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When it comes to liquidation sales, like the one at Circuit City, consumers need to be wary about buying potentially damaged merchandise.
A Massachusetts couple learned the hard way after purchasing a Samsung LCD TV for $1,100. When they opened the box at home, they realized the display was shattered. Not a crack, nick or ding. Shattered.
Because “all sales are final,” Circuit City’s liquidators will not refund the couple’s money.
“They said, ‘Sorry, your problem, not ours,” the frustrated woman told WCVB-TV in Boston.
You’re probably wondering why the couple didn’t check the TV before buying it? Some stores aren’t allowing consumers to open any boxes.
WCVB claims to have found signs that read “Check your purchase” and “Don’t open the merchandise” at the same store.
This isn’t an isolated incident. According to the Consumerist, a family in Minnesota paid $1,500 for a shattered TV.
The Massachusetts couple is hoping their credit card company will help them fight the purchase. Good luck.
UPDATE: WCVB reports Citizens Bank agreed to refund the full amount to the couple.
@ Ed B,
Sorry to hear of your misfortune, but I believe, especially in these cases, the phrase that pays is “BUYER BE AWARE”. There is no need to be wary of a good deal, but being aware of policies and aware of product condition are critical.
This is not an isolated occurrence, I also made the mistake of buying a TV at the Circuit City liquidation (LG 47LG20) from the store in El Toro CA. When I got it home and opened the box and the screen was cracked. I attempted to return it to the store, the manager refused and told me to contact LG, as they will cover it under warranty. I spoke to LG and they said the Circuit City is responsible. The bottom line is I am stuck with a giant paper weight, unfortunately some lessons are learned the hard way…...BUYER BEWARE!!!
I don’t understand - what about return policy?
When I left CC, we opened both the electronics and a dvd to make sure the “product was in there”.
The salesgirl told me it is policy to ask the customer then open the box.
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Is this unfortunate? Yes. But you’ve got to realize that when you’re making a purchase on this scale from a store that’s having a going out of business sale, you should probably do your due dilligence and check the thing before you take it home. When you come in to scavenge the last few deals at a dying retailer, you shouldn’t automatically expect to find any of the usual consumer-friendly policies that they had in the past. You’re there for a deal, after all, not an experience.