so i buy a socket set at walmart to do a little car work

[Eli]

Originally posted by: BlahBlahYouToo

Originally posted by: Eli

Originally posted by: BUTCH1

Originally posted by: Eli
Heh.

Funny this comes up. Story: I can't find my god damn cordless drill, and I need to do some light duty drilling tonight. Sam's club has a 24V cordless drill for 40$. Unfortunately, they closed at 6pm today.

Solution: Went to Wal-Mart and bought a 12V cordless for 40$(Which is a piece of shit I might add). Will use it for the stuff I need tonight, return it tomorrow and buy the 40$ one from Sam's.

The way I figure it, they're the same damn company, and the products cost the same amount.. They're not losin' anything. lol

Yea, but are you really going back to Sams now that the drillin's done?, I doubt it, you probably going back to Harbor Freight to get another since HF is even cheaper that Sams. I really wish WM would change their return policy so scammers can't do this. You have to check everything you buy at our local WM since some will buy, replace parts with broken ones and return to store...

No, I am. It was my intention to buy the one at Sam's, but they were closed.

I'm not scamming anyone by abiding by the store's own return policy.

I also contend that nobody would be hurt if the store changed their return policy. They're still going to take returns, they should just scrutinize them better.

I'm not scamming anyone. I'm not sticking rocks back into the packaging and trying to return it.

the bigger problem here is that while it is not illegal per the stores policies, you fail to see what you are doing is wrong ethically.

I comprehend perfectly what you guys are saying. I just disagree that it is unethical. How can I fault myself for simply using their own return policy? I can't, and neither should you.

This is nothing akin to putting rocks or broken parts back into the box and trying to return it. That is what I consider unethical. I bought the drill with my money, I don't like the drill, I'm returning the drill. Yes, it was pre-meditated, but I still contend that if I used the drill and liked it, that I would keep it. I do not, so I am not. It doesn't even have a charging cradle! The wall wart plugs directly into the drill.. That just reeks of POS.

What's unethical is the heart of the issue here; Wal-Mart trying to package a return as brand new. Like I said, they should re-close the box with special tape and sell it at a discount. The customer gets a deal, and Wal-Mart gets to turn product around.

Really, I understand what some of you are saying. I guess I just don't care that much? I needed to drill some fucking holes, so I went and bought a drill. I don't want the drill anymore. It's perfectly within my right to return it to the store, since its in their return policy that I can indeed return it.

Must be the republican in me acting out. You know what I should do? I should list it on Craigslist for 45 bucks. "Brand new, used to drill 3 holes!"

I bet someone would buy it. :laugh:

Edit: I have a question for all you high horse folks. If I did indeed list it on Craigslist for 45$, would that be unethical? I'm trying to rip people off, right?

I'd really like to know.

 

[GrumpyMan]

Originally posted by: evident

Originally posted by: Eli

Originally posted by: PottedMeat

Originally posted by: Eli
Heh.

Funny this comes up. Story: I can't find my god damn cordless drill, and I need to do some light duty drilling tonight. Sam's club has a 24V cordless drill for 40$. Unfortunately, they closed at 6pm today.

Solution: Went to Wal-Mart and bought a 12V cordless for 40$(Which is a piece of shit I might add). Will use it for the stuff I need tonight, return it tomorrow and buy the 40$ one from Sam's.

The way I figure it, they're the same damn company, and the products cost the same amount.. They're not losin' anything. lol

You talking about this?
http://auctions.samsclub.com/s...nfo.asp?LotNo=80005518

That be the one. Weird, never seen the sam's club auctions before. Are you saying they normally go for like 25 bucks? lol

To everyone flaming me - Seriously? Is it that big of a deal? I don't even think it's unethical.

1) I'm abiding by the store's own return policy.

2) Even if the company just puts the product back on the shelf, which IMO is much more unethical than what I'm doing, you won't even be able to tell that it was used since I'm saving all the packaging and such. It won't even have a scratch on it, I just need to drill like 3 holes in some plastic. It will even have a full charge!

3) I'm not going to lie and say that it doesn't work or anything like that, it's simply inadequate for my needs, which is true.

4) Like I said, I'm buying another 40$ product from Sam's. Everyone wins!

5) Really, I don't care. It's Wal-Mart. It's not my fault they're asshats and could put a used product back on the shelf instead of sending it back to the manufacturer like they should.

:beer:

Edit: And yes, I realize both cordless drills are trash. The one it's replacing is a 14.4V drill from Harbor Freight. It's served me well for several years, so apparently I don't require much in a cordless drill.

Although the 12V one from Wal-Mart is exceptionally shitty.

i support your activities

So you can get banned here for condoning software and music piracy, but it's OK for a moderator to condone buying a product, using it and then returning it to get his money back thinking it's OK because it's Walmart? My how Anandtech has changed over the years. And just because Walmart repackaged it, 2 wrongs don't make a right.

 

[Eli]

Originally posted by: GrumpyMan
So you can get banned here for condoning software and music piracy, but it's OK for a moderator to condone buying a product, using it and then returning it to get his money back thinking it's OK because it's Walmart? My how Anandtech has changed over the years. And just because Walmart repackaged it, 2 wrongs don't make a right.

I never said it was okay because it's Wal-Mart. I said it's okay because it's within the limits of their return policy. Which is the only way it can be....... lol

Obviously if I couldn't return it in this scenario, then there wouldn't even be a discussion...

Edit: And comparing it to software piracy is a bit of a stretch, I'm not stealing anything. Again, this is nothing like putting rocks or something back into the packaging and trying to return it.

 

[waggy]

Originally posted by: GrumpyMan

Originally posted by: evident

Originally posted by: Eli

Originally posted by: PottedMeat

Originally posted by: Eli
Heh.

Funny this comes up. Story: I can't find my god damn cordless drill, and I need to do some light duty drilling tonight. Sam's club has a 24V cordless drill for 40$. Unfortunately, they closed at 6pm today.

Solution: Went to Wal-Mart and bought a 12V cordless for 40$(Which is a piece of shit I might add). Will use it for the stuff I need tonight, return it tomorrow and buy the 40$ one from Sam's.

The way I figure it, they're the same damn company, and the products cost the same amount.. They're not losin' anything. lol

You talking about this?
http://auctions.samsclub.com/s...nfo.asp?LotNo=80005518

That be the one. Weird, never seen the sam's club auctions before. Are you saying they normally go for like 25 bucks? lol

To everyone flaming me - Seriously? Is it that big of a deal? I don't even think it's unethical.

1) I'm abiding by the store's own return policy.

2) Even if the company just puts the product back on the shelf, which IMO is much more unethical than what I'm doing, you won't even be able to tell that it was used since I'm saving all the packaging and such. It won't even have a scratch on it, I just need to drill like 3 holes in some plastic. It will even have a full charge!

3) I'm not going to lie and say that it doesn't work or anything like that, it's simply inadequate for my needs, which is true.

4) Like I said, I'm buying another 40$ product from Sam's. Everyone wins!

5) Really, I don't care. It's Wal-Mart. It's not my fault they're asshats and could put a used product back on the shelf instead of sending it back to the manufacturer like they should.

:beer:

Edit: And yes, I realize both cordless drills are trash. The one it's replacing is a 14.4V drill from Harbor Freight. It's served me well for several years, so apparently I don't require much in a cordless drill.

Although the 12V one from Wal-Mart is exceptionally shitty.

i support your activities

So you can get banned here for condoning software and music piracy, but it's OK for a moderator to condone buying a product, using it and then returning it to get his money back thinking it's OK because it's Walmart? My how Anandtech has changed over the years. And just because Walmart repackaged it, 2 wrongs don't make a right.

heh

 

[harobikes333]

Originally posted by: tasmanian
Return them after using them, who gives a shit, its fucking walmart.

/end thread

^ ^ lol

yeah walmart is evil

 

[BlahBlahYouToo]

Originally posted by: Eli

Originally posted by: GrumpyMan
So you can get banned here for condoning software and music piracy, but it's OK for a moderator to condone buying a product, using it and then returning it to get his money back thinking it's OK because it's Walmart? My how Anandtech has changed over the years. And just because Walmart repackaged it, 2 wrongs don't make a right.

I never said it was okay because it's Wal-Mart. I said it's okay because it's within the limits of their return policy. Which is the only way it can be....... lol

Obviously if I couldn't return it in this scenario, then there wouldn't even be a discussion...

Edit: And comparing it to software piracy is a bit of a stretch, I'm not stealing anything. Again, this is nothing like putting rocks or something back into the packaging and trying to return it.

so you realize you're causing stores to do things like this.
Text

 

[AnonymouseUser]

Originally posted by: Eli

Originally posted by: GrumpyMan
So you can get banned here for condoning software and music piracy, but it's OK for a moderator to condone buying a product, using it and then returning it to get his money back thinking it's OK because it's Walmart? My how Anandtech has changed over the years. And just because Walmart repackaged it, 2 wrongs don't make a right.

I never said it was okay because it's Wal-Mart. I said it's okay because it's within the limits of their return policy. Which is the only way it can be....... lol

Obviously if I couldn't return it in this scenario, then there wouldn't even be a discussion...

Edit: And comparing it to software piracy is a bit of a stretch, I'm not stealing anything. Again, this is nothing like putting rocks or something back into the packaging and trying to return it.

This is exactly like software piracy in many cases...

eg, Pirates don't be stealing it, they be simply borrowin' a copy o' the booty without the hassles o' returnin' it to a store. Nine times out o' ten it be deleted after being watched 'r played just one time.

/yarr

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: AnonymouseUser

Originally posted by: Eli

Originally posted by: GrumpyMan
So you can get banned here for condoning software and music piracy, but it's OK for a moderator to condone buying a product, using it and then returning it to get his money back thinking it's OK because it's Walmart? My how Anandtech has changed over the years. And just because Walmart repackaged it, 2 wrongs don't make a right.

I never said it was okay because it's Wal-Mart. I said it's okay because it's within the limits of their return policy. Which is the only way it can be....... lol

Obviously if I couldn't return it in this scenario, then there wouldn't even be a discussion...

Edit: And comparing it to software piracy is a bit of a stretch, I'm not stealing anything. Again, this is nothing like putting rocks or something back into the packaging and trying to return it.

This is exactly like software piracy in many cases...

eg, Pirates don't be stealing it, they be simply borrowin' a copy o' the booty without the hassles o' returnin' it to a store. Nine times out o' ten it be deleted after being watched 'r played just one time.

/yarr

Man seriously WTF...a return policy is NEVER about returning a product just so you can use it for a job.

That is what TOOL RENTAL is for.

It's fucking utter bullshit.

 

[BlahBlahYouToo]

Originally posted by: alkemyst

Originally posted by: AnonymouseUser

Originally posted by: Eli

Originally posted by: GrumpyMan
So you can get banned here for condoning software and music piracy, but it's OK for a moderator to condone buying a product, using it and then returning it to get his money back thinking it's OK because it's Walmart? My how Anandtech has changed over the years. And just because Walmart repackaged it, 2 wrongs don't make a right.

I never said it was okay because it's Wal-Mart. I said it's okay because it's within the limits of their return policy. Which is the only way it can be....... lol

Obviously if I couldn't return it in this scenario, then there wouldn't even be a discussion...

Edit: And comparing it to software piracy is a bit of a stretch, I'm not stealing anything. Again, this is nothing like putting rocks or something back into the packaging and trying to return it.

This is exactly like software piracy in many cases...

eg, Pirates don't be stealing it, they be simply borrowin' a copy o' the booty without the hassles o' returnin' it to a store. Nine times out o' ten it be deleted after being watched 'r played just one time.

/yarr

Man seriously WTF...a return policy is NEVER about returning a product just so you can use it for a job.

That is what TOOL RENTAL is for.

It's fucking utter bullshit.

it's not a rental if he returns it used, buys from a different store that falls under the same parent company, apparently.

screw the next guy that buys it if they repackage it, or screw the store if they end up with a set that they can no longer sell at full value.

right eli?

 

[Eli]

LOL.. you guys are silly.

Look. I bought something from Wal-Mart. They say I can return it within 90 days if I'm unsatisfied for any reason. I have very sound reasons for returning this item, including but not limited to the position of the moon when I bought it. Get it?

I'm not doing anything wrong. What if I bought it and never used it? Would it be unethical to return it then?

What if I bought it, used it 3 times, and never used it again? Would it be unethical to decide to return it at that point?

I bought the drill. I used it. I didn't like it. I'm taking it back. There is nothing unethical about that.

Like I said, things could have gone a complete different way. If it didn't feel and act like an utter piece of shit upon taking it out of the box, maybe I would keep it. If it was comparable to my 15$ Harbor Freight cordless drill, maybe I would keep it. It would certainly be less hassle than returning it and going and buying the one from Sam's Club.

Good Christ. The fact that I figured the thing was a piece of shit in the first place and that I would probably be returning it has nothing to do with it. I very well could have been pleasantly surprised. I was not.

I'm seriously struggling to find this "ethical line". It is within the realm of their return policy to buy something, try it, and if you don't like it you can return it. I'm not doing anything wrong even by their standards, so what are you all tripping on? I encourage you all to do the same thing! Buy things! Try them! If you don't like them, return them!

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: Eli
LOL.. you guys are silly.

Look. I bought something from Wal-Mart. They say I can return it within 90 days if I'm unsatisfied for any reason. I have very sound reasons for returning this item, including but not limited to the position of the moon when I bought it. Get it?

dude, you just told us you simply wanted to return it because you didn't need it for more than a job. That is not the same as being 'dissatisfied for any reason'. This is why return policies are becoming impossible. I am sure the reason the OP got a used set is because the returner said they never used the item. Again I am sure this probably is OK with you too so as long as you get your money back.

Originally posted by: Eli
I'm not doing anything wrong. What if I bought it and never used it? Would it be unethical to return it then?

What if I bought it, used it 3 times, and never used it again? Would it be unethical to decide to return it at that point?

Yes, the former is totally ok, decided against wanting it is fine.

The latter is not unless you used it those 3 times and realized it was no good for your needs. Not just because you wanted a free tool rental.

Your thought pattern is based on manipulating the system and that's where it's unethical, then you are telling us what you are doing and expect us to buy into 'you weren't satisified'.

Originally posted by: Eli
I bought the drill. I used it. I didn't like it. I'm taking it back. There is nothing unethical about that.

right, nothing wrong with that, but you said you just needed it for one job and that was why you returned it.

Originally posted by: Eli
I'm seriously struggling to find this "ethical line". It is within the realm of their return policy to buy something, try it, and if you don't like it you can return it. I'm not doing anything wrong even by their standards, so what are you all tripping on? I encourage you all to do the same thing! Buy things! Try them! If you don't like them, return them!

You are taking both sides of the argument, that is why people are confused.

Are you admitting to returning tools simply because you just needed a limited use during the return window?

or

Are you admitting you return tools only when they did not work as you planned and would not have returned them if they worked properly? As such what tool did you buy to replace the tool that couldn't finish the job?

 

[Eli]

I'm saying that if this drill had been comparable to the cordless drill I had from Harbor Freight, perhaps I would have had no reason to return it and get the one from Sam's - afterall, returning it and going and buying another one is a hassle. It's not though, so I'm going to return it.

That's how fine this line is, though. Anybody could just say that they were testing the item out, and it doesn't fit their needs.

Also please note that in my opinion this is not comparable to people who would buy a generator or pressure washer and then return it after using it. That's not the same. I didn't use the drill to build a fence, I used it for about 2 and a half minutes. Using a generator or pressure washer over the weekend could take a significant chunk out of it's useful lifespan, measured in the hundreds of hours. The only thing I did to this product was charge the battery, lol.

I would probably keep the stupid thing if it had a higher maximum RPM... That's probably my biggest complaint. It just seems slow.

I also still can't believe that you just plug the whole drill into the charging cord to charge the battery. That's cheaper than cheap.. lol. That means you can't have two batteries - one on the charger and one in the drill. Stupid. I had no idea about these "features" until I opened it up.

 

[tasmanian]

How is he going to test the drill if he cannot use it. Doesnt matter if he buys the drill to do a job, if the drill sucks at that job return it. ATOT is too high and mighty.

 

[dud]

I'm seriously struggling to find this "ethical line". It is within the realm of their return policy to buy something, try it, and if you don't like it you can return it. I'm not doing anything wrong even by their standards, so what are you all tripping on? I encourage you all to do the same thing! Buy things! Try them! If you don't like them, return them!

Consider the fact that you are going to buy this tool with the explicit intent of returning it. You really don't see anything wrong with this? Yes, it's Walmart ... and yes they sell crap (or at least I think so as I would NEVER buy a tool there) but come on ... would you want a customer coming into your store with the intent of using it and then returning it the next day?

 

[Eli]

Originally posted by: alkemyst
Are you admitting you return tools only when they did not work as you planned and would not have returned them if they worked properly? As such what tool did you buy to replace the tool that couldn't finish the job?

The one from Sam's!

It finished the job last night just fine, but that doesn't mean I'm not dissatisfied with the product.

Originally posted by: dud

I'm seriously struggling to find this "ethical line". It is within the realm of their return policy to buy something, try it, and if you don't like it you can return it. I'm not doing anything wrong even by their standards, so what are you all tripping on? I encourage you all to do the same thing! Buy things! Try them! If you don't like them, return them!

Consider the fact that you are going to buy this tool with the explicit intent of returning it. You really don't see anything wrong with this? Yes, it's Walmart ... and yes they sell crap (or at least I think so as I would NEVER buy a tool there) but come on ... would you want a customer coming into your store with the intent of using it and then returning it the next day?

If I didn't like it, I would change my return policy......................

 

[wiredspider]

No wonder in other countries, they basically don't allow returns.

 

[grohl]

Originally posted by: tasmanian
Return them after using them, who gives a shit, its fucking walmart.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: Eli

Originally posted by: alkemyst
Are you admitting you return tools only when they did not work as you planned and would not have returned them if they worked properly? As such what tool did you buy to replace the tool that couldn't finish the job?

The one from Sam's!

It finished the job last night just fine, but that doesn't mean I'm not dissatisfied with the product.

Originally posted by: dud

I'm seriously struggling to find this "ethical line". It is within the realm of their return policy to buy something, try it, and if you don't like it you can return it. I'm not doing anything wrong even by their standards, so what are you all tripping on? I encourage you all to do the same thing! Buy things! Try them! If you don't like them, return them!

Consider the fact that you are going to buy this tool with the explicit intent of returning it. You really don't see anything wrong with this? Yes, it's Walmart ... and yes they sell crap (or at least I think so as I would NEVER buy a tool there) but come on ... would you want a customer coming into your store with the intent of using it and then returning it the next day?

If I didn't like it, I would change my return policy......................

it's good you didn't post the original of this reply...that one was pretty fucked up on ethics.

I don't get why everyone says WalMart sells crap. They are the biggest retailer in the country and carry tons of brand names. The real problem MOST have with Walmart is the bottom dweller types that frequent this place to buy the off-brands they also carry.

I avoid Walmart most of the time as it's not worth the hassle, the extra long waiting in line, and the dirty people shopping there.

 

[BUTCH1]

Sooner or later Eli your gonna need something and when you buy it only to find out parts are missing or broken you will be pissed. Granted you returned the drill intact but a lot don't, then you have to take ANOTHER trip to wally-world to correct things. I guess the only way for retailers to stop losing money out the a$$ is to try to re-sell stuff nowadays...

 

[JulesMaximus]

Fuck walmart.

 

[pontifex]

Originally posted by: Eli
LOL.. you guys are silly.

Look. I bought something from Wal-Mart. They say I can return it within 90 days if I'm unsatisfied for any reason. I have very sound reasons for returning this item, including but not limited to the position of the moon when I bought it. Get it?

I'm not doing anything wrong. What if I bought it and never used it? Would it be unethical to return it then?

What if I bought it, used it 3 times, and never used it again? Would it be unethical to decide to return it at that point?

I bought the drill. I used it. I didn't like it. I'm taking it back. There is nothing unethical about that.

Like I said, things could have gone a complete different way. If it didn't feel and act like an utter piece of shit upon taking it out of the box, maybe I would keep it. If it was comparable to my 15$ Harbor Freight cordless drill, maybe I would keep it. It would certainly be less hassle than returning it and going and buying the one from Sam's Club.

Good Christ. The fact that I figured the thing was a piece of shit in the first place and that I would probably be returning it has nothing to do with it. I very well could have been pleasantly surprised. I was not.

I'm seriously struggling to find this "ethical line". It is within the realm of their return policy to buy something, try it, and if you don't like it you can return it. I'm not doing anything wrong even by their standards, so what are you all tripping on? I encourage you all to do the same thing! Buy things! Try them! If you don't like them, return them!

should have waited until the other store was open.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: BUTCH1
Sooner or later Eli your gonna need something and when you buy it only to find out parts are missing or broken you will be pissed. Granted you returned the drill intact but a lot don't, then you have to take ANOTHER trip to wally-world to correct things. I guess the only way for retailers to stop losing money out the a$$ is to try to re-sell stuff nowadays...

The thing is I don't think any retailer is honestly trying to re-sell used as new. They don't have the means to screen products to be sure they are unused though.

It's like original days of online merchants...many would buy items and return them keeping certain items from the box. Not all merchants knew enough to verify dongles.

Same way you could return software even after opening it originally. Once vendors found out people were copying the items, they stopped that gravy train.

I am a pretty big consumer via online merchants of all sorts of items...last week I received some power tool parts, today I received two music boxes. Occasionally I have a legitmate problem. Almost 99% of the time I need that same item reshipped. I still run into hurdles that didn't exist even a year ago.