Weekly Roundup 8/13 (1 Viewer)

[David Lambert]

Keep in mind that product bought for the Sam's Club stores which doesn't move there will be transferred to Wal-Mart stores later on, at appropriate pricing. The box sets that you guys mention sound like that sort of situation. Advantage: consumers!

 

[Malcolm R]

Around here, the Wal-Marts with major competition nearby (Target, Best Buy, etc.) are really good about making sure their prices are marked down below those of the lowest competitors.

Well, there's really little competition for my local Wal-Mart. However, I did eventually drive the 40 miles to Best Buy and there is another Wal-Mart across the street. Perhaps I should have checked there.

 

[Chris Duran]

The one that's the worst of the bunch is the one where I always insist on doing my price matching. They often refuse to price match, even on relatively small discounts. And if it's a store they don't regularly see ads from (like CompUSA), they generally refuse, stating that there are none within driving disantce, so they're not considered competition (the local CompUSA is about 10 minutes from this Wal-Mart). They once tried to prevent me from price matching because the specific UPC codes weren't listed in the ad. Oddly enough, the codes were listed, defeating the point of their argument.

Scott if this ever happens again, ask to speak to a member of managment, if they still give you a problem tell them you would like the number of their District Manager, and that you will be letting the home office know about this, this is totally wrong and against Wal-Mart's policy of ad matching, espically if you bring in the ad, there should also be local ads at every register just in case. Must just be the cashiers there, probably don't know what they are doing.

 

[Scott Leopold]

Chris, it's actually the management that's the biggest problem. There's one manager in particular who has caused me numerous hassles. She is known for ripping the competitor's ad from your hands and crumbling/ripping it up in front of you. In one instance, I was price matching Star Wars toys with a Toys 'R Us ad. Normally 19.99, Wal-Mart had them for 15.97 that week, while Toys 'R Us had them for 6.97. I was buying 3 of them, had the ad with, and this was the case where the actual UPC's were listed in the ad. This manager was particularly nasty and at first refused to let me price match. She eventually said I could have the 6.97 price for one, but had to pay 15.97 for the rest. I kept insisting that I was just following their policy. She finally called me an "asshole", told me to "go to hell", yanked the ad from my hands and crumpled it up as she ran away (no joke).

Another time, Target had a great sale on Bounty paper towels. They had sold out, but were expecting more in (that didn't show up until Sunday, after the sale ended). I took the ad to the same Wal-Mart, and was buying two 12 packs of towels--the limit in the ad was 2 per customer. The cashier called the same manager. There are two Targets withing 10-15 minutes of this Wal-Mart, but she insisted that there weren't any within a reasonable driving distance, and refused to let me have the price (it was like 4.99 for a 12 pack during one of the stores grand opening sale). She told me they didn't have to offer every ad somebody brought in, and I pointed to the sign hanging right above us. I finally asked for the district manager's name, and she gave me a nasty lecture about making threats while ripping my ad up in my face (I had given it to the cashier so she could check the price). She claimed she could have me banned from the store. I told her that was fine and asked for the district manager's name again. She told the cashier to give me the "f***ing price", then walked away. When I got home, I called another Wal-Mart, explained what happened, and got the district manager's number. I called and found out that she had called before me and explained that I was an irate customer who had to be physically escorted from the store!

I've called twice since then, although the other incidents were never as bad as these two (although one time she refused to let me use a KB Toys ad because she insisted I had altered it and printed it from my computer, even though it was on newsprint and printed on both sides). Not surprisingly, each time since the fist that I've called to get the DM's number, I've had managers at other Wal-Marts tell me they've received complaints about her. In each of the above cases, the commotion gathered quite a crowd. It's a major hassle when I have to deal with her, but I make a point of trying to stick it to that particular store specifically because of her nasty attitude. My calls to the DM don't seem to have done any good, but any time I have a real justification to call, I do.

 

[Malcolm R]

Perhaps a "Letter to the Editor" of the local paper, using basically what you posted here and encouraging others with similar experiences with this manager to file their complaints? I do think it's funny that you keep pressing the issue with this same store/manager.
Also, other contact info:
Wal-Mart Phone
Call Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., at 1-800-WALMART (1-800-925-6278), from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. (CT) Monday - Friday, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (CT) Saturday or from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. (CT) Sunday.
To reach the home office, call 479-273-4000.
Wal-Mart Snail Mail
Mail your questions or comments regarding our stores or home office to:
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Attn: Customer Service
702 S.W. 8th Street
Bentonville, AR 72716

 

[Patrick Sun]

Scott, are you sure this manager doesn't have the hots for you? This sounds so...3rd grade.

 

[David Lambert]

This sounds so...3rd grade.

I *knew* Wal-Mart was raiding the elementary schools for management staff...

 

[Bob Pierce]

Sounds like if you could get her antics on tape, it would be good fodder for one of those cable specials...."Store Managers from HELL!! Shocking Stories Revealed!" You might even be able to make a little $$$ as part of the deal (or get the money from Wal-Mart, to stop you from putting this looney manager they failed to discipline on the air).
Whooo...starting to journey off the topic of this thread here, aren't we?
Just trying to liven things up at the end of a long work-day...
- Bob

 

[David Lambert]

Yeah, it's a bit off-topic...but I don't think this week's Roundup was generating a lotta buzz at the water cooler, either!
Actually, Bob, you've got a good idea there. Scott, why don't you get one of those mini tape recorders like you see college students using to record notes in a lecture. Stick it in your jacket pocket, and when your "friend" comes over for a pricematch, discretely press "record".
If she does something visual, that might not translate well to tape, describe it "in astonishment" to the witnesses. Like this: "Did you see her rip up my ad and flip me off? Did you? Or am I just hallucinating?"
After she's done, do NOT play it back for her in the store, or let her know she's busted. She can rightfully confiscate the tape and escort you from the store.
But call the DM and play the tape over the phone. That will get some attention! And, if not, call the local news. They love that shit.

 

[Mike Friedrich]

Better yet have a buddy out of sight discreetly video tape any incident along with your close proximity audio recorder, hence America's Funniest Animals.
bodymv'n

 

[David Lambert]

I'm sure that they wouldn't allow a videotaping in the store, and I doubt you could carry in something small enough to be undetectable. But if you can manage it, more power to ya!

 

[Mike Friedrich]

I'm sure they wouldn't either, but like I said "discreet" is the magic word and if you're good it be very doable.
bodymv'n

 

[John Berggren]

I've created a thread in software about a problem I experienced last night. For those interested, I encourage you to contact Target:
Target sells MAR Lord of the Rings for $5 less than OAR

 

[David Lambert]

John, maybe they're just trying to get rid of those slow-selling MAR copies!
Still sends the wrong message, though...

 

[Scott Leopold]

Just for the record, I'm pretty sure she doesn't have the hots for me--at least I hope not. She looks like the stereotypical, grade school lunch lady. I've also seen her treat other customers the same way, so I no longer have that "special" feeling when I go into the store. I hadn't considered taping my encounters before, but it may be worth the effort. I've actually got one of those little tape recorders, and it's sound activated, so I could use the mini-mic that came with it, attach it to my shirt, and not have to worry about hitting the record button.

Honestly, though, I can't understand why no apparent disciplinary action has been taken against her. On other occasions that I've had problems with employees, the managers always seem more than willing to act on complaints. About six years ago, I went to a different Wal-Mart to have my tires replaced. The tires I picked out were about $60. With the $10 installation and life-time service plan per tire, that should have come out to about $280. When I questioned why the guy wanted to charge me over $400, he exploded, got in my face, called me every name in the book and wanted to know why I was accusing him of being a cheat and a liar. I simply walked out, called the manager from home to tell him about my experience, and received a call a week later from the manager apologizing again and letting me know the guy had been fired (which wasn't my intention, but I didn't lose any sleep over it). About 5 years ago, I had a bad experience when I got the e-check done on my car. One of the "mechanics" ended up scamming me out of $5, and threatened to report me if I didn't comply (which could have resulted in a $500 fine). A couple weeks later, I saw the guy working as a stock boy at a nearby Kroger. He saw me, ran up, got in my face and accused me of getting him fired from the e-check job, and said he was going to fight me right there in aisle 9. I explained that I didn't know what he was talking about, but he insisted on fighting--all this going on with my then 6 year old son standing right there. The manager came over and wanted to know what was going on, and this time I did insist on the guy losing his job. The manager agreed. Finally, about two years ago I ran to Meijer on a Sunday morning after I got out of work. I had around 40 items, but it was 24 of this, 12 of that, and a few of the other. There were only 2 lanes open, one at the far end of the store and the other about 2 feet from me. After standing in line for about 20 minutes, I realized it was an express lane just as the guy in front of me (who had 20 or so totally different items) finished paying. I immediately apologized to the cashier, and explained that I wasn't aware it was an express lane, it was one of only two open, and that really only had 3 items (just multiples of each), so it shouldn't take long to ring me up. Instead of just scanning one of each and ringing me through, she berated me for a good 15 minutes, telling me how thoughtless I was and that she could ban me from the store for life if she so chosed. I was extremely tired and tried to just get out of there ASAP, but she insisted on making a scene. I got bad enough that everyone in line was yelling at her, calling her obscene names and asking for her manager. I kept telling her to just ring one of each and enter the quantity and let me go--which she finally did. Once she did this, it literally took less than 30 seconds to scan me through. By the time I got home, I was a little more awake and a lot more angry. I called the store to speak to the manager, and found out that I was about the 10th call she received on the incident. She apologized and explained that the cashiers are never supposed to speak up when somebody has more than 12 items in the express lane, and that when it's that early on a Sunday morning, the cashiers are supposed to open 2 normal lanes--never an express lane. They ended up demoting the lady to bagger after the incident--she had had other complaints and clearly was not good with people.

 

[matt bee]

Scott,
I have to ask, Why on Earth do you continue to go to Walmart? It sounds like your bad experiences outnumber the good ones.
With your customer service track record, maybe it's better if you just stay in the house and have everything delivered.

 

[Luc]

Thanks again David

Does anyone of you think it's possible that stores purposely run out of a particular movie during the first sale week?

Case in point: Clockstoppers. I went to Circuit City yesterday and they ran out! On a second day? It just happen that they're selling it 16.99 and others are selling it 19.99 cheapest as David have shown us, so they got me there thinking if it's not available, I'll buy something else? They're not stocking it enough on purpose or they're in the back waiting till the sale date expires? I know it sounds weird but I'm sure they'll have plenty later on. Now, if this is the first time that I got there and they ran out, I wouldn't have thought about this but it happened 3 times and it just happen Target and Best Buys are just down the street. It makes me suspicious. Tell me I'm wrong. I'm just pissed that they got me there and I have nothing to pick up.

I know, I know, why wouldn't they want to sell me a copy for 16.99? I don't know, you tell me. It just seems that way. Is it possible?

 

[Patrick Sun]

Those are called "Loss Leaders" (low priced items) which are used to attract people to a store (they usually are limited to quantities on hand, but some stores issue a rain check to purchase at the sale price).

 

[Luc]

Patrick, you're right, Circuit City does offer the "rain check" at the sale price. I did it one time but then I thought: Hey, they lured me there twice - once when they were out of the stock item and another when I go pick it up.
2nd time and yesterday, I didn't do it.

I'll bet after Saturday, they will magically have some in stock. It's just my suspicion.

 

[Scott Leopold]

Except for the tire incident, I usually don't have any problems with the employees at any other Wal-Marts. The store I should stay out of is Meijer. I've had an unbelievable number of bad experiences there. I'm sure part of the problem is that I used to go there all the time when I was working nights, and I believe it's Meijer corporate policy not to hire anyone with an IQ of over 30 for the night shift. However, I've had nearly as many odd occurrences during regular hours there.

Most recently was when they had a Super Saturdaze Sale. These are huge, crazy sales that they had for several Saturdays in a row. The best buys are always offered from 6am to Noon on Saturday morning, so you need to get there early. I woke up at 4:45, and showed up at the store at 5:25 with the plan of getting all the sale items I wanted, then checking out right at 6:00, going home and getting some more sleep. They had duct tape, buy 1 get 2 free. Regular price was 4.98. I bought three, as well as a bunch of other stuff. I checked my receipt at the car and saw that I was charged 6.98 for the duct tape. Not only that, but I was charged for all three! The lady at the customer service desk put up a fight over the issue, and I had to speak to the manager and threaten to call the Better Business Bureau to get it resolved. During the same sale, they had a coupon for $5 off any DVD's 10.99 and over. It took over 30 minutes to finally get someone to come over and help. By this time, there were well over 20 people in the DVD area, all of whom claimed to be "first" when the guy asked. I pointed out that since I was the one who asked for him to come over, I probably qualified as "first" (I was also the only person in the area for the first 10 minutes, so I think that qualified me as well). Spy Kids was on sale that week for 14.95, and I didn't see any in the case. I asked him if they had any more, and he asked if I saw it in the case. I explained that, if I did see it in the case, I wouldn't be asking if they had any in back. He then asked why I thought they should have any in the case. I showed him the sale card and explained that usually when a store has an item on sale, it's customary to actually have it in stock. This confused the heck out of him, so I just asked him to give me a copy of Braveheart. He asked where that would be, and I told him my best guess would be with the rest of the B's. After a few more minutes of searching, he found it. I then asked him for a copy of The Last Waltz. It just so happened that this was three shelves directly below Braveheart. It also so happened that he had his hand right on them. He asked where they were, and I said "right there" while pointing at his hand. He looked for a minute or so, and asked me again. I explained that it was the DVD he had his hand on. He looked at his other, empty hand of course, then gave me a confused look. After nearly five minutes of frustration, I shoved him out of the way and grabbed the DVD. He told me several times that I wasn't supposed to do that as I walked away. I had first entered the DVD area at 5:55 am, and it was now 6:45, and I wasn't in the best of moods. If I'd have known that I was going to have a fight over the duct tape, I probably would have just left everything and gone home. As it was, I didn't get out of there until after 7:45. I pulled into my driveway at 8:11 am, and didn't get nearly as much sleep as I had hoped.

To keep this at least slightly on topic, my wife and I were at Best Buy yesterday. Because we had a back-to-school copuon, and because she insisted, we picked up Can't Buy Me Love. Does anyone else think it's in poor taste that the FBI warning and the opening Buena Vista logo are in widescreen?