On 4 August I purchased a metal loft bed for my teenage son. We rarely shop together, but he was with me and excited over the item. I was excited too, the reason I was shopping there that day was the "back to school" promos and coupon the company had sent me.
My problems with the company started at the checkout.
The loft bed/under desk set were actually two items, each priced at $199.99, but you don't have the option to purchase just the bed. You have to buy both. So, when I pulled out my 20% off coupon, it was good for only one item.??? It seemed to me that it was one item, since you could ONLY purchase both, but I left it at that. My cost was then $360.00, which I considered a great deal, I had seen the same bed online for $850.00. But, believe you me, they did not want to honor that coupon.
I was told that there would be a 10 - 12 week wait for the company to ship the item, which I agreed to and went home.
Later that day, I received a call from Burlington Coat Factory. The manufacturer would not be shipping additional beds. However, they would provide me with the display model within 2 weeks. I agreed, and requested a further discount. Their manager called me back to inform me that they would give no discount for the display model since I had already used a coupon.
I look at it this way, WITH the coupon, I WAS paying for a new item. Anyone else that preceded me using the same coupon paid $360.00 for that bed and got a new one, in a box, with instructions and warranty - and no dings or damage from the public. I was being discriminated against for using a coupon which I did not solicit - THEY SENT IT TO ME IN THE MAIL!
So I e-mailed BCF Corporate offices. They too have decided that they will keep all of my money that they have, no discount forthcoming. The reason - I used a coupon.
I work in a national retail store (in the same strip mall), and I know that display models are NEVER sold as new. From my experiences as a shopper, I know that display models are NEVER sold as new. Burlington Coat Factory does not teach its' managers to maintain good relations with customers, they teach their managers to maintain a good hold on any incoming cash.
0 comments