The particular item I bought does not matter here. What does matter is that I admitted from the start I was unfamiliar with the product category. This way the sales rep would know how best to help me decide what item would be best for me.
He began with a mid priced item, the price of which did not seem to unsettle me. When I then inspected an item made by a better known manufacturer and said "this is better" the rep was happy to announce it was twice the price of the first item. I got it down a little, and in the end, went for it.
I paid by credit card, and as if it wasn't enough to sign and pay, I was also given a "for your protection" terms of return form to sign, which I did. Simple truth, I wasn't thinking, not even enough to question my neophytic valuation skills and just look up the manufacturer and item right there on my smartphone.
Well this I surely did when I got back to my iPad. Yes, I became curious after my impulsive purchase. I looked up 4 online retailers and one very well known store in midtown Manhattan. Bottom line, I had just paid more than double the price of any of those retailers. And, no surprise, Lincoln Mania's "for your protection" was for my trash: 21% restocking charge and what's left is store credit only.
I thought of going back to the store to suggest there may have been a "mistake". Nothing to lose but a bit more of my self-respect. But I won't try. A place that goes to these lengths to hook one ain't throwing it back.
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