Trouble returning merchandise to WalMart - help?

[kzm007]

Last night at Wal-Mart, I paid for two $200 gift cards, and then decided it wasn't necessary to give out both cards, nor at such a high value. So, as soon as I checked out, receipt in hand, I limped down the floor and went into customer service - immediately after, I checked out mind you I literally walked from the register to the department after speaking for a second with mom, who told me to lower the price on the cards.

I went in and politely asked them to erase one of the cards, and please leave $25 on the other as my Christmas gift, giving me back the $375 remainder (of my own money).

The Customer Service lady tells me that it's not store policy to cash out cards because, as I understood her, people were getting the cards as gifts, cashing them in, and I assumed then spending the money elsewhere, somewhere they weren't getting screwed over by their Walmarts. I say screwed over because I go to two different stores, who each often have two different prices for the same goods, and they're only twenty minutes apart in PA and NY.

Both of these stores naturally carry goods made in and then imported from China. I understand it's a business and they need to turn a profit, that the Chinese need work, too, but I hate shopping in stores any more. Outsource and import from the same country seems silly, but it's a business model.

So back to my issue, now I have a $25 gift card to give away and $375 of "Wal-mart only" money that I feel I should be allowed to cash back into my own pocket.

I'm going back and asking for the store manager, because that just seems ridiculous to me - I picked up the cards, filled them, never wrote on them, and still with my receipts in hand, I couldn't return the goods - just let me put the cards back on the shelf, and give me my money.

What do you all think? Are there any Wal-mart customer service workers, or Wal-mart managers out there who'd care to advise me please?

And people, this season, and always until it's expired KEEP THE RECEIPT handy!

Kegan

EDIT: This is my defense:

1. Two Wal-Mart gift cards were purchased, and I asked the cashier in electronics to place $200 apiece on them, which she did.

2. Walking out of the electronics department, I had a change of heart concerning the amounts, and went into the customer service department.

3. I asked the woman at the desk if I could return one of the gift cards for a cash refund, and lower the second card down to $25 to give as a gift. This would leave me with $375 of my own money as a remainder.

4. The saleslady and her supervisor both informed me that it was not Wal-Mart store policy to accept returns on gift cards – allegedly because people were returning cards they had been given as gifts, and claiming the money.

5. I showed them the receipt stating I had just purchased the cards moments earlier, and explained that I had literally pulled them from the shelf, and had them filled before I decided that two cards of such high value were unnecessary. There was not a scratch worth mentioning on either of the cards, the silver strips were untouched, and no price had been written on either of the cards.

6. It is my reasoning that since the cards were purchased in a Wal-Mart store this makes them an item sold at that store and by logic, Wal-Mart merchandise.

7. There is no expiration date on a Wal-Mart receipt, anywhere at all, to my understanding. An item may be returned if a customer is dissatisfied with it – such as if clothing doesn’t meet their needs, etc., or if it is in unusable condition. Defective products are either exchanged for that same product, or the buyer may be given store credit.

8. In my instance, it therefore appears I was essentially given a “store credit” of $375. However, I am simply not satisfied with the product in question – it does not meet my needs, and it is still in a condition worth selling, as new. It is neither damaged, nor defective and I wish to return it for a full refund.

9. I understand that there may be a problem with people returning gift cards they have received as gifts, and turning them in for a monetary refund, that seems to be how it was explained to me. But in this case, it is an item I purchased personally, and it is unused and in no way defective or damaged.

It is technically simply Wal-Mart merchandise in this instance, and with my proof of purchase, my receipts, I would like to have it returned for a full refund.

[shilala]

In the last three days, I have whipped out so much shilala charm that they're gonna name this holiday after me.
I'd have came out of there with my money, and we'd have worked out a new "policy".
I just have absolute zero tolerance for this sort of crap.
I even gave the debit card cafety company hell yesterday because the message they left me was vague and spammy.
The reason we get treated like this is because we all act like lemmings nowadays.
Get the balls out. It's Christmas. ;)

[kzm007]

Taken directly from http://walmartstores.com/7658.aspx:

Q: Do you accept RETURNS without a receipt?

A: Walmart, for several years, has accepted returns without a receipt, even though many of our competitors require receipts for all returns. Walmart gives customers the option of a cash refund (if the purchase was under $25), a shopping card for the amount of the purchase (if it was over $25), a credit to the customer's credit card or an even exchange for the product. Also, as applicable, we follow any manufacturer’s warranties.

The card was a "purchase" at the store, and nowhere in the returns policy can I see a restriction or a prohibition on returning gift cards. Whatcha think, Scott?

And there is a 90 day return limit, but that's a moot point.

[shilala]

Had I had a receipt in hand and wanted my cash back, I'd have had it.
By the time I was done, the cops probably would have arrived, and I'd have my picture on the wall.
I'd have my money, though.
I'm just not afraid to stick up for myself, and I refuse to get hosed down.
You were totally in the right, especially because you had the receipt in hand.

[baldanders]

Think you are out of luck.Electronic and plastic Gift Cards: Not returnable or refundable for cash, except in states where required by law.
http://www.walmart.com/returns

[kzm007]

Well...in that case, does anyone know where I can find NY State's policy on this?

I don't mean to fuss, I just don't care for Wal-Mart when I can often get the item cheaper online, with a good returns policy. Wal-Mart won't price match anything but a local competitor's vprinted price.

And I certainly don't want to spend $375 in one place, if I can't do so wisely, like online pricing lets me do.

But thank you for the assistance, Jim.

[baldanders]

If it helps you can use it at Sams Club and here is NY state's policy.
http://www.osc.state.ny.us/giftcards.htm

[GreekGodX]

I would say if you dealt with the manager and explained to them what happened you should get your money back. You paid for it and have the receipt. Keep insisting that you should get your money back. It will happen :tu

[kzm007]

Jim, Sam's Club is a membership club, and we have none nearby, so it's pointless, unless I decide to go online.

Christos, you're probably right, and I may do that. Now that I've calmed down a little, it doesn't seem too bad, just an irk.

I can't drive myself, and I'd rather see the manager in person than simply call him up; it would be easier to explain things.

Furthermore, Jim, I just found the same link :tu it led me to http://public.leginfo.state.ny.us/menugetf.cgi

Here's hoping.

[kzm007]

Okay, I see nothing in those laws pertaining to cash back for retailer gift cards. Anyone in the legal field from the state of New York care to advise, maybe?

All I want to know is "Am I legally entitled to a cash refund for returning an UNUSED gift card bought from a retailer, that I myself have purchased personally?" - Receipts in hand show the cards bought, and I have another showing $25 - this was the transferred amount.

And looking at the backs of these, she did write the prices on them. Somehow, I think they could argue that this makes them damaged goods, but I never asked her to write the prices on the backs, so it was the cashier's doing, not mine.

Sigh. Anyone else care to chime in?

[14holestogie]

And looking at the backs of these, she did write the prices on them. Somehow, I think they could argue that this makes them damaged goods, but I never asked her to write the prices on the backs, so it was the cashier's doing, not mine.

Sigh. Anyone else care to chime in?

Those blank gift cards are probably worth $.25. No reason not to get your money back. :2

[baldanders]

Found this don't know if it helps.Off to bed and good luck!
http://www.rimmkaufman.com/content/brannlawgiftcertchart.pdf

All advertisements or promotions for gift certificates shall include a notice in like or similar term to the following:
“TERMS AND CONDITIONS ARE APPLIED TO GIFT CERTIFICATES/GIFT CARDS”.” Law of New York §
396-i(2-a)
The terms and conditions of a gift certificate store credit shall be clearly and conspicuously stated thereon. Terms and
conditions shall include the expiration date, whether any fees are assessed against the balance of the gift certificate,
and whether a fee will be charged for the replacement of a gift certificate that is lost, stolen, or destroyed. Additional
terms and conditions including, but not be limited to, policies related to refunds, warranties, changes in terms and
conditions, assignment and waiver shall be conspicuously printed: (a) on the gift certificate; or (b) on an envelope or
packaging containing the gift certificate, provided that a toll free telephone number to access the additional terms and
conditions is printed on the gift certificate; or (c) on an accompanying printed document, provided that a toll free
telephone number to access the additional terms and conditions is printed on the gift certificate. Laws of New York §
396-i(3)
Gift Cards – Gift cards are covered under the definition of “gift certificate”. Laws of New York § 396-i(1)

[Barteur]

Could you buy something at 400$ with your cards and get immediate riembursement? I am telling you this because once I bought to my dad, for father's day a Dewalt Drill at 199$ one week later was 149$ wanted to get the credit never got it. Returned the drill at 199$ for full refund and bought to one at 149$ at lot of logistic but principles are principles and 50$ is 50$.

Good luck!

[icehog3]

Could you buy something at 400$ with your cards and get immediate riembursement? I am telling you this because once I bought to my dad, for father's day a Dewalt Drill at 199$ one week later was 149$ wanted to get the credit never got it. Returned the drill at 199$ for full refund and bought to one at 149$ at lot of logistic but principles are principles and 50$ is 50$.

Good luck!

That was going to be my suggestion...there is your best chance, since it appears they are not legally obligated to refund your money for a gift card purchase. But from what is appears, looks like they may only give you store credit (because the purchase will be over $25), so it might not work.

[mikeyj23]

If store policy says you can't return gift cards, then it is what it is. It's certainly not illegal for them to enforce that policy. Even if they did return it, they'd probably only give you store credit, which would come in the form of...a gift card. Seems to me like it's just one of those mistakes where you punch yourself afterward, but deal with it and move on. Use the giftcards gradually over the next five years - anytime you need toothpaste, use the giftcard at Wal-Mart. Need a gallon of milk, use the giftcard. They'll probably go faster than you think.

[RevSmoke]

Just so you know, the prices in the different stores - 20 minutes apart - has nothing to do with WalMart pricing but everything to do with the prevailing tariffs (taxes) in the different states. You said one was in PA and one in NY? So, at least give them that slack.

As for the other issues, you have some good advice already going.

God's blessings upon you and yours for a wonderful Christmas.

[Tikihut27]

I worked in retail for a dozen years or so in a variey of management positions.

Retailers have policies like this in place NOT to make sure you spend your money in their store. They are in place to make it hard for scammers to rip off the store/others.

CASH is where it's at, right? Turning a check or plastic into cash is easy to do if you have the funds to back it up. Bank/ATM will work. But for people who don't have the funds...

So say you use a stolen card or one gotten through identity theft. You use it once to buy gift cards, then cash in the gift cards for pics of your buddy Ben. Sweet!

So policies like this are in place to make it hard to use stolen plastic/checks to get cash. Fortunately, many store managers have the ability to override policy- and if they don't, regional/national management does. Talk to the store manager (not just any manager- the store manager. I think at WalMart they are called General Managers). If that doesn't work, ask for the regional manager's address and send off a letter.

They shouldn't be willing to PO an honest customer.

[Hippi3Slay3r]

As an employee of Wal-Mart I can tell you that you can get your money just demand to see the Store manager (Not an Assistant or Co) because they can override any "Store Policy" they want. And if that doesnt work ask for a regional managers number they will more then likely help you just to get you out. Now to take the other side I'm not trying to be a d**k but $400. is a good chunck of cash its best to plan ahead haveing a change of heart 2 feet fro the register is on you alone Wal-Mart is just trying to protect themselfs in these hard times. And before people go thinking im some bigwig for the store I assure you im not im a 3rd shift stocker and 50% of the time I hate my job I just wanted to drop a few facts, I wish you the best of luck getting your money back and have a Merry Christmas.

~Kyle

[kzm007]

Well I got high priced cards for family, as I was walking away, mom commented that they were awfully high - I guess hers was only $25...so I went to customer service, and here we are.

Now, question. Can I have this card broken into small denominations?

[floydpink]

I would make a very large scene in the midst of as many shoppers as possible. Bet you get your money back in two shakes of a lamb's tail.

[ade06]

As Kyle stated... go to the general manager or keep going up the chain of command until you're satisfied. Good luck.

[bobarian]

Well I got high priced cards for family, as I was walking away, mom commented that they were awfully high - I guess hers was only $25...so I went to customer service, and here we are.

Now, question. Can I have this card broken into small denominations?

Kegan, No disrespect intended but shouldnt you be asking WalMart this question?

As has been pointed out, Gift cards are entirely different from merchandise. The laws vary from state to state and store to store.

If you choose to challenge the policy and speak to a manager, remember that it is up to him to make an exception. Speak to him/her calmly and make your point quickly. Do not raise your voice or threaten to take your business elsewhere. Good luck.

[bobarian]

I would make a very large scene in the midst of as many shoppers as possible. Bet you get your money back in two shakes of a lamb's tail.


Either that or you will be taking a free taxi ride. :td

Disturbing the peace is not advised. :2

[floydpink]

Either that or you will be taking a free taxi ride. :td

Disturbing the peace is not advised. :2

You're right. It's the Jersey in me that I still can't seem to shake after leaving 20 years ago.

It is actually a bad way to act and unfortunately in the place I work, the sqeaky wheel gets all the oil.

I retract my suggestion.

[bobarian]

You're right. It's the Jersey in me that I still can't seem to shake after leaving 20 years ago.

It is actually a bad way to act and unfortunately in the place I work, the sqeaky wheel gets all the oil.

I retract my suggestion.

After working many years in retail at all levels of management, I can assure you that in most cases the squeaky wheel does get the oil. But I never granted an exception to an irate customer, easier to call security and have them escorted off the premises.
But persistence can pay off. Flashing skin does too, but I dont think that's an option for the OP. :r

[kzm007]

It could be, for the right price. And Wal-Mart always has the right price :r. Anyway, I'm probably either gonna break the card into smaller monetary chunks for more gifts through the years, or swap it online like some folks do...that seems interesting to try out...$375 Wal Mart for the same price at Macy's lol

And Jersey is a good thing, be a man! Tony Soprano :)

Sadly, Olean NY doesn't have taxis...probably a nice black and white car with shiny lights though.

I'm gonna see about both of my ideas, and as for bobarian, no harm done, I'd be good. I just thought maybe someone here could advise me, give me a course of action, that's why we had all my questions.

Merry Christmas, all! Or happy holidays for the others :D

[kzm007]

Good news: mom is going to keep my $375 gift card, and a $25 Kmart card...and give me the $400 in cash.

Bad news: She's decided I'm to start paying $100 monthly to aid in the bills, and is keeping the $400...next $100 payment due in May.

So I break even :r FML lmao.

Adulthood sucks...where's my blankie, damn it?! :c

[ade06]

Good news: mom is going to keep my $375 gift card, and a $25 Kmart card...and give me the $400 in cash.

Bad news: She's decided I'm to start paying $100 monthly to aid in the bills, and is keeping the $400...next $100 payment due in May.

So I break even :r FML lmao.

Adulthood sucks...where's my blankie, damn it?! :c

$100 a month to help out in bills don't seem like bad news to me. I only wish my mortgage and bills were limited to $100 a month. :ss

[shvictor]

$100 a month to help out in bills don't seem like bad news to me. I only wish my mortgage and bills were limited to $100 a month. :ss

Sounds like a sweet deal to me :tu

[nayslayer]

http://consumerist.com/ Great site for this kind of stuff. Im sure you can find a number or an email address to help you get what you want

[Starscream]

Think you are out of luck.Electronic and plastic Gift Cards: Not returnable or refundable for cash, except in states where required by law.
http://www.walmart.com/returns

:tpd:
This is their policy. It's in the fine print. It sucks, but it's there. You cannot return a DVD or game to the electronics dept. b/c you could have copied it and returned it for a full refund. Gift cards are somewhat similar. I see their point. Wal-Mart is not a bank; they are a business that sells goods. I know it sucks for you, but many, many, many people have tried to cash out gift cards at Wal-Mart for cash. What kind of benefit is this for Wal-Mart? I know you purchased it, never left the store with it, but that's their policy. You now have $400 dollars that you can spend on whatever you so desire as long as Wal-Mart sells it. You can also use those cards to make purchases online. Other than cigars and vehicles, what do you need that cannot be purchased at Wal-Mart?

[kzm007]

Sounds like a sweet deal to me :tu

Yes, it actually is very reasonable.

http://consumerist.com/ Great site for this kind of stuff. Im sure you can find a number or an email address to help you get what you want

I did; I double-checked the return policy on their site, and the saleslady could have offered me CREDIT to my card, instead of cash; I understand why cashing out is disallowed - most people only shop there out of convenience for the 'low prices' and because we need something "right away." Our PA Wal Mart is 24/7.

:tpd:
This is their policy. It's in the fine print. It sucks, but it's there. You cannot return a DVD or game to the electronics dept. b/c you could have copied it and returned it for a full refund. Gift cards are somewhat similar. I see their point. Wal-Mart is not a bank; they are a business that sells goods. I know it sucks for you, but many, many, many people have tried to cash out gift cards at Wal-Mart for cash. What kind of benefit is this for Wal-Mart? I know you purchased it, never left the store with it, but that's their policy. You now have $400 dollars that you can spend on whatever you so desire as long as Wal-Mart sells it. You can also use those cards to make purchases online. Other than cigars and vehicles, what do you need that cannot be purchased at Wal-Mart?

Frankly sir, I see your point, but my issue lay in the fact that I was not offered all of the potential options; I had to settle for what I was given, and it was only after I was fuming over it did I look online and read the fine print - the fact is, I was returning *my own* purchase for cash - that should be allowed. Furthermore, I could have been given a credit to my Mastercard, but I was not offered that choice, I had to discover it myself by reading the returns policy an hour later at home. Wal-Mart employees should know the policies well, supervisors especially so.

As for what I buy at Wal-Mart? Nothing, really. I haven't bought a CD in years, all they sell are a select brand of printers, electronics, etc. I like a better quality and a better variety, so I look online for the lowest price, and can almost always find it. Wal-Mart only price matches local competitor's prices if shown in print ads.

I know it's a business. I don't care. Everyone is out for a good deal, myself included. Thus far, online sales offer no long lines around busy holidays (easy on my feet) sales tax is often non-existent, which I hope remains, and in many cases, shipping is free or greatly reduced. That is why I was fighting for my money. It would've gone back into the economy, just not through Wal-Mart. There are plenty of good stores online, and eBay et al often has good deals if you're smart and a little lucky.

As an example, after sales tax, the $300 or so 32gb Ipod Touch I was going to buy from Wal-Mart? It was out of stock.

I went on Amazon, bought on used for $60 less, and hid the scratches on the back with a $5 protector; I've seen the same or similar protectors sell for 5x that much at Wal-Mart.

So I'm not meaning to bash you or argue in a negative or pessimistic way, I'm just saying, online has become the easiest route for me, and for many others, I'm sure, in shopping - clothing aside. If you're buying anything besides a hat, and it's a new item to you, you should go in-store to try it on just to be sure you really look as dapper as you think you will.

As for copying discs, I've heard of people buying a game or CD, and a plastic wrap machine. They take out the disc, replace it with a blank or a freebie disc (like the old AOL discs), and carefully reattach the white label on top (if any) and rewrap it, returning it for a refund. I've never heard of it done locally, but I've read stories through the news online.

Kegan

[doctorcue]

Dude you make your life way too complicated. Between this and the chic issues... jeez.

[kzm007]

Well there's a slap to the face and my pride :r and yeah, I tend to overreact sometimes. Lately, though, things have just piled up, so small annoyances such as the above is like adding fuel to the fire, ya know?

I'm doing relatively better now, though. Such is life.

On a medical note, my surgery's been tenatively slated for April or May, if I recall correctly. It's a long way to Tipperary, as grandma used to say.