Anyone can smile while they're taking your money. The real face shows up the moment there's a problem. That's when the act drops -- and you find out exactly what kind of people you're really dealing with.
I've spent thousands at this store over the past year. Supported their business. One day I bought a speaker set I was told worked. Yes, it was missing two of the speakers out of 5 and a remote, but I was told it "just needed a power cord." I asked if I could return it if it didn't work. Liz, the owner, said yes. That's the only reason I bought it. Since it couldn't be tested in the store.
I ordered the cord, plugged it in -- dead. So I calmly reached out, expecting a return or exchange, like she promised.
That's when the avoidance started.
All of a sudden, Liz was "too busy." Then her mother-in-law became the new face of the store and their spokesperson. I was told Liz was "unreachable" and that my messages would be "passed along." They "couldn't see my messages anymore." Right.
I asked again and again to speak directly with Liz -- the person who made the deal. She stayed silent.
They were clearly hoping I'd give up. Too bad. I've already swallowed enough broken junk from this place. I'm not throwing away another $20 just because someone couldn't keep their word.
Then Liz's husband stepped in and threw out the tired "as-is" excuse -like it meant something -- like I hadn't seen that sign on the wall before. Let's be clear: "As-is" doesn't give you the right to lie, say something works, and promise a return just to make a sale. That's not just shady -- it's illegal under Iowa Code 714H. Misrepresentation or deception even on 'as-is' items -is illegal.
I asked again to speak directly with Liz -- the owner, the one who made the agreement. Did she respond? No. She got on the phone with her spokesperson and had her deliver the final decision. She went along with the 'as is' policy backing the excuse her husband gave. So not only did she break her word, she didn't even have the spine to own it herself.
If you say it works, it should work. If you say it's returnable, honor that. And if you're the owner who made the deal -- then own it. Don't disappear and send your in-laws to deal with it.
Not once did Liz step up and say the truth: "Yes, I told her she could return it."
I was respectful. I gave them every chance to fix it. They could've exchanged the item and been done. No cost to them.
But they couldn't even send one adult message saying, "You're right -- we'll take it back." That would've required maturity. Instead, they ghosted me. When that didn't work, they got snarky -- even "liked" my message saying I wouldn't be returning if they wouldn't honor their word. Then deleted the like. Classy.
They treated me like the scammer -- after they disappeared. And when they got called out, they hid, lied, and hoped I'd go away. Three adults. Not one could pretend to show professionalism and say, "Let's make this right."
This wasn't a misunderstanding. It was deliberate. Liz knew what she said. She could've told the truth and ended it -- but instead, she let her husband and in-laws lie for her. All to keep twenty bucks.
Maybe they think they're too "Hollywood" now to care about customers. Maybe they think they can afford to lose a few -- as long as they keep up the act for the rest.
But I get it. If the truth doesn't work, deflect. If the "as-is" excuse doesn't make legal sense-hide it behind your ego. And when all that's left is accountability -- stay silent. But make sure to "like" the part where I say I won't be coming back. Brilliant.
Never in my life have I seen an adult go back on their word over $20. But hey -- for that $20, they earned themselves a one-star review and lost a loyal customer.
Smart investment.
No more silence. No more benefit of the doubt. Just the truth -- the one thing they clearly couldn't give me. read more