Zellers Complaint

Complaint

0
April
Country: United States
Dear Sir or Madam,

I received a My Little Pony castle as a birthday gift for my now one year old daughter this past weekend. The gift is not age appropriate, as it is for children 3 years and up, nor is it appropriate for us to take home to Mexico with us. I do not have the receipt. I attempted to return the gift for a cash refund, and was not granted this. The store manager (Maple Ridge B.C.) offered me a gift card. I do not live here in Canada, I live in Mexico, and though a gift card is not ideal for my situation, the manager insisted that this was the only option. I was disappointed, but I accepted reluctantly. I was issued both a gift card, and a receipt bearing the value of the gift card.

I attempted to use the gift card to make a purchase approximately an hour later, and the card had a balance of $0.00. The cashier called customer service, and the representative inquired as to what I was attempting to purchase. She told the representative on the other end of the phone. I was directed to customer service, where I was handed a phone number, and no explanation. I asked for an explanation, and was told that the manager was in a meeting, and that she had directed the customer service representative to give me the phone number, and to retain both the gift, and the gift card. I was very upset at this information. This representative was adamant that she was not going to return either. This, I respectfully suggested to her, may be considered theft.

I called the number given, which was out of service. The customer service representative offered me a second number, I called and got a message service. Since I did not know what the current situation was, I did not know what to say, so I left my name and phone number.

I then told the 'customer service representative' in the store that I needed to speak to a manager, to get an explanation. She said I would have to speak to someone at the number she gave me. I told her that I would not be leaving the store without either my gift, of the gift card. She then spoke again to her manager, and directed me to lift the phone to speak to 'someone at another store'. I spoke to a representative in an 'investigation department' . She advised me that I would not be granted a gift card, nor would I receive my gift back. (note that when I originally brought the gift into the store, it had a large fluorescent 'Zellers' security tape across it, which the original customer service representative removed in my presence) I advised the 'Investigations Department Representative' that I did not wish to leave the store without either my gift, or the balance of the gift in a gift card. She said that if that was my position, then I had 2 options. I could leave the gift, and the gift card in the store, while 'an audit investigation' was conducted to 'determine the original purchase information' of I could leave with the gift, and there would be no investigation. I questioned why there would be an investigation, and she assured me this was protocol for gifts returned without a receipt. I was employed by Zellers some years ago, and I do not know this to be policy.

Is it also policy to issue 'fake' gift cards to embarrass customers as they attempt to make a purchase? Is it also policy to refuse an explanation for this behavior?

I asked this representative to replace the security tape to my gift, and I chose to leave with it. I am absolutely outraged with this disrespectful behavior. I am not a thief, nor a criminal, and I did not behave inappropriately. I did not, and do not deserve this mistreatment. I was not offered an explanation for the actions and decisions of the management of the store. I have now left Zellers, with no resolution for the unsatisfactory product that was purchased in that store. I was not offered a substitution, an exchange, or the balance in a gift card. I respectfully demand an explanation for this substandard quality of customer service.

Comments

  • 0
    Burnabarian
    It would also be nice if their was a price on the merchandise and if the merchandise was organized like a store rather than like my attic.  Does the management not feel embarrassed by the clutter that is a Zellers store?
  • 0
    HateZellers!
    Horrible rotten store,
    [***] you cahier who thinks you know everything...you work at Zellers , really your the [***]! obviously you couldn't make anything better of yourself so this is where you are...a lonely old [***] hag probably with a mullett living in a trailer with dial up internet trashing people for fun,
  • 0
    its true
    zellers.Used to work there until recently. liked the people i worked with like the customers sadly I watched all these complaints actually happen in some sense or another. I see that there is a major drop in how things roll around zellers. The place is always messy, the training relatively selfserve. best way to learn is to get in there, and with so many problems ask questions when they come. You get used to it. If they were able to staff the store better and then designate sections the quality of work and customer service would improve. as well as the stores conditions. I can imagine the company heads probably bit off more than they can chew. Cutting the staffs hours and numbers didn't help. little staff can get the job done. but not before it does more damage than good in my opinion. Financially you may have found a way to make the money. But your reputation shouldnt go so abruptly downhill. it will probably hurt the company very suddenly as the influence of people multiplies and the change becomes more noticable in the numbers. HBC has been on the go since 1670! its one of, if not the oldest company in north america. I'd hate for that legend to be associated with failure. Of all the things you can cut in budget. Don't cut off your hands. I'd like to know the point of view of their side.
  • 0
    ashley
    Ok coquitlam center mall is where i had my issue, i returned 5 cans of baby formula i got for a baby shower present, i tried to pay for a bike for my kid with the gift card, and there was a 0 ballence. they told me to go to custumer service, custumer service gave me a number to call, the reginal fruad invertagation unit, WTF i called and called and called its 2 months later no one has gotten back to me, they wouldnt let me leave with my formula and they wouldnt put the money on the gift card. the police say they cant get involved its not a police matter im out 135 dollars and im pissed. im a young mom of 3 kids with another on the way and i just want my [***] back or some money for the [***] i returned. not sure where to go from here since no one wants to return my calls.
  • 0
    judy
    i like shopping at zeller but the one at the pen center is terrible. just have to pay a dollar for a cart and when you return it most of the carts the end is boken off so you don't get your money back because you cann't find any buddy to help you is is the third time is has happen to me.if it happen again i will return my zellers card and shop else ware
  • 0
    A little legal info goes a long way
    On this count, you have a two year limitation in which to file a defamation of character lawsuit.  This person that lied and cannot prove any wrongdoing on your part should never take a chance like that.  Zellers hires these people, they represent Zellers, so Zellers must assume responsibility.  Someone needs to step up and take them to task.  If you cannot do it yourself, try to find a paralegal who can and will do it based on a contingent fee.  It's a win-win situation that way.  The publicity alone is worth it.
  • 0
    Disgusted with Zellers
    Well I thought I had it bad, but reading all others, I am obliged to say that Zellers Customer Service ranging from top to bottom is in the crapper!!!!  I have to say, I have come across two great managers, one was Jeremy, the other was Nestor.....they know who they are.  I am a woman over age 50, and while I was at the cash today Nazia (the cashier), was in a great hurry to leave, so she was pushing us all through, and I had cat food, and a candle (I picked up from a shelf of over 100 that read $2.99), so I asked her what price came up, and she said $6.99.  I explained that it was on a shelf that read $2.99, and she yelled at me and said no, that the price started at $2.99 but that this candle was $6.99, she then said "I know that one well".  What a statement.  So then she tried to push me through again, and did not ask for my points card, so I pulled it out afterward and she sighed in exasperation and grabbed it, wrote the number on the paper for someone to enter at a later time/date.  Then the man behind me had trousers, and before I could get my wallet closed, she was reaching for his purchase and dragging his pants over my cat food, I looked at her and told her that I realized she was in a hurry, but could she please be a little more considerate to customers, that she should not drag his pants over my cat food.  She said, "what's your problem?"  As I told her, her rushing us through was my problem, she called me a "[***]".  I nearly passed out.  I told her that I would be telling Jeremy (who I thought was the manager only to find he is no longer there) and I highly doubt he would approve of her behaviour.  She grabbed her name tag stuck it out and said go ahead.  I believe if Jeremy was there, this would not be happening.  I then went to the grocery, and lo and behold who ends up walking in but that cashier.  I took one look at her and said, oh, look now we are [***] to [***]; well she scurried around and out, like she had jets on her heels.  I planned to follow her around and let her know the [***] was behind her.  Petty?  Maybe, nonetheless mildly satisfactory.  She was no more than 25, and I am more than twice her age.  Respect for ones elders has gone by the wayside.  

    Jane & Finch has a reputation for breeding violence amoung black youth, well this very nasty girl is white; it just goes to show that targeting a certain group may not always be the solution....look further, everything has a reason, everyone has a purpose.

    I think every time we come across rude Zellers people, we should be posting their name and store location, it will be fun to take an inventory of who gets the most "RUDEST EMPLOYEE" votes.....LOLOLOL

    I'll go first........Nazia from the Yorkgate Mall location of Zellers
  • 0
    Kay
    I think it depends on the store/employees. For instance today I tried to get a price adjustment or exchange and was denied at one location that had a snobby staff. I then went to the zellers downtown and they said that its too late for price adjustment but I could just return it then buy the same things if they are on display. Very technical and would have been easier for them to just do the adjustment but at least the second location gave me an option.
  • 0
    karen
    Why are you still there?I work at Zellers and have found that your job, for the most part is what you make it.If you go in with a bad attitude and expecting a bad day...well guess what kind of day you'll have.I like the company, the people.I have worked in alot of lines of work.So called dirty jobs that were not pleasant (chicken processing factory), self employed,worked for small wages, etc., are just a brief description of what kind of experience I've got.I've been at Zellers several years now and I have larger workloads now because of cutbacks but I like my job.It's a challenge everyday and I enjoy that challenge.I guess I enjoy moving and keeping busy.I'm guessing you do not?
    Times are hard all over.Zellers has alot of support systems in place to help out associates that are not in a good space.It is not an us and them mentality between management and associates.It's people who think of it that way and do not like to work hard and pull their weight who give a negative vibe at work.I'm thinking your in that category.
    Try to have a good day and count your blessings.You live in the best country in the world.
  • 0
    Tracey
    I can't believe Zellers Christmas commercial showing the father and mother drinking the milk and eating the cookies that were left out for Santa. Thier young daughter comes into the room with her hands on her hips looking disappointed in her parents shaking her head. Get real! Why the hell would you show a commercial like that and play it during the day and early evening when kids will see it!? After seeing that I agree Zellers SUCKS!!!! That is the worst commercial ever. I will not give Zellers any of my money to buy any of thier [***] products. I will not support a store that would squash a childs imagination and to take away thier belief of such a fun and special time. Merry Christmas killjoy!!!
  • 0
    cottie
    I got one for you. We got the Zellers Midnight Madness Flyer last Thursday, and on the second page it says that there is a 46" Sony Bravia, 1080P, 120Hz television for sale for $798. So since we are moving into our house this weekend it seemed like a good deal. My Wife took off a few hours off work to stand in line in the cold since 4:00p.m the store closes from 5-6 P.M to get the sales stock out and reopens at 6. Shortly after 5p.m out in the vestibule there were quite a few people lined up for the sales. Long story short the manager held the sale very well and noticed who had been standing out there the longest so he gave us a ticket to get the item we were there for. We bought the television got home and at around 10:00p.m opened the manual on the television and it says its only a 60hz. So we went back and the manager was in the back and busy so we told the customer service rep that they sold us the wrong tv. She called the manager and he said he would give us a refund. We said we did not want a refund but the tv that was posted in the flyer. Just then an ad correction notice popped up about that tv and a misprint in the 120 to 60 hz. We then said well its not your fault but taking off time from work and standing for hours for a ad you have posted in the flyer that was not even real is a little ridiculous. If we knew ahead of time that the television was only 60 hz we would not have taken any time off work and stood in line for that. You can find that deal anywhere for that type of television. So we called head office. They said they would contact us in 3-4 days. It is now Tuesday and we called them back. They said they would talk to the store manager and see if it can be resolved through the store. The manager then called us and said he could only give us a refund. I said i can do that anywhere when i buy a product and return it. Its not about returning the television its about the time spent trying to get a falsly advertised item in your flyer and loss of hours at work. So we called back the head office number again and got somoneelse. They said sorry that is all we can do and thats that. Then another person from the head office called and said they would contact the store again. It is now wednsday and we have gotten no where, then realizing that the "head office" number they were feeding us is just a customer call center. So today were going to try to get in touch with the actual head office and file a complaint about endless time on the phone going in circled between the store and their "head office hot line" and going no where. I never complain about anything and all i want is a little justice on their part. They messed up the flyer and failed to tell anyone at the time of sale. So we wasted hours in line for a falsly advertised product. Lost money from hours taken off work, our phone bill now used to talk to customer service people will be through the roof, only to say they would return the item. All i want is either the television that was originally posted in the flyer, or at least some compensastion for having to stand in line and take time off work to freeze my a$$ off for a falsly advertised product? Are we in the wrong ?
  • 0
    Irony
    So, let's get this straight.  You voluntarily left work early so you could save $400 on a TV.  Instead you:  (1)Lost money because you left work early.  (2)Froze your ass off.  (3)Purchased a TV different from the one listed in the flyer. (4)Wasted time. (5)Lost money by making LD phone calls.
    Ironically you would have been further ahead if you have gone to futureshop and spend $100 more for a Sony 1080p 120hz without going through the ordeal you have experienced. The real problem is Zellers head office should have solved this issue instead of the store manager who has nothing to do with the printed advertisement. What else is the manager going to do, but give you a refund? He can't magically produce inventory the store doesn't stock. This is the company's mistake not his. I hope you get this resolved. If not, bite the bullet and: http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/product/sony-s ... 8627222dd33en02
  • 0
    Shini
    It makes me laugh when I read some stuff here. You do realize, that managers DO have their hands tied with some things. Like "Irony" said, what did you expect the manager to do, snap his fingers and make a 120hz Sony appear?

    Zellers stores do NOT carry anything higher then a 60hz TV. At least, not easily. I should know. The best that manager (or any) could do would be OFFER YOU A REFUND or give you a bit of a discount. Either / Or. Some things people need to understand, is if it's not something they carry, they cannot magically order it.

    Instead of whining and bitching for the company to own up to giving you a 120hz TV, when the had posted an ad-correction, go return the damn thing or ask for a discount. Hell, come to my store, I'll give you $50 off it's price to pay for you precious time waste :)
  • 0
    Shini
    Or, after checking it out on Futureshop, print this page off and ask for a pricematch.

    http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/product/sony-s ... 5e64aab6375en02

    So long as it's in stock, most managers should price match it. There, an extra $200 off :D
  • 0
    Reason
    Oh grow up. The girl in the commercial clearly looks pissed off at mom and dad for eating Santa's milk and cookies. Besides there is no such thing as Santa Claus.
  • 0
    Liz
    I worked for Zellers..Management has too much of an ego.
    At my Zellers, my manager yelled at a customer because she didnt understand a policy and had to go to the point of insulting her just so she'd understand. Another time I saw him yell at an elderly man who was just sitting on a chair.
  • 0
    Yawwwwwwwwwwn
    You are right. Those who work for Zellers are "[***]" and couldn't make anything better of themselves.

    Those who shop at Zellers or any big chain store are usually the bottom feeders of society who like to whine, b i t c h and complain by using words like "[***]".
  • 0
    Skittles
    OMG all of you make me LOL!

    The Zellers I work at... we get breaks when we are supposed to (unless it is SUPER busy), the management team is ok (some members are stupid, but we just ignore them), 99% of the customers are awesome, and if somebody comes to my til and something doesn't ring up on sale, or something is wrong, I try my best to fix the problem.

    All of you are delusional. Either I work at the only good Zellers in Canada, or you're all extremely over-exaggerating.

    Mind you, Zellers is not the best company to work for (that's for sure) it's a HELL of a lot better than what the complaints here say.
  • 0
    Skittles
    Ashley... I'll bet you $20 that you were screaming, yelling, and being a total ass to customer service. GTFO.
  • 0
    Donna
    Friday night Dec.17 th my son and I went to Zellers to buy a TV and water that they had on sale, we could not find the water so we asked a lady that works at Zellers she had no idea where the water was, she was just useless as an employee,so we walked around some more and saw another lady so we asked her where the TV. that was on sale if she direct us to it,so was so rude and superior attitude,she said I dont have a TV on sale,I have one that is going on sale,and that we were in the wrong store,well she was wright about the wrong store because if she cared for the Company and not being superior she would maybe offered us a rain check or showed us another TV,instead she was aggressive,irrisponsible and rude to the point that we did not buy anything from them and I dont think I'll shop at Zellers ever again.

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