CompUSA, Orange, CT - StyleCam Deluxe camera didn't work - used one-year replacement plan in order to return it, as store wouldn't take it back otherewise, as it was beyond the 15 days allowed for a return

Complaints.com received the following consumer message on December 10, 2002:

From: Beth Maroney [bmaroney AT milforded.org]

RE: CompUSA, Orange, CT - StyleCam Deluxe camera didn't work - used one-year replacement plan in order to return it, as store wouldn't take it back otherewise, as it was beyond the 15 days allowed for a return

I purchased a StyleCam Deluxe camera from CompUSA in Orange, CT on October 16, 2002 with the intention of giving it to my out-of-town niece for her birthday. I had planned to buy a cheaper model for my young niece, but I chose this camera because of the rebate incentive of $70 if I purchased it with another software program, Adobe Photoshop. Because she is young, I also purchased a one-year replacement plan for $10. I gave the camera to my niece and waited for her to open it to get the UPC code from her in order to send it in for the rebate. I was not there when she opened it, but she could not get the camera to work. Her parents could not get it to work either. Finally, I was able to see my niece and try the camera myself. I could not get it to work either. So I had to return the camera to the store. I knew that I could not send in the UPC code from a product I had to return. Therefore, I could not send the rebate in on time. When I returned the camera to the store, it was beyond the 14 days that CompUSA allows for a return. I was told I could have a new camera ONLY because I had purchased the service plan, not just to replace the faulty product I had been sold. I then was told to protect the current camera, I had to buy ANOTHER service plan because it is only a USE ONCE service plan. I have now spent $20 extra to get one working camera with a one-year guarantee.

I knew they would not take it back without the UPC code so I could not send in the rebate without replacing the camera. Due to the time between giving the camera, trying it out and returning it to the store, the date for getting the $70 rebate had expired! I am very upset about having to use the service plan to replace a faulty purchase. I feel they should have stood behind the original purchase and replaced the camera without having me use the service plan. The woman informed me that had I NOT had the service plan I would have been unable to return or replace the camera! I am also upset that I won't be getting the rebate. B. Maroney

Milford, CT