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Beware of Radio Shack

N

news

Jan 1, 1970
0
I have talked to several friends and clients who didnt have the original
packaging(who does after 1 month) after the products went bad/defective.
These incidents happened after 1 month or so ,and they flat out refused to
even grant a replacement or credit. These were computer components,
Notebook adaptors and stereo equipment. If you must buy from them,
Save the complete packaging in pristine condition for as long as the
warranty is in play.
If you dont, they will refuse you even an exchange. Keep this in mind
before you go there
and know that most larger retailers will promptly issue a credit at least
for defective products
not in original pristine packaging
CR



--
http://QLiner.com

Well, dinner would have been splendid... if the wine had been as cold as the
soup, the beef as rare as the service, the brandy as old as the fish, and
the maid as willing as the Duchess. - Winston Churchill
 
W

Wes Groleau

Jan 1, 1970
0
news said:
I have talked to several friends and clients who didnt have the original
packaging(who does after 1 month) after the products went bad/defective.

I do. Anything high-value or fragile, I keep the original packing
long after warranty--in case I ever want to change addresses.

But I agree about Radio Shack in general. Not a great place to buy.
 
M

Martin

Jan 1, 1970
0
news said:
I have talked to several friends and clients who didnt have the original
packaging(who does after 1 month) after the products went bad/defective.
These incidents happened after 1 month or so ,and they flat out refused to
even grant a replacement or credit. These were computer components,
Notebook adaptors and stereo equipment. If you must buy from them,
Save the complete packaging in pristine condition for as long as the
warranty is in play.
If you dont, they will refuse you even an exchange. Keep this in mind
before you go there
and know that most larger retailers will promptly issue a credit at least
for defective products
not in original pristine packaging
CR



--
http://QLiner.com

Well, dinner would have been splendid... if the wine had been as cold as the
soup, the beef as rare as the service, the brandy as old as the fish, and
the maid as willing as the Duchess. - Winston Churchill

And maybe some day you will have a loft full of boxes with no use.
 
M

mike

Jan 1, 1970
0
news said:
I have talked to several friends and clients who didnt have the original
packaging(who does after 1 month) after the products went bad/defective.
These incidents happened after 1 month or so ,and they flat out refused to
even grant a replacement or credit. These were computer components,
Notebook adaptors and stereo equipment. If you must buy from them,
Save the complete packaging in pristine condition for as long as the
warranty is in play.
If you dont, they will refuse you even an exchange. Keep this in mind
before you go there
and know that most larger retailers will promptly issue a credit at least
for defective products
not in original pristine packaging
CR

If it's an exchange, use the box from the replacement to return the old one.
mike

--
Return address is VALID.
Bunch of stuff For Sale and Wanted at the link below.
Compaq Aero floppy,ram,battery.
FT-212RH 2-meter 45W transceiver.
Toshiba & Compaq LiIon Batteries, Test Equipment
30pS pulser, Tektronix Concept Books, spot welding head...
http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Monitor/4710/
 
B

Bob Day

Jan 1, 1970
0
news said:
I have talked to several friends and clients who didnt have the original
packaging(who does after 1 month) after the products went bad/defective.
These incidents happened after 1 month or so ,and they flat out refused to
even grant a replacement or credit.

Take it up with them in small claims court.

-- Bob Day
 
G

Gnarlodious

Jan 1, 1970
0
I bought a small item at Radio Shack several months ago, and the clerk asked
the man in front of me for his social security number. He began reciting it
in public but I interrupted him, telling him she didn't need his SS# and he
should never publicly announce it. A loud argument ensued with the clerk
bringing out the manager. The manager assured me it was official RS policy
to take SS# during a checkout, even for cash. He also told me I had no right
to tell customers not to publicly announce their SS# while in line. The
argument escalated and the manager called the police.

I got out of there real quick.

I then wrote a series of emails to Radio Shack corporate management
complaining about this "Official Policy" and the treatment this manager had
given me. The Customer Relations executive apologized and promised to clean
up the mess. I went back to the store 3 months later and that manager was
gone and the policy had been changed.

The point is, if you have a gripe get active! Radio Shack was responsive in
my case and they certainly can be in your case too.
 
Y

yak

Jan 1, 1970
0
I have talked to several friends and clients who didnt have the original
packaging(who does after 1 month) after the products went bad/defective.
These incidents happened after 1 month or so ,and they flat out refused to
even grant a replacement or credit. These were computer components,
Notebook adaptors and stereo equipment. If you must buy from them,
Save the complete packaging in pristine condition for as long as the
warranty is in play.
If you dont, they will refuse you even an exchange. Keep this in mind
before you go there
and know that most larger retailers will promptly issue a credit at least
for defective products
not in original pristine packaging
CR


Heh, the ONLY things I buy at radio shack are little electronics
components (fuses, diodes, transistors, switches, etc.). That's all the
store is good for.
 
R

Rod Smith

Jan 1, 1970
0
news said:
If you must buy from them,
Save the complete packaging in pristine condition for as long as the
warranty is in play.

This is probably good advice, but many packaged items these days require
repeated assault with a very large, sharp machete to remove from a
plastic shield that rivals steel in strength and durability.

Just this morning I installed a new ink cartridge in my Epson printer,
and I marveled how tough the packaging was -- absolutely impenetrable
without sharp tools!
 
A

Auric__

Jan 1, 1970
0
This is probably good advice, but many packaged items these days require
repeated assault with a very large, sharp machete to remove from a
plastic shield that rivals steel in strength and durability.

Just this morning I installed a new ink cartridge in my Epson printer,
and I marveled how tough the packaging was -- absolutely impenetrable
without sharp tools!

They never mentioned that the packaging has to be in one piece.
 
W

Wes Groleau

Jan 1, 1970
0
Gnarlodious said:
I bought a small item at Radio Shack several months ago, and the clerk asked
the man in front of me for his social security number. He began reciting it
in public but I interrupted him, telling him she didn't need his SS# and he
should never publicly announce it. A loud argument ensued with the clerk
bringing out the manager. The manager assured me it was official RS policy

Every time I try to buy something there, even if I pay cash,
they try to get my address and phone number. I always have
to argue with them. "You don't need my phone number to send
your stupid catalog, and I don't want the catalog anyway."

But they still argue they need it. Eventually I win or
I walk out with my money and no product.

--
Wes Groleau

There are some ideas so wrong that only a
very intelligent person could believe in them.
-- George Orwell
 
M

Mantra

Jan 1, 1970
0
Gnarlodious said:
I bought a small item at Radio Shack several months ago, and the clerk asked
the man in front of me for his social security number. He began reciting it
in public but I interrupted him, telling him she didn't need his SS# and he
should never publicly announce it. A loud argument ensued with the clerk
bringing out the manager. The manager assured me it was official RS policy
to take SS# during a checkout, even for cash. He also told me I had no right
to tell customers not to publicly announce their SS# while in line. The
argument escalated and the manager called the police.

I got out of there real quick.

If this is true, I wouldn't have left. Naturally the manager's claim
is utter BS. It would have been fun to call his bluff and let the
police come. There's a minor issue of 1st Amendment, and then half a
dozen criminal and civil cases if the police a dumb enough to take the
manager's side. Even with the store theoretically being "private
property" that fact that it's open to the public pretty much trumps
that argument. And them there's the PR value of calling a press
conference in front of the store to utter ridicule the manager and
corporate HQ. Don't be a wimp next time. :)


MM
 
S

Sal M. Onella

Jan 1, 1970
0
Wes Groleau said:
policy

Every time I try to buy something there, even if I pay cash,
they try to get my address and phone number. I always have
to argue with them. "You don't need my phone number to send
your stupid catalog, and I don't want the catalog anyway."


< snip >

It must just be some stores (or maybe big-ticket purchases). I just bought
something at RS today and nobody wanted anything but the money.
 
J

Jeff K

Jan 1, 1970
0
news said:
I have talked to several friends and clients who didnt have the original
packaging(who does after 1 month) after the products went bad/defective.
These incidents happened after 1 month or so ,and they flat out refused to
even grant a replacement or credit. These were computer components,
Notebook adaptors and stereo equipment. If you must buy from them,
Save the complete packaging in pristine condition for as long as the
warranty is in play.
If you dont, they will refuse you even an exchange. Keep this in mind
before you go there
and know that most larger retailers will promptly issue a credit at least
for defective products
not in original pristine packaging
CR

I've had good luck with small doo-dads at RS. They recently stopped
asking for phone # etc...
I believe they are francises, so don't compare one with another. You may
have a good one in your town and a bad one somewhere else.

Jeff K
 
G

Greg Buchner

Jan 1, 1970
0
If this is true, I wouldn't have left. Naturally the manager's claim
is utter BS. It would have been fun to call his bluff and let the
police come. There's a minor issue of 1st Amendment, and then half a
dozen criminal and civil cases if the police a dumb enough to take the
manager's side. Even with the store theoretically being "private
property" that fact that it's open to the public pretty much trumps
that argument. And them there's the PR value of calling a press
conference in front of the store to utter ridicule the manager and
corporate HQ. Don't be a wimp next time. :)

Not to mention the fact that technically, they can't legally ask you for
your social security number. But the don't have to sell the product to
you if you don't want to provide it apparently.

from the SSA website:
<http://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/>
and click on the Questions about your Social Security number & card link.

When do I have to provide my Social Security number?


Question


Must I provide a Social Security number (SSN) to any business or
government agency that asks?


Answer


The Social Security number (SSN) was originally devised to keep an
accurate record of each individuals earnings, and to subsequently
monitor benefits paid under the Social Security program. However, use
of the SSN as a general identifier has grown to the point where it is
the most commonly used and convenient identifier for all types of
record-keeping systems in the United States.

Specific laws require a person to provide his/her SSN for certain
purposes. While we cannot give you a comprehensive list of all
situations where an SSN might be required or requested, an SSN is
required/requested by:

Internal Revenue Service for tax returns and federal loans
Employers for wage and tax reporting purposes
States for the school lunch program
Banks for monetary transactions
Veterans Administration as a hospital admission number
Department of Labor for workers compensation
Department of Education for Student Loans
States to administer any tax, general public assistance, motor vehicle
or drivers license law within its jurisdiction
States for child support enforcement
States for commercial drivers licenses
States for Food Stamps
States for Medicaid
States for Unemployment Compensation
States for Temporary Assistance to Needy Families
U.S. Treasury for U.S. Savings Bonds


The Privacy Act regulates the use of SSNs by government agencies. When a
Federal, State, or local government agency asks an individual to
disclose his or her Social Security number, the Privacy Act requires the
agency to inform the person of the following: the statutory or other
authority for requesting the information; whether disclosure is
mandatory or voluntary; what uses will be made of the information; and
the consequences, if any, of failure to provide the information.

If a business or other enterprise asks you for your SSN, you can refuse
to give it. However, that may mean doing without the purchase or
service for which your number was requested. For example, utility
companies and other services ask for a Social Security number, but do
not need it; they can do a credit check or identify the person in their
records by alternative means. Giving your number is voluntary, even when
you are asked for the number directly. If requested, you should ask why
your number is needed, how your number will be used, what law requires
you to give your number and what the consequences are if you refuse. The
answers to these questions can help you decide if you want to give your
Social Security number. The decision is yours.

For more detailed information, we recommend the publication at
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10002.html


Greg B.
 
K

kony

Jan 1, 1970
0
Every time I try to buy something there, even if I pay cash,
they try to get my address and phone number. I always have
to argue with them. "You don't need my phone number to send
your stupid catalog, and I don't want the catalog anyway."

But they still argue they need it. Eventually I win or
I walk out with my money and no product.

How long since your last visit?

I recall they often asked me, but heard that their official
policy had changed, that all stores specifically do _NOT_ require
any info whatsoever for cash purchases.
 
D

DevilsPGD

Jan 1, 1970
0
In message <[email protected]> Wes Groleau
Every time I try to buy something there, even if I pay cash,
they try to get my address and phone number. I always have
to argue with them. "You don't need my phone number to send
your stupid catalog, and I don't want the catalog anyway."

But they still argue they need it. Eventually I win or
I walk out with my money and no product.

They usually have business cards on the desk (the ones around here do,
anyway) -- Just read off the name, phone number and address from there.
 
A

alpha_uma

Jan 1, 1970
0
Gnarlodious said:
I bought a small item at Radio Shack several months ago, and the clerk asked
the man in front of me for his social security number. He began reciting it
in public but I interrupted him, telling him she didn't need his SS# and he
should never publicly announce it. A loud argument ensued with the clerk
bringing out the manager. The manager assured me it was official RS policy
to take SS# during a checkout, even for cash. He also told me I had no right
to tell customers not to publicly announce their SS# while in line. The
argument escalated and the manager called the police.

I got out of there real quick.

I then wrote a series of emails to Radio Shack corporate management
complaining about this "Official Policy" and the treatment this manager had
given me. The Customer Relations executive apologized and promised to clean
up the mess. I went back to the store 3 months later and that manager was
gone and the policy had been changed.

The point is, if you have a gripe get active! Radio Shack was responsive in
my case and they certainly can be in your case too.

Next time when you pay with cash but the business still asks for your social
security number, just tell them that you are visiting from Britain or
Europe.
Al-U
 
J

JW

Jan 1, 1970
0
This is probably good advice, but many packaged items these days require
repeated assault with a very large, sharp machete to remove from a
plastic shield that rivals steel in strength and durability.

Just this morning I installed a new ink cartridge in my Epson printer,
and I marveled how tough the packaging was -- absolutely impenetrable
without sharp tools!

Ahh yes. Packaging so sturdy that you have a 50% chance of destroying the
enclosed merchandise before getting the package open.
Ya just gotta love it!
 
C

Cindy Murray

Jan 1, 1970
0
Wes said:
I do. Anything high-value or fragile, I keep the original packing
long after warranty--in case I ever want to change addresses.

But I agree about Radio Shack in general. Not a great place to buy.
I do, too. I have speakers that are 15 years old and we still have the
original packaging for them. Comes in very handy when we move, since we
usually trek long distances. Still have the boxes my computers came in,
too.
 
L

Larc

Jan 1, 1970
0
| Next time when you pay with cash but the business still asks for your social
| security number, just tell them that you are visiting from Britain or
| Europe.

If I'm recalling correctly from a course in Business Law I once took,
an offer to sell by one party plus acceptance of that offer by another
party constitutes an implied contract. If the buyer offers to
purchase with valid cash, the seller would technically be in "breach
of contract" if he refused to take the money and deliver the goods.

Of course, there are other stipulations such as there being no legal
restrictions against the sale.

Larc



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