Went to Sam's in MD today. While browsing, I saw the Samsung LN46B610 for $1197. Not a bad price but the Sam's rep was stating that if I were interested in buying a tv, I should do it before Nov. 1. When asked why, the lady said Sam's will be changing their return policy to 90 days on tv's on Nov. 1. They currently have a 5-year return policy if your tv should fail. The light was finally clicking on when she mentioned the extended warranties. I guess their current return policy negates the need for an extended warranty.
According to the Sam's rep, they will replace the tv with a new unit should it fail within 5 years. This includes ALL their tv's, including plasmas. If the replacement tv is priced less than the price paid for the original tv, they'll give you a store credit for the difference. Should you sign up for their Membership Plus program, they will extend the warranty an extra year. I think for me, it would be another $51.
Bare in mind I've not seen this in writing as yet. But I did ask another associate about the program. She also knew about the return policy. I tend to believe things when I see them in person. So far, I'm still researching. In any event, it looks legit so far.
I do remember reading earlier today that the return policy is going to 90 days, so consider that confirmed.
Whatatay
Senior Member - 1K
posted: Sep. 29, 2009 @ 4:31a
Previously their return policy was lifetime, except on certain excluded items (see below) as stated on their website of which TV's were not included. Where does it show 5 years on TVs?
Edit: Not that it matters as it looks like their new return policy is true.
I was going to buy a TV that cost slightly more at Sam's Club because of their lifetime return policy. Now I will have to reconsider, especially if a TV and an extended warranty is cheaper elsewhere.
In-Club Exceptions:
* Computers may be returned within 6 months of the original purchase. o For assistance with electronic products or purchases, please contact our Tech Experts at 877-758-4346.
o For more information on Tech Experts, please click here.
* 200% guarantee on fresh products such as, meat, bakery or produce.
* Cigarette returns will not be accepted without prior written approval from the tobacco supplier representative.
* This policy does not change the manufacturer’s warranty on any item returned as defective, such as tires or batteries.
* Refunds on refrigerant (R-134A) will be accepted no more than 7 days from the date of purchase and then only with a receipt.
* Online orders (except auction orders) returned to the Club with a receipt (order print out) will be refunded in the form of a shopping card, cash or credit to the account charged (if available in the Club of choice). Without a receipt (order print out), you will receive a refund in the form of a shopping card.
Online Exceptions:
* Theme park tickets, which are nonrefundable.
* Computers may be returned within 6 months of the original purchase.
* Gift cards cannot be redeemed for cash, except in states where required.
* Shopping cards, which cannot be redeemed for cash.
* *EMR bundles can be returned with 45 days of the shipping date. *Restrictions apply. For a full listing of all *EMR bundle return restrictions: Click here
* Sam’s Club Auction merchandise can be returned within 30 days of purchase, but can not be returned or refunded at any Sam’s Club locations or by using the SamsClub.com online return option.
* Auction returns can only be processed by contacting Member Service at 888-746-7726 and following prompts for “SamsClub.com” and “returns”.
Shipping Cost Exception:
* Shipping can only be refunded if the return is a result of an error by SamsClub.com.
Whatatay
Senior Member - 1K
posted: Sep. 29, 2009 @ 4:32a
rbraden said: I do remember reading earlier today that the return policy is going to 90 days, so consider that confirmed.
"But as of Nov. 1, Sam's Club said it will accept returns only within 90 days on purchases of consumer electronics including TVs, computers, cameras, camcorders, projectors and iPods."
Also not these two paragraphs -
"Sam's Club said electronics purchased prior to Nov. 1 would be grandfathered under its existing return policy."
"Previously, under its policy of 100 percent satisfaction, customers could have returned these items at any time."
Notice no mention of a 5 year return policy on TVs.
Whatatay said: rbraden said: "Sam's Club said electronics purchased prior to Nov. 1 would be grandfathered under its existing return policy."
"Previously, under its policy of 100 percent satisfaction, customers could have returned these items at any time."
Notice no mention of a 5 year return policy on TVs.
This is what I found as well. The rep said exactly what you had, grandfathered in. But when I pressed her about where to find the return policy currently in existence, she said "It's not written anywhere, they just know it." To me, I have a real problem with not having a written warranty. You want to sell people on this idea, put it in writing. Having said that, I intend to follow up on it.
Am I the only one that finds it strange that nowhere on their site is the return policy on tv's described? Same way with in-store? I just find this odd. I will say I've never had a problem returning anything to Sam's though.
Whatatay
Senior Member - 1K
posted: Sep. 30, 2009 @ 3:31a
JVEC said: Am I the only one that finds it strange that nowhere on their site is the return policy on tv's described? Same way with in-store? I just find this odd. I will say I've never had a problem returning anything to Sam's though.
About a year ago I contacted Sam's Club from their website and asked them, exactly because of the reason you stated, ie vagueness of the return policy. They said you can bring the item back if you are not satisfied. They never gave a time frame or said it was for life, but they never gave a time limit in their reply either.
I emailed them yesterday when I read you post, before reading about the policy change on Rueters. Today I got a reply confirming what you said about the return policy changing.
I replied to their email asking if something purchased before November 1st (which is grandfathered in under the old return policy) becomes defective, and needs to be returned for a replacement after November 1st, will be covered under the old return policy (since it is a replacement for something purchased under the old policy) or if the replacement now becomes part of the new return policy. I will let you know what they say.
I want to thank you JVEC for bringing this important info to our attention. Going to see about getting a TV before November 1st depending on the reply to my question of replacements after the new policy. Been saving my pennies but may need to borrow a couple hundred to get grandfathered in.
Whatatay said: JVEC said: I want to thank you JVEC for bringing this important info to our attention. Going to see about getting a TV before November 1st depending on the reply to my question of replacements after the new policy. Been saving my pennies but may need to borrow a couple hundred to get grandfathered in.
Hey, no problem. Happy to do it. I hardly ever post but nobody had mentioned this one yet. Some are eager to criticize, showing a lack of appreciation and if people don't appreciate it, why post? Thanks for your commentary on this! You helped push it along as well.
We're much in the same boat. We've been saving for a long time and this looks like a very good bargain. I believe I'll grab mine today. If you need a mount, Sears has this tilt wall mount for 15% off. The online price does not reflect it but their flyer lists it.
raman117
Member
posted: Sep. 30, 2009 @ 9:03a
woolooloo said: Hurry redbones, here's a TV deal you haven't given red to yet!
Just spoke to a Sam's rep. She clarified that if I sign up for the Membership Plus program, any EXTENDED WARRANTY that is purchased with the tv at the time of sale will add another 1 year of warranty. For example, the manufacturer's warranty is 1 year and I purchase a 3-yr warranty, I get a total of 4 yrs. If I sign up for the MP program, I'll get a total of 5 years, still meeting the return policy time for Sam's. The extended warranty becomes a waste of money.
BTW, she also verified the grandfathering policy. Picking mine up today.
Whatatay
Senior Member - 1K
posted: Sep. 30, 2009 @ 5:54p
Okay, here is the reply I got from Sam's Club about items grandfathered in but returned after Nov. 1st.
"Yes, the new item you exchanged it for would fall under the new return policy, due to it being after Nov. 1st. I am sorry, I know that will be a hassle, and an inconvenience."
So now I have to decide what to do. If I buy a TV before Nov. 1st that lasts 2 or 3 years before it dies, and then get it replaced for free under the grandfathered return policy, and that one lasts 2 or 3 years, I will have gotten my moneys worth.
However, if I buy one before Nov. 1st and it dies or has a problem on Nov. 2, I now only have 90 days to return it. Since the majority of LCD and Plasma TVs seem to die around the two year mark, my whole reason for buying from Sam's Club is negated under this scenario.
The Panasonic Plasma I want to get is the bottom of the line made by Panasonic for warehouse club stores. You can get the next model up (40,000 contrast ratio vs 30,000 at Sam's Club) for about the same price at Best Buy on sale. I was willing to spend a couple hundred dollars more for a lower model just for the ability to bring it back anytime if it dies.
Seems it is a gamble as to which way to go depending on what may happen in the future. You do get 3 times longer to return it at Sam's Club, 90 days vs 30 days at Best Buy, but if the TV is going to die, it usually does it right away or around the 2 year mark.
Sam's Club does have an extended warranty for $70 for 1 year and $80 for 3 years after the manufacturer warranty expires but this usually means the local TV shop comes to your house, doesn't have a clue what is wrong, takes the TV away for 4 months, and then says the part is back ordered (it really isn't, the manufacture says it is to run out the warranty knowing if the TV broke once, it will probably break again and by the time the TV comes to you the warranty will be over). It isn't like the old return policy where you bring it back and go home with a new one the same day.
I'm back and have a new tv in my living room! It turns out the 5-yr time limit on the return policy is non-existent. The rep I spoke with the first time was just using the 5-year term as an example. As Whatatay said earlier, their current return policy on tv's is not defined. It turns out, it's open-ended. I spoke directly with the electronics manager today and her exact words were "If you bought it before Nov.1 of this year, you can bring it back in 20 years and we'll still give you a new set." She also verified the credit in price difference if there is any. They'll credit it back to you in cash or on your credit card; whichever was used.
Onto my bargain of the week! When I got into Sam's, they didn't have any of the 46" Samsungs in the racks. They had 9 in stock but they were up on the high racks and needed to be pulled down. As I waited, I was chit chatting with another guy looking at tv's and noticed a Samsung on the "Clearance" rack. It turned out to be the exact tv I was looking for. It turns out they used it as a display model for a little while and put it on the clearance rack. Not sure what the hours are on it but it looks brand new. After verifying with the manager that the return policy DID cover this tv, they pulled it down and I bought it. I got it for $900!Not a bad day to end the day! Thanks for all the help! Pics of the tv are below:
JVEC said: I'm back and have a new tv in my living room! It turns out the 5-yr time limit on the return policy is non-existent. The rep I spoke with the first time was just using the 5-year term as an example. As Whatatay said earlier, their current return policy on tv's is not defined. It turns out, it's open-ended. I spoke directly with the electronics manager today and her exact words were "If you bought it before Nov.1 of this year, you can bring it back in 20 years and we'll still give you a new set." She also verified the credit in price difference if there is any. They'll credit it back to you in cash or on your credit card; whichever was used.
Remember, if you buy something before Nov. 1st but return it for replacement after Nov. 1st, the replacement will have the new return policy, ie 90 days.
Costco has the exact TV I want for $100 less ($1100), with free shipping, and they extend the manufacturer's warranty one year for free so you get a total of two. Plus their preferred payment is American Express which extends the warranty another year (I'll have to check into this to see if it is void because Costco already extends the manufacturer's warranty another year so the AE thing might just run on top of it, rather than after).
They actually sell the TV for $200 ($1400) more than Sam's Club and then take $300 off at check out. The problem is, they tax you on the full amount and then subtract the $300. I would have to get a membership at Costco for $50. With the additional tax from taxing it before taking off the $300 and the $50 membership, I would save only $25 over getting it at Sam's Club.
So, here is what I decided to do. I will buy the TV at Sam's Club before Nov. 1st. If it ever dies, I will take it back, but instead of getting a replacement, I will get a refund of my money. Then I will go to Costco and get a TV that will probably be cheaper, has an extra year of warranty for free, and I will use my American Express card to hopefully add another year of warranty.
Sam's Club should at least do like Costco and extend the warranty another year for free. They only take American Express online and they both Sam's Club and Costco have the same 90 day return policy after Nov. 1st. Sam's Club kind of shot themselves in the foot by going from the best return policy to one that was worse than Costco.
Whatatay
Senior Member - 1K
posted: Oct. 1, 2009 @ 6:30p
JVEC said: After verifying with the manager that the return policy DID cover this tv, they pulled it down and I bought it.
In the one picture it has an orange sticker that says "As is" and "non returnable". I hope the manager wasn't mistaken or gave you something in writing. I wonder if an item really is "as is" and "non returnable" does it say so on the receipt? How would the store know?
DealHunter2006
Member
posted: Oct. 1, 2009 @ 10:02p
In for one. The unlimited return is icing on the cake - this is a good price on the TV anyhow. Definitely the best model I've found after doing lots of research. Matte screen is a big plus for me ... lots less reflection.
Whatatay, it sounds like you've certainly done your homework! I think Sam's trys to compensate for their slight increase in price and lackluster warranty (after Nov. 1) by offering free tech support and some other service-related items, not that Costco wouldn't. I wish I had a Costco membership because there are some good deals on their stuff and, many times, better than Sam's. You have the convenience of checking both out. As far as the warranty, I had about a 20min discussion with the electronics manager about the return policy on this one. I would have no part of it if it didn't apply. But she said the "As Is" part regards issues (predominantly cosmetic) with the unit if the tv were purchased, taken home, installed and then brought back. There may be a chip here or a scratch there but she told me any tv that is brought back is checked out by the contracted service people and, if it is in good working order, they'll sell it. If not, they reject it and it goes back to the parent company. She said the tv is still guaranteed in full working order and you still get 100% satisfaction guarantee. You just can't bring it back if there is a scratch on the bezel or there are other flaws beyond their control. Seeing as this one was a display model, I didn't have to worry about the headaches associated with someone damaging the tv during transit or mounting. Very good question though. I'm the same as you....always waiting for the proverbial "man behind the curtain" to show himself.
Dealhunter, I'm glad you were able to capitalize on the deal! I agree this is one hell of a bargain!
Whatatay, good luck on your purchase and enjoy! In my opinion, if you buy a quality tv with high marks and good customer references, aren't you paying for that longevity? If they lasted only a short time, I doubt they would be held in such high regard. In any event, I think you'll be really happy with the Samsung! You pay a little extra for the best! Even if it does fail prematurely, you still have a second chance. Where will you find a guarantee like that without spending an arm and a leg? In my case, to get that kind of guarantee, I'd have to pay around half the price of the tv to get it. I feel secure with my purchase. I don't think I'll get a better deal anywhere!
Again, thanks guys!
Whatatay
Senior Member - 1K
posted: Oct. 1, 2009 @ 11:04p
JVEC said: Whatatay, it sounds like you've certainly done your homework! I think Sam's trys to compensate for their slight increase in price and lackluster warranty (after Nov. 1) by offering free tech support and some other service-related items, not that Costco wouldn't.
Besides the fact Costco does offer Free Tech Support for members, I believe this is nothing but a half assed gesture, ie window dressing, on Sam's Club's part. Free tech support isn't going to help when a circuit board goes out in the TV 4 months after I have owned it. I would guess that the majority of returns are for defective products, something tech support can't fix. If someone is going to return a product because they can't figure out how to use it, they probably aren't going to buy it in the first place, or they will probably do it within a couple weeks, so going from a lifetime return policy to 90 days with free tech support isn't going to do anything for the consumer.
Enjoy your TV. I really appreciate your post because I would have missed out on the second chance return after Nov. 1. I was going to buy around December or January and would have been shocked and disgusted that the return policy changed before I had a chance to buy the TV. Although, this thread didn't seem to generate a whole lot of replies, it was very important to those with a Sam's Club near by and who knew of their lifetime return policy.
Whatatay, Is it possible to email me the emails you got from Sam's Club about their current policy and how it will be grandfathered with the new policy so that I can at least have something as proof in case somewhere down the road they would act as if they never knew anything of the grandfathered warranty issue? I just picked up my 40" today and I thought there would be some kind of return policy on the back of the receipt like any other stores, but there isn't. Before buying i tried to ask one of the sales ppl and he said that I would have about 2-3 years to return in case it would be defective, not unlimited time frame, which would not make any sense according to their current return-policy. But after check out I asked another Rep at the door about the return, and she said you can just bring it back whenever.
Thanks
Whatatay
Senior Member - 1K
posted: Oct. 2, 2009 @ 5:17a
ntpphong1 said: Whatatay, Is it possible to email me the emails you got from Sam's Club about their current policy and how it will be grandfathered with the new policy so that I can at least have something as proof in case somewhere down the road they would act as if they never knew anything of the grandfathered warranty issue? I just picked up my 40" today and I thought there would be some kind of return policy on the back of the receipt like any other stores, but there isn't. Before buying i tried to ask one of the sales ppl and he said that I would have about 2-3 years to return in case it would be defective, not unlimited time frame, which would not make any sense according to their current return-policy. But after check out I asked another Rep at the door about the return, and she said you can just bring it back whenever.
Thanks
I think it would be best if you emailed them from their website, told them your situation, and ask them what the policy is. That way you have your own reply about your own situation and they can't say someone altered an email when they forwarded it to you. I would also print out their current return policy as listed on the website, which I partially posted in this thread and then print out the Rueters article here which tells about the policy prior to November 1st.
raman117 said: woolooloo said: Hurry redbones, here's a TV deal you haven't given red to yet!
That was really funny.
And look, he finally did red it, just like every other TV deal. The guy never posts any topics of his own, just hates on others.
Falcon27
Senior Member
posted: Nov. 18, 2009 @ 9:00a
I've been trying to sell my 2 year old 52" Sony (Sams Club purchase) so I can just return it for full credit?
Falcon27
Senior Member
posted: Dec. 1, 2009 @ 10:38a
Has anyone had success returning an older tv to Sams after 11/1/09?
FredM
Member
posted: Dec. 1, 2009 @ 10:50a
I tired to return my broken Vizio to three stores before Nov 1st and they all said it was too long. I bought it 2.5 years ago.
Falcon27
Senior Member
posted: Dec. 2, 2009 @ 9:15a
FredM said: I tired to return my broken Vizio to three stores before Nov 1st and they all said it was too long. I bought it 2.5 years ago.
Did you have the receipt? Someone I know returned a 3+ year old Vizio that went bad. This was before 11/1/09.
Link to New Sams policy All member electronics purchases made prior to Nov. 1, 2009 will be grandfathered under the existing return policy. (this is before 11/1/09).
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