CompUSA to close more than half of U.S. stores

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Couldn't happen to a more deserving company

I have been waiting nine years to hear this news; but I?ve been patient. I have known that it would happen. Nine years ago, (the very last time I ever bought anything at CompUSA), I had spent $1500 on a desktop computer with which I had nothing but problems and headaches. Eventually, after multiple hours on the phone with Tech Support, the manufacturer reluctantly admitted that the problem lay within their product and was not the fault of some other entity or influence. They arranged for a 100% refund, which I could use to replace the unit with another one just like it, or it would allow me to select some other product.

On the last day of the free exchange time period, at one-half hour till closing, the Mfr. Issued me a code number to use at the store of purchase. I quickly bundled everything up and drove the three blocks to the CompUSA store. In spite of everything, the young punk of a manager trainee deducted a 10% ?restocking? fee ($150.00!!!) Why? It was not going to be restocked ? it was going back to the factory, or would be disposed of, one way or another (they probably sold it to some other unsuspecting customer). That amount of money (back in 1998) forced me to downgrade from my original purchase.

I tried to discuss the issue with the trainee, but finally asked to speak to his supervisor. Long story short: the supervisor felt compelled to back-up his trainee and insisted that the restocking fee be applied. My anger at being forced to suffer that cost cannot be adequately described. I had been spending thousands of dollars each year on computers, peripherals, etc.

I loudly informed them that I would never again shop at CompUSA, and that I would tell everyone I know about the treatment I received. For the next few years, I tried to spread the word. Eventually, I stopped mentioning the incident unless a similar situation was under discussion. But, deep inside, I vowed that CompUSA would someday reap what it had sown. Nine years later, I can only hope that the young trainee had matured enough to be working elsewhere and treating customers with the respect he would want for himself as a consumer.

Let companies, large and small, recognize that without satisfied customers they won?t remain in business very long. In this case, obviously, the employees, not the owners, will pay the price ? but it was an employee who generated my displeasure, not the owners?
It?s too bad that CompUSA owners are still filthy rich.

Posted by: bobinvegas@...   Posted on: 03/05/07 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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