2009.02.27
In liquidation sales, there are no returns
As we enter the final days of Circuit City's going-out-of business sale, be wary of what you purchase especially if it's a high-dollar item. Remember, you can't return it.
A Massachusetts couple purchased a shattered television recently at a Circuit City liquidation sale, but they didn't know that it was damaged until they paid $1,100 for the set, according to this story. The Circuit City liquidators would not allow them to return it for a refund.
There's no way to know if an item is damaged. Signs inside Circuit City's stores, including the one in Roanoke, restrict customers from opening an item's box until after they buy it.
Those kinds of tactics are enough for me to not shop there for a deal. That's just shady to prohibit a return, but not allow a customer to inspect an item before they buy it. Is that practice common during other liquidations, or only for CC?
Comment by Other John — February 27, 2009 @ 3:36 pm
no wonder they are going out of business ther attitude is get rid of the products the HELL with customers
Comment by joe rodgers — February 27, 2009 @ 6:10 pm
I just recently purchased a few fixtures from CC. They person in charge there said they would be there till the end of March.
To be honest, I was shocked how much was left. Then I looked...Guitar Hero...marked down 40%...about $45....online at best buy or Amazon....$35. Hmmmm....
Comment by Craig — February 28, 2009 @ 3:37 am
You are correct. That is the reason CC went out of business. I purchased a cordless phone system from CC prior to their liquidation. The instructions I received were in Spanish. CC would only tell me to call Panasonic who never sent the English instructions. CC would not contact Panasonic to help me.
Comment by MS — February 28, 2009 @ 7:45 am
It's called "Buying a pig in a poke"
These electronics discounters have played this game for years. They would have an 'open box' or 'display model' sale & if you got it home & it didn't work it, was your problem. (no exchanges & no refunds) Yet they still did a bunch of business.
Now with 'liquidators' running the show, they have "0" vested interest in doing anything responsibly or reputably. Tragic but true.
Comment by Steve — February 28, 2009 @ 2:12 pm
Well, there's nothing wrong with not allowing returns IF its spelled out beforehand, BUT customers should be permitted to inspect any merchandise before purchase. If they don't, and are aware of the no returns policy, then it is their own fault for allowing themselves to be put in that position. The liquidators have no store reputation to protect, so be aware of that.
Comment by Dan Lint — March 1, 2009 @ 1:27 am
Dan, your point is well taken. The liquidators are anonymous, not tied to our community, and without concern for anything but maximizing sales and thus their commissions.
Comment by Jim D — March 1, 2009 @ 11:59 am
I agree Dan Lint.I think not letting you check the item before you purchase and then telling you that if it is defective is just dirty. Taking peoples money then telling them they are SOL if there is a problem is wrong no matter what. I personally have not even checked them out for fact that I keep hearing there are no deals. Then on top of that them doing that dirt underhanded policy keeps me away.
Comment by Mike D — March 1, 2009 @ 7:33 pm
I have bought several things from Circuit City since the closing sale began. One thing I bought was a video game and the case was damaged. The store associate (who are still circuit city employees) let me open the box the make sure game was not damaged. The store associated do not like the liquidators either so if you talk to them they will help you. Also, if you open a box on your own what are they going to do? They can't make you buy something. Also, CC in Roanoke put a sign up on Friday saying last 10 days. Of course that could turn into the famous "held over" extended sale!
Comment by Greg — March 2, 2009 @ 10:09 am
I personally will miss Circuit City (Pre-Liquidation).
But when I was there they had an Open box Digital SLR.. for around $880. On my Blackberry I saw Amazon had it for $940 or so New.. and that $880 was either 40 or 60% off.
The note on the dore does say MSRP..and VERY few things you pay MSRP on.. (IPods and Playstations) is about it..
I want a SLR but I am not going to risk an Open-Box with zero returns.. though I am sure Nikon or Canon would back their product.. but still wasn't worth the risk..
Comment by Scott — March 2, 2009 @ 12:15 pm
I hate to see CC go but I should have known something was up about them closing. I brought a I pod for my daughter the day after Thanksgiving and they did not even offer me a warranty. Also I have been going just about every other week to see if they had marked any thing down and they have not. I was looking for a printer and they still wanted over $100.00 with the 25% liquation . I went to walmart and got the same printer for almost $20.00 Cheapier. But I did get a compueter off of display and so far it is working. I went on line and got the directions from HP.. So I hope that I won't have the nightmare like the couple about their tv that they purchased . But actually , I would have look in the box before I purchased. Well you live and learn and no matter what when you buy electronics like that and the place is going out of business you are taking a risk. Well I guess Best Buy is now the "King of Electronics".
Comment by Sabrina M — March 3, 2009 @ 10:48 am
Greg, I wish I had the foresight to check the two pre-owned Xbox 360 games I bought from there a few weeks ago before purchasing like you did. When I got them home, not one, but BOTH game discs were cracked and unplayable. Neither of the cases had any sort of noticeable damage, so it didn't cross my mind to open and check them. Makes me wonder if they purposely sold those games knowing they were damaged and the unlucky person that bought them would have no recourse. Both games totaled a little over $20, so it's not like I payed full price for them, but I have definitely learned my lesson on buying things at liquidation sales.
Comment by Jesse — March 3, 2009 @ 11:12 am
Remember, if you purchase with a major credit card you automatically have buyer protection and can charge back to the company for goods that you cannot receive a remedy from the merchant. It could be harder dealing with a store closing or liquidator but that is up to the issuing card company to work for you on your behalf.
I have had issues with merchandise unable to be returned and have the charge back process work in my favor.
Comment by Gene — March 3, 2009 @ 11:25 am
We shopped at CC for a flat panel TV. Even with their massive price reduction, they were still the most expensive around. We bought one from Sams that was MUCH cheaper than CC AND had a DVD player built in. I think the one at Sams, for the same size and identical to the one at CC was more than $200 cheaper. I am glad to see Circuit City go. I've never liked that place anyway. It's sad that they're marking things down so low and yet everyone else is STILL much cheaper. Adios!
Comment by Josh — March 7, 2009 @ 5:57 pm