I purchased a $229 Microsoft Zune from my local Wal-Mart on 11/28/09. After heading back to my car, I excitedly took the box out of my shopping bag only to see that the seal had already been broken. Upon further inspection, I realized that the box itself contained no product whatsoever.
I immediately returned to the store, heading to the electronics department. The associate who had sold me the Zune immediately redirected me to customer service. After waiting in line, I politely informed the customer service rep. That I had purchased and empty box. The rep. Redirected me to one of the store's assistant managers, who very rudely told me that it was "not her problem, " and all but accused me of trying to rip the store off.
I was told that my only course of action would be to call the manufacturer, as there was "no possible way" Wal-Mart could have sold me an empty box. After calling Microsoft, they confirmed my belief that this was an issue that could only be resolved by the store, and not by the manufacturer.
I returned to the store, with my father, and again spoke to the assistant manager.By this time, both my father and I were visibly upset, and were asked to leave the store or else the police would be called.
We waited patiently for the police to arrive, hoping for a resolution to our problem. The police responded by again virtually accusing me of theft and telling me that there was nothing that can be done.
I have been instructed to speak with the store's manager on Monday, but was given the impression that this would be an empty pursuit. As far as the store is concerned, I am a thief and a fraud, rather than a customer who has fallen victim to a very costly retail mistake.
I currently drafting letters to both the Wal-Mart corporate office as well as my local newspaper. Hopefully something can be done to replace my $229 empty box.
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