I went to purchase a SanDisk 8GB SDHC Ultra II Card for my digital camera at walmart.com. The item was out of stock online but listed at $ 24.84. The website referred me to the store closest to my work.
When I arrived at the store, with the web printout stating the item was out of stock, I discovered that the item was listed at the store for $36.88 plus tax. I showed the printout to the clerk, who told me that they don't match online prices, not even for walmart.com.
I asked to speak to the manager on duty, and he said the same thing. I was astounded and told him that I could understand an incidental amount, but a 33% markup was ridiculous. He responded that the price difference was due to the number of middlemen that were involved. I laughed and told him that I thought it was a "bait and switch", to which he replied "I understand where you are coming from, but a bait and switch has to be intentional" and referred me to the store manager who won't be in until tomorrow.
I told him that would make the purchase only because I was there already, but that would be writing to someone about this ripoff. I usually try to avoid companies like Walmart, and this just reinforces my belief that they are a crooked bunch.
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