Monday, November 17, 2008

I was duped!

I enjoyed the digital camera for three days. On the first day the memory died after 3 shots. On the second day the battery died after 15 minutes. I went back to Best Buy to resolve the problem. Following is the scenario... I took the camera back to Best Buy. They checked it and said it was not defective. They took it back, even though it was opened, but charged me $13.50 restocking fee for having opened and used it. I registered a complaint with HQ, but I don't think it will do any good. I told them I will never shop at their store ever again...I don't think the guy cared. Here is what I wrote to HQ at Best Buy last night: To Whom it May Concern: I bought an 8942399 NS-DSC7P09 pink digital camera for $89.99 in your Springfield, PA store on 11/13/08. I was assured by the sales associate that there was enough internal memory for at least 25 pictures and that the only condition with buying the camera would be a 30 day return policy. I used the camera for 15 minutes and took only 3 pictures before the memory was full and the battery was low. I took the camera to the Geek Squad at Best Buy in King of Prussia, PA, who convinced me to buy 1 gig memory card, even though I was assured by the sales associate that I did not need to buy a gig of memory. The camera was low on battery within a few minutes of use. I took the camera back to the store on 11/16/08 to return it. It was then I was told I was to be charged a 15% restocking fee for having opened and used the camera. I want my 15% returned, $13.50, for the following reasons: 1. I was mis informed by the sales associate about the quality of the camera's internal memory. 2. I was not informed that there is a restocking fee. How am I to know if I like the camera if I don't open the carton and use it at least once. Note that I bought and returned the camera within 3 days. I have the receipts. 3. I was not informed by the sales associate that there is a limited battery life and that the camera is not rechargeable. 4. This is an inferior product and I am not satisfied. Misinformation, absence of information, and poor customer care has brought a bad impression upon your store. Please refund my $13.50 restocking fee for a product I used for only 15 minutes before it proved itself inferior. I doubt I will hear from them, but I feel better for making this public.

10 comments:

Beth said...

I would definitely hope that they will refund that bogus "restocking fee." That's ridiculous.

I buy memory cards for my digital. One gig will hold about 800 pictures, so I think they're well worth it. My camera uses 2 AA batteries, and all the reviews I read on Amazon recommended getting rechargeables. I've done that, and I've been happy with it. In a pinch, I could buy regular AA's if I needed to.

I hope you can find a camera that works better for you! And put up a stink about that restocking fee!

Beth

Claudia said...

I would also write to the camera manufacturer. That doesn't sound right at all. I have 2 G memory card. The battery I have is rechargable and will last all day. No wonder these companies are going out of business, the have no customer service. Write to The Better Business Bureau, and I have even written to Tom Corbett the Attorney General of PA.

Claudia

Paula said...

I know your frustration. I just gave up on mine and use the silly little throw-a-way cameras I buy from Wal*Mart. Its probably something I did to it I'm so untecnically minded. lol

Missie said...

I have a rechargable digital battery for my phone. A digital camera eats of regular batteries very quickly. Also, depending on the pixels you have your camera set at, on the internal drive, you will only get a few pictures. I use an external card and get over 1000 pictures, but I download on my computer right away.

Alice said...

That's just not right!!! I'd be making a really big stink. I bought a Kodak digital about 1 1/2yrs ago and had sooo much trouble keeping batteries in it. My daughter-in-law told me to get lithium ones and I did. I've been using the same two for at least a year and they are not rechargable. Was I ever happy :)

Heli gunner Tom said...

The Best Buy in Racine, WI has terrible service and they are after he bottom line only. And they are RUDE! I share you disappointment with them.

Cordially,
Tom S
tschuckman@aol.com
Disabled Vietnam Vet: 68-70.
web site: http://heli-gunnertom.blogspot

Janie said...

Hmmmm I am wondering if you have the setting on real LARGE photos? 1240 X ?. You want to set it for photos that are 640X480. You might want to go back and have them set it for you. A little complicated if you are new with a digital camera. I bought a larger memory card and have never really used the other small one. Can take 250 or more photos. I buy rechargable batteries because batteries don't last too long. That is more money. lol This is too funny because you are a Scorpio like me. lol I would be doing the same thing. lol Hope your day gets better. Janie

Rose said...

That restocking fee should be outlawed......OMIG.........

Hugs, Rose

Sage Ravenwood said...

I've heard of the restocking fee before from Best Buy. I refuse to shop there. I truly do hope your able to get you money back hon. (Hugs)Indigo

DB said...

I would keep bothering them (off and on, in your spare time) until they do something. DB