Expect More/Pay Less or Expect Less?

First of all they already told the OP that they can't be sure when
they would get it in.


if they had a policy that enabled them to promise a disc from future
stock then they probably would have offered it


if a store policy is not to hold items for customers - i don't know of
many stores that DO have policies like that due to having them
backfire in their faces - then they can't change that policy just
because someone is mad at them.



i know many people assume it's a magical world where employees know
that they'll get item x in on tuesday (ignoring pre-released games).
and that they will be able to have a notice up where everyone knows
game x will be set aside for disgruntled customer y.... but the
problem is... this magical world doesn't really exist.

this is why they don't promise it.

because if they promised it and reality happens and it's not there for
the customer then you'll have a furious customer who's now even madder
about them not doing it...

so unless you can guarantee it will happen, you don't promise.

sure people will want you to promise but... you don't promise it
unless you can guarantee it.

I thought it was against the law to refuse a refund for an item that
did not work the way it was supposed to. Such as a damaged game that
won't play.

I'm glad you were able to get a new copy. I don't think what you
wanted done regarding this was unreasonable at all.

I did exchange it for a good copy today. More stock arrived over
night. There was one left when I got to the store this morning. Again,
it would have been better to have been offered to hold one from future
stock.

Thanks all for your comments. I'm very aware that you can easily copy
movies, I was not aware that you could easily copy xbox games. My
understanding is that people who do mod their xbox to play copied
games get banned from XBOX live.

No one at the store was aware of any problems with the game being
recalled. I feel sorry for the kids that will be unwrapping their
games on Christmas morning and have to hope Target has some in stock
to exchange.

I completely agree with the letter writer. It's not as if they are
demanding cash, simply store credit OR to be notified when there is a
copy in stock. They purchased the item with the realistic expectation
that it would...gasp...work. They should not have to call/travel all
around trying to track a new copy down.

So, this is a known issue that the manufacturer let the retail stores
know about. ALL of the Harry Potter year 5-7 that was originally sent
out to every Target store was damaged. They can't transfer or hold one
at another store for you because no one currently has any. Try again
at the end of the week and the stock should be replaced with working
copies by then. Better yet call the store before you go in and ask if
they have their new shipments in so you don't have to waste a trip.

I think all three of your suggested options are very reasonable. Hope
Target follows through on this.

I think your offered solutions are more than fair. I think they
should have given you store credit on the spot.

They really don't know when more will arrive in the store. When I
worked in retail, we didn't know what was in a shipment until it
actually arrived in the store. Are there other Target stores in your
area? There are 2 stores within 15 miles of where I live. Many stores
do not do store to store transfers either. You will just have to check
back with the store to find out when another copy comes in. You could
ask them what days they normally get shipments. That way you don't
have to call them everyday. Stores began a no return policy on games,
CDs, and DVDs years ago. Part of the reason is they are so easy to
copy now. People would buy it, bring it home and copy it, then return
it for a full refund. For games, some people would buy them, try it
out and decide they don't like it, then return it for a refund. The
store is unable to resell the game and takes a loss.