Monday, February 18, 2008

Making Howie proud

Here's one reason why I avoid wal-mart under nearly all circumstances.  It'll be a long time before my next trip to the other side of SR 37...

Valentine's merchandise is currently 75% off.  I picked up a few things for Mother's Day Out next year but didn't realize until after the transaction was complete that one of the "big ticket" items actually rang up 50% off.  I ventured over to customer service where the "service" is clearly a misnomer.  After waiting for about 5 minutes for the woman who was "covering" the desk to return from her conversation with a fellow employee in the magazine aisle, I was given the opportunity to explain why I was there.  I simply explained the situation.  Simply.  It wasn't hard to figure out.  I either wanted to pay the "75% off price" or return the product and get the "50% price back."  Not hard.  The original price was $14.96.  After thinking hard, the woman leaned over the counter, I suppose to keep the growing line behind me in the dark about our conversation and whispered, "I'll give it to you for FIVE DOLLARS!"  I think she may have winked at me.  Trying not to sound like a smarty pants, I quickly responded, "That's only 66% off.  I'd rather have 75% off or return the product."  The poor gal was shocked and slightly confused.  She looked at me like I'd arrived from Kashyyyk and was speaking Shyriiwook.  After searching the counter for a handy calculator, she arrived at her final offer.  She was 3 cents off and didn't include sales tax, but at that point it wasn't worth the extra conversation.  

To her first offer...NO DEAL!  

3 comments:

Carrie said...

Wow. Go you for sticking with your guns for the right percent off! Also, major kudos for the obscure star wars reference:)

Leslie said...

I'll admit--Chris helped with the details of the Star Wars planet and language.

I'm a Mom!..? said...

Wal Mart still owes me $20 for a toy camera I bought at Christmas - they gave my bag to the lady behind me, finally it just wasn't worth the money anymore to deal with them.... Good for you!