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03/16/2005 08:11:05 PM · #1 |
A few days ago, I posted this in another thread...
"Back on December 8, 2004, "Santa" bought me a rebel for Christmas at our local CompUSA store. There were better internet deals, but Santa wanted to see a human and hear all about the different cameras before deciding what to buy for me. He decided on the rebel and a 2-year replace/repair warranty. Of course, I couldn't wait until Christmas so I began using it immediately. Then, as I rock along and all is happy with my camera world, in February, they announce the Rebel XT. Figures. That's just my luck. On a whim, I emailed the manager of the store last week, and asked him what the possibilities were of me bringing the rebel back and "trading up" for the XT. To my dismay and delight, he said "Sure!" So yesterday, I took my baby back to CompUSA and received a full (100%) refund in the form of in-store credit for it, and now am waiting anxiously for the arrival of the XT's so I can purchase one from them. I am cameraless for a week or two, but it's worth it to me. All said, I think that I will be out about $20.00 for the XT when in arrives. "
Today, I get a call from the manager of a CompUSA store in the D/FW area, but it's 90 miles from my house. He proceeds to tell me that he has a Canon 350D in stock and ready for me to pick up. Excitedly, I pile the kids in the car and take off to Arlington TX (midway between Dallas and Fort Worth, and I'm 45 miles NE of Dallas already). It was 2:45 pm CST when we left. I drive and drive and drive and drive and FINALLY get there, rush into the store, and ask for the manager so I can talk with him about our phone call. A clerk takes me to the manager, who is with another customer. I told him my name, and he said, "Yes, you were the lady who wants the 350D." I said yes, and quickly asked if they had it in both silver and black, and he said "We only got the black in. If you'll give me 5 minutes I'll be right with you." No problem at all.
Well, a few minutes later he directs me to the camera counter. He says he needs the keys to the case, he'll be right back. So I wait a little while, again no problem. I'm so excited about the camera I would wait an hour at this point. He comes back, and fumbles around in the cabinet for a moment, and stands up with a box in hand. He hands it to me, and I know I probably looked insane... it was a 300D kit. I politely told him that was the wrong camera. He looks at me funny, then asks me again the model #. I told him, 350D. So he looks at the display Rebel 300D, and asks me "How do you know the difference?"
I will pause for a moment so I can take a deep breath and count to 20 (or 200).
I explain to the store manager that the 300D is the original Rebel, and that the 350D or XT is the new, upgraded Rebel. I also explained to him that the new one is selling for $999 and the old one is now $799. I told him I had $1200 in hand to spend in his store if he could produce the camera he told me he had in stock. He then proceeded to tell me that the Rebel 300D was plenty enough camera for me if I wasn't a professional photographer.
/me pauses again... grrrr...
Anyway, he goes to his computer and looks up Rebel XT and Rebel 350D to see if it even in their system. The camera is listed under Rebel XT with a floor price of $999 (imagine that) but none of the stores have it and there is no estimated delivery date on the computer listing. At that point, I was angry and crestfallen... and tired to boot. And I have to drive home in rush hour traffice. As I walked away, he said he would try to find one tomorrow and have it shipped to his store and that he would email me a discount code for the mixup. I will believe that when I see it I suppose, or maybe I'm just mad right now... but all in all it was a pisser of an experience.
This on top of the morning's dentist visit for my 6 year old... to the tune of $610... made for a pretty crappy day. But, I am normally a happy person and now will return to my usual chipper self. I promise. :o)
Thanks for letting me vent. Sometimes it's all you can do.
Message edited by author 2005-03-16 20:14:27.
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03/16/2005 08:16:09 PM · #2 |
It is my understanding that it doesn't go on sale in the US until Sunday March 20th. Sorry for the mishap though.
Message edited by author 2005-03-16 20:18:18.
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03/16/2005 08:17:47 PM · #3 |
They started shipping this past Monday... many retail stores and web sites have them in stock now.
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03/16/2005 08:20:50 PM · #4 |
Originally posted by laurielblack:
They started shipping this past Monday... many retail stores and web sites have them in stock now. |
It appears you already have the 350D...isn't that the camera listed under your name? ;^)
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03/16/2005 08:24:51 PM · #5 |
Just anticipating the change is going to take place if they ever get the camera in their store! ;)
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03/16/2005 08:27:56 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by laurielblack:
Just anticipating the change is going to take place if they ever get the camera in their store! ;) |
I should change to the 20d :P
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03/16/2005 08:34:50 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by laurielblack:
Just anticipating the change is going to take place if they ever get the camera in their store! ;) |
Figured as much - just couldn't resist taking a swing at that one. ;^) Keep having fun!
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03/16/2005 08:48:09 PM · #8 |
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03/16/2005 08:54:57 PM · #9 |
Oh Laurie! I totally understand and hear your frustration. Hopefully they get your nifty new cam in pronto!
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03/16/2005 08:55:34 PM · #10 |
I would just be amazed and thankful that they are willing to do this for you. I think it's pretty generous.
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03/16/2005 08:56:28 PM · #11 |
"He then proceeded to tell me that the Rebel 300D was plenty enough camera for me if I wasn't a professional photographer."....
This is my favorite part of the story, how did you maintain your composure? Don't you just love those kinds of sales people. Reminds me of when I went into my local camera store to return a camera because I wasn't happy with the image quality. Guy says (in a very snooty tone) "oh, you must have something set wrong". I said I didn't think so, but he says, "well, let me just check". Surprise, surprise, nothing was set wrong, so he had to eat a little crow. Made my day :)
Hope all works out for ya!
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03/16/2005 11:06:51 PM · #12 |
Originally posted by Kylie:
I would just be amazed and thankful that they are willing to do this for you. I think it's pretty generous. |
Oh don't get me wrong, I'm amazed AND thankful... but what a letdown to be told "yeah, come and get it" and then "sorry." Talk about bursting a bubble.
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03/16/2005 11:16:42 PM · #13 |
Originally posted by laurielblack:
Originally posted by Kylie:
I would just be amazed and thankful that they are willing to do this for you. I think it's pretty generous. |
Oh don't get me wrong, I'm amazed AND thankful... but what a letdown to be told "yeah, come and get it" and then "sorry." Talk about bursting a bubble. |
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. ;-)
Sorry about the bum day!
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03/16/2005 11:18:30 PM · #14 |
wow, that sucks. i have a feeling that once the 350 is in your hands though, all will be forgiven ;) - especially if they come through on the discount. best of luck!
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03/16/2005 11:21:51 PM · #15 |
Wouldn't have been so bad if it had been just a drive across town and if his attitude had been adjusted just a bit. :( I hope they come through with the discount and all has a happy ending!
I had trouble with the Circuit City here, but that's a whole 'nuther story. |
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