digital camera nightmare

cowboydoc · May 16, 2002

I bought a new digital camcorder with the digital camera built into it. Problem is the software to download the pictures from the camera to the computer was missing. It was a sealed box. It's a Sony and I bought it at Best Buy. I went back to Best Buy and they said I had to call Sony to get the software. Called Sony and they said that I had to get it from Best Buy. Problem is it seems the software is $120 and neither side wants to pay for it. I could just return the camera but unless it's broken Best Buy charges you a 15% restocking fee to return camcorders. Is there any other software that will work with this unit?

Thanks,
Richard

TonyC · May 16, 2002

If you're sure the software was supposed to come with the camera I would march right down to Best Buy and get the store manager. I recently had an issue with a freezer and Best Buy bent over backwards to make sure I was happy. At the very least I'm sure he will take it back with no restocking fee.

To answer your question there is a lot of software out there to manipulate images but I am not aware of one that will allow you to download from a camera other than what came with the camera. I'd be very surprised if Best Buy didn't make it right.

cowboydoc · May 16, 2002

Tony,
Yes I was pretty surprised as well. I talked to the manager and they said there was nothing they could do when it was sold in a closed box. I was not happy at all. If you guys knew a quick fix I was just going to do that. If not I'm going to call their corporate office today.

RoyJackson · May 16, 2002

Go directly BACK to Bestbuy, insist on a replacement IMMEDIATELY! No restocking fees...zip...new box, new camera. Accept NO excuse or redirection. If need be, talk to the store manager, and if that doesn't work...the regional manager.

I've returned items for replacement at Bestbuy with no hassles.I think you were getting the run-around.
By the way, Bestbuy sold you an incomplete product. It's their responsibility.

I do suggest when you get your replacement, you insist on opening the box at the store to ensure everything is present and accounted for.

BobT · May 16, 2002

I'm with Roy on this one. No question, you are entitled to a complete and NEW product, or complete refund.

It is great that all these stores have no-questions-asked returns policies. The other side of this coin, is too much used junk resold as new.

I do not shop at BestBuy, but I can tell you from repeated personal experience that our local OfficeMax and CircuitCity, among many others, simply RE-SHRINKWRAP returned merchandise and put it right back out on the shelf. I once even bought a cassette recorder, which had someone's USED tape in it, with a handwritten label! Also, the registration card was missing. This was an OfficeMax deal. They TRIED to tell me they couldn't take it back, because it was used. Yes, I explained, because they SOLD it used.

Don't put up with this nonesense. Next time, demand that the box be opened at the store, and make sure you are really getting a new and COMPLETE product. Why should you have to go back and beg for components that are missing???

Check the cords, if any, to see if they have been unwound and then repacked loosely, missing registration cards, other evidence of missing parts or prior use. If it is USED, then get a USED price, which to me means at least 50% off.

Michael_S · May 16, 2002

Cowboydoc,I also have a Sony mini DV camera. It came with a cd-rom labeled Sony Pictute Gear Lite, v, 4.1. Windows 98/95/NT4.0.Never opened the package because I work on a Mac.If it is what you are looking for, and you want it, I will mail it to you.

cowboydoc · May 16, 2002

Yes I believe that is it hayseed. If you really don't mind sending it to me that would sure be appreciated. You can email me at mesasage@machlink.com. Thanks much,
Richard

looch · May 16, 2002

Man, Richard - you're not having much luck with your purchases lately are you?

Paul

cowboydoc · May 16, 2002

Paul,
No not the best of luck for sure!! That seems to be my last couple months though. You name it it has gone wrong. My problem is I don't have time to go in and fight with them on these things. The store is 45 minutes from my house. You know you can't get anything done on the phone.

Golfgar4 · May 16, 2002

Let's see /w3tcompact/icons/hmm.gif. You bought a sealed package that claimed to have X number of items/products inside. When you open it, the package is missing item(s). Might that not constitute false advertising on the part of BestBuy and/or the manufacturer? After all, they charged you full price and advertised the item as having the various items included.

Now I realize that this argument in all likelihood wouldn't hold up legally, but it could be a little more ammunition in your "discussions" with BestBuy and/or Sony.

It's an unfortunate statement about our retail businesses, but I have gotten in the habit of opening all boxes/packages to check to see if everything is there before I leave the store.