Did anybody ever purchase an empty box? (1 Viewer)

[Matthew Brown]

I apologize of this is the incorrect forum to post this.
I just wanted to see if this seemed right.
I bought Max Payne for my sister for her birthday at Best Buy. When she opened the box, the cd was missing. I gave her the receipt and she went to exchange it. The managaer at Best Buy said they can't except the return. She would need to contact the company that made the game. Being that there is no phone number on the box, my sister said it could take weeks to get a replacement going through the mail. And this is only if the company was inclined to give one. When my sister mentioned this, she was told that nothing could be done and then she was given an 800 number to call for Best Buy customer assistance where the manager said it may be possible that they will override her decision.
Now besides the embarasement of giving an empty box as a gift, I get to feel bad that this can't be returned easily. I don't know if the cd was stolen at the store and then the box put up on the shelf so I would expect the manufacturer to not be inclined to replace it so easily. These games aren't shrinkwrapped.
After hearing this, I immediately disputed the charge on my credit card.
Is this too rash? I don't buy many games and I don't know what exchange policies are but I would think an empty box should merit a replacement.
Any opinions would be great.
Thanks,
Matt

 

[BrianB]

Is this too rash? I don't buy many games and I don't know what exchange policies are but I would think an empty box should merit a replacement.

The problem here is that it's Best Buy. Their customer service on videogames is a joke.
I've never had an empty box... Was the box 'taped' down when you got it? Or was the flaps free to open/close? I think you've followed the right course of action. Another thing to try would be to email 3DRealms directly - they're generally very supportive of their fans, and they may be able to help out quicker than going through Take Two.
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[Matthew Brown]

Thanks for the response. The box had the top taped down. I will try to to got through 3d Realms and see what they say. I have been a fan of theirs since RISE OF THE TRIAD. I feel old now!
Thanks,
Matt

 

[Rob Varto]

I bought a copy of PS Video Game Classis Volume 1 (Dig Dug, Galaga, etc) from Electronics Botique about three years ago. When I got home and openend a "sealed" CD case, there was no game inside. My first thought was "oh shit, no game and they are NEVER gonna believe me". Well, they did. They simply gave me another game without a question. The lesson to be learned here is, if you have the ability to buy a game from EB, do it. If it sucks, you can return it; if it's missing, they have great customer service.
And for the record, I don't think you're being too rash by disputing your charge - you paid for a product and didn't get it. It's as simple as that.

 

[Joel Mack]

I absolutely never buy from anywhere but my local EB, and advise all my friends and family to do the same. They price match all the local "superstores", have a 10-day return policy, and will reserve any new release for you without any money down. YMMV.

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[Matthew Brown]

Brian -
Thanks for the advice. I e-mailed 3d Realms they got back to me in the hour. I just have to mail them the box and copy of the receipt.
These guys are great! I'll never get computer games from Best Buy again.

 

[Graeme Clark]

That wasn't rash at all. I'm glad 3DR are helping you out, as they should.

 

[Matthew Brown]

I guess I should end the "disputed" charge on my credit card since 3d realms is sending me a replacement. I'm too honest. I will write a letter telling Best Buy that they lost my business for the holidays as well as being the place I get my first HDTV. So they lost $3000 over a $50 game.
Matt

 

[BrianB]

Brian -
Thanks for the advice. I e-mailed 3d Realms they got back to me in the hour. I just have to mail them the box and copy of the receipt.

Excellent, glad you got it resolved.
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