Man Eat Drive?

August 7, 2007 12:04 PM

I hooked up and formatted a new external HD. I now want to return it and get a refund or exchange. Possible?

So after this Lacie drive was formatted and partioned I realized >then< that it's a USB 2.0 drive and my G4 doesn't have 2.0., I need a Firewire drive. (Please don't roll your eyes like that).

I erased the drive and formatted it back to FAT32 Mac/DOS. Slipped it and cables back into the box.

Will a large brick'nmorter electronics retailer (ok, compusa) really make me eat this mistake? I called, asked for an exchange, and whomever picked up said "probably not".
Any ideas?

posted by artdrectr to Shopping (8 answers total)

If I were you I'd just take it back to the store, how many times have you returned something and seen any sort of test done on the product? You may have to eat the restocking fee, if one exists, but I would just not mention that you used it at all. No harm done, because it's not broken, and you restored it to it's original condition...
posted by jckll at 12:12 PM on August 7, 2007

I don't quite understand how you were able to format the drive if it doesn't plug into your computer.

I've never returned a hard drive, but I really doubt they'll do anything bad to you. Bring it back and say what you told us: it doesn't work with your G4, which doesn't have USB. These days it seems like you can return anything for any reason, so yours is much better than the "I don't want it anymore" stuff they probably hear every day.
posted by fogster at 12:45 PM on August 7, 2007

Best answer: His G4 has USB1.1, not USB2.0.

If it's a G4 with PCI slots, USB2.0 controller cards are $20, if you want to do that option.

I see no problem with returning the hard drive; it works and functions just fine. You didn't "break" it by formatting it. Most likely it will either be sent back to the distributor or just sold as an open-box item.
posted by mrbill at 12:54 PM on August 7, 2007

Best answer: I've opened, plugged in, and then returned an ipod nano to compusa before. I didn't even have all of the original packaging. They took it and charged me a restock fee.
posted by The Esteemed Doctor Bunsen Honeydew at 1:19 PM on August 7, 2007

Response by poster: mrbill is correct, I have USB 1.1 not 2.0.
The new drive runs, albeit very slowly, on 1.1. I've learned Firewire is the way to go as it is faster with my set up than USB 2.0.

Thanks everyone! I'll simply take it back and ignore the what the partypooper on the phone said.

Now, about that Firewire drive...
posted by artdrectr at 1:25 PM on August 7, 2007

Best answer: You could always google "compUSA return policy."
Here's what you'd find:

"If you are not satisfied with a product you purchased from us and you return the product with the original receipt or invoice within 21 days from the original purchase or invoice date, you may exchange the product or receive a refund, except as explained below. Computers, monitors, printers, projectors, camcorders, cameras, and GPS/Navigation systems may be returned within 14 days from the original purchase or invoice date and may be subject to a 15% restocking fee if opened (unless defective). Opened software, games, and videos may only be exchanged for the same title. Opened service parts, motherboards, and processors may not be returned for refund, but may be exchanged, if defective. Labor, installation services, and shipping charges are non-refundable. All items must be in new condition, with the original box, packaging, manuals, accessories, and UPC code. Refunds will be made in the form of original payment. Purchases made by cash or check over $250 will be refunded by check from our corporate office within 10 business days. PERSONAL DATA: please remove personal data (e.g. computer/cell phone data, media, tapes) from returned/exchanged items. CompUSA is not responsible for any damages related to any loss, mishandling, or disclosure of personal data left on returned/exchanged item. Policy varies in HI & PR. See store for more details."

Bottom line is that you're not satisfied with this product, END OF SENTENCE. No need for explanation, no need for a big story, period.

"Hi, I am not satisfied with this product. No, there's nothing wrong with it. It's not what I need. I have come back to get what I need."
posted by jimmyhutch at 1:28 PM on August 7, 2007

Big retailers don't really care about returns. They get allowances for theft and defective products from the manufacturer. Just bring it back, provide some plausible reason for why you don't want it, have a receipt, and you should be fine.
posted by sindark at 4:02 PM on August 7, 2007

Response by poster: So, I took the USB drive back for a Firewire HD. They simply checked the receipt and opened the box to check all parts were there. They returned all my money. Not Even A Restocking Fee. The Firewire drive was less expensive and larger capacity. I bought it. I walked out a satisfied customer. Cheers to that big box electronics store (compusa).
End of story.
posted by artdrectr at 11:26 PM on August 11, 2007