| Author | Message | ||
     Spike |
Just wanted to share my side of a rant that's growing around the 'net this morning . . . Wal-Mart has been advertising an HP notebook computer for $378 as a Friday-only special. The ad claims the sale starts at 5am. I underestimated the wally world crowd and didn't get in the store until 4:30am. There were already a couple hundred people waiting inside the store for the notebook and a few other select electronics. They had a line from the electronics all the way over to produce (super wal-mart). After waiting in line for ~20 minutes we were informed by a wal-mart employee that the line wouldn't be honored at the electronics department and that it would be best to just try to get as close as possible. At that point most of the line broke up and an awkward rush ensued. I managed to go around the backside of the electronics department to skip the crowd and get to the notebook computers. I didn't see the advertised notebook with the rest of the computers so I went on to the counter at the electronics department. I asked one of the employees where the notebooks could be purchased, he informed me that all the notebooks were gone, they had been sold much earlier. It was 5:01am at this point, implying that wal-mart did not honor their 5am advertisement. Worse yet, I noticed that in the print advertisement they handed me that morning the notebook was listed for $398 instead of $378. I have a bunch of friends and family members that went to different wal-marts at 4am this morning seeking the notebook, all report similar tales of chaos and wonky pricing. All report of the notebooks not being sold on a first-come first-serve basis and some even saw notebooks being put on layaway. At least one reports the notebooks being sold at 1am. I'm not usually the letter-writing type, but releasing the product well before the advertised time and changing the price of the product on the day of the sale really pissed me off. Disorganization on "black Friday" is to be expected, dishonesty is not. I've written a letter to wal-mart and I know many others who have done the same. For more experiences on this check out the AMD message board on yahoo: http://finance.messages.yahoo.com/bbs?.mm=FN&action=l&board=4687810&tid=amd&sid= 4687810&mid=1273095 | ||
| Dark_vapor |
I agree that Wal-Mart sucks! I avoid purchasing anything there. The store is a mess and there is no room for the customer to shop. If there is a small crowd its almost a stand still in the store. If I want to go to a mart type store I try to go to Target because the isles have plenty of room and you don't feel the need to do cart battle with anyone. | ||
| Swampy |
Usually, when Walmart has sales like that, everyone else follows suit. Patience, The end is near........ If you can wait, the after Christmas sales are even better. | ||
| Oddbawl |
There are so many reasons not to shop at Walmart it could take hours to list. Sweatshops overseas, crushing local businesses, full time employees working for below poverty line wages, denying overtime when worked, dictating to publishers and record companies what to print (in other words they do the censoring for you) I could go on and on. Wut swampy said too, I'm sure they're gonna spring up elsewhere anyway. WALMART SUCKS. | ||
| Josh_ |
There were a couple other places selling <$400 laptops after Wallyworld did. I'll check around if you still want one. | ||
| Court |
There is a huge battle over the proposed Wal-Mart in Staten Island. I agree with all that has been said. But, the American consumer is a funny fellow. . . says one things; does another. Wal-Mart will prevail. It's not unlike the "Union v. Non-Union" discussion I listen to at work daily. It's rah-rah-rah until it's the breaker box in *MY* house or the myriad of folks who wear "Union Made" (hint: there are none_ t-shirts and moonlight in the Hamptons during their time off. We're funny folks. When was the last time you paid MORE for something to get top quality or a product made by folks earning a "working wage"? I absolutely agree with all the criticisms of Wal-Mart and am offended...not at Wal-Mart, but more so with the American consumer. Right or wrong? P.S. - headed off to see if Red Wing (Union Made in America) will replace the boots the soles just fell off of these pricey boots. | ||
| Cochise |
Spike, the best bet is to NOT write a letter, but to call the Wal-Mart in question and find out who the Electronics Manager, the General Manager is AND who the DISTRICT Manager is. Then CALL them in THAT ORDER. Don't allow them to ask what you want, just talk to them. Don't leave a message, talk directly to them. NO Bullsheet, send me a Private Message with the Store Name and number. We live in Rogers, which is the town over from Bentonville, Arkansas. My wife used to work at Sam's Club as a Mens Wear Buyer, she can get you the Buyer's name on Monday. She tried to call them as I was writing this, but they were tight lipped. We will get the name on Monday, I promise. Go through those avenues, a phone call can't be thrown away. | ||
| Daves |
No offense but did you expect anything different? They do these gimmick sales to get people to wait in line to get into the store. They know full well that they will not have enough to go around. They are betting that since you are already there you will buy something else. That kind of sale is no better than the jewelry stores that advertise 75% off. What, do they screw the customers the rest of the year? There used to be a big carpet store that every other weekend or so would have a 50% off sale. The ads always said "This weekend and this weekend only" I wonder if they ever sold any carpet on a Weds? It is just stupid. | ||
| Cochise |
Julie called Wal-Mart Home Office this morning and if you call and ask for the Buyer, you USUALLY get the persons name, but when she called this morning, they gave her the "run-around". I can guarantee you, they were supposed to do it the other way. Julie used to work at the Sam's Club as I said before as a Buyer. She's worked a few of those sales, and They are SUPPOSED to do it in an orderly fashion. I am sure the employees had a few stashed for themselves. | ||
| Chainsaw |
If you don't like Wal-Mart, don't shop there. Wal-Mart detractors, I have some questions. Do you hate Wal-Mart because they pay low wages? Should stocking a shelf at a Wal-Mart pay career wages and benefits? Do you refuse to eat at McDonald's 'cause the guy flipping burgers isn't making a 'living wage'? Do you refuse to eat at a restaurant where the wait staff is paid below the minimum wage? Do you refuse to by produce at the grocery store because it was picked by a migrant laborer earning slave wages with no benefits? Do you hate Wal-Mart because they sell foreign made goods? Are you typing a response on a keyboard and computer made somewhere other than the USA? Do you drive a non-union made foreign car? Try to apply all of your anti-WalMart shopping criteria to the rest of your expendatures please. The economy will be stronger for it. | ||
| Josh_ |
$380 BesyBuy laptop It was available online yesterday.} | ||
| Chainsaw |
P.S. - headed off to see if Red Wing (Union Made in America) will replace the boots the soles just fell off of these pricey boots. Cost me +$50 to get my steel toe Red Wing Boots resoled. Had 'em since 1991. New ones are +$160 bucks.  | ||
| Josh_ |
$399 Dell Laptop After rebate, but I think you get a free printer. | ||
| Court |
Hey . . . call David Glass. He's been retired for a couple years, but the last time I needed something with Wal-Mart he was THE MAN. Careful not to get his son (owner of the Kansas City Royals) by mistake. The chasm is wide between folks stated "belief systems" and behaviors. Wal-Mart, and a host of others, capitalize on this. | ||
| Brucelee |
The neat thing is that in our capitalistic economy, you are free to shop where ever you would like. So, if anything about Wal Mart annoys you, go down the street. As far as Wal Mart pay and the like, no one is forcing anyone to work at Wal Mart. If they don't pay market wages, they don't get employees. How fair is that? "There are so many reasons not to shop at Walmart it could take hours to list. Sweatshops overseas, crushing local businesses, full time employees working for below poverty line wages, denying overtime when worked, dictating to publishers and record companies what to print (in other words they do the censoring for you) I could go on and on. Wut swampy said too, I'm sure they're gonna spring up elsewhere anyway. WALMART SUCKS." | ||
| Cochise |
Hey . . . call David Glass. He's been retired for a couple years, but the last time I needed something with Wal-Mart he was THE MAN. Careful not to get his son (owner of the Kansas City Royals) by mistake. The chasm is wide between folks stated "belief systems" and behaviors. Wal-Mart, and a host of others, capitalize on this. OH NO YOU DIT'NT!!!! Believe it or not, calling a Buyer is really a great idea. Hey Court, love you buddy. (Message edited by cochise on November 25, 2005) | ||
| Cochise |
Spike. ........received | ||
| Oddbawl |
Chainsaw in response to most of your questions, yes. There's nothing wrong with buying foreign made or non-union goods if the employees are treated right. In the same line of questioning- do you enjoy saving thirty cents on a shirt knowing that an eight year old in India is working an 80 hour week for it? You must, if you shop there. Do you support a company that backs its pharmacists who refuse to fill prescriptions based on their religious beliefs? You must if you shop there. Do you support a store that has more discrimination charges against it than any other? You must if you shop there. Do you feel that people aren't entitled to be paid overtime when they work it? You must if you shop there. Court: "When was the last time you paid MORE for something to get top quality or a product made by folks earning a "working wage"?" Every time I buy something I try. To throw up you arms and say "oh well" isn't good enough. I'd say if you're on a motorcycle website, you can afford luxury items, and can therefore afford to pay attention to what you buy. Brucelee, I do exactly what you say, I walk down the street. I think if a lot of people knew a few things about Walmart, they'd do the same. As far as "get another job", it often isn't a simple as that. When a store like this goes into a town and wipes out the maw and paw outfits, there's often no alternative. Take a look at Costco. They have excellent wages, benefits, and prices. The average employee makes $17/hr. One analyst, Bill Dreher of Deutsche Bank, complained last year that at Costco ''it's better to be an employee or a customer than a shareholder.'' BOO HOO. Isn't that the way things are supposed to be? I'm not shedding too many tears for investment firms. Guess how much Jim Sinegal, the founder and ceo of COSTCO's annual salary is... $350,000. His reasoning: "Having an individual who is making 100 or 200 or 300 times more than the average person working on the floor is wrong." What a commie bastard huh? Totally against the Walmart-funnel off billions to a dozen people policy. I'll give him my money over Sprawlmart anytime. (Message edited by oddbawl on November 25, 2005) (Message edited by oddbawl on November 25, 2005) | ||
| Newxb9er |
Walmart crushes local businesses. Most Walmarts make the local city pay for the building to be built, then the city pays the property tax, and Walmart just pays for the low rent they have worked out. The problem is the city for letting them in. But money talks, and when Walmart offers things to the people that make the decisions, then people agree to let them in. It's unfortunate. I have a problem when big business doesn't support the community they are in. They don't pay health care to most of the employees, so that is left to the taxpayers. Some might argue that at least there are jobs for these people. Well, you are right. My only complaint is that they could do more to support the community. Providing a job isn't enough. It isn't only Wallymart. I understand that. There is a documentary on Walmart, you should rent it. I forgot the name, but it is interesting. | ||
| Cataract2 |
Publix for all my grocery shopping. Wal-Mart for my oil. (Only because I can get those big jugs of Mobil 1 15/50.) or my movies. Hate to say it, but I like to shop late (10pm or later) and they're the only place open at thouse hours selling DVD's, well, next to some of the more "adult" places around here... | ||
| Brucelee |
I shop at both Costco and Wal Mart, based on what I need etc. Both sport low prices and a unique shopping experience. I prefer Costco, but it has nothing to do with how they treat their employees, which is between Costco and their employees. Interesting, the folks who work are Wal Mart are free to work at Costco and vice versa. Where is the problem? Customers are free to shop wherever they like based on their own criteria. Where is the problem? Get off your high moral ground here. If you don't like Wal Mart, don't shop there. Search out those "morally appropriate" stores and shop there. As long as Wal Mart complies with local laws, I have no issue with them. If they don't the lawyers will work it all out. | ||
| Brucelee |
"Shopping as an act of moral conscience!" On the next Oprah. Jeez, give me a break! | ||
| Oddbawl |
BTW, let's hear it for the folks of Burlington, Ontario. Walmart was planning to open another eyesore in their town, the local citizens and businesses had it squashed. You can make a difference. | ||
| Whodom |
I think Court has a really good take on this and other similar issues. For that matter, if you don't shop at WalMart, are you helping anyone? Yea, it sucks that all the little mom and pop stores are gradually being forced out of business, and I'd like to do something to see more of them stay open. But as far as people who work at WalMart, if Walmart lays them off, are they gonna be better off? Are people working in 3rd world sweat shops better off working where they are or not having any work at all? Hard to say- there ain't no easy answers. All that said, the main thing I hate about Walmart is having to park in a 40 acre parking lot, hike 1/2 mile to the store, hike a 1/2 mile to whatever department I want to get to, and fight a crowd of 1,000 people, all in the name of saving a couple of bucks on a ~$50 purchase. | ||
| Oddbawl |
That's right Brucelee, as long as you get a good price, the hell with the rest of them. They often don't comply with local laws, but what do you care? If you don't shop with "moral conscience" are you being moral? Would you permit child labour in your town? Why is it ok for an American company to do it in other countries? If you can't see "Where is the problem?" then you are the problem. Hell, as long as you can sleep at night doing nothing that's fine. I'll stay on my supposed moral high ground and do something for change. | ||
| Cochise |
Walmart crushes local businesses. Most Walmarts make the local city pay for the building to be built, then the city pays the property tax, and Walmart just pays for the low rent they have worked out. The problem is the city for letting them in. But money talks, and when Walmart offers things to the people that make the decisions, then people agree to let them in. Wal-Mart pays for their buildings. Wal-Mart WON"T rent, and they also don't buy another store that is vacant from any people, they build their own. They sometimes pay LESS city taxes, but Wal-Mart DOES make the city build roads and put up stoplights. Don'tgetr me wrong, I don't like Wal-Mart and am not a supporter, however I do work for the City of Bentonville, which is mostly paid for by Wal-Mart and their employees. Wal-Mart does NOT treat their employees very well, this is true. They don't let anybody work unless on the clock, and they don't let them work overtime. | ||
| Oldog |
Based on what was said about Costco I wish there was one here in wilmington NC. I have 4 choices Kmart, Sears, Wallmart, Target [any comments?] After Sears shenanigans with my credit account I paid them off and for the most part we are done Within the constraints of my budget I try to buy american, the job I save may be my own. I am just supprised that any one is under any illusion about the laptops -- LOSSLEADER | ||
| Oddbawl |
"Are people working in 3rd world sweat shops better off working where they are or not having any work at all? Hard to say- there ain't no easy answers." There's an alternative. Instead of having the labour cost making up 2% of the cost, bump it up to say, 4% you'd still be making a profit margin of 600%, and you'd be doing the right thing by these people. Unless you're Brucelee, then screw 'em, it's better to make an extra five cents a unit for the two dozen at the top. Ah, humping the American Dream... | ||
| Josh_ |
from CNN.COM Things got out of hand at a Wal-Mart store in Orlando, Florida, where a man who allegedly cut in line to get a discounted laptop computer was wrestled to the ground, according to WFTV-TV. | ||
| Oddbawl |
Oldog, At least you're willing to look into it! Seems most couldn't give a damn. It does depend on what your values are. For instance: Walmart and Target allow their pharmacists to refuse birth control to women based on their religious beliefs. (the latest being a woman was refused emergency contraception after a rape, I can't remember the state, I can look it up if you want) I find it obscene and won't shop there (Target), but hey, maybe you agree and would support them. PLEASE let's not start on that too... Hop on google and look around. (Message edited by oddbawl on November 25, 2005) |
