I went shopping on Black Friday (day after Thanksgiving) at my local walmart at 6:00 am in hopes of getting my hands on one of the really nice digital cameras that they had on sale for $198.
I decided that I would put the item on layaway so I could use my cash for other items that day. I ended up waiting 1.5 hours in line to put this item on layaway, but when I walked away, I felt that I had gotten a wonderful deal, and it was worth the crowd and wait in line.
The problem comes in when I go to pick up my camera out of Layaway. First of all, I am waiting 20 minutes in line and the sad thing is that there is only 1 customer in front of me. When I finally get to the counter, I wait at least another 25 minutes while they are "pulling" my purchase. I overheard one of the layaway workers mention that it's on Truck trailer outside and she'll need a CSM to get the keys. I couldn't believe what i was hearing! I said, "My layaway is on a truck outside?" and she replied yes indeed.
I can understand that Walmart has limited layaway space during the holidays, but is it appropriate to place expensive electronics outside in unheated truck trailers in Michigans 20-30 degree winter weather? ABSOLUTELY NOT!
The woman in layaway offered to call electronics to see if there was one in the store, but of course there wasn't. I ended up taking it out of layaway because it's a gift. I'm hoping that the item will be okay. Seems to me though that the manufacturer makes extreme temperature warnings for a reason. I spoke with a woman at the service desk who recommended that I let the camera "thaw" before turning it on. How nice! You thaw meat, not electronics! She also mentioned that I could possibly return it if there was a problem. Sure, Walmart will maybe give me my money back, or replace the camera. Walmart then turns around and claims to the manufacturer that the item is defective and walmart ends up taking no loss for their stupid decision to store electronics outside.
I'm sure that these temperatures can't be good for an LCD screen, battery life, or a Televison tube. Walmart in Monroe MI isn't even sorting which purchase to place outdoors. I can understand clothing, etc. But electronics! I think of the poor people in line in front of me who had computers. Shape up Wally-world! Quit being selfish... Would the monroe Walmart Manger, Aaron Stallings put something on lawaway and let it sit out on a truck? HIGHLY doubt it. I won't be back.
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