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Abusers of plasma returns? - Page 2

post #31 of 98
^"only a 2 week return policy".

Pray tell, how many days do you need before discovering there is a problem with the unit- or that it's just completely "unsuitable" for your room?

14 days is infinitely reasonable and any more time is simply an extension of generosity- or probably better put: the result of an ever-increasing competitive online landscape.

And if you're shopping anywhere with an onerous "restocking" fee, you're either looking at SUBSTANTIALLY discounted prices or you need to start shopping elsewhere as there are a multitude of vendors out there that do not impinge one at all.

James
post #32 of 98
Quote:
Originally Posted by HD70GUY View Post

I agree James, but I admit I have bad habits and so does everyone. All in all this is a much smaller issue that people who drive large empty SUV's long distances to work everyday or plant non-native grass species they have to empty the aquafer to keep green. I know plenty of otherwise good people who obstinantly refuse to change those habits, but I don't (ok try not to) hate them for it. Everyone has their own moral compass, and most reasonable people have one that is ever evolving. Just letting people know there actions affects others negatively is the first and most important thing to starting change.

You mean behaviors.

"Habit" has become some bizarre, nearly "feel good" term that many use to somehow relieve their consistently poor, CHOSEN, behaviors.

I'm not advocating to "hate" anyone, nor am I implying I am without sin.

I'm merely pointing out that there are actions (and inactions, for that matter) that a vast (read: VAST) majority are aware are detached from "normal" and "acceptable" societal behavior and it is not an accident that they are viewed as such.

There are many, many, grey areas in this life, that doesn't mean that ALL behavior is cast within them.

James
post #33 of 98
Yes, I was actually thinking of replacing the word Habit when I wrote that. Behavior is definitely more accurate. And to clarify if someone elses grey area overlaps with my obvious right/wrong line I do get angry and sometimes behave just as poorly in response like flicking off an idiot in traffic.
post #34 of 98
Yep, lol: corralling our primal inclinations can be akin to bailing the pacific with a thimble.

James
post #35 of 98
Quote:
Originally Posted by dzt41j View Post

I keep noticing people talking about returning TV's, especially through Amazon. One guy tried like 10 TV's! Another one ordered two TV's and was going to send back the 'loser' (maybe send himself back - lol). Many posters talk about sending sets back instead of trying service calls.
Don't people realize this is going to end up costing us all money, and if Amazon smartens up perhaps even make them think about getting rid of their excellent return policy?
It just seems like people should have some ethics and deal honestly with these vendors.

I agree! I've said this also. I have a friend that gets buyers remorse more than anyone I know. He does this crap and it pisses me off.. Pick a tv and stick with it. My Lord! Any of these tv's can be seen at BB or anywhere.. There is no reason to send it back,except if it has serious issues. And the argument,its your hard earned money.. STFU! Keep your money in the bank then. If you can afford $2000 and take a little risk,then don't buy it! All these class acts are doing is costing everyone money and then ruin a great return policy for others. Make no mistake,Amazon and others at some point are going to charge 15% for returns.. Its coming.. Look at BB,they do it now. Off my soap box now. PS.. if it was something like headphones that are a lot cheaper ,something you can't just go anywhere to test,that's diff..
post #36 of 98
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by HLdan View Post

Yeah there's no sort of fraud with this, but if you're not aware you should know that it's not as cut and dry as you think. Now of course it depends on the online store you're dealing with but for example, I bought a Samsung UN55D7000 from Tiger Direct and this was my first HDTV. After delivery I wasn't happy with the design of an LCD and wanted a Plasma. I called TigerDirect and they were very nice and honored my return however I had to pay the full shipping charges for the TV, Blu-Ray and the 3D glasses upon sending them back so I was at a loss in order to find myself the TV that I wanted.

I don't think most companies will pay the return shipping charges and take back an open TV.

I definitely get your point, I don't like people that abuse store policies either, it's very arrogant but in this situation with a person buying 2 TV's and returning one of them is not terribly severe. Maybe stores should return back to requiring restocking fees to help prevent such customer antics.

The abusers are targeting Amazon and BB who do provide free shipping both ways, you did the honest thing.
post #37 of 98
Quote:
Originally Posted by dzt41j View Post

The abusers are targeting Amazon and BB who do provide free shipping both ways, you did the honest thing.

True,but for some people its their power. I had a friend just like that.. He is no longer my friend for many various reasons. Like I said,you can pretty much see any of the popular tv's anywhere. There is no reason to send it back unless there is a problem.
post #38 of 98
Same a$$hats who made costco change their TV/computer return policy.

Gotta love the "me me me" people.
post #39 of 98
Quote:
Originally Posted by kevinmscs View Post

I cannot understand why that is a "criminal fraud"? A return is a return. Once a store accepts a return, what constitutes that return a criminal act?

It's not criminal. As I said earlier, everyone thinks they are lawyer.

Quote:
Originally Posted by mastermaybe View Post

Only a knuckle-dragging idiot would begin to take issue with the OP's point which is of course dead-on accurate.

There are so many hundreds of resources- never mind brick and mortar stores- available to the consumer today that engaging in such selfish, moronic, behavior this like would only be considered by the lowest common denominator.

Those who actually go through with said behavior somehow manage to dwell within an even lower sub-genre who undoubtedly engage in other activities that help propel a shocking portion of our society closer to moral bankruptcy.

But yeah, it's not against the law so go with it.

Any neanderthal can circumvent the reasonable tenets of decency and righteousness...it's those significantly down the timeline that recognize their intrinsic worth and really, their essentiality to a good, modern, society.

James

I don't like to make this personal but rather than you just sitting to your computer with all this rude name calling to your fellow AVS members just make sure to include yourself. While I'm not disagreeing with the OP's point I will repeat what I said earlier, everybody and I mean everybody here has either thought to do this or has done it. If you haven't then you're either not old enough to shop on your own or you're not a human being. I'm not referring to constantly buying and returning products senselessly as one poster mentioned that he did on a different thread, I'm talking more on the lines of buying 2 products, taking them home to see how each fits in your environment and then returning the other.

Tell me how that's any different then someone buying only one TV, taking it home, not like it and exchanging it for something more suitable? There's nothing immoral about it nor wrong.

I find it funny how some of the self-rightous posts here are coming down on the customer when the store is allowing for these multiple returns. Oh boo-hoo, poor store. Blame the store. The stores do have a right to refuse service, as Costco has already changed their return policy. If the store doesn't refuse the returns then they are giving permission for customers to take advantage of them.
post #40 of 98
Quote:
Originally Posted by HLdan View Post

It's not criminal. As I said earlier, everyone thinks they are lawyer.



I don't like to make this personal but rather than you just sitting to your computer with all this rude name calling to your fellow AVS members just make sure to include yourself. While I'm not disagreeing with the OP's point I will repeat what I said earlier, everybody and I mean everybody here has either thought to do this or has done it. I'm not referring to constantly buying and returning products senselessly as one poster mentioned that he did on a different thread, I'm talking more on the lines of buying 2 products, taking them home to see how each fits in your environment and then returning the other.

Tell me how that's any different then someone buying only one TV, taking it home, not like it and exchanging it for something more suitable? There's nothing immoral about it wrong.

I find it funny how some of the self-rightous posts here are coming down on the customer when the store is allowing for these multiple returns. Oh boo-hoo, poor store. Blame the store. The stores do have a right to refuse service, as Costco has already changed their return policy. If the store doesn't refuse the returns then they are giving permission for customers to take advantage of them.

I actually found it quite humorous.. Some people need to grow a thicker skin.. And there is a difference going to a store and returning your tv.. Its 1 tv not 10! I hate to break the news to certain people,but buying at tv isn't a matter of life or death. I think a lot of people get caught up in the researching part and then second guessing themselves.. I've done it. But man,you have to just give it up and move on. Keep it for a couple years,sell and do it again. With a tv.. You should be able to see it in store and decide right there.. No need to order 5 and return them.. Cmon..
post #41 of 98
Quote:
Originally Posted by dzt41j View Post

The abusers are targeting Amazon and BB who do provide free shipping both ways, you did the honest thing.

Best Buy rips people off everyday, who cares if people are taking advantage of their policy. I hope they go out buisness.

On Amazon, I have never sent anything back there. Don't you have to pay for UPS or fedex to send your tv back.
post #42 of 98
Quote:
Originally Posted by vincevega44 View Post

Best Buy rips people off everyday, who cares if people are taking advantage of thier policy. I hope they go out buisness.

On Amazon, I have never sent anything back there. Don't you have to pay for UPS or fedex to send your tv back.

How is BB ripping people off?
post #43 of 98
Quote:
Originally Posted by vincevega44 View Post


Best Buy rips people off everyday, who cares if people are taking advantage of thier policy. I hope they go out buisness.

On Amazon, I have never sent anything back there. Don't you have to pay for UPS or fedex to send your tv back.

Wow...
post #44 of 98
What are you guys complaining about!

Taking advantage of a good return policy is smart . Plain and simple .

If the business offers a no questions asked return policy why not use it.

ENuff said ..

End of thread........
post #45 of 98
Quote:
Originally Posted by HLdan View Post

How is BB ripping people off?

Consumers "feel" that way... But its understandable. BB's business model is outdated. Their operational/fixed costs have become a competitive disadvantage, as opposed to online retailers like Amazon.... Soon BB will close many stores to restructure/reduce costs - thats when their pricing will fall into competitive ranges.

Similar story is Walgreens'. They used to be expensive but today they are closed to Target's or Walmart's pricing with a nice variety of product selection. I stop going to Target/Walmart and use my local Walgreens for almost everything suddenly needed around the house....
post #46 of 98
Quote:
Originally Posted by HLdan View Post

How is BB ripping people off?

Not in that respect, but...

I've talked to BB salespeople who obviously don't know the products they sell. I'm not saying that's unexpected but give me a break. Not knowing is one thing. But outright lying is a completely different thing and I've run across a number of BB salespeople who think that's the way to sell.

My favorite: I needed an HDMI cable immediately for a project. Knowing better, I still went to BB because it was the only store within 25 miles that I knew had multiple lengths (I needed at least 9'). I was looking at the Dynex cables but could only find 3' and 6' lengths.

A BB punk asked if he could help and I told him what I needed. He took me to the Monster display and tried to get me to buy a $150 Monster 1000HDX cable. I told him that I wasn't willing to spend that much and just wanted to know where the longer Dynex cables were. He told me "You'll be sorry when that cheap Dynex cable destroys your new $2000 3D TV".

The laughable part was that I wasn't buying the cable for a 3D TV, nor was I buying it for myself, nor could ANY cable possibly "destroy" a TV. They either do or don't work, period.

- I found the longer Dynex cables near the front registers - $9.99.
post #47 of 98
Quote:
Originally Posted by airgon74 View Post

If the business offers a no questions asked return policy why not use it.

Use is one thing; abuse is quite another.
post #48 of 98
Quote:
Originally Posted by cctvtech View Post

He told me "You'll be sorry when that cheap Dynex cable destroys your new $2000 3D TV".

The laughable part was that I wasn't buying the cable for a 3D TV, nor was I buying it for myself, nor could ANY cable possibly "destroy" a TV. They either do or don't work, period.

Dont you know, "cheap Dynex" cable has a pin that carries salt water!!! lolz
post #49 of 98
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by airgon74 View Post

What are you guys complaining about!

Taking advantage of a good return policy is smart . Plain and simple .

If the business offers a no questions asked return policy why not use it.

ENuff said ..

End of thread........


Yep, enuff said - this post totally explains the mentality of some people.
post #50 of 98
Quote:
Originally Posted by cctvtech View Post

What would you think would happen top the returned TV? It can't legally be sold as new and has to be sold as 'B' stock - at a reduced price. The margins on consumer electronics are razor thin so the returned TV will most likely be sold at a loss. Multiply that out by a number of people doing the same and you either have a bankrupt business or higher retail margins to compensate. Either way, someone loses.

Do you know how many products I see repackaged and sold as new again, even though they have obviously been returned?
post #51 of 98
Quote:
Originally Posted by mastermaybe View Post

^"only a 2 week return policy".

Pray tell, how many days do you need before discovering there is a problem with the unit- or that it's just completely "unsuitable" for your room?

14 days is infinitely reasonable and any more time is simply an extension of generosity- or probably better put: the result of an ever-increasing competitive online landscape.

And if you're shopping anywhere with an onerous "restocking" fee, you're either looking at SUBSTANTIALLY discounted prices or you need to start shopping elsewhere as there are a multitude of vendors out there that do not impinge one at all.

James

14 days is not reasonable for many people who work and have a family life, and only a couple very short hours, and maybe the weekends, to try and fully test out their purchase. Many of these products have a ton of features that require many hours to fully experiment with before discovering there is an issue.

Last year my girlfriend and I went through 4 LCD Samsung sets before giving up on LCD and going with a Plasma. Each LCD had horrible clouding and flashlighting, to the point where it was horribly distracting at night. We were not about to spend our money on such poor tech. And that was coming from a crappy $400 Sansai CRT. We had no idea how bad the LCD panel lottery was until we discovered it for ourselves. People should not have to spend good money on poorly-built tvs. If they want less returns, maybe they should put better quality into their products.

That said, I am certainly against people buying big-ticket items 2 or 3 at a time and picking a "winner". But if you're not happy with a purchase, you should not have to keep the item.
post #52 of 98
Quote:
Originally Posted by LowTech1 View Post

I agree! I've said this also. I have a friend that gets buyers remorse more than anyone I know. He does this crap and it pisses me off.. Pick a tv and stick with it. My Lord! Any of these tv's can be seen at BB or anywhere.. There is no reason to send it back,except if it has serious issues. And the argument,its your hard earned money.. STFU! Keep your money in the bank then. If you can afford $2000 and take a little risk,then don't buy it! All these class acts are doing is costing everyone money and then ruin a great return policy for others. Make no mistake,Amazon and others at some point are going to charge 15% for returns.. Its coming.. Look at BB,they do it now. Off my soap box now. PS.. if it was something like headphones that are a lot cheaper ,something you can't just go anywhere to test,that's diff..

Best Buy does not charge 15% for returns. Not where I live. I don't know where you live but it doesn't happen around here. Nor should it.

There's nothing wrong with people realizing a certain tv doesn't live up to their expectations, for one reason or another, and having second thoughts. Maybe they hate the motion smoothing soap-opera-effect on LCDs and didn't realize it before they started watching their favorite movies. Technically there's nothing wrong with the set, but they will hate the set, so why should they have to keep it? Just because it's an inconvenience for the store to take the return? Well it's an inconvenience for the customer also. Nothing sucks more than having to return a big-ticket item. I say that from experience. I hate it. But sometimes you just realize your purchase was the wrong one for whatever reason.

Another example - as an owner of the Panasonic ST50 - they advertise 48Hz mode for 24fps playback - but they fail to mention that it flickers so horribly that it is entirely unwatchable. The set really has only 1 viewable mode - 60Hz. And that's okay with me. But if I bought it thinking I could use the 48Hz mode for blu-rays, I would be pissed, as it is unwatchable, yet advertised as a feature.

Get off the soap box and stop condemning people for not getting stuck with something that doesn't work for them. Not everybody is made of money. For many people the cost of these tvs is a very major decision. It was for me and my girlfriend. Christmas will be affected this year because of our purchase. People should not be stuck with items they are unhappy with.
post #53 of 98
Quote:
Originally Posted by dzt41j View Post

I keep noticing people talking about returning TV's, especially through Amazon. One guy tried like 10 TV's! Another one ordered two TV's and was going to send back the 'loser' (maybe send himself back - lol). Many posters talk about sending sets back instead of trying service calls.
Don't people realize this is going to end up costing us all money, and if Amazon smartens up perhaps even make them think about getting rid of their excellent return policy?
It just seems like people should have some ethics and deal honestly with these vendors.

I have not read but your post so far. I think most of those returning sets is not from experimentation. A lot of sets are being returned due to faults in the manufacturer's rush to get them on shelves and hoping consumer sheep will accept them without too much penalty. I hope they are penalized personally as I don't like having to return a set over quality issues (and I did with my relatively high-end LCD last year, but got a beautifully functioning plasma instead). YMMV.

As to waiting on warranty and service call, screw that. I shouldn't need to. It should have had better QC but that's not the case...over and over and over. Now those who go view in a brick and mortar store then buy on the internet...those guys I'm not fond of. I deliberately sought a vendor who would take the set back for lack of satisfaction so that I didn't need to deal with a manufacturer's warranty where they would argue about how many dead pixels it takes to make an issue, if clouding/flashlighting is an issue, if buzzing is an issue, etc...
post #54 of 98
Quote:
Originally Posted by HLdan View Post

How is BB ripping people off?

$60-$100 HDMI cables?

Sounds like a great deal to me - I'll take two.

While you're at it, throw in a $50 3D blu-ray too.
post #55 of 98
Quote:
Originally Posted by eagle_2 View Post

$60-$100 HDMI cables?

Sounds like a great deal to me - I'll take two.

While you're at it, throw in a $50 3D blu-ray too.

Then don't buy 'em. But like lots of retailers to entice people with competitive pricing on the big ticket items they hope to make it up with the accessories. Not unique to electronics by any means. BB sells lots of stuff that isn't worth buying, so don't buy those items. Use the marketplace other than for convenience as they hope. Then again BB does provide an excellent service for taking back defective tvs...
post #56 of 98
Quote:
Originally Posted by eagle_2 View Post

Best Buy does not charge 15% for returns. Not where I live. I don't know where you live but it doesn't happen around here. Nor should it.

There's nothing wrong with people realizing a certain tv doesn't live up to their expectations, for one reason or another, and having second thoughts. Maybe they hate the motion smoothing soap-opera-effect on LCDs and didn't realize it before they started watching their favorite movies. Technically there's nothing wrong with the set, but they will hate the set, so why should they have to keep it? Just because it's an inconvenience for the store to take the return? Well it's an inconvenience for the customer also. Nothing sucks more than having to return a big-ticket item. I say that from experience. I hate it. But sometimes you just realize your purchase was the wrong one for whatever reason.

Another example - as an owner of the Panasonic ST50 - they advertise 48Hz mode for 24fps playback - but they fail to mention that it flickers so horribly that it is entirely unwatchable. The set really has only 1 viewable mode - 60Hz. And that's okay with me. But if I bought it thinking I could use the 48Hz mode for blu-rays, I would be pissed, as it is unwatchable, yet advertised as a feature.

Get off the soap box and stop condemning people for not getting stuck with something that doesn't work for them. Not everybody is made of money. For many people the cost of these tvs is a very major decision. It was for me and my girlfriend. Christmas will be affected this year because of our purchase. People should not be stuck with items they are unhappy with.

I've been an AV enthusiast for a lot longer than I've been selling tvs for a living. I've also returned sets that just didn't work out due to issues that were not apparent on the showroom floor, not widely reported in my pre-purchase research, and couldn't be corrected by adjustment in my home, and will continue to do so in the future if necessary. What I won't do is repeatedly return the same make/model in hopes of getting that rare "good one" or purchase solely with the intent of auditionning the set with the intention of returning the set after it's "test drive".

As a salesperson I actually do want my customer to be happy with their purchase and have no problem if they return it for good reason--for most in this economy a primary tv is a big enough investment that one should not have to settle for something unacceptable if a workable alternative exists. The "serial auditionners" or those who buy for the superbowl and return the next week are another matter entirely.
post #57 of 98
Steve S, I agree with you completely with what you said above. It's the serial auditionners and superbowl renters that are really the big problem, not the ones who are just trying to find something they are happy with.

If companies would be more careful (and honest) with their marketing it would help eliminate some of the disappointment when the advertised features don't live up to their promises.
post #58 of 98
Quote:
Originally Posted by eagle_2 View Post

$60-$100 HDMI cables?

Sounds like a great deal to me - I'll take two.

While you're at it, throw in a $50 3D blu-ray too.

Eagle, you do know that you, me and we as consumers have the choice to either buy them or not. BB isn't ripping anyone off if they choose to buy. If they don't choose to buy then BB still isn't ripping anyone off.

I hear this rah rah all the time about Apple ripping people off because their products are expensive. Just remember if the customer buys they have no just cause to complain about getting ripped off.
post #59 of 98
Quote:
Originally Posted by HLdan View Post

Eagle, you do know that you, me and we as consumers have the choice to either buy them or not. BB isn't ripping anyone off if they choose to buy. If they don't choose to buy then BB still isn't ripping anyone off.

I hear this rah rah all the time about Apple ripping people off because their products are expensive. Just remember if the customer buys they have no just cause to complain about getting ripped off.

Wrong, there are many, many people who are not wise to the way BB overcharges by a near-criminal markup on their cables. I've been there when I've heard their sales pitch to nearby customers looking for HDMI cables - they take advantage of the fact that the average person who is just getting their feet wet and buying their first HDTV doesn't know Jack about cables and therefore thinks that they all cost that much. What they do regarding cables is just wrong.

Another example - I was looking for a blu-ray lens cleaner a few months ago - I never bought one before. I checked out BB and they had one and only one - for $35.00. I almost bought it but waited. I went into Microcenter which is an hour away but worth the drive, and they had the same exact item for $15 - regular price. $15! I bought it there. Two weeks later I saw it at a Big Lots for $9.99!

And let's not talk about what they charge their computer customers for installation of virus software. Truly shocking.

BB is great for some items, but in many cases, they abuse the customer's trust by taking advantage of the customer's lack of knowledge.

When BB tells people bluntly that their cables are better because of shielding, etc., and they shouldn't get cheaper cables because they harm their tv or hurt the signal, that borders on fraud in my book. Not every BB customer reads these forums - in fact I bet most don't. And they believe what they are told, which is outright lies by BB regarding their cables.
post #60 of 98
Quote:
Originally Posted by eagle_2 View Post

Wrong, there are many, many people who are not wise to the way BB overcharges by a near-criminal markup on their cables. I've been there when I've heard their sales pitch to nearby customers looking for HDMI cables - they take advantage of the fact that the average person who is just getting their feet wet and buying their first HDTV doesn't know Jack about cables and therefore thinks that they all cost that much. What they do regarding cables is just wrong.

Another example - I was looking for a blu-ray lens cleaner a few months ago - I never bought one before. I checked out BB and they had one and only one - for $35.00. I almost bought it but waited. I went into Microcenter which is an hour away but worth the drive, and they had the same exact item for $15 - regular price. $15! I bought it there. Two weeks later I saw it at a Big Lots for $9.99!

And let's not talk about what they charge their computer customers for installation of virus software. Truly shocking.

BB is great for some items, but in many cases, they abuse the customer's trust by taking advantage of the customer's lack of knowledge.

When BB tells people bluntly that their cables are better because of shielding, etc., and they shouldn't get cheaper cables because they harm their tv or hurt the signal, that borders on fraud in my book. Not every BB customer reads these forums - in fact I bet most don't. And they believe what they are told, which is outright lies by BB regarding their cables.

Sorry, but a consumer that stupid needs their money taken away from them before they do something even stupider with it... Caveat emptor! A lens cleaner? Really? Did you buy demagnetizers for your cassette deck?
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