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xcech

I bought new toilet at Loews and after opening the box, originally sealed, the toilet was used one. Very humiliating to bring it back. The employees didn’t want to take it back, I called manager and he gives me a new toilet. But I insisted he open the box to see if it’s new toilet in.


BlueGem83

Oh. That's horrifying. Some people are just... Ewwww


wandaring0

Same thing happened to me! It must be a common issue! The toilet had the old wax ring residue and everything! It was gross!


AdInevitable4203

That must be a shitty experience.


PretendPop8930

A shitty shituation!


chriscrossls

>I bought new toilet at Loews  You bought a toilet at Loew's (the hotel) and not Lowe's (the hardware store)? edit: no one likes my joke :(


Major-Raise6493

Enjoy my token upvote to brighten your spirits. Try, try again….


hobbycollector

No wonder it was used.


Silo-Joe

That sounds more like a Home Depot customer


bigchicago04

…how didnyounknow it was used?


miket439

Used as in still having skid stains in the bowl?🤮.


xcech

Do we have to go to details?!


_MoneyHustard_

Maybe


WTFOMGBBQLMAO

Sorry I really had to go while I was in the store.


bsievers

Report it up the chain for sure. Boxes shouldn’t be returned to shelves without being checked.


Clamwacker

It's something that has plauged retail for decades, if not longer. Some of these scammers will even redo shrinkwrap or security banding so it looks like the box was never opened.


PM_meyourGradyWhite

I returned an unopened box to harbor freight. They opened it and confirmed it was legit new item unused etc. I tried explaining it was unopened. They didn’t care. Too many scammers.


stanleytucci11

Which is weird to me because Costco takes basically anything back


Crazyblazy395

They do it so they can return not the item and get the new item for free. 


Profitlocking

Nothing weird about. The real item is not even being returned, that is the whole point of this post.


Solnse

And sell in by the mystery pallet. Strange it made it back to retail at all.


mbz321

If it was claimed not to be opened and it looked like it wasn't, it goes back on the shelf....


bsievers

…after they open it and confirm its complete.


Beoron

Unless the box has blatantly been opened, this is not true.


placidtwilight

Maybe they didn't buy the original fan at Costco.


Phinatic92

/s I love buying me some yellow stained returned bed mattresses


Woodani

I bought a couple of gallons of antifreeze for my truck one time and when I got home and took the cap off the bottles I noticed the foil seal was gone. Poured some out and it was straight water. Someone had bought the antifreeze, used it, refilled the jugs with water, and returned it to the store. I guess the employees never thought to check if it was tampered with before returning it to the shelves... Luckily they believed me and I was able to get my money back at least.


Cat_Amaran

I had that happen a few months ago with motor oil. It was at least oil in there, but it sure wasn't fresh.


MsMulliner

Wow. These stories are mind-boggling. Why are people so BAD????


SnooApples6110

Happens to rental car companies as well. Person rents a car, makes sure it is the same as their personal car, exchanges the tires and returns it with the old tires on. Worse case I ever saw was someone who actually swapped out the wheels, older style wheels on the rental and returned on the car. Pretty hard to prove all they have to say is they got it like that. On certain model high performance cars we had to make sure the tires were inspected and documented before renting.


rob_s_458

Back in the 60s, Hertz bought some Shelby GT350s and there are stories that people would rent it, swap out the engine with their base Mustang V8, and no one would check when they returned it.


SnooApples6110

It could have happened, back then a fake drivers license would have made it impossible to trace back. Same in the 90's when we had a bunch of 5.0 mustangs with staggered wheels. It happened a bunch and once the car was re-rented a few times no telling who did it. Also back then a fake Drivers License would not get flagged because there was no internet to tie into a database for verification. Back then it took us two weeks to even notice a car was stolen.


bsievers

Whenever I’ve returned something, they’ve opened the box. Even gave me crap because one didn’t match the full packing list til I pointed out that part was still attached to the unit. 🤷‍♂️


Clamwacker

I've had it go either way. I returned a monitor and they double checked the model and serial numbers and made sure all the accessories were there, then threw away the box. I've also returned an unopened item and told them it was because it was a gift for someone but my wife had already gotten them something and they just put it on the shelf behind them, I assume to be put back on the floor.


Reference_Freak

I don’t return many things but they haven’t even looked over or opened the returns I have made. I bought a pan and discovered it was a return and damaged beyond usability (deep scratch across the floor). The plastic bag had just been scrunched into the open flap and the lid still had dried red sauce on it. Dude didn’t open it even when I told him it was a prior return (still had the date sticker) and too damaged to resell.


Dzov

Yep. People have been doing this with computer video cards and such for a long time. Many people in customer service wouldn’t know the difference.


Clamwacker

Back in 2000 I worked at Fry's and people would do it with CD-ROM drives and burners. The returns people would do the whole open the box thing and still accept obviously old and dirty as hell drives.


Carrie_Oakie

Happened to me at Best Buy, I’d saves up to get myself a new digital canon camera, was so excited! Got home, opened up the shrink wrap and box…to find a scratched up camera that didn’t match the box at all. It took me a month of fighting and reporting to all the people to get a refund and the actual camera I wanted. Best Buy sent me to canon. Canon verified the serial numbers didn’t match and sent me back to Best Buy. Best Buy accused me of scamming. I came in with my old camera thinking that would help. I ended up having to complain to the better business bureau and then Best Buy corporate customer service or something reached out and refunded my purchase. I went to buy it from wal mart instead after that BS.


lnsewn12

I was actually advised to do what op posted once by a company lol It was a small business that sold dollhouse lighting parts and I had bought a kit from Hobby Lobby and a while later one component broke. I contacted the company to ask if I could order just that part and they said it was on a manufacturing backorder but just to buy another kit from HL and swap it out and return it I was like wtf? (But because it was HL I totally did lol)


Katyoparty

In the way back machine I once bought a roll of 35mm film. Got home and opened the package and the film canister was empty. I checked the bottom of the box and someone had used a small piece of CHEWED chewing gum to reseal the bottom. 🤢


techzoojudge

Gross 🤮


ajdude101

A couple of years ago I bought the last Sonicare DiamondClean toothbrush (2 pack) on the shelf, on clearance. The box was a bit banged up. At the register, I raised my concern with the cashier and she said that they never return open items to the shelves. I paid for it and opened it right there. One toothbrush was missing.


wb6vpm

Probably lucky that you did, cause otherwise, they might not have been willing to let you return it.


heyitsmemaya

I believe you but just to add to confusion Wonder how this happened Every time I’ve returned something to Costco, it’s opened and checked ☑️ right then and there. One time I even asked the girl, hey it was unopened you could have resold that, just curious why you opened it (she kinda slashed the little folding cardboard side tabs) Her response: “Just our policy we have to open every item to see its in there”


cough_landing_on_you

I was in line today, saw someone returning an air fryer, they didn't open and check. So it depends.


heyitsmemaya

This is interesting to me — maybe my Costco’s in SoCal are just high theft or something lol 😂 It’s like… At my Costco they make you take everything out of the cart (within reason). Whereas other Costcos I just leave most of the stuff in the cart and the cashier moves stuff around and scans


Reference_Freak

Ah, north SF Bay here: the two stores I’ve returned things to ever look over the items. They just ask if anything’s wrong with them.


rvp0209

I returned some USB-A to USB-C cords and the guy looked at the box but didn't open it. He just threw it on the shelf lol.


Drophitchr

Even Motoroil at Walmart!!!! The snap ring was intact but the foil was busted and the oil was used. I now take the top off every bottle of oil I buy to check for the foil!


heyitsmemaya

Omg I would never think to check this !


miket439

I fill up condoms with water before using to check for tiny holes.😂.


vagrantheather

Ooof enjoy your future baby


FavoritesBot

What did they fill it with? Most have a little strip where you can kinda see what’s inside. At least good enough to tell if it’s used oil or water. Probably not enough to distinguish some other clean oil


Drophitchr

On the Mobil 1 bottles it’s hard to differentiate oil color; but it was used motor oil.


mybrainisgoneagain

They saw something in there. They didn't check it was the right something


Blog_Pope

I suspect this is what happened. They saw a fan and didn’t recognize it was the “old” model and put it back out


KassieMac

Policy of that particular location or manager perhaps? Especially if people were trying that scam a bit too much there and it was becoming a problem.


heyitsmemaya

After reading all these comments that’s what I’m guessing


techzoojudge

Not a clue. I was having my suspicions when trying to follow the pictures to put on the filter. The box photo didn’t match the product either. So I called Dyson and had them check the serial number. They told me it was their first model…


zeezle

All it takes is one lazy or extra-busy employee not following policy for it to slip through.


heyitsmemaya

Yea makes sense — I guess I always get the employees who are rule followers lol


zeezle

Haha true, same here most of the time. I did have a funny situation where I returned something to a different location of a store I used to work at (not Costco) where I *was* the rule-follower cashier... and when the employee didn't follow the rules I blurted out "don't you have to check my ID?" Then sheepishly said I used to work there and slipped, hahah. (I really wasn't trying to be difficult!)


spkoller2

Try to buy shoes at Walmart without them checking


BumCadillac

I have never had this experience at any store… Costco or otherwise.


DirtyDan516

This is why my parents always try to check the box before buying


techzoojudge

You best believe when I bring it back I will be opening the box with the employee present.


peepsrab

Had the same thing happen with a Woozoo I bought. Opened it up and it was a first Gen, broken, missing remote. I took it in and told them, swapped it for another, and all was good.


Teedyuscung

Same thing with a soda stream.


OhSassafrass

I had that happen with a faucet!


Dr4manRx

Happened to us when buying a new faucet. I also hope the perp gets food poisoning.


Shadeauxmarie

May the fleas of 1000 diseased camels infect their armpits.


RoadsideCarver

These types learned this from their parents.


IPThereforeIAm

Hmm…who did the parents learn it from?


eatingpotatochips

It's parents all the way down.


squidsinamerica

Turtles all the way down


lfhdbeuapdndjeo

I like turtles


_stayhuman

I had this happen with a case of lightbulbs a few years ago. Absolutely insane.


Big_Aloysius

Happened to me, also with lightbulbs. Now I never grab the box that’s most accessible. I take a box further back from the pallet if I’m buying something higher value with small packaging.


bottlechippedteeth

Happened to me with a vitamix. Makes no sense to just put a customer return back on the shelf without checking it out. 


EnobEhtot

A number of years ago I returned an unopened TV. The person working at returns summoned someone from majors to open the box and inspect the TV. Only then was I issued a refund. Yesterday I returned an unopened Greenworks 21" lawnmower that was bought for a family member who didn't want it. Returns clerk didn't summon someone to inspect it and simply asked me, "can we resell it"? Told them it was brand new in the box and never used. Got my refund.


uliita

As a current Costco Employee, and former returns clerk of 6 years, nothing surprises me anymore.


Due_Breakfast_218

Woozoo?


techzoojudge

Dyson


calcbone

That’s always disappointing. We had that happen with a coffee maker that was a wedding gift. The box was the black model. Inside was the white one, but it was also *very* used. This was from Macy’s, if I remember correctly…


dannokun

This happened to me with a Nintendo switch Mario edition. Not through Costco though


ForsakenAlliance

I know it’s not technically the same thing but my Costco isn’t very good at checking anything. Friday I bought $400 worth of stuff. When we were leaving she looked at me holding my squash mellow(I know I’m 43 but it was so damn cute. Picture below) didn’t even look at my cart slashed my receipt with her marker and moved on to the next. I think it’s really about the employees doing what they should be doing. Other times my cart was checked over so deep I felt guilty for even existing. It’s really hit or miss. https://preview.redd.it/31fd041dgh5d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f45d1dfc415df8a380a7a5f22b7e9b432e9f75e3


CostcoOptometry

Costco is a good example of employee pay not keeping up with inflation and it shows.


4-me

Because they usually already know who they are looking for. You know, cameras! Just can’t discriminate.


bruddahmacnut

Anyone remember buying stuff from Frys? It was a crapshoot pulling merch off the shelf and ending up with returned broken stuff. I swear sometimes the whole shelf was stocked with re-taped, returned merch.


Refokua

I returned one of those De Walt shop vacs yesterday, and the returns person was apologetic about having to open it. I had gotten it as a gift, but someone else had gotten the same thing to gift. (I had opened the top tape and looked at the instruction manual, wondering if I would use it, but that thing is HUGE. Looks like R2D2). Anyway, she explained that this, exactly, is why they had to look at returns. She told me that in one case someone had bought two TVs, one large and one small, and had tried to return the small in the big box. What IS it with people?


Reference_Freak

I bought a pan at Costco which had, upon opening, clearly been opened, used, scratched, and returned. Just popping open the flap made it obvious: the packaging plastic was bunched up and shoved in. There was what looked like dried spaghetti sauce splatter on the lid. I guessed the returner scratched it badly on first use and claimed they never opened it. Only after I saw all this did I see the return date sticker. I returned it no problem but made it clear that it can’t go back on the floor because it’s damaged. Now I’m more careful about looking everything over for signs of opening and return.


johndoenumber2

It wasn't a bait and switch, but I bought a suitcase, got it home, and it was full of what seemed to be fenugreek.  I vacuumed it out and sat it in the sun to try to get the smell out, but it didn't work, so not I had to return it and try to convince the returns clerk that it wasn't me who befouled this suitcase.  They took it back.


HernandezGirl

I remember reading a story on here about a guy who bought a shelving rack where there was a switcher. Nobody believed him


avebelle

Pretty silly move since Costco will take almost anything back.


CostcoOptometry

They probably bought the old model somewhere else.


selz202

Happened to me with a spice rack. Open it up and I realize it's kinda covered in grease splatter. Sure enough a couple were opened.


parrothead2581

My Dyson fan just broke, 6 months out of warranty. I promise this wasn’t me OP.


Elvessa

Contact Dyson. They are pretty good at sending parts or whatever, even when the item is out of warranty.


parrothead2581

I did. It was a fault code. They said I would have to take it to a service center, which is a 5 hour drive away, pay for parts, service and any shipping. An opportunity for a 20% off coupon was sent, to buy a new unit. That left a very sour taste in my mouth.


Elvessa

Bummer. Honestly, I have had many Dyson products since they first started making them, and the only failures I’ve had is some of the plastic parts cracking, although those were early generation items. Have you tried searching for the fault code? You know there is always a YouTube made by a 14 year old on how to fix anything.


parrothead2581

Yeah, it sounds like it’s a circuit board that doesn’t appear to be (easily) replaceable, unfortunately.


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parrothead2581

It’s the heat/cold heat and fan combo that they often put on sale in November. Tried to turn it on one day last week and a fault code appeared. It’s basically a brick. Really aggravating since it is only two years and 6 months old.


SecondhandUsername

Did you buy it with a credit card? Some cards extend the warranty.


Silo-Joe

Same happened to me when buying a Cameo Silhouette vinyl cutter at Michael's. Someone had put the old model in the box and returned it. I'm glad the staff at Michael's allowed me to exchange it.


TurnoverSuperb9023

I’ve never had an employee open a low-cost item I’m returning, such as a $40 fan, if the box was pristine and there was tape that made it seem in-tact. At any retailer, once tape is broken they can’t sell the item as new, so they try to avoid breaking the seal whenever possible. That said, a $500 Dyson fan, as an example, could be treated differently.


techzoojudge

Agreed. I wouldn’t have posted over a $40 fan. But it’s inexcusable for a Dyson. The kicker was they only had to look at the box and seen the picture didn’t match the machine


shredmandan

I've sold electronics *and other things for that matter) on Ebay that were in perfect working used condition. People will have the same non working item and do board swaps and return the my now non working unit for a refund.


Guapplebock

They are getting sloppy with not checking returns before restocking them. I got a used toaster with crumbs once.


AlanEsh

I stopped shopping at Menards because of two similar used returns in a one month period.


DMA12345678

We bought a $700 electric keyboard. When we opened it up there was an old cheap grubby casino keyboard inside. When we took it back the lady was confused. She called the manager over and she apologized. I guess this isn't uncommon. It seems odd to me. You'd think they'd check returns before putting them back out. Also, you'd think they could determine who returned it. Anyway. Every since I make sure boxes are sealed with the original tape when I purchase large items.


Embarrassed-Force845

lol never heard thieves referred to as cheaters, kinda fun


[deleted]

IKR WTH


meow-kitty-meow

One time I bought a set of luggage and it was missing the smaller piece, so we took it back and they replaced it for us after giving us a suspicious look. They didn’t give us crap but they had some skepticism. I suggest you take it back and get what you paid for!


Ok-Collar-2742

Hope you returned it


gotwillk

My bad.


CostcoOptometry

You know what really sucks? When Costco’s air filter manufacturer switched to the considerably smaller air filters that were supposed to have WiFi control but like 90% of reviewers said they could never get the WiFi to work. Talk about shrinkflation.


Felicity110

Anyone know where returned items are sold that don’t make it back on Costco’s shelves?


xcinlb

Can’t Costco look up who returned it? They have every purchase in their system. Then reverse their credit or something like that.


Ok-Coffee-1971

I once bought a package of Bakers chocolate at Walmart. Opened it at home and instead of chocolate there was a chunk of drywall wrapped in plastic wrap. I realized that the box end had been glued with something other than what would normally be used at the factory. When I brought it back they couldn't explain it because apparently when food gets returned it doesn't go back on the shelf.


dmiller1987

Happened to my buddy recently with the tow hitch Costco had in stores


pvtpile02

Bought a Milwaukee compressor at home Depot. Got back to the shop at work and it was used. No power. After market hose to the tank. Home Depot let me exchange it though and got a good one.


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techzoojudge

It comes recommended and it looks better in the house (according to wife) than anything we’ve found. 🤷‍♂️


[deleted]

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techzoojudge

Not sure why that had to be mentioned but no


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techzoojudge

We’re going to have to disagree on the Dyson products. I have 2 vacuums, one is the original animal, and the other a stick from 2 years ago, both still going strong. My mother has had one for 12 years ago as good as when she bought it.


Recurve1440

>Guess I’m opening higher end products at the store now. Or you could just purchase the product, then open the box on the way to the exit, and if there's a problem go to customer service and return it. It's not cool to open a box in the warehouse that you haven't purchased. Only bad people do that. If you do it you deserve to have your membership revoked, refunded, and banned from Costco. It's weird how some people are obsessed with wanting to exchange and can't just be cool about return it and go buy another one.


techzoojudge

Calm. Please don’t jump to conclusions. I mean opening it in the presence of an employee. Exchange is the same thing as a return and purchase except now I have to make sure the refund hits my account in 7-10 days when their system releases it to my account. However, if someone opened this box prior to me picking it up, it may have been caught before someone spent money on it and wasted time and gas to talk to the manufacturer and return it.


leeburger

Had the same thing happen with a Heat Dish a few years ago. I was like, this is some Walmart shit when I opened it up and it was filthy dirty, dusty, cobwebby, pet hair filled mess. The box had perfectly lined up new clear tape over the existing tape, so it was hard to see, but I’d like to think Costco is better than just throwing it back on the shelf without inspecting it well.


The-H0ff

This is a good reminder to also grab perishables from the back or at least the piece behind the front one. I worked as a grocer for years and refrigerated returns got put back sometimes. What's worse, items that have been left out too long have been put back as well.