Circuit City
Ripoff deceptive refund policy

This problem is quite old, however now that I found this website, I figured I'd give it a go. About two years ago, I bought two computer games with a gift card from circuit city. I brought them home (about 1.5 hours each way) and they did not run on my computer. I called Circuit City and the rude woman told me that they do not give refunds for computer games. I have a problem with this for three reasons: First, the receipt says specifically in plain english that I can get a refund (either a new product or a cash refund) for the products I purchased with "no hassles". There was no small print or statements that "certain restrictions apply." The woman told me that they do not print exceptions for this rule on the receipt. Second, I specifically asked the checkout person about their refund policy (as I was checking out with my games) and she told me that I indeed could get a refund if I decided I wanted to spend the money on something else instead. Third, my computer has all of the minimum requirements to run the games although my game still won't run. I have heard that game makers intentionally and deceptively lower gaming requirements on the packages to sell more games. I am just grateful that I called after purchasing the game to get the runaround instead of driving 1.5 hours back to the store.

I filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau and got the runaround from them: I filed in Maine but was told to file at the company's headquarters in Virginia. After filing in Virginia, I was told to file in Maine. After doing some digging on the BBB website, I was told that they have an average number of complaints for a company of their size (although they wouldn't let me read any of the complaints or even tell me how many have been filed). I found out later that they are a "platinum member" or whatever of the BBB, although the darndest thing: I never got an honest response from Circuit City.

My message is this: do not buy computer games. They often don't work and companies lie (this problem is certainly not unique to Circuit City) to boost sales. Borrow them from friends or go without them. We need to hit these companies where it hurts.

As for Circuit City, the ball is in your court: I've filed two complaints on your website, I've called twice, and I've filed two complaints with the BBB. I still have the games and would still like a refund.

Company: Circuit City
Country: USA
State: Maine
City: South Portland
Address: 555 Maine Mall Road
Phone: 2077722433

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