:2. You are screwed right? You have to walk out of the store with a broken copy of the movie right? Wrong, no store will do that to you. They will all of the sudden offer an exchange FOR ANOTHER MOVIE, or give you store credit, or in many cases refund your money. Well that seems to break the whole situation. All of the sudden they will return your money? All of the sudden the store is contributing to unethical practices? No, because it's not an ethical issue. It's a how they balance revenues with customer service.

These are just examples.

I think the problem is for the retailer to decide if you are lying or not and got use out of the product or not. In most cases, returns are not that big of a problem so stores decide as a policy to accept the customer's word. In Costco's case they go one step further and say we will even allow you to return used things at their lose.

In Costco's case, if they find the return value to be minimal they can keep their policy. If it begins to hurt them, then they will change their policy. Much like they did with TV's and laptops.

I agree. The real point of this entire debate is that there are circumstances where returning a DVD should be acceptable. None of us on here beleive that we should be able to buy a movie, watch it and return it (like a free rental). The biggest issue for retailers is how can they tell if the reason for return is legitimate.. in most cases for software/movies/music, it's not, so that's why they made that rule...

We also know that Costco's policy is abused a lot.. Heck, someone was telling me about a guy who bought a lawn mower 3 years ago... it broke, so he returned it and got a new one for free... Most would agree that it was "wrong"... others would say "well if they allow it, then who cares...." I'm guessing Costco keeps a record of what a customer does. If they determine that the Customer is causing them great loss, they won't allow them to shop there anymore.... I doubt someone will be able to buy an item, return it, buy another item, return, and repeat this process for very long before they are told "we no longer want your business".

Yes, in all cases what is being done is not fair. But the problem is for the retailer. How are they do know if the person is lying or legitimately didn't use it? Or if the person states it doesn't work? Let's say they baught a rotisserie machine and it burns the chicken every time and doesn't produce the proper results. Or a lady buys the wedding dress and it falls apart at the seems before even putting it on. Now they should be able to return it. Same with a movie that has a horrible transfer or for instance recently it might not play in an HD DVD player because it's a combo disc.

Should the person be stuck with their purchases? Most would say the rotisserie machine and wedding dress could be returned but not the movie. Why? Because we are used to it? Why can't we return it? Sure stores will let you EXCHANGE it for another copy. That's not returning it though.

Let's say I bought the Fountain to watch with my friends from a store near work on Friday. My friends come over that night and I put the movie it. Since it's a combo disc it has problems and won't play. So I go to a different store and buy it again. This disc works. Well now I own two copies and can't return either. So, because of the "can't return opened movies" you don't get the same return policy as other products. It never did happen to me since I know I can't return movies, I would never buy it again at another store.. Instead, I would have to watch a different movie and exchange the bad Fountain to the original store another day.

Here's another scenario. You buy Mission Impossible 2 on HD DVD. It won't play. You return to the store and they have no more copies of MI:2. You are screwed right? You have to walk out of the store with a broken copy of the movie right? Wrong, no store will do that to you. They will all of the sudden offer an exchange FOR ANOTHER MOVIE, or give you store credit, or in many cases refund your money. Well that seems to break the whole situation. All of the sudden they will return your money? All of the sudden the store is contributing to unethical practices? No, because it's not an ethical issue. It's a how they balance revenues with customer service.

These are just examples.

I think the problem is for the retailer to decide if you are lying or not and got use out of the product or not. In most cases, returns are not that big of a problem so stores decide as a policy to accept the customer's word. In Costco's case they go one step further and say we will even allow you to return used things at their lose.

In Costco's case, if they find the return value to be minimal they can keep their policy. If it begins to hurt them, then they will change their policy. Much like they did with TV's and laptops.

Nothing wrong with return defective unit.

Returning unit because you didn't like it to be frank is just plain cheap and show irresponsibility.

When you buy the product, you made a choice. You made a BAD choice by picking up software that you don't like and you want other to suffer.

Who said anything about keeping the movie ? That's what eBay is for. Don't want to keep it ? Sell it.

Yes there is nothing difference with return a watched movies than return dress, return book, return Hidef TV after the Super Bowl (it's more common than you think) or even complain about a meal after they eat half of it (used to work at a restaurant in my college year, fk hate that ****).

Yes the DVD and Software freeloader is nothing special, they're the same cheap, irresponsibility and selfish, living at the expense of other's bastard.

Of course there are people that's not doing this stuff, there are even people who pay extra because of this stuff. Worse are the kind that's thinking they are "stick it up to the man". Oh please save me the BS: you just lazy and want everything for free.

Rent hd dvd movie $4.25

Buy hd dvd movie $24.95

sit back, relax and enjoy HD DVD. (PRICELESS)

Return purchased hd dvd movie no good

This thread is not getting somewhere. Everybody need to take up
the course GMRC stands for GOOD MORAL and RIGHT CONDUCT.

ooops time now for me to cook dinner before my wife kick me out....


Oh can I return my wife to her parents :D

I think it's amazing how this kind of discussion is okay here and question why the OP hasn't been banned.

I think it's amazing how this kind of discussion is okay here and question why the OP hasn't been banned.

Why would he be banned?

Why would he be banned?

I guess I just frequent forums that don't take kindly to idiocy?

The OP has basically said, "I'm going to use Costco as my free (minus Costco membership fees) rental place! I'm going to buy HD DVDs, watch them and return them unless I'm 100% satisfied." The forums where I mainly visit, users are banned when they ask for help when abusing/scamming.

Good job to the OP on purposefully abusing the system and announcing it.

Reminds me of all of the scumbags that are out there in the world, like when I got my first job at a movie theater. Some lady bought a large popcorn and after the movie ended, came out and demanded a refund because it was "too salty", even though she and her child ate the whole bag. Her response as to why she didn't come out to get another bag or refund instead of eating the whole bag was "I was sitting down and didn't want to get up". :eek:

Suppose that you were a storyteller, and your livelihood consists of publishing your stories on pamphlets which you then ask your friends to sell for you. Now, let's say someone comes along, purchases a copy which he/she reads a substantial portion (i.e., more than a "peek"), and then returns it, demanding a refund because he/she didn't enjoy it, or found your prose to be stilted and lame, or whatever. You give him/her a refund, and soon, everybody who has ever purchased a copy learns that a refund could be had in the same fashion. You keep publishing to put food on the table, but all the money you make goes back to refunds. Is this right? Wouldn't you think the situation's unfair?

I think the guiding principle here really should be "Do unto others as you would have them do to you", and it doesn't matter that the "other" may be some Big Soulless Corporation (not that I claim Costco is such) -- the principle still applies, unless you live by "Do unto others BEFORE they do unto you", in which case you'd just be an opportunist and an intellectual coward to boot for not admitting so in the first place.

What does Costco do with the media after it is returned? I remember back some years ago I could buy new games (nintendo 64) from Gamestop and return them within 7 days. I don't know if this was at all their stores , but the one by me did this. I asked them once what they did with the new games, and they said they re-shrink wrap them up and sell them for new again. Fast forward ten years to today, the store no longer does this, but they still do the 7 days for all used games, which I will take back when I don't like the game, I read the reviews but I am more willing to take a chance at buying the product if I know I can return it for any reason. I just bought an open box projector because it had a return policy without restocking fee. Of course doing this returning with new products is different since as some of you have pointed out, policies like this get taken advantage of and then changed. But why should the O.P. care, if Costco is allowing this, then he should be able to return without people jumping down his throat. If you go to a restaurant and don't like the meal, they will bring you a new one, if you try to get to many meals they will cut you off. Costco knows this about their policy, I'm sure they know people will take advantage of it, but they still allow it. They are giving you 100% satisfaction by means of a membership price.

They discount it and re-sell the item. I have bought Wii games from them that were returned.

Suppose that you were a storyteller, and your livelihood consists of publishing your stories on pamphlets which you then ask your friends to sell for you. Now, let's say someone comes along, purchases a copy which he/she reads a substantial portion (i.e., more than a "peek"), and then returns it, demanding a refund because he/she didn't enjoy it, or found your prose to be stilted and lame, or whatever. You give him/her a refund, and soon, everybody who has ever purchased a copy learns that a refund could be had in the same fashion. You keep publishing to put food on the table, but all the money you make goes back to refunds. Is this right? Wouldn't you think the situation's unfair?

I think the guiding principle here really should be "Do unto others as you would have them do to you", and it doesn't matter that the "other" may be some Big Soulless Corporation (not that I claim Costco is such) -- the principle still applies, unless you live by "Do unto others BEFORE they do unto you", in which case you'd just be an opportunist and an intellectual coward to boot for not admitting so in the first place.

Again, that is a Bible quote, is it not? For Catholic Priests, should it be "Do unto the children, before they go to the police and the prisoners do unto you."?

I guess I just frequent forums that don't take kindly to idiocy?

The OP has basically said, "I'm going to use Costco as my free (minus Costco membership fees) rental place! I'm going to buy HD DVDs, watch them and return them unless I'm 100% satisfied." The forums where I mainly visit, users are banned when they ask for help when abusing/scamming.

Good job to the OP on purposefully abusing the system and announcing it.

Reminds me of all of the scumbags that are out there in the world, like when I got my first job at a movie theater. Some lady bought a large popcorn and after the movie ended, came out and demanded a refund because it was "too salty", even though she and her child ate the whole bag. Her response as to why she didn't come out to get another bag or refund instead of eating the whole bag was "I was sitting down and didn't want to get up". :eek:


So if I KNOW I like a movie, I should go through the hassle of re-renting it on HD-DVD to make sure the transfer is good? I'll buy it, if the transfer is crap, I will return it.

Rent hd dvd movie $4.25

Buy hd dvd movie $24.95

sit back, relax and enjoy HD DVD. (PRICELESS)

Return purchased hd dvd movie no good

This thread is not getting somewhere. Everybody need to take up
the course GMRC stands for GOOD MORAL and RIGHT CONDUCT.

ooops time now for me to cook dinner before my wife kick me out....


Oh can I return my wife to her parents :D

Yeah, it's called a DIVORCE.

All I am saying, is who's to judge what is unethical and immoral? We have laws for that, is returning a DVD against the law? It just gets on my nerves when someone tries to tell someone they are unethical, because they are doing something that is allowed. Like I said, if I want to buy an older movie I have already watched on SD DVD and don't like the transfer, I want to be able to return it. If I know I like the movie, I don't want the hassle of renting the HD version and then buying it.
Eh, being a cheapskate is against the law in my book.

Eh, being a cheapskate is against the law in my book.


Good thing you don't write the laws.

Does the Bible say I can't return a DVD to Costco?

Yikes.......if yer gonna go by what the bible says.....we have a lot more problems than the ethics of returning movies to CostCo! ;)

Does the Bible say I can't return a DVD to Costco?

Yikes.......if yer gonna go by what the bible says.....we have a lot more problems than the ethics of returning movies to CostCo! ;)

Yeah, I might start having incest, or stoning people to death. :D

Costco changed their policy because of the abuses....what a shame. Had the best policy ever.

Costco changed their policy because of the abuses....what a shame. Had the best policy ever.

They changed it because of people returning a plasma they bought for $3,000 and returning it 3 years later for a full refund and buying the same size plasma for $1,000. When they put software back on the shelf, they only discount it 10%-20% maximum.

dysfunction, it is against costco's policy to return a movie if it is anything but defective. just because its not the best transfer doesnt mean its defective. get over it and stop being a cheap skate.

dysfunction, it is against costco's policy to return a movie if it is anything but defective. just because its not the best transfer doesnt mean its defective. get over it and stop being a cheap skate.

Show me where in their policy it says that???

Returns

Membership: We will refund your membership fee in full at any time if you are dissatisfied.

Merchandise: We guarantee your satisfaction on every product we sell with a full refund. Exceptions: Televisions, projectors, computers, cameras, camcorders, iPOD / MP3 players and cellular phones must be returned within 90 days of purchase for a refund.


How to Return: Simply return your purchase at any one of our Costco warehouses worldwide for a refund (including shipping and handling). If you are unable to return your order at one of our warehouses, please email customerservice@costco.com or call our customer service center at 1-800-955-2292 for assistance. To expedite the processing of your return, please reference your order number.

Thats what reviews are for, read a review on the hd dvd before you buy. If its a bad transfer dont buy it.

Thats what reviews are for, read a review on the hd dvd before you buy. If its a bad transfer dont buy it.

Show me where it says you can only return a movie if it's defective. *WAITS*

I can't believed the time you guys are consuming on this thread, The OP asked question about returning a movie, and you guys are so drawn to it. WOW......He is like hypnotizer that all of you are his victim. I know that this is a forum but the time your spending on this thread is unbelievable, don't you guys have better things to do. Let it this off the hook, Simple just the return it you don't need opinions if you can return it or not just do it.

Simple if you want to find out their policy about open hd dvd why don't you just call or go to their website I am sure they have information about their policy.

Thread returned for refund.