The Day After: My Rant against Walmart

Ah yes, the day after Christmas. This is usually the day when people return the unwanted or ill-fitting items to whence they came. Chances are they will return most of those items to a Walmart store since they are the largest retailer on the face of the planet. Frankly, I, for one, detest Walmart. Yes, it's sad that I shop there considering how much I detest them, but that's the nature of the beast. They're convenient, affordable, and have what I need under one roof. However, they are also crooks! Let me share with you my experience in the Madison, AL Walmart.

On December 10, 2009, I spent $290.42 there. I chose to shop there because I like it better than the other Walmart stores in the area. My experience on that date was very negative. The checkout clerk, Tommy (with the two earrings and cell-phone), scrutinized every item I was purchasing and not paying attention to his job. He made either snide remarks or questioned why I was buying said items. After bagging the last item, he shut off his light and walked away. I had to load the cart myself. When I expressed my concerns to the Customer Service Manager, she told me, "Oh, he's young, just barely 18." When I was eighteen, I was in the Army. That's why they need to bring back the draft! Anyway, she walked away not bothering to address my concerns!

When I got home, I went over my receipt and compared it with what I had. I was upset to see that Tommy had charged me twice for a turkey and twice for ant bait. Since it was late, I chose not to return or call the store. The next morning I called the store and explained what had happened. They told me, "There's nothing we can do about it." I asked to speak with the manager and was put on hold for twenty minutes! Someone came on and said, "Who are you holding for?" I said, "The manager." The individual said, "He's not here," and hung up!

I sent a letter to the store manager, Tom Statum and explained what had happened. I even included a copy of the receipt highlighting the errors made by Tommy that totaled $18.18 less tax. That was on December 13. I have NOT heard anything from him; not even a postcard acknowledging my letter. Apparently he does not care if the clerks are "ripping off" the customers. I used Walmart's online system to lodge a complaint, but I have not heard from them either. I do not want an apology or phone call. All I want is the money that I gave to Walmart for items I did not receive.

So, have you had a similar experience? Walmart is big, but so was Goliath. They are not invulnerable. If enough people voice their concerns and stop shopping there for one day, one week, or even one month, it will hit them where they live. Think about it the next time you are going through the checkout and paying for their substandard wares.