Having troubles getting my money back @ repair shop who lied to me!!!

[here4yagurlz]

I am in a bit of a bind here. Just this past Thursday, I went into the Sony service depot just off barlow in the N.E. (authorized btw) to pick up a part for my T.V. that is out of warranty (only by a month). I called the day prior, to see if they had that part in stock, as I knew exactly what it was that I needed. It was the coax. jack by the way, as the old one became faulty. I was planning on just picking up the part, my uncle who repairs T.V.'s could do the install for me.

So, over the phone the guy says he has the part, and I even asked him couple times right after, just to double check we were talking about the same model T.V. He says "yes, it's for____ model." I go in Thursday to pick it up, it seemed he was a real nice guy, didn't have any troubles going about the process. I figured, since I had already confirmed with him on making sure the part was for my model T.V., just let him ring it through and pay when asked upon. I even felt bad for asking two three times, didn't want to seem like I was hassling the guy.

After I paid, I noticed on the receipt clearly stated "no refunds." That was pretty much common knowledge, to know at a service shop it's going to be a final sale. No biggie, didn't expect anything bad to come out of it anyways, didn't expect this guy to pull a fast one on me. Well, gee was I in for a big surprise!

Later that evening, as my uncle is about to install the part, he immediately notices something was not right. He said the part was for another model and cannot be used. I was like "great!" Funny thing is, the part had no label on it what so ever. But my uncle knew forsure, it was the wrong part. At this time, the shop was obviously closed.

So I called first thing, right when they opened Friday. The guy picks up, I mentioned how he sold me the wrong part, and how I clearly asked him on several occasions if it was for my model T.V. Realizing I knew it was clearly stated on the invoice "no refunds" I didn't ask for one, at least not right off the bat. I asked what he could do for me at this point. He claims the part is for my model T.V, but yet right on the part itself it had no label.

After a bit of commotion back and fourth (didn't raise hell at this point), he offers to take a look at the T.V. if I lug it all the way down there...at 50% off! Which is still $50, just to look at it! I said, I wasn't going to do this, no way. I asked him two times, why he lied to me just to get my money, yet he denied it. So at this point, I was getting fed up. I asked to speak with the manager, funny because he is the damn higher up running that place!

Obviously, I am not going to lug my T.V. down there and pay for them to inspect it when it's not even required, because my uncle knew for a fact the part was too big for my T.V., and I'm hell not paying another cent to them! I demanded a refund, and said I would stop in later that afternoon to get a full refund. Don't make this more complicated than it should be. His response? "uhh...no."

Unfortunately, I got tied up at work that day as I had to finish something up, so I wasn't able to pay the much anticipated visit. What should I do at this point? I don't want to go all the way down there again, unless I know I can get my refund! And no a credit will not cut it!

Yes I have my receipt, yes I have the guys name, yes I know he's the manager. What I don't have is clear liable proof, on paper that is.

[danfromwaterloo]

If you paid with a credit card, issue a chargeback.

[ronny1980]

Ahh... Since no refund how bout an exchange for the correct part :confused: :confused:

[computer01]

Did you piss somebody off in a former life or are you just jinxed?

First, the whole Toshiba keyboard fiasco, and now a part for your TV?

Next, you'll end up posting about how Mr. Ogbuewu from Abuja isn't returning your e-mails.

[here4yagurlz]

If you paid with a credit card, issue a chargeback.

cash, stupid guys CC machine was down at the time. Figures eh :confused:

[here4yagurlz]

Ahh... Since no refund how bout an exchange for the correct part :confused: :confused:

would love that, but the dumbass there claims this is it. argueing with him go us nowhere.

[here4yagurlz]

Did you piss somebody off in a former life or are you just jinxed?

First, the whole Toshiba keyboard fiasco, and now a part for your TV?

Next, you'll end up posting about how Mr. Ogbuewu from Abuja isn't returning your e-mails.

sept not a good month for me :|

[bug]

I'd go over his head and file a complaint with Sony.

[felixdd]

call and make the guy a bet. Show him your TV -- if the part fits, you shell out your $50. If it doesn't, he gives you the real part and gas money for hauling the TV there.

Or if he has a similar model in the shop...try it on that.

[dgmorr]

If you paid with a credit card, issue a chargeback.

How do you do this? And what happens to the part?

I always thought a return policy was just a bonus to the customers, not required.

[shuffle]

I'd go over his head and file a complaint with Sony.

Agreed. Nothing more satisfying than making them look bad in the eyes of the hand that feeds them. Just be really sure you are right or you will look like an a$$! Alternatively, you could try proving it to him that it is the wrong part (get an email from Sony directly, perhaps...)

Good luck.

[Yaowsers]

call and make the guy a bet. Show him your TV -- if the part fits, you shell out your $50. If it doesn't, he gives you the real part and gas money for hauling the TV there.

Or if he has a similar model in the shop...try it on that.
.

[danfromwaterloo]

How do you do this? And what happens to the part?

I always thought a return policy was just a bonus to the customers, not required.

Not exactly sure, as I've never done this. But as I figure, you go to the store, give him the part, then inform him you're issuing a chargeback. The part is now in his hands, the cc company refuses payment on his credit, and its basically the same thing as a refund.

Since the OP didn't use a credit card, however, the point is moot.

[here4yagurlz]

Ok I just got back. I dont know if I should be even more upset right now, or if that is even possible at this stage.

I brought in both parts and clearly showed him that one is bigger. He admitted he gave me the wrong part (didn't even apologize how nice), but then he goes to say that Im still able to use that part in my TV. WTF! This guy just doesn't get it. It wont even fit, how is it gonna function lol. Are you going to just mold it into the casing? So I demanded a refund again, had receipt in hand and part on hand, never been installed.

He says he cant do the refund because according to him, they make no exceptions - go figure eh? He gave me a couple options, one I could wait and let him bring in the correct part - but just happens to be when he checked, the part was backordered. Or he could give me a store credit. Hahaha what am I going to do with a credit? How about just hand me over my $64, Ill give you the part back (as new) and end this thing. Why make it so complicated? He was pretty stern on either giving a store credit or ordering the part in. I even requested for him to give me the refund for the time being until he gets the part in. For all I know, he could be pulling another lie and it could arrive here in 2087. I even went as far as saying I won't leave the store until they hand me over the money. He just started ignoring me at that point. "If you like, I can order the part for you or give you a credit, but other than that I can't help you sorry."

So I don't know anymore.

[sportsfan99]

Ok I just got back. I dont know if I should be even more upset right now, or if that is even possible at this stage.

I brought in both parts and clearly showed him that one is bigger. He admitted he gave me the wrong part (didn't even apologize how nice), but then he goes to say that Im still able to use that part in my TV. WTF! This guy just doesn't get it. It wont even fit, how is it gonna function lol. Are you going to just mold it into the casing? So I demanded a refund again, had receipt in hand and part on hand, never been installed.

He says he cant do the refund because according to him, they make no exceptions - go figure eh? He gave me a couple options, one I could wait and let him bring in the correct part - but just happens to be when he checked, the part was backordered. Or he could give me a store credit. Hahaha what am I going to do with a credit? How about just hand me over my $64, Ill give you the part back (as new) and end this thing. Why make it so complicated? He was pretty stern on either giving a store credit or ordering the part in. I even requested for him to give me the refund for the time being until he gets the part in. For all I know, he could be pulling another lie and it could arrive here in 2087. I even went as far as saying I won't leave the store until they hand me over the money. He just started ignoring me at that point. "If you like, I can order the part for you or give you a credit, but other than that I can't help you sorry."

So I don't know anymore.

This is not a matter of him lieing to it was a mistake.Even the store i work at we have a policy that we will not refund the full amount.If the product is opened its $10.00 if it is unopend - $ 5.

[danfromwaterloo]

Alright, do this.

Tell him you'll give him the part back and pay him to install the new one at the given price of $50.

Pay by credit card

Issue chargeback.

Go back and gloat.

[bug]

That guy so needs an ass whooping. Call Sony Canada customer service and tell them everything.

[sPiKyAZN]

Care to share the location so no one makes a mistake of going there? This is what the internet is for!

[CheapScotsman]

Options are pretty limited at this point in time. Combinations of

a) He might be the manager but is he the owner? Write a letter of complaint to the owner / the guys boss ... or phone it in.
b) Phone Sony
c) File a complaint with the BBB
d) While they don't have to give you a refund, items are sold with an implied warrantee of fitness (this may not be the correct term, arggg) ... which means if buy something with expectation that it will do a particular job AND the person sold it with the same expectation .. and it grossly doesn't do the job. You have a case ... but it would be better if most of this was in writing and you'll need to be filing a small claims court action
e) picket the store.
f) anything else is probably illegal

[rai_dei]

Can't you get the store credit and then have the guy order the part you need and pay for it with the store credit?
Otherwise call Sony customer service and ask them if they could do anything about this.
If nothing else, call BBB, you might not get your money back, but you will get the store owner in trouble.

[here4yagurlz]

This is not a matter of him lieing to it was a mistake.Even the store i work at we have a policy that we will not refund the full amount.If the product is opened its $10.00 if it is unopend - $ 5.

re-stocking fee? sure, why not deduct it...gimme a good chunk of my $64 back so I dont feel gipped.

[here4yagurlz]

Obviously, he can't deny his mistake. Also, he has your money and is inflexible on the refund policy.

As a compromise, tell him to order the part for you (keep the wrong one until the new one arrives), but insist on a FULL cash refund if he cannot get it to you within a week. I think that is reasonable, considering he is wasting your time and he assured you it was the correct part before you bought it.

If he isn't willing to go for that, warn him that you will call your local BBB and/or media, and follow through with it.

According to him, since it's on backorder he cannot give a time estimate. He doesnt want to make this deal because hes not certain if he can get it in a weeks time - I know damn well he knows he cant, unless it falls from the sky.

[here4yagurlz]

Care to share the location so no one makes a mistake of going there? This is what the internet is for!

Its in Calgary, dont worry...you're far enough from these scam artists haha.

[bc3205]

I don't know if you really want to hear this, but you probably created the mess yourself in some ways. If you talk to your uncle or any other competent repairman, you will find that it is not uncommon for some components to 'work' inside the same circuit board and not be the oem parts. Why didn't you take the original part with you when you were buying the replacement? You went to the trouble of bringing it with you to support your arguement afterwards, so why not be sure it was the exact same part? You said that you knew exactly what you needed, but all the store did was supply a part that probably would function, albeit only electronically in your TV. The answer given to you about the part would work was probably an honest one from a repairman's viewpoint. I have done many repairs and unfortunately it is hard for most shops to stock the actual oem parts and instead they will carry the more generic components. I have had to drill bigger holes to accomodate the bigger plugs or parts that do not match the original and do not fit into the original cases.

Your real problem is that you actually got ripped off on the price of the part anyways. He charged you for the part at Sony prices and he paid only for the generic replacement which is usually cheaper. Please read this as just someone who knows this kind of situation from both sides and I giving my opinion on what has happened. Good luck.

[hugh_da_man]

Its in Calgary, dont worry...you're far enough from these scam artists haha.

Some of us are in Calgary and would appreciate knowing who these guys are.

Did he comment to you before you bought it that sales are final and if it doesn't fit you won't be able to bring it back?

[kingsley]

what is this chargeback babble?

Credit card companies will actually refuse payment to another company on your say-so? That's so awesome. I knew using a credit card is better than debit. I mean, if **** hits the fan I can always get the CC to back me up.

[hugh_da_man]

...The answer given to you about the part would work was probably an honest one from a repairman's viewpoint. I have done many repairs and unfortunately it is hard for most shops to stock the actual oem parts and instead they will carry the more generic components. I have had to drill bigger holes to accomodate the bigger plugs or parts that do not match the original and do not fit into the original cases...

He went to all the trouble of verifying that this was the part for his unit.

If a repairman is authorized to sell Sony parts then he shouldn't sell you generic parts that won't fit without extra work.

Is there no ethics left in the service industry? I wonder why people would rather throw things out then get them fixed.

[aquariaguy]

I would, just get the credit and order the other part. After you get it, call Sony to complain and make sure you get a reply and an answer from Sony Canada.

[sonic]

This guy is an A$$...complain to Sony! e-mail them telling them everything this loser did & didnt do. :mad: Im sure something will happen?

[Emancipated]

Throw a rock through their front glass window.

[__wizard__]

Throw a rock through their front glass window.
or that store guy's car

[MilkyWind]

I'm surprised no one mentioned small claims court, although it would be a last option if the else ideas by the other posters don't work.

[siriuskao]

Alright, do this.

Tell him you'll give him the part back and pay him to install the new one at the given price of $50.

Pay by credit card

Issue chargeback.

Go back and gloat.
huh? merchant will say the work has been performed successfully(with all the signed work order etc). how's that ground for chargeback?

I've done 1 chargeback with TD and it's defintely not that easy. Plus I thought you said you never done one before.

[sporb]

Its in Calgary, dont worry...you're far enough from these scam artists haha.

I'm not, what's the name of this place?

[here4yagurlz]

I don't know if you really want to hear this, but you probably created the mess yourself in some ways. If you talk to your uncle or any other competent repairman, you will find that it is not uncommon for some components to 'work' inside the same circuit board and not be the oem parts.

Your real problem is that you actually got ripped off on the price of the part anyways. He charged you for the part at Sony prices and he paid only for the generic replacement which is usually cheaper. Please read this as just someone who knows this kind of situation from both sides and I giving my opinion on what has happened. Good luck.

no , youre right. Thanks for bringing these points up. I wont be getting my $ back anyways. Have to take it as a loss.

[here4yagurlz]

Some of us are in Calgary and would appreciate knowing who these guys are.

Did he comment to you before you bought it that sales are final and if it doesn't fit you won't be able to bring it back?

Sorry, Westpeak Electronic Services Ltd.

Brought nothing to my attention about no refunds. Gaurenteed it would fit and right part.

[here4yagurlz]

Anyways, some points I wanted to point out. I don't care if the part is able to fit in my TV or not - that doesn't make his case anymore valid.

The fact is he lied purposely to get my money, and about giving me the "part I wanted" and since this is an authorized Sony place, I would assume they bring in OEM parts and not just some generic radio shack garbage to make money off of. If its generic then tell me, thats why I call asking for that specific part because thats the one I want. Don't say "yes this is for so and so model" when its clearly not! That is what pisses me off! Had he brought it to my attention and said its not the part I want exactly, but will work fine, then I would hold nothing against him because hes being upfront! Dont say it is the same part when its clearly not.

Its not worth anymore trouble going down there. Wasted too much time and so much gas already driving 40mins. Now I have to take it as a $60 loss - though pricey, and have this useless part sit as garbage in my house. :(