Radio Shack The SHACK. Deceptive arbitrary return policy San Jose, California

Exactly one month ago today (August 11, 2012) I purchased and activated a brand new mobile phone from Radio Shack as Walmart was out of stock. I should have waited a little bit longer, ugh.

During this time this phone has been shutting off and rebooting it self at least twice a week. Also the sound would go out on my notifications. Upon review of my receipt to research warranty information I realized that today was the last day of my warranty. Why keep a phone that is obviously defective? The back of the receipt says that products may be returned with the receipt and the packaging. The phone was still in like-new condition. I called the store and asked about the return policy of cell phones because you just never know... The young woman that I spoke with mumbled that yes I would be able to bring the phone back as today was the 30th day.

I went to the store and informed the young man that I had called earlier about returning a phone purchased 30 days ago. He looked at the receipt and said "oh this is after the 30 days there is nothing we can do". "Today is the 11th" I replied. He whips out his little iphone and said "oh yeah it is...". He goes to the register examining his receipt like an SAT.

He then tells me "today is the 31st day so we cannot take the phone back. If you had brought it back yesterday..." Hmmm the 11th of July is 30 days prior to August 11th. If that is not the case I have been lied to my whole life. I tell him today is the 30th day and that I would like my money back please. I also wondered very loudly on what planet is the 11th of one month 31 days away from the next month. He pulls out his little Iphone once again to call his Manager. He explains the situation to her then hangs up and tells me that today is the 31st day and thus outside of their return policy. "The Manager is off right now but will be in the store tomorrow..."

I asked him to call his Manager back and explain to her that today is indeed the 30th day and I would like my money back. He calls her back and starts to wander to the back room. I informed him that it would be appreciated if he stayed here so that I can hear what he is saying about me, the customer. Meanwhile the mouthy young woman at the register says "no, it's 31 days, I can show you on my calendar". Disrespecting and arguing with the customer. Excellent practice Radio Shack. Bravo

He comes back and says "I'm sorry there is nothing we can do". I just love platitudes.

This time his little iphone rings and it is his Manager. "The phone keep shutting off on her...". He grabs the receipt and examines it "It just says 2131 Monterey Rd Monterey, no return date, I don't see it anywhere". He hands the phone and the receipt to his colleague. "No, there is no date anywhere on the receipt, he's not blind". Then she hangs up the phone.

At this point I am livid. "So you are telling me that all of your receipts have dates that indicate when you are able to bring items back by? Why is my receipt different"?! Blank stares.

So if I understand Radio Shack's return policy: 30 days is actually 31 days if a prior month has 31 days. Otherwise 30 days are 30 days. Heaven forbid if there is a Leap Year.

I cannot discourage purchasing anything, let alone a cell phone from this place. They absolutely do not honor their policies and seem to be looking for loopholes at the cost of satisfied consumers.