When a merchant behaves unethically AND cheats its customers, I think it's really important to warn others who are spending their money and time at a store, so that it does not happen to others. And on principle, I don't frequent stores that do this to people. I am a small business owner and unethical behavior is VERY upsetting to me.
I am a frequent customer to this store, and went in today to purchase three items. I think it's a little weird that pricing is not immediately visible on MANY items in the store, and I sometimes have to ask the cashier for the pricing on an item prior to purchasing. Today, all the items I got were clearly marked on top of the boxes, so I didn't ask.
It is suspect that you cannot see the receipt pricing on your items until AFTER you have purchased it. When I received my receipt today, I noticed that I was overcharged for one of the items. I showed it to the employee, who then TURNED THE BOX TO THE BOTTOM and showed me a completely separate price tag. Of course, I didn't notice it because the other sticker was directly on front of the box. I asked her to refund the difference since, legally, retailers have to honor the lowest marked price, even if it is a mistake.
She then proceeded to rip off the sticker on front and told me there were no exchanges or refunds, and that the pricing on front was a mistake. I told her I needed to speak to the manager, and I was told no manager would be present until the evening. I told her that it was unethical and illegal (and is a classic bait and switch technique), and she absolutely refused to give me a refund (which was literally $1.00 - the price difference didn't bother me, but the dishonest business practice certainly did, and I can almost guarantee that this is a frequent occurrence in the store - those little price differences can really add up at the end of the year!).
I made her give me back the sticker she had ripped off and crumpled in her hand, and she gave it back petulantly and was told that it was "my fault" I didn't see the price on the bottom. Uh, no - it is not the customer's fault if an item is marked incorrectly (and sneakily, if I may add). I told her I would be calling the manager and left.
Thankfully, a concierge working at the mall noticed I was upset as I came out of the store, and approached me to see if I needed anything. He advised me to file a complaint with mall management, which I immediately did, and they advised that they would be following up on it.
I have also already filed a complaint with California's Weights and Measures. This practice is implicitly ILLEGAL and should not be tolerated whatsoever.
Stay away!!! I am sincerely disappointed that this happened and that I will not be returning, so I'm definitely looking for new stores around my neighborhood that have these items, operate legally, and don't cheat their customers. read more