Radio Shack - After spending some six hours attempting to get it to work, I came to the conclusion that the software was not even able to perform the primary function for which it was designed. I attempted to return the item, arguing the defect exception

Radio Shack - After spending some six hours attempting to get it to work, I came to the conclusion that the software was not even able to perform the primary function for which it was designed. I attempted to return the item, arguing the defect exception to their "no returns on software" policy

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Radio Shack ripped me off

Early this month I purchased a software title from a Radio Shack store. After spending some six hours attempting to get it to work, I came to the conclusion that the software was not even able to perform the primary function for which it was designed. I attempted to return the item, arguing the defect exception to their "no returns on software" policy. The first time, I was told to return when the store manager was present, and then I was told "Sorry, no returns on software," on my second visit.

I then sent an E-mail to the Radio Shack "Customer Care" site. I waited a week. No reply. I sent another E-mail. I waited another week. Again, no reply. By this time I was livid, and found another E-mail route on their web site. This time I got a response. Here is the text of the E-mail:

"I am sorry to hear that the software did not meet your needs. I have discussed this matter with Mehran Motamedi, the District Manager (DM) over the store, and he respectfully declines your request for a refund for the software's return per the conditions listed on your purchase receipt. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience this may cause you.

If you wish to discuss this matter further, please feel free to contact Mr. Motamedi's office directly at (714) 899-4729.

Thank you for taking the time to write. We do appreciate your business.

Sincerely,

Kathy Mashburn

RadioShack Customer Care

Translation: You are screwed. Not only was I instructed to contact a man who had already made up his mind not to authorize the refund, but the "We do appreciate you business" was a condescending insult. It should have read: So, you are a thirty-year customer who spent tens of thousands of dollars with us, we don't care! We cheated you out of thirty dollars! We are Radio Shack, we are so big we can lose thousands of loyal customers a year. It will not hurt our bottom line, a thousand new suckers are born every minute.

I would like to offer the following advice to anyone out there who is even contemplating a purchase at Radio Shack:

One... Forget the "Customer Care" route. It is a memory hole.

Two... If you have to purchase electronics parts, try your local independent electronics store. Radio Shack parts stocks have been shrinking for at least a decade or more. Their primary focus is now cell phones, satellite dish systems, etc. Radio Shack is now obsessed with volume sales, and their employees are driven like slaves to sell high ticket items. These high ticket items are the only way to earn commissions to avoid being fired for lack of sales.

The typical Radio Shack salesman no longer knows a resistor from a capacitor. The local electronics store on the other hand, has knowledgeable staff, friendly service, and a warm informal atmosphere.

(Something Radio Shack had in abundance thirty years ago)

Three... If you are contemplating larger ticket electronic appliances, try Best Buys, Circuit City, etc... Their prices are more than competitive with Radio Shack, and their staff are more relaxed and friendly. As for computer products, while this may seem like Greek to anyone outside of California, try Fry's. One can find computers and peripherals at half the price of a Radio Shack store.

Any company this tone deaf and indifferent to customer complaints, does not deserve your business. Any company this arrogant does not even deserve to be in business! Leonard J Click this link to e-mail the above consumer: //