Update 1/16 - So Gamestop "attempted" to deny me an exchange on a defective product.

[Tirade]

I guess all the problems with Rock Band has got the Gamestop crew on edge. I wanted to exchange my defective Rock Band bundle with a working one (and I was within my 7 days) but was told by both employees that the EA sticker on the front of the bundle that says "If something doesnt work, please contact EA for a replacement instead of returning it" supercedes the Gamestop return policy posted in the store and on my receipt.

It took 20min and a call to a manager, but you can bet your ass I got a new bundle. I was told that if this bundle is defective that I must RMA it, I cant exchange it again. Whatever, let them try and pull that shit. There might be a broken Rock Band bundle in my house, but every last penny will be back on my Amex card and GS can take it up with Amex.


Edit:

The returned/replacement bundle I received was also defective so in order to get a feel for the RMA side of things I went through EA this time to get it replaced instead of returning it a 3rd time.

RMA and Tracking Number Information

Your RMA number is: rmaXXXXXXX
Your UPS tracking number is: 1ZW1A1828799739258
Please refer to your RMA number if you need to contact us for further information. Save these numbers for your records.
Thank you,
Electronic Arts Customer Support


I choose the "Express 2 Day RMA" method which requires a credit card so that a hold can be placed for $125.

RMA Status

12/28 - RMA Request Submitted
12/29 - UPS Billing Info Received
12/30 - No Activity
12/31 - No Activity
01/01 - No Activity
01/02 - No Activity
01/03 - Replacement Left KY - Delivered at around 3:30PM

The RMA guitar arrived today. It was a PS3 guitar so they did manage to get the correct version out to me. Thats where the positives end though.

The 3rd guitar is actually worse than the first 2 (imagine that). Im pretty sure its refurbished because its got some small scratches on it, but the orange fret doesnt work at all and down strumming often causes a double strum.

Anyway, I was going to set up yet another RMA and yet another hold on my CC and yet another 4-8 days wait (best case scenario), but the RMA process is down at the moment.

Not sure if I'll just exchange the bundle at Wal-Mart or if I'll wait till the RMA process goes back online and try again for guitar #4.


Update:

I ended up doing a 2nd RMA.

New Tracking #

1ZW1A1828796553258

01/03 - RMA Request Submitted
01/03 - UPS Billing Info Received
01/04 - No Activity
01/05 - No Activity
01/06 - No Activity
01/07 - No Activity
01/08 - No Activity
01/09 - No Activity
01/10 - Shipped from KY
01/11 - Arrived in AL


Update: 1/16/08

Final update on this fiasco....

Starting from the beginning in a quick recap:

Day 1: Bought bundle. Guitar strum bar did not work and red drum pad did not work.

Day 2: Exchanged bundle at Gamestop after much arguing. Returned bundle to Gamestop and repurchased it at Wal-Mart with 2 year replacement plan. Guitar did not work.

Day 3. RMA guitar with EA. - $125 hold is placed on my credit card

Day 7. Replacement guitar arrives. It is clearly used and orange fret does not work.

Day 8. RMA guitar again with EA. - A 2nd $125 hold is placed on my credit card.

Day 10. EA calls to tell me they are releasing one of the holds on my card and that my RMA got screwed up so they are issuing a new RMA # and not to bother sending in the 2 broken guitars. It will take up to 7 days to release the hold.

Day 18. Replacement guitar arrives. It works great!!!

Day 21. An email notification that the RMA from day 8 that was supposedly canceled on day 10, just shipped out and will be delivered tomorrow. TRACK (http://wwwapps.ups.com/WebTracking/processInputRequest?HTMLVersion=5.0&loc=en_US&Requester=UPSHome&tracknum=1ZW1A1828792773812&AgreeToTermsAndConditions=yes&ignore=&track.x=20&track.y=12). I call EA to find out whats going on and explain that another guitar from a supposedly canceled RMA will be here tomorrow. They tell me to keep the guitar and not send any of the previous 3 back. I will not be charged and all holds will be released. This could take up to 7 days.

Day 22. A quick call to Amex shows 2 pending holds on my account for $125 each. Including the original hold that was supposed to have been released 12 days ago.


Somehow this is going to end up costing me money or at the least costing me time and effort.

There was no free game, no 20% off at the EA store. I thought EA might have come out of this a shining star after they called me 2 weeks ago to explain the situation and how they planned to correct it but thus far the holds are still on my card and they have shipped me a 2nd guitar that I'm going to get charged for I'm sure.

Best case scenario, I end up with a 2nd guitar for free. Worst case scenario, I'm charged $250 on top of the $190 I already spent on the game just to get a single working guitar.

[Ice2Dragon]

Thats why you get the damn warranty on the damn game, so that way you CAN do this if its within 7 days or within a year.. seriously people.. get the warranty on games like GH3 or Rockband that are KNOWN to have problems.

But they are right, you do need to call EA about a replacement guitar.

[georox]

Yea, pretty much all the bundles are having problems. EA replaces instruments for free presuming you didn't smash it or something. Your meant to take it up with them, hell, some people even got a free game out of it.

[djkunai]

If it's within 7 days of purchase I understand, but if it's past that time you should send to EA. The whole reason is so GS can supply the product to the most amount of people and move inventory. It looks good for their numbers, and if EA forced GS to do that, it would incite quality issues.

Basically, GS wants to keep the money you give them.

[doraemonkerpal]

What are the problems with Rock Band and GH3?

[Ed Zed]

.What are the problems with Rock Band and GH3?Broken Guitars for GH3, Broken drum pedals, drums and guitars for RB.

[doraemonkerpal]

Ouch. Thanks for the quick answer! :)

[jer7583]

Thats why you get the damn warranty on the damn game, so that way you CAN do this if its within 7 days or within a year.. seriously people.. get the warranty on games like GH3 or Rockband that are KNOWN to have problems.

But they are right, you do need to call EA about a replacement guitar.

There's no reason to have to pay GameStop extra to replace a broken product. That's inexcusable.

Although I'm not sure if Gamestop really can be totally blamed here. If they're this adamant about not taking them back, I'm sure EA is putting some pressure on them not to send the rock band bundles back to them directly by not fully crediting them for defective rock bands sent by stores. If that is the case, you can see why any store wouldn't want to eat what is probably at least a $150 loss on a product.

[Tirade]

Here is my post from the RB forums.. I cant retype all this, but I still feel the same as I did 2 hours ago. Having a kid open his Christmas gift only to find its defective and then being told "tough titty, take it up with the manufacturer" is beyond bullshit. Ohh and dont think Im the exception in this case, EVERYONE is having issues with RB quality control (or design flaws). The RMA process is advertised as painless but the official forums sing a different tune.


"Well I was able to successfully exchange my bundle at Gamestop but sure enough it was a hassle.

Not only are consumers buying into the whole "If its broke Ill RMA it instead of exchanging it" crap, but the Gamestop employees were actually trying to enforce it. The first salesman told me I couldn't exchange it because of the sticker on the front of the box (which he then proceeded to go get a bundle, bring it to the register, point at the sticker and read it to me) that said if anything is broke, please contact EA instead of returning it.

I explained to him that according to the return policy on my receipt I had 7 days to exchange defective merchandise and when I purchased the bundle there was no disclaimer that said otherwise or anything stating in the store that the posted return policy didn't apply to the purchase of Rock Band. The employee argued that the sticker on the box WAS the posting and that EA's sticker overrides the Gamestop policy........... (as if I needed a dramatic pause to show how ridiculous that statement was). I told him that no amount of stickers placed on the outside of a box by the manufacturer would nullify my right as a consumer to take advantage of the posted return policy and the policy stated on my receipt. Also, the sticker does not say that I can not return the game, it only states that I should contact EA if there is a problem.

Anyway, to shorten this up, a manager was called and the argument was repeated and the game was exchanged and I was told "If you have a problem with this bundle, we wont exchange it again". Well actually, yes they will, they just don't realize it yet. I can smell a class action suit brewing if Gamestop starts refusing exchanges within the posted time frame. If its "ok" to sell defective merchandise and then refuse a refund for it, why have consumer rights at all?

That brings me to another question thats sort of a sub-topic of this thread.

At what point did we as consumers become ok with a retailer selling defective merchandise that's advertised as non-defective?

Then to top it off we became ok with them not taking it back? I don't get it. There isnt another industry in the US (other than software/games in general) where its ok to sell defective/incomplete merchandise and then tell people you arent taking it back."

[Tirade]

There's no reason to have to pay GameStop extra to replace a broken product. That's inexcusable.

Although I'm not sure if Gamestop really can be totally blamed here. If they're this adamant about not taking them back, I'm sure EA is putting some pressure on them not to send the rock band bundles back to them directly by not fully crediting them for defective rock bands sent by stores. If that is the case, you can see why any store wouldn't want to eat what is probably at least a $150 loss on a product.

Even if that were true, the fault still lies squarely on GS. If they choose to sell a product then they have to accept whatever the result of that sale is (even if it means taking returns on defective products). If EA is stiffing them on returns, then they need to tell EA to find another vendor. Now the entire quality control/R&D issues are squarely on EA's shoulders, but I just mentioned that in the post above this one.

[Zingela]

To be fair, Rock Band has a HUGE disclaimer as soon as you open the box to NOT return any defective components to the retailer.

Seriously, it's a giant bright pink flyer you see as soon as you open the box. EA does not want to deal with retail returns.

[loserboy]

To be fair, Rock Band has a HUGE disclaimer as soon as you open the box to NOT return any defective components to the retailer.

Seriously, it's a giant bright pink flyer you see as soon as you open the box. EA does not want to deal with retail returns.

They might not want you to, but you have every right to. They (large companies) do everything they can to make it cheaper for them, and harder for the consumer. Of course they don't want the expense of retail returns...but then they shouldn't sell a defective product. If I have to lug it home, and open it up, and be met with disappointment, they should have to deal with their poor quality control and deal with standard procedures for returns...why should my life be more difficult because a pink paper in a game box tells me to do something?

[VipFREAK]

lol, I don't know what people were thinking was going to happen when just looking at them you could tell they were gonna fall apart. Especially at the prices they were asking.

[NismoZZzz]

You get a big bright pink sheet that tells you to contact EA. You can't wait for them to send a replacement with UPS 2 day and then you send back the non-broken one? For free nonetheless. A friend of mine has done it at least 3 times already with no issues and THEY EVEN GIVE YOU FREE GAME (even new ones like Skate). The GS shouldn't have to return it and they have every right to deny the exchange. Your just making it a bigger issue than it is. And what makes you thinks any huge retailer believes the product they are selling (SEALED nonetheless) to be defective? Not one. As far as they all know, the product they are selling is 100% working until proven it isn't. With the time you took to deal with this, a new one would of been on the way. The only problem here is laziness.

[VipFREAK]

Oh yeah... that's right it's made by EA too. lol

[Number83]

To be fair, Rock Band has a HUGE disclaimer as soon as you open the box to NOT return any defective components to the retailer.

Seriously, it's a giant bright pink flyer you see as soon as you open the box. EA does not want to deal with retail returns.

But if you notice most product's have this 'disclaimer'. Go look at the warranty page of your TV...right there it says if there are any problems please contact customer service before returning it to the store. Heck, I see it in almost every game instruction manual for PC's.

I can tell you if I bought a $1,200 TV that didn't work, I sure as hell am taking it back to the store FIRST. Same thing for Rock Band.

Unfortunately, I got mine at launch and kept it sealed for Christmas presents...If things start to go bad, I have no alternative than to contact EA. But if I just bought it, why should I as a consumer have to deal with the hassle of an RMA?

[chaostic_2k1]

You get a big bright pink sheet that tells you to contact EA. You can't wait for them to send a replacement with UPS 2 day and then you send back the non-broken one? For free nonetheless. A friend of mine has done it at least 3 times already with no issues and THEY EVEN GIVE YOU FREE GAME (even new ones like Skate). The GS shouldn't have to return it and they have every right to deny the exchange. Your just making it a bigger issue than it is. And what makes you thinks any huge retailer believes the product they are selling (SEALED nonetheless) to be defective? Not one. As far as they all know, the product they are selling is 100% working until proven it isn't. With the time you took to deal with this, a new one would of been on the way. The only problem here is laziness.
So he would have been stuck without a game for two days, plus having to deal with UPS hassles.

And GS has no right to deny the exchange, as their written policy is a warranty of merchantability, as well as the standard implied warranty.

[opterasis]

Should have done it through EA, you would have gotten a free game out of it I believe.

[reibeatall]

HEY GUYS HERE'S SOME INFORMATION

No store (GS, Best Buy, I'm sure others) is supposed to take back Rock Band. It's a directive given BY EA. The Rock Band packages tell you TWICE not to take back to store, and when GameStop sells them, they're supposed to say that we don't do returns on it. Don't get all pissy because you can't follow directions.

Edit: And I haven't had a single issue with my launch day Rock Band. NONE. Strum bar works perfectly, and the only problem with the drums is that I'm not good enough on them. It's not every unit.

[shrike4242]

HEY GUYS HERE'S SOME INFORMATION

No store (GS, Best Buy, I'm sure others) is supposed to take back Rock Band. It's a directive given BY EA. The Rock Band packages tell you TWICE not to take back to store, and when GameStop sells them, they're supposed to say that we don't do returns on it. Don't get all pissy because you can't follow directions.Customer idiocy aside, does GH3 have the same "restrictions" on it for returns?

[reibeatall]

There's no directive from Activision on GH3, but it's going to be YMMV on that, Shrike. I've personally swapped at least 6 GH3 and I didn't sell them the warranty on it, either. That whole thing is BS. Stupid GS sales add-ons aside, we have no restrictions on GH3.

[shrike4242]

There's no directive from Activision on GH3, but it's going to be YMMV on that, Shrike. I've personally swapped at least 6 GH3 and I didn't sell them the warranty on it, either. That whole thing is BS. Stupid GS sales add-ons aside, we have no restrictions on GH3.I'll keep that in mind when figuring out where I want to pick it up from. Thanks for the clarification.

[Tromack]

Well, I guess the moral of the story here is, people don't know how to read and are whiny bitches who expect to get their way all the time.

[GizmoGC]

Well, I guess the moral of the story here is, people don't know how to read and are whiny bitches who expect to get their way all the time.

Bingo. Let's blame Gamestop because he can't read.

[mykevermin]

Christ. I agree with Gizmo.

I kinda picture the OP as onea'them Tejas "Cowboy" types, waddling up to GS with his spurs, dinner-plate sized belt buckle, too-tight jeans, a nice oxford in a gingham pattern, and a planned diatribe that probably involved the phrase "I'M A GODDAMNED AMERICAN, I TELL YOU WHUT!" at some point.

Really, EA's replacement policy is very good for RB, so your whole "consumer rights about being refused returns" is pure folly, slanted to make your argument look proper. You act as if the giant arm of evil multinational corporations (which you're evidently fine giving money to, but they suddenly are only manipulative and evil when they sell you a faulty product!?!?! What inconsistency and absurdity!) is forcing you to play RB with a busted gee-tar or drums. Instead, they have a fuckin' great plan in place to replace equipment, and does so without forcing them to take back working equipment (working drums, mic, software, whatever) and trash it/sell it as a refurb. If you're so goddamned high and mighty, consider the environmental impact of you forcing a company to ship and trash an entire (mostly) working RB package because your gee-tar doesn't work.

You live up to your name, although I typically consider "tirades" to be done appropriately, with a modicum of wit and cleverness, and done so for a noble, worthy, or at least laughable cause. With that in mind, I think you ought to change your username to "prattling twat."

And I hope your drums break on day 8.

[Tirade]

So do all you board warriors lack reading comprehension or is it just a select few?

Here is the verbatim wording of the sticker on the outside of the box:

"If you encounter a problem with any Rock Band peripheral, DO NOT return to the store. Contact http://support.ea.com/rockband"

I especially liked Tromack's reply "Well, I guess the moral of the story here is, people don't know how to read and are whiny bitches who expect to get their way all the time."

Yes, CLEARLY I don't know how to read. You see, I thought it read "do not return to the store" but it obviously says "you can not return to the store"...

Now I'll admit, I'm probably somewhat at fault here. I agree that I should have taken heed of all the warnings from EA (both inside and outside the box) that there were bound to be problems with my Rock band bundle. Hell I didn't even go visit the official site and read EA's official response that there were indeed faulty guitars shipped out in all the inital releases. I guess thats the GODDAMNED AMERICAN in me who expects something to work correctly right out of the box and if it doesnt then I expect to be able to return it or exchange it.

Maybe you guys are right though. Its not EA's fault, it's not even Gamestop's fault. Perhaps the blame should lie on the "roll-over and stick it to me good" consumers that you seem to have become.

Its laughable that you applaud EA for "Setting up a nice RMA program" rather than taking notice of the fact that they shipped out a defective (by their own admission) product. Then to take it a step further, you place the blame on me because I'm not happy that the $170 bundle I purchased didn't work and I wanted a refund?

Oh and as for that nice RMA program that EA has set up... go read the forums and tell me again how nice it is. The express 2 day delivery service is AFTER a 1-5 day processing time (which most people are claiming is closer to 1-2 weeks) and its AFTER you've given them your credit card info and they have placed a hold on your card for another $170. Then again thats only if you live in the US because Canadian purchases are 4weeks+ even with express and outside of the US doesnt even have a replacement service. If you dont want to fork over your credit card info, you can wait 2 weeks for them to send you an empty box, another 2 weeks to process your return and another 2 weeks to get a replacement. To top it all of, most of the "replacements" are refurbished units that still arent fixed.

Again, I apologize. I should have paid my $170 and when I noticed it was broken I should have drank my shut-up juice, bent over and then waited a few weeks for a used replacement set that may or may not work.

Oh and no worries about GS from me, I returned it today and bought it from Wal-Mart. I paid the additional $17.88 for a 2 year replacement plan. I guess in the end I did bend over.

[chunkay]

Actually stores do take back the rock band, as opposed to what that one guy said about bb not taking returns. I actually got a warranty there and so did a friend and he returned his rock band and got a new one.

[Access_Denied]

No matter what the box says, you shouldn't have to buy a game, then wait 2 weeks for it to get fixed, so you can play it. Gamestop should give you a replacement one if the other doesn't work. And if Gamestop knows that the game is defective, and doesn't want to deal with it, they can just stop carrying the item.

[gweedyj]

not to sound dumb but what does YMMV stand for?

[THoward7382]

You sir are an idiot and whats wrong with the world. The return policy for Rock Band is clearly stated twice, on the sticker and the pink sheet in the box.

No one is authorized to do returns on Rock Band unless the selling company, Wal-mart, Best Buy, etc is offering a warranty plan for it. And in that case they take it upon them to return it if its defective.

Gamestop is not doing defective returns on Rock Band and whats so hard for you to understand? I wish they would have said no so you would have called Corporate and bitched and then to the DM and bitched and for them to all tell you no.

But instead you come to this messageboard acting like some tough guy and crap. Its hilarious. :argue:

[reibeatall]

Actually stores do take back the rock band, as opposed to what that one guy said about bb not taking returns. I actually got a warranty there and so did a friend and he returned his rock band and got a new one.

I guess Best Buy is giving warranties on them. When I talked to my friend there, he said that they weren't to take them, so I guess it's YMMV (and to who asked, it's Your Mileage May Vary).

[jer7583]

gingham, lol.

Myke uses them funnay words!

And a rock solid reply. I think EA/GameStop's stance in this matter is retarded, but then I didn't buy Rock Band (or any other instrument game) so what do I care. The issues were well known by now. EA practically says on the box "This probably will break" but people still pay $170 for it. Why is that, again?

[joshythegreat18]

The whole "Oh, well, it's stated on the box, so just follow that" policy argument, IMHO, is a load of BS. I haven't personally purchased the game, but I can tell you right now, if I go into a store and pay my hard earned money for something, you better damn well believe that I'm going to leave there satisfied. If there's a return policy in place, then I as a consumer am going to take advantage of it if necessary. I'm giving my money in exchange for something; if I don't receive that item in the condition it's supposed to be in (i.e. working), then I'm going to take it back.

Now, I really have no knowledge of the return policy in place for RB. Maybe it's lighting quick like some make it out to be, maybe it's not. If it's very quick, chances are that I'm going to opt for that; it saves me the hassle of having to pack up the entire game, lug it into the car, go down to where I purchased it, drag it into the store, and repeat when bringing the new one back home. It's much easier just shipping the guitar or whatever part is defective off, waiting a few days, and getting a new one back in the mail.

However, if it's going to take 2+ weeks, why should I follow the "return policy" set in place by EA? To save them money? Last time I checked, I didn't purchase products with the intent of making somebody rich; nor will I follow a policy put in place at my expense to save the company money. You want to save money? Here's a great idea: test the product before you bring it to market. Then you won't have to deal with expense of having the products returned. Just becase a sticker and flyer tells me to not exercise my right to return something that is defective to the place of purchase, either for a refund or an exchange, and to instead waste my time waiting for the product to arrive in the mail, doesn't mean I have to mindlessly follow it.

[PenguinMaster]

I agree with the OP. Every Gamestop receipt states "Opened new video games, new PC games & new systems can be exchanged for an identical item w/in 7 days". Unless they've added "except Rock Band" on there they should take the return. EA's policy about Rock Band returns is irrelevant, Gamestop's stated policy is that they'll replace it within 7 days.

[Friend of Sonic]

I don't agree with neither the op or the people complaing about the op. I see both sides of the issue. Personally, if I bought Rockband I'd be hoping it broke to get the free game after paying 170 bucks for the set.

[Blitz]

The issues were well known by now. EA practically says on the box "This probably will break" but people still pay $170 for it. Why is that, again?


Because people are stupid. These are the same type of people that when their XBox breaks instead of waiting for it to get fixed they go and buy another one.

[Blitz]

So do all you board warriors lack reading comprehension or is it just a select few?

Here is the verbatim wording of the sticker on the outside of the box:

"If you encounter a problem with any Rock Band peripheral, DO NOT return to the store. Contact http://support.ea.com/rockband"

I especially liked Tromack's reply "Well, I guess the moral of the story here is, people don't know how to read and are whiny bitches who expect to get their way all the time."

Yes, CLEARLY I don't know how to read. You see, I thought it read "do not return to the store" but it obviously says "you can not return to the store"...

Now I'll admit, I'm probably somewhat at fault here. I agree that I should have taken heed of all the warnings from EA (both inside and outside the box) that there were bound to be problems with my Rock band bundle. Hell I didn't even go visit the official site and read EA's official response that there were indeed faulty guitars shipped out in all the inital releases. I guess thats the GODDAMNED AMERICAN in me who expects something to work correctly right out of the box and if it doesnt then I expect to be able to return it or exchange it.

Maybe you guys are right though. Its not EA's fault, it's not even Gamestop's fault. Perhaps the blame should lie on the "roll-over and stick it to me good" consumers that you seem to have become.

Its laughable that you applaud EA for "Setting up a nice RMA program" rather than taking notice of the fact that they shipped out a defective (by their own admission) product. Then to take it a step further, you place the blame on me because I'm not happy that the $170 bundle I purchased didn't work and I wanted a refund?

Oh and as for that nice RMA program that EA has set up... go read the forums and tell me again how nice it is. The express 2 day delivery service is AFTER a 1-5 day processing time (which most people are claiming is closer to 1-2 weeks) and its AFTER you've given them your credit card info and they have placed a hold on your card for another $170. Then again thats only if you live in the US because Canadian purchases are 4weeks+ even with express and outside of the US doesnt even have a replacement service. If you dont want to fork over your credit card info, you can wait 2 weeks for them to send you an empty box, another 2 weeks to process your return and another 2 weeks to get a replacement. To top it all of, most of the "replacements" are refurbished units that still arent fixed.

Again, I apologize. I should have paid my $170 and when I noticed it was broken I should have drank my shut-up juice, bent over and then waited a few weeks for a used replacement set that may or may not work.

Oh and no worries about GS from me, I returned it today and bought it from Wal-Mart. I paid the additional $17.88 for a 2 year replacement plan. I guess in the end I did bend over.

Now you've done it. Expect a bible length reply from Myke.

You shouldn't have to send shit back to EA. If Gamestop stocks it knowing it's a POS they should take the responsibility for it.

[thingsfallnapart]

I bought rockband two days after the second shipment came into gamestop.

As soon as i read on forums like these that the number of bullcrap defects occured still, i returned rockband immediatly.

As desireable and fun as rockband seemed ; I didnt want to put up with the near promise that I will have to ship something or another back to EA for replace.

I agree with many topic posters here ; if your paying 170 dollars , plus tax ; then you should not have to make such a purchase with a doom and gloom face on knowing your basically throwing money in the fire.

Ea knows as good as any that this is an industry of hype, and 2-4 weeks waiting for instruments to turn around back to you affects the enjoyability of this product. Especially if you get the broken instruments fixed and all your buddies have moved on to something else.

The reason i returned I rockband is not because I didnt want to play it, It's because I think the crap around this game has been handled poorly by all three facets that make up the economy. The Devolopers (EA) for lowering the price of the bundle for mass market appeal by making the bundle 30 dollars cheaper and showing threw with the quality of their merchandise.

The distributors (Gamestop) for allowing EA to make them look like fools by not adhereing their own return policy and making them look like monkeys with bannana's up their asses because a sticker on the box of a new product makes it look like they are selling promised to not work merchandise out of the box.

Then of course there is the consumers, who are at fault buying this product and not complaining enough and saying its ok that the RMA policy EA has on Rockband is acceptable when in any other instance, such a situation is laughable. It shouldn't be ok that you have to wait a month to fully enjoy a product you invested nearly 200 dollars for ; and if you feel any other way, then im sorry ; your letting the hype of the product go to your head and your damaging future occurances of how such situations will be handled by lack of foresight.

[mykevermin]

:lol:

You're still going the "evil corporation who wants to stick it to the little guy" route, are you?

They're offering a free new game with the replacement. They're offering 2-day shipping. I'm not sure where you see this as a terrible thing? Processing time? In a bureaucracy? On, dear. That's a new one. :roll:

You're entitled to what opinions you want, but that doesn't make them intelligent. If you put sugar in your gas tank, and your car runs like shit (or not at all), you wouldn't act shocked, would you? If you shoved a knife in your gullet, and you passed out or required significant surgery to repair the damage...would you be surprised?

The fact of the matter is you KNEW AHEAD OF TIME that Rock Band is prone to failure in greater rates than expected: then you bought it, and were SHOCKED AND DISMAYED that parts of it didn't work (through all your blather, you never did say what broke in your kit). A warning on the box, a warning on the inside of the box, and how many dozens of anecdotes from gamers? Yet you're still shocked?

Get shocked by something worth being shocked over (flying donuts!). All you're experiencing is probability at work.

You're like those "OMG WHY MEEEEEEEEE?!?!?!?!?!!?" people whose 360s red ring. Well, no shit. Are you truly surprised? Who's the sap now?

As I said, we're entitled to opinions; I happen to feel that a free game and my lack of contribution to solid waste in the form of all the crap that would go back to EA and not be able to be resold as new equipment (let alone the foolish notion that, if I have a working drum kit now, why would I want to send it back to EA on the chance I'd get a busted one in exchange, just b/c the guitar didn't work!?!?!?)...is all worth it for the meager number of days that I'm waiting. The universe is not ending in this time frame. I'm going to live. This isn't a liver transplant. It's Rock Band.

OTOH, you think that your insatiable demand for instant gratification is more important. Well, more power to you, I suppose. Even if, still, your outrage and aggression are better found in something that you should be outraged over (that is, things that aren't so damned probable and knowable prior to the purchase). Just keep in mind your fixation for instant gratification cost you extra, and made you lose out on a game. But hey, that's the way those evil mega-corporations treat folks, I suppose. ;)

[mogamer]

IMO, all of you wanna be rock stars should get away from your tv and learn to play real instruments. :roll: Take my word, it's a lot more gratifying.;)

[ZerotypeX]

Personally, if I bought Rockband I'd be hoping it broke to get the free game after paying 170 bucks for the set.

my 2 cents, I wish one of my instruments broke so could get a free game. I guess I have to play a working RB game now :cry:

[Tirade]

Fair enough Myke.

We can agree to disagree on the instant gratification part though. I do expect it to work out of the box and if not, I expect to be able to exchange it for a working version.

Anyway, the broken part(s) was the guitar strum bar (no down strum) and the red drum pad (only registering 1/3 of the notes)

Out of the box, the 2nd bundle (the new one from Wal-Mart that we bought yesterday) is also defective. The strum bar on this guitar is actually worse than the first one (intermittent down strum and almost no up strum at all). We havent tried the drums from the new bundle yet.

So yes, now Im once again at a cross-roads. Do I RMA the brand new guitar and hope the process goes smoothly and Im shipped a working new revision guitar, or do I exchange the bundle again at Wal-Mart?

As a PS3 owner, this decision would be a LOT easier to make if I could use my GH3 controller with Rock Band. Hell if I could do that I probably wouldnt even send in the RB controller to get fixed as Id never use it.

[mykevermin]

As a PS3 owner, this decision would be a LOT easier to make if I could use my GH3 controller with Rock Band.

Don't even get me started on that. That's something to be angry about, that's for damn sure. ;)

[Tirade]

Well as a test and also as a "I tried it thier way and this is what happened" scenario, I went ahead and set up an express RMA on the new guitar. They put a hold on my Amex for $125 and I'm going to paste in the tracking # so we can see how well the 2 day express service works. Obviously its a Saturday so I can assume nothing will get done until Mon.

RMA and Tracking Number Information

You will receive a confirmation e-mail shortly with details of your replacement request.

Your RMA number is: rmaXXXXXXX
Your UPS tracking number is: 1ZW1A1828799739258
Please refer to your RMA number if you need to contact us for further information. Save these numbers for your records.
Thank you,
Electronic Arts Customer Support

[Will]

No RB problems whatsoever here!
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y184/CkyTx/Gifs%20and%20Emoticons/MainDrumkid.gif

[reibeatall]

IMO, all of you wanna be rock stars should get away from your tv and learn to play real instruments. :roll: Take my word, it's a lot more gratifying.;)

Totally. And everybody that wants to kill prostitutes and steal cars should do that. It's a lot more gratifying.

[lionheart4life]

IMO, all of you wanna be rock stars should get away from your tv and learn to play real instruments. :roll: Take my word, it's a lot more gratifying.;)

Yeah I guess I could learn how to play two types of guitar and drums in the next couple weeks, and force 3 of my friends to do the same, with each of instruments costing more than the Rock Band game.

Get real, not everyone has the time or desire to learn to play the real instrument, and outside of maybe a couple people nobody is going to want to listen to your shitty attempts at music anyway.

[mykevermin]

IMO, all of you wanna be rock stars should get away from your tv and learn to play real instruments. :roll: Take my word, it's a lot more gratifying.;)

IMO, all you wanna be rock stars should put down your "real" guitar (not the one you pawned for dope, the cheap Rickenbacker you kept), take the needle out of your arm, get away from your employed-at-a-liberal-independently-owned-coffeehouse-and/or-bookstore girlfriend, take a bath, go get tested for social diseases, go become gainfully employed, rent your own damned apartment, and learn to play plastic instruments. :roll: Take my word, it's a lot more gratifying.;)

[chaostic_2k1]

Wait, the RMA needs a credit card? Reason number one to exchange it in store.

[gweedyj]

Wait, the RMA needs a credit card? Reason number one to exchange it in store.
yeah so you dont jip em out of a guitar. its crap i know. cant return it to the store and cant give it to EA if you have no CC. Thats why stores need to take this back.

[skateloser2003]

So the disclamer says I gotta RMA it to EA? When I find out my drums are broken (have yet to use them) I'm gonna be pissed because the closest UPS drop off area for a package like that is 25+ miles away. So that means I gotta take my dying car on a 50+ mile road trip not to mention all the gas I'd use. Is EA gonna pay for all that?

Damn strait it'll go back to the store

[Tirade]

yeah so you dont jip em out of a guitar. its crap i know. cant return it to the store and cant give it to EA if you have no CC. Thats why stores need to take this back.

You can RMA it to EA w/o a credit card, but you first have to wait for them to ship you an empty box with a prepaid shipping label. Ship your broken unit back, wait for them to receive it, process it and then ship you a replacement out. Not bad if you have a few weeks to kill playing another gamer.

[GizmoGC]

Out of the box, the 2nd bundle (the new one from Wal-Mart that we bought yesterday) is also defective. The strum bar on this guitar is actually worse than the first one (intermittent down strum and almost no up strum at all). We havent tried the drums from the new bundle yet.


...You went out and bought ANOTHER ROCK BAND knowing about the defects?

WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?

[Tirade]

...You went out and bought ANOTHER ROCK BAND knowing about the defects?

WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?

Well according to EA the defective hardware was only in the "initial" shipments.
I figured with the game being sold out at a lot of places and my Wal-Mart just receiving 8 bundles, maybe it would have the functioning guitar in it. No luck though. The drums however do work great this time around.

[chaostic_2k1]

You can RMA it to EA w/o a credit card, but you first have to wait for them to ship you an empty box with a prepaid shipping label. Ship your broken unit back, wait for them to receive it, process it and then ship you a replacement out. Not bad if you have a few weeks to kill playing another gamer.

A few weeks is unreasonable.

[DouglasViola]

I also purchased an initial shipment Rock Band. The first guitar worked for three nights and then the strum bar ceased working. Contacted EA and received my second guitar within four days. This one had problems with the overdrive mechanism so I contacted EA again. The third one arrived shortly, but the whammy bar didn't work. Contacted EA this time with an email telling my story and relating that I was waiting for an answer and that I was becoming frustrated. When I received the answer four days later they told me that they were sending a new guitar and that I did not need to send back the defective guitar. In short I now have two working guitars, just one of them has an issue with the overdrive mechanism, but that can be bypassed by pressing the select button.

[davo1224]

Totally. And everybody that wants to kill prostitutes and steal cars should do that. It's a lot more gratifying.

All I gotta say is that if there were a trail of rings in my path, I'd run as fast as I could to get them.

[Demontooth]

This thread is chocked full of assholes.

[paddlefoot]

Christ. I agree with Gizmo.

I kinda picture the OP as onea'them Tejas "Cowboy" types, waddling up to GS with his spurs, dinner-plate sized belt buckle, too-tight jeans, a nice oxford in a gingham pattern, and a planned diatribe that probably involved the phrase "I'M A GODDAMNED AMERICAN, I TELL YOU WHUT!" at some point.

Really, EA's replacement policy is very good for RB, so your whole "consumer rights about being refused returns" is pure folly, slanted to make your argument look proper. You act as if the giant arm of evil multinational corporations (which you're evidently fine giving money to, but they suddenly are only manipulative and evil when they sell you a faulty product!?!?! What inconsistency and absurdity!) is forcing you to play RB with a busted gee-tar or drums. Instead, they have a fuckin' great plan in place to replace equipment, and does so without forcing them to take back working equipment (working drums, mic, software, whatever) and trash it/sell it as a refurb. If you're so goddamned high and mighty, consider the environmental impact of you forcing a company to ship and trash an entire (mostly) working RB package because your gee-tar doesn't work.

You live up to your name, although I typically consider "tirades" to be done appropriately, with a modicum of wit and cleverness, and done so for a noble, worthy, or at least laughable cause. With that in mind, I think you ought to change your username to "prattling twat."

And I hope your drums break on day 8.

I am looking at this from completely outside the box. Keep thinking the same thing, "How hard would it be for gamestop to clarify their return policy on certain products?"

[meesterjojo]

I guess all the problems with Rock Band has got the Gamestop crew on edge. I wanted to exchange my defective Rock Band bundle with a working one (and I was within my 7 days) but was told by both employees that the EA sticker on the front of the bundle that says "If something doesnt work, please contact EA for a replacement instead of returning it" supercedes the Gamestop return policy posted in the store and on my receipt.

It took 20min and a call to a manager, but you can bet your ass I got a new bundle. I was told that if this bundle is defective that I must RMA it, I cant exchange it again. Whatever, let them try and pull that shit. There might be a broken Rock Band bundle in my house, but every last penny will be back on my Amex card and GS can take it up with Amex.

Um..stop being a tit?

1) you're either a total dunce, or clearly oblivious to the North American RB shortage problems, thus

2) EBgames/Gamestop don't usually have a surplus of RB bundles to go around, thus

3) for them to give up a new bundle as an exchange vs. a sale is harsh, still...

4) EA foresaw this issue and put said sticker on the packaging. You, however,

5) opted to be a douche-bag and ignore common sense to get your needs satisfied.

The bundle you took probably would've found a nice home with a person new to the whole thing. You could've gotten your replacement from EA, with a game so I hear in some cases, and been just fine. I'm almost sure you have a GH guitar, surely. If you don't oh noes! You're still a douche for ignoring the sticker.

Oh ya, be sure to give the underpaid employees at EBgames/Gamestop a piece of your mind- get real fucking tough and show those kids who's boss!11!!eleventy!

fucktard

[meesterjojo]

At what point did we as consumers become ok with a retailer selling defective merchandise that's advertised as non-defective?

Then to top it off we became ok with them not taking it back? I don't get it. There isnt another industry in the US (other than software/games in general) where its ok to sell defective/incomplete merchandise and then tell people you arent taking it back."

At the point of common decency: you know that the new, hard to get, bundle would be sold to someone else, but you'd rather soothe your shit than wait a week for a replacement instrument.

You're so repressed you have no other games to play for a week or two?

Or, as I suspect, you have a huge chip on your shit and you just love to get all angsty with underpaid/underage employees?

Rock on dude.

1) the retailer doesn't know if a product is defective.

2) Given the shortage of the RB bundle, and given that you, like an idiot, returned everything as opposed to the *1* piece which was defective, now a store has to replace *every* instrument in the bundle, and cannot resell any piece of it.

Do you actually look at the bigger picture, or are you like most people and just worry about your immediate needs?

Stop crying.

[GrimNecroWizard]

With the time you took to deal with this, a new one would of been on the way. The only problem here is laziness.

Lmao. On the way, but not at his house like the new one is with the route he took.

[NismoZZzz]

Lmao. On the way, but not at his house like the new one is with the route he took.

Haha, true. My bad. I can agree with you on that.

[mogamer]

IMO, all you wanna be rock stars should put down your "real" guitar (not the one you pawned for dope, the cheap Rickenbacker you kept), take the needle out of your arm, get away from your employed-at-a-liberal-independently-owned-coffeehouse-and/or-bookstore girlfriend, take a bath, go get tested for social diseases, go become gainfully employed, rent your own damned apartment, and learn to play plastic instruments. :roll: Take my word, it's a lot more gratifying.;)

Myke, you're usually not one to assume such nonsense. I never claimed to be a rock star, but I do enjoy playing an instrument or two. I'm not a snob and I certainly don't work in some liberal establishment.

I do find it funny that people are surprised that the "instruments" packaged with this game are flimsy. I sure wouldn't expect much in the way of a set of instruments costing less than $200. Especially for drums, which take terrible abuse in real life.

But it looks like my opinions strike too close to home for some of you. Sorry I mentioned it.:lol:

[Tirade]

At the point of common decency: you know that the new, hard to get, bundle would be sold to someone else, but you'd rather soothe your shit than wait a week for a replacement instrument.


Wait, so let me get this straight..

You're saying (and you said it twice in 2 different posts), that I should have RMA'd our drums and guitar (which were broken out of the box), and waited a few weeks to play the game so that someone else could buy the game?

Im sorry if Im having trouble following you. At what point does someone elses time/money become more important than mine? I buy a product, take it home, notice its broke and Im supposed to "suck it up" because if I exchange it I might be keeping someone else from buying it?

Interesting thought... dumb as shit, but interesting.

I like where this is going though. Maybe we should apply it to everything!

Tirade: "Hey man, I just bought the TV from Sears and its dead out of the box, Im going to take it back and get another one"

meesterjojo: "No way man, that TV is a hot item and hard to find. if you exchange it you're going to keep someone else from watching TV."

Tirade: "You're right dude, I'll just send it back to Samsung and wait a few weeks to watch my new TV because I dont want to keep someone else from watching TV. Their enjoyment is way more important than my family's".

dumbass




RB is pretty easy to find where I live. Every GS has 4-8 PS3 bundles and Wal-Mart had over 10. I saw a stack of them at Best Buy today and Toys-R-Us had 4.

Do you actually look at the bigger picture, or are you like most people and just worry about your immediate needs?

When it comes to my hard earned money, I worry about my needs over the "bigger picture"

Oh and yes, I do have a GH guitar laying around, but if you had a clue, you would know they arent compatible on the PS3.

[jaykang]

The disclaimer/sticker thing is nonsense and not special to Rock Band. Every big ticket item I have purchased has it so that you don't return the product to the retailer for CASH so the sale stands. Obviously the manufacturer prefers exchanges. Hell, even my electric toothbrush had the same note.

[IAmTheCheapestGamer]

I would have returned it to the store too. Hell, most(if not all) games n systems say ya aren't supposed to return them to the store. Noooo, you're supposed to just pay the fuckin shipping costs and eat that cost, plus the wait time to get yer 'fixed' shit back.

I'd just play 'dumb consumer' if I were the OP if they get another non functional bundle and say 'I never saw the slip', if it's brought up.

[m0dem]

I dont care what the product is or what it says when you open the box. If it is broken and it falls into the retrun policy you have every right to exchange it at the store for a new one. I guess we should not return any broken products to the stores now because almost every product comes with a manufacturer warranty.

[horrido]

This issue is covered by most state's consumer protection laws. Here in Minnesota, we have 14 days to return for any reason whatsoever.

[Haggar]

To be fair, Rock Band has a HUGE disclaimer as soon as you open the box to NOT return any defective components to the retailer.

Seriously, it's a giant bright pink flyer you see as soon as you open the box. EA does not want to deal with retail returns.

I don't care if a dancing unicorn popped out of the box shooting rainbows out of it's ass & told me not to return defective components to the retailer.

If I paid $180 for something & it's broke out of the box, it goes back to the store for a refund. End of story.

The end.

[Akira119]

omg, I cant believe there are this many people freaking out over having to wait a week to get a brand new rockband guitar shipped FOR FREE right to your house (and they pay for return shipping on the broken one).

When you buy Rockband, theres a nice piece of paper that tells you not to return broken units to the stores because EA has already set up a working program to replace them. They're just trying to expedite the entire process by cutting out the retailer.

Its not like they force you to eat your broken guitar.

[reibeatall]

omg, I cant believe there are this many people freaking out over having to wait a week to get a brand new rockband guitar shipped FOR FREE right to your house (and they pay for return shipping on the broken one).


Uhh, what? I didn't have to pay for return shipping. They include the return slip with it.

And no, I didn't have any problems with my guitar. After hearing reports of people's strum bars stop working, I went ahead and ordered a replacement, figuring that my guitar would be broken by the time it got here. And it never broke. At least I got a free game out of it.

[Will]

I gotta say that its pretty extreme on both sides.

I can see where people might have the patience to say "theyll ship and return ship for free" and some people have been getting free games etc but I gotta say if I spent that much on the item, Id take it back to the store as well.

[Tirade]

And no, I didn't have any problems with my guitar. After hearing reports of people's strum bars stop working, I went ahead and ordered a replacement, figuring that my guitar would be broken by the time it got here. And it never broke. At least I got a free game out of it.
Thats smart thinking, I should have done that.


Like someone mentioned before, these things are covered under consumer law in most states (although there are a few "as-is" states and you have very little rights as a consumer).

I probably should have title this thread differently, as it does come off as sounding cowboyish in every good ole boy sense of the word. Either way, I think Haggar summed up how I feel about the whole thing.

I don't care if a dancing unicorn popped out of the box shooting rainbows out of it's ass & told me not to return defective components to the retailer.

If I paid $180 for something & it's broke out of the box, it goes back to the store for a refund. End of story.

The end.

[IAmTheCheapestGamer]

omg, I cant believe there are this many people freaking out over having to wait a week to get a brand new rockband guitar shipped FOR FREE right to your house (and they pay for return shipping on the broken one).

When you buy Rockband, theres a nice piece of paper that tells you not to return broken units to the stores because EA has already set up a working program to replace them. They're just trying to expedite the entire process by cutting out the retailer.

Its not like they force you to eat your broken guitar.

Well, you know, if lazy devs/pubs didn't release broken games and peripherals to begin with, there would be no NEED for a replacement program. Of course, if returning the items to the store instead of via EA's lovely 'program' forces them to take them back as junk and costs THEM money, I'm all for people returning RB bundles in their entirety to stores.

Mind ya, I despise EA as a company, so maybe I'm just a wee bit biased.

[hec204]

This is why I hate places like gamespot, ebgames and gamecrazy

They have a bullshit 7 days exchange policy, which is bad for those of us who don't have time to play video games all day, once I bought a used copy of a game there and it worked fine to start with, by the time I got near the end of the game the 7 days had passed and it gave me a disk error and it just wouldn't get past that part, But that only happened once usually used games are fine, but any new games I buy at big stores like walmart/target because they have 90 days exchange. And if a game like rockband doesn't work i'm not gonna go through the trouble of shipping it out to EA, waiting god knows how many weeks to get it back... I'll take it to the store and demand a working copy. When I bought my xbox 360 I noticed a slip that said if there's any problems with the console or accessories to call microsoft, but seriously how convinient is that? I have to call microsoft, wait 40 minutes to talk to a representative then another 20 minutes explaining to the person what's wrong with the package, then I have to ship it, wait a week or two for whatever I want replaced or etc... It's more convinient to just go right back to the store and get a new console, let them take care of the problem with MS, customer satisfaction is a must.

[allout1986]

This is why I hate places like gamespot, ebgames and gamecrazy

They have a bullshit 7 days exchange policy, which is bad for those of us who don't have time to play video games all day, once I bought a used copy of a game there and it worked fine to start with, by the time I got near the end of the game the 7 days had passed and it gave me a disk error and it just wouldn't get past that part, But that only happened once usually used games are fine, but any new games I buy at big stores like walmart/target because they have 90 days exchange. And if a game like rockband doesn't work i'm not gonna go through the trouble of shipping it out to EA, waiting god knows how many weeks to get it back... I'll take it to the store and demand a working copy.

Umm, you have a 30 day defective exchange on games at gamestop/eb games. Not sure about gamecrazy b/c we don't have any around here.

And for those of you complaining about the time, it only took me a week to get a guitar back from them after receiving the box. I'd say the total turnaround time was 10 days.

[ChaoticClimax]

My strum bar broke the day after the game came out. I sent it back to EA like a good little customer. I got no free game, the guitar was replaced right away though.

Anyone think I can contact them again and ask where my free game is? lol

[hec204]

Umm, you have a 30 day defective exchange on games at gamestop/eb games. Not sure about gamecrazy b/c we don't have any around here.

And for those of you complaining about the time, it only took me a week to get a guitar back from them after receiving the box. I'd say the total turnaround time was 10 days.
10 days?!? Who the hell wants to wait 10 days to play a new game with their buddies because a company fails to make quality products?! But since they are giving free games I guess that somewhat makes up for it, but they still should have done more at quality control when those units went out

[mykevermin]

Myke, you're usually not one to assume such nonsense. I never claimed to be a rock star, but I do enjoy playing an instrument or two. I'm not a snob and I certainly don't work in some liberal establishment.

I do find it funny that people are surprised that the "instruments" packaged with this game are flimsy. I sure wouldn't expect much in the way of a set of instruments costing less than $200. Especially for drums, which take terrible abuse in real life.

But it looks like my opinions strike too close to home for some of you. Sorry I mentioned it.:lol:

Oh not at all. I felt compelled to say something, and it's not the first time I've ever been verbose without being provoked. Trust me on that 'un, or just look in this thread.

That said, what irks me about it is that it's unrelated to the issue of store/manufacturer returns and exchanges. If you prefer playing a real instrument, bully for you. But it's as relevant in this thread as me telling you all what I had for dinner.

Back on topic, how does one go about scoring the free video game? I filled out the RMA for my guitar (it works, but the "tilt" power is hypersensitive, so I have no control over when it actually gets used - plus the upstrum is a tiny bit on the fritz) online, and did not receive any option/notification for a free EA game. I think I'd like to check out skate. again.

[chaostic_2k1]

Oh not at all. I felt compelled to say something, and it's not the first time I've ever been verbose without being provoked. Trust me on that 'un, or just look in this thread.

That said, what irks me about it is that it's unrelated to the issue of store/manufacturer returns and exchanges. If you prefer playing a real instrument, bully for you. But it's as relevant in this thread as me telling you all what I had for dinner.

Back on topic, how does one go about scoring the free video game? I filled out the RMA for my guitar (it works, but the "tilt" power is hypersensitive, so I have no control over when it actually gets used - plus the upstrum is a tiny bit on the fritz) online, and did not receive any option/notification for a free EA game. I think I'd like to check out skate. again.
Call them.

[reibeatall]

I just got an e-mail (after I had received my guitar in the mail) saying something along the lines of "WE SUCK SORRY BOUT THE GUITAR HAVE A FREE GAME CLICK HERE".

So I guess wait until you get the guitar.

[Tirade]

I was checking the official forums for info on the free game and I saw this posted a few times (the wording was different but the message was the same).

"The free games were only for the bunch of people back in November that called in for support and nothing ever shipped for any of them."

[reibeatall]

Here's the group of e-mails I got.


Greetings Rocker,
Congratulations on your purchase of Rock Band!
After reviewing our records, we see that your recent request for a replacement guitar has been subject to an unacceptably long delay due to a late shipment from our manufacturer.
By the time you receive this, your replacement guitar should be on its way to you. However, the Rock Band team is committed to providing a world-class customer experience and we do not believe we have met this commitment in connection with your request. As a token of our appreciation for your patience and understanding, we will be offering you a FREE EA game. Details will follow shortly.
We are sorry if your first experience with Rock Band has not met your expectations. We hope our gift will show you how committed we are to your satisfaction.
Thank you,
The Rock Band Team

Greetings Rocker,

You recently received an e-mail from us regarding the status of your Rock Band shipment and our offer to also send you a FREE EA GAME. We trust that by this time your guitar has arrived and you’re rocking out!

We are working diligently to create a process to allow you to pick your FREE EA Game. Given that this is by far the busiest month of the year for our customer support team, we are still working out the final details – but we just wanted to let you know that you can expect an email with a list of available EA Titles and how to place your order for your FREE EA Game soon.

We appreciate your patience,

The Rock Band Team at Harmonix, MTV and EA

Greetings Rocker,
We know you've experienced some longer than expected delays in the replacement of your guitar and we hope that has been resolved to your satisfaction.
The holidays are here and as promised, the Rock Band Team would like to thank you for hanging in there with us through this busy season by giving you a special gift … a FREE EA Game!
The link below will take you to a web page where you can choose from a list of EA Games. YOU MUST REQUEST YOUR FREE EA GAME BY JANUARY 11, 2008! The sooner you make your request, the sooner you’ll receive your FREE EA Game. Your selection will be sent to the same address where you received your replacement guitar, free of charge!
FREE EA GAME LINK
Thank you again for your patience and understanding during this process. All of us on the Rock Band Team wish you and your family the very best this holiday season.
Sincerely,
The Rock Band Team at Harmonix, MTV and EA

[IkilledLassic]

At the point of common decency: you know that the new, hard to get, bundle would be sold to someone else, but you'd rather soothe your shit than wait a week for a replacement instrument.

You're so repressed you have no other games to play for a week or two?

Or, as I suspect, you have a huge chip on your shit and you just love to get all angsty with underpaid/underage employees?

Rock on dude.

1) the retailer doesn't know if a product is defective.

2) Given the shortage of the RB bundle, and given that you, like an idiot, returned everything as opposed to the *1* piece which was defective, now a store has to replace *every* instrument in the bundle, and cannot resell any piece of it.

Do you actually look at the bigger picture, or are you like most people and just worry about your immediate needs?

Stop crying.

Since when has the idea of capitalism turn into some sort of soclialist tendency. The consumer has the RIGHT to return the defective merchandise to the store, plain and simple, regardless what the product warns or states inside and out, AND regardless of whether or not some other consumer cannot enjoy rock bands treats is ONLY because the product is clearly manufactured poorly. Those of you who take the side of the companies, clearly have things backwards. The blame for the manufactoring defects, the items still being sold with said defects lay squarely with the manufacture and the companies selling the product, NOT the consumer.

[SaraAB]

I think if I spent 180$ on something I would also return it to the store, either for replacement or refund. I would also make sure to buy from a retailer like wal-mart who at least would take it back with a receipt rather than a Gamestop that will argue to the last second before they let you return it.

Regardless of the bigger picture it would be my money wasted on a faulty product and I would want it back. Also if I chose to spend 180$ on one game it better be built well enough to last me a good 20 years!

[bigdaddybruce44]

I've only scanned the thread a bit, but don't all the Rock Band bundles have that sticker clearly saying you need to contact EA about any defects? I noticed this in the store the other day. I mean, not that I'm the biggest GS fan, but if that's the policy the company distributing the game has laid out, then isn't that what the company selling it is suppose to honor?

[reibeatall]

Hey guys, if you get a speeding ticket, are you going to find the cop that give it to you to pay it off?

[pcktlnt]

I'm not sure why you asked about a speeding ticket, but no you go to the courthouse.

[reibeatall]

It's an analogy to the Rock Band thing.

The officer is the giver of the ticket; however, the officer is not the law, he represents the city/county/ect.
You go to the courthouse to take care of the ticket.

The store sells you Rock Band; however, the store is not the maker, they simply pass along the merchandise.
You go to the maker, EA, to take care of the product.

[Leek]

Why is gamestop seriously just full of assholes? You returned it within 7 days. That's their policy, they should refund it no questions asked for fucks sake.

As for your analogies, this is a little different. GS sold him a defective product, so they have to honor their policy. In which then GAMESTOP will take it back to EA. A games a game, screw the "superceding" crap.

You're really lucky that you used AMEX and not payed cash.

[Demontooth]

It's an analogy to the Rock Band thing.

The officer is the giver of the ticket; however, the officer is not the law, he represents the city/county/ect.
You go to the courthouse to take care of the ticket.

The store sells you Rock Band; however, the store is not the maker, they simply pass along the merchandise.
You go to the maker, EA, to take care of the product.

It's a really dumb analogy.

[Ice2Dragon]

Why is gamestop seriously just full of assholes? You returned it within 7 days. That's their policy, they should refund it no questions asked for fucks sake.

As for your analogies, this is a little different. GS sold him a defective product, so they have to honor their policy. In which then GAMESTOP will take it back to EA. A games a game, screw the "superceding" crap.

You're really lucky that you used AMEX and not payed cash.

Gamestop doesnt take it back to ea.

It takes it back to GAMESTOPS warehouse where it attempts to get it fixed.

I know, since I used to be a manager at one.

Good lord Leek..

[SlashingSlayer]

What's the bug with the guitar?
Is it supposed to be ridiculously hard to strum? (compared to the GH guitar)

[HumanSnatcher]

You know, I used to do tech support for Panasonic. Used to get people all the time that needed to send things in for repair. Many of them were brand new products, of course you were given the freedom to tell them that they should exchange it if it was within the period from where they bought it. I'm of the few here that believes that if a product falls within the merchandise return/exchange period, they should honor it. Of course, if its not, then good luck. I agree with the OP that most people are just letting themselves get railroaded, thus making it harder for everyone else. I don't care if they "have a great RMA program", you just dropped 160 bones on a product thats supposed to work.

[Leek]

Gamestop doesnt take it back to ea.

It takes it back to GAMESTOPS warehouse where it attempts to get it fixed.

I know, since I used to be a manager at one.

Good lord Leek..
I'm not a "lord" and you fail heavily in your signature. Mr. "Heart of Chill". A policy is a policy, GameStop should state on certain games that their policy is void and that the consumer should be take it back to the manufacturer

[Zhanmadao]

I'm not a "lord" and you fail heavily in your signature. Mr. "Heart of Chill". A policy is a policy, GameStop should state on certain games that their policy is void and that the consumer should be take it back to the manufacturer

Congraulations on repeating yourself two times in that response and in a childish way, Oh wait you are a child afterall. :applause:

[meesterjojo]

Wait, so let me get this straight..

You're saying (and you said it twice in 2 different posts), that I should have RMA'd our drums and guitar (which were broken out of the box), and waited a few weeks to play the game so that someone else could buy the game?

Im sorry if Im having trouble following you. At what point does someone elses time/money become more important than mine? I buy a product, take it home, notice its broke and Im supposed to "suck it up" because if I exchange it I might be keeping someone else from buying it?
Stop being anti-social and hiding behind the 'net/your games and realize there is a whole world of people out there. Things you do, or don't do, affect people (it's not just in Mass Effect, guy).



Interesting thought... dumb as shit, but interesting.
Yes, concern for your fellow human is interesting, but I don't feel it's "dumb as shit", in fact I make a habit of it. Lots of people do, actually, but you probably don't get much interaction with us.

I like where this is going though. Maybe we should apply it to everything!

Tirade: "Hey man, I just bought the TV from Sears and its dead out of the box, Im going to take it back and get another one"

meesterjojo: "No way man, that TV is a hot item and hard to find. if you exchange it you're going to keep someone else from watching TV."

Tirade: "You're right dude, I'll just send it back to Samsung and wait a few weeks to watch my new TV because I dont want to keep someone else from watching TV. Their enjoyment is way more important than my family's".

dumbass
The problem is you had 1 item broken, so you claim, and there was a well known and established procedure for handling it which would have potentially benefited you more, and done no harm to other consumers. In your trite example you attempt, unsuccesfully, to compare a TV, which are never in short-order, to your video game.

While the concept of concern for your fellow human can be applied outside of your Rock Band bundle, such as with Wii scalping (by not doing it), it's a concept in which the end result will vary according to the situation. And in your example you still fail to note that there was an established procedure which results in a quick turn-around, and not having to trash an entire boxed bundle, and sometimes results in a free item from the publisher/manufacturer.






RB is pretty easy to find where I live. Every GS has 4-8 PS3 bundles and Wal-Mart had over 10. I saw a stack of them at Best Buy today and Toys-R-Us had 4.
'Grats, where I am they are not, and I've been reading reports of poor Canadians having purchased the bundle in the U.S. for hundreds over MSRP prior/during their weak release. I can't find a bundle here in the city, but after my Wii hunt, I'm not as eager to do the same.


When it comes to my hard earned money, I worry about my needs over the "bigger picture"
Obviously. You're only human, sadly. I shouldn't expect you to be the Zarathustra of the gaming world. Nonetheless what about other peoples hard earned money, the fact you're trashing an entire box bundle for 1 piece, and that you're crying about the treatment received from underpaid employees as a video game store?

Oh and yes, I do have a GH guitar laying around, but if you had a clue, you would know they arent compatible on the PS3.
Here's your original post:

"I guess all the problems with Rock Band has got the Gamestop crew on edge. I wanted to exchange my defective Rock Band bundle with a working one (and I was within my 7 days) but was told by both employees that the EA sticker on the front of the bundle that says "If something doesnt work, please contact EA for a replacement instead of returning it" supercedes the Gamestop return policy posted in the store and on my receipt.

It took 20min and a call to a manager, but you can bet your ass I got a new bundle. I was told that if this bundle is defective that I must RMA it, I cant exchange it again. Whatever, let them try and pull that shit. There might be a broken Rock Band bundle in my house, but every last penny will be back on my Amex card and GS can take it up with Amex."

Where's the part about the PS3? Should've gone with the 360 version then, eh? I'm not a mind reader...yet

Anyway, you seriously failed here. Want to try me again? I left you lots of ripe little holes to take advantage of...but I doubt you're that smart :(

[Rogue-7]

It's an analogy to the Rock Band thing.

The officer is the giver of the ticket; however, the officer is not the law, he represents the city/county/ect.
You go to the courthouse to take care of the ticket.

The store sells you Rock Band; however, the store is not the maker, they simply pass along the merchandise.
You go to the maker, EA, to take care of the product.

Ummm sorry but this analogy fails, utterly, a policeman writing a ticket to someone is not similar to a store selling an item to a buyer.

When an officer writes you a ticket, he not selling anything. He is not entering into a legally binding contract with a buyer, nor does a police officer by writing you a ticket trigger any express or implied warranties under contract law or consumer protection laws about a product.

However, when a store sells an item to a person they are not merely passing it along, the store is entering into a legally binding contract with the buyer. This contract concerns an item which carries certain express and implied warranties under both contract and consumer protection laws.

Given these differences, claiming that GS or any other store thats sells an item to a buyer is like a policeman writing a person ticket is clearly wrong. A store like GS has certain legal responsibilities to a buyer which are totally different from any legal responsibilities an officer has writing a person a ticket.

[Tirade]

Yes, concern for your fellow human is interesting, but I don't feel it's "dumb as shit", in fact I make a habit of it. Lots of people do, actually, but you probably don't get much interaction with us.
How you came to the conclusion that I have no concern for my fellow man is beyond me. If its because I put my families entertainment/enjoyment of a above that of a stranger, than so be it, I'm guilty as charged. I can't even see how there is any relevance in this to the post. I'm still completely blown away by the fact that youre attacking me for wanting to exchange a defective product because it might keep someone else from enjoying it. How absurd is that statement when you say it out loud? We arent talking about scalping here. I didnt buy Rock Band in order to resell it, I bought it to play it.



The problem is you had 1 item broken, so you claim, and there was a well known and established procedure for handling it which would have potentially benefited you more, and done no harm to other consumers. In your trite example you attempt, unsuccesfully, to compare a TV, which are never in short-order, to your video game.
While it makes absolutely no difference if it was 1 broken item or the entire bundle was defective; I did have 2 broken items (only the microphone worked correctly) as I made mention of in post #42.

"Anyway, the broken part(s) was the guitar strum bar (no down strum) and the red drum pad (only registering 1/3 of the notes)"

If youre going to invalidate my example because TV's arent in short order (even though I made it clear it was a "hot item and a hard to find TV), then I guess the same goes for your argument as there are other video games out there (even similar ones to Rock Band).


While the concept of concern for your fellow human can be applied outside of your Rock Band bundle, such as with Wii scalping (by not doing it), it's a concept in which the end result will vary according to the situation. And in your example you still fail to note that there was an established procedure which results in a quick turn-around, and not having to trash an entire boxed bundle, and sometimes results in a free item from the publisher/manufacturer.
You're completely off base. I don't fail to recognize that there is an established RMA procedue, I just don't believe I should have to deal with an RMA procedure on a brand new item that's within its return period. Taking it a step further I've taken advantage of the RMA policy as the replacement bundle I received also had a faulty guitar. I made mention of this in post #44. The free game was only for for a 2 week period immediately after the game was released and does not apply to anyone in the last month. You can also find my tracking # in post #44 for my current RMA. I placed the RMA Saturday morning and it has not shipped yet. Its easy to argue that its because of the weekend & the holidays (even though UPS did run on Monday), but that only further proves my point that I shouldnt have to deal with RMA when I can simply exchange it at the store. Assuming it ships tomorrow (and Im not holding my breath), thats 5 days to process my order and then another 2 days to receive it. Lets take it a step further and assume it wont ship until Thurs... UPS doesnt run on the weekends so now we are talking 9 days minimum. No thanks, Id rather drive 15min to Wal-mart and exchange it. I'm only doing the RMA process this time so that I can say Ive been there and done that. Now I get to hope that the replacement, when I finally do get it, is new, working, and for the right system. A lot of people who have been through the RMA process havent been that lucky. Lets not forget the $125 hold on my credit card I had to pay so that I could get the quick RMA... otherwise its more like 3-4 weeks instead of 9 days. I also better hope they receive my old guitar back w/o any problems or this "quick & easy" RMA will cost me almost as much as a new bundle.



Obviously. You're only human, sadly. I shouldn't expect you to be the Zarathustra of the gaming world. Nonetheless what about other peoples hard earned money, the fact you're trashing an entire box bundle for 1 piece, and that you're crying about the treatment received from underpaid employees as a video game store?
Again you are wrong, and again whether it was 1 piece or not doesnt make a difference. Also, what the employees are paid and whether its sufficient isnt for us to decide and has nothing to do with the treatment of customers and the honoring of posted return policies.



Where's the part about the PS3? Should've gone with the 360 version then, eh? I'm not a mind reader...yet
Post #42

"As a PS3 owner, this decision would be a LOT easier to make if I could use my GH3 controller with Rock Band. Hell if I could do that I probably wouldnt even send in the RB controller to get fixed as Id never use it."


Anyway, you seriously failed here. Want to try me again? I left you lots of ripe little holes to take advantage of...but I doubt you're that smart :(
...

[Haggar]

Who cares that he returned his defective bundle? How does it effect anyone else? Blame EA.

As I already said, I would have returned it in a heartbeat. And some kid at Gamestop wouldn't tell me otherwise. If you are going to sell something for $180, it better work. The worst thing he did was keep someone else from getting another defective bundle.

[l337m4573rpyr0]

I don't know why this issue seems to be such a mess. First off, consumers have no inherent "right" to simply return merchandise once purchased. However, when any retailer posts a return policy it becomes a legally binding contact with the buyer upon purchase. If the return policy says "All sales final" then all sales are final, regardless of what the manufacturer of a product says. Likewise, if the return policy is "Any defective merchandise may be returned for a full refund or exchange within 7 days" then, any defective merchandise can be returned within that time period regardless of what the manufacturer says. The only way GS can refuse the return of a defective product would be if their return policy stated that product as an exception to the normal rule i.e. "Any defective merchandise may be returned for a full refund or exchange within 7 days except where otherwise noted. All sales of Product X are final and any defective merchandise must be returned directly to the manufacturer for repair/replacement or refund at their sole discretion" While the wording and cases can vary, the point here is that unless GS clearly marks rock band bundles as an exception to their normal return policy and the return policy has wording allowing for exceptions, the customer is within their rights to return the product based on the original terms of purchase.

[IkilledLassic]

I don't know why this issue seems to be such a mess. First off, consumers have no inherent "right" to simply return merchandise once purchased. However, when any retailer posts a return policy it becomes a legally binding contact with the buyer upon purchase. If the return policy says "All sales final" then all sales are final, regardless of what the manufacturer of a product says. Likewise, if the return policy is "Any defective merchandise may be returned for a full refund or exchange within 7 days" then, any defective merchandise can be returned within that time period regardless of what the manufacturer says. The only way GS can refuse the return of a defective product would be if their return policy stated that product as an exception to the normal rule i.e. "Any defective merchandise may be returned for a full refund or exchange within 7 days except where otherwise noted. All sales of Product X are final and any defective merchandise must be returned directly to the manufacturer for repair/replacement or refund at their sole discretion" While the wording and cases can vary, the point here is that unless GS clearly marks rock band bundles as an exception to their normal return policy and the return policy has wording allowing for exceptions, the customer is within their rights to return the product based on the original terms of purchase.

Succinctly written, and precise. It is that simple. Although, the consumers do have rights, maybe not inherent, like the freedom of speech (in this country per say), particularly on defective products; thus the creation of the better business bureau and the advent of government mandated recalls. This is, of course, an aside to the already obvious return policies in effect for most retailers.

[l337m4573rpyr0]

Although, the consumers do have rights, maybe not inherent, like the freedom of speech (in this country per say), particularly on defective products; thus the creation of the better business bureau and the advent of government mandated recalls. This is, of course, an aside to the already obvious return policies in effect for most retailers.

Agreed -- There are laws retailers have to abide by. I didn't really want to touch on it though as this can vary by state and even county (I know Erie county here in New York has some strict laws on marked prices, for example).
The main issue (from the original post anyways) is revolving around a lawful return policy.

[Limit]

i wouldnt trust this....

My friends rockband drums just broke so he sent it in and a week later he gets a box back...

But one problem

he gets the Ps3 version drums back instead of the 360 drums he requested...


and im hearing stories of people getting completely empty boxes....

[elmyra]

I don't know why this issue seems to be such a mess. First off, consumers have no inherent "right" to simply return merchandise once purchased.
You're only partly right. The consumer has no absolute right to return merchandise once purchased, except when the merchandise is defective. From here (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/HE652):

What if a new purchase is defective?

If a new product has a defect it should be returned to the place of purchase immediately regardless of the store's return policy. Defective purchases are covered by the Federal Magnuson Moss Warranty Act. New, unused products have an implied warranty regarding their fitness for purpose and use. When you return a defective product in its original package and condition the merchant must refund the purchase price or replace the item unless it was sold "as is."
Laws vary by state regarding returns for other reasons, of course.

[DesertEagleXIX]

Interesting.

[Tirade]

You're only partly right. The consumer has no absolute right to return merchandise once purchased, except when the merchandise is defective. From here (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/HE652):


Laws vary by state regarding returns for other reasons, of course.

If you dont mind, I plan to copy this for use on another forum where we are having a smiliar argument. Thanks.

[l337m4573rpyr0]

You're only partly right. The consumer has no absolute right to return merchandise once purchased, except when the merchandise is defective. From here (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/HE652):


Laws vary by state regarding returns for other reasons, of course.

I stand corrected. I just wonder how long this protection extends. I didn't see any length stated in the article.

[jennie25]

There's no reason to have to pay GameStop extra to replace a broken product. That's inexcusable.

Although I'm not sure if Gamestop really can be totally blamed here. If they're this adamant about not taking them back, I'm sure EA is putting some pressure on them not to send the rock band bundles back to them directly by not fully crediting them for defective rock bands sent by stores. If that is the case, you can see why any store wouldn't want to eat what is probably at least a $150 loss on a product.

there is no need? 3 bucks to replace two guitars on guitar hero 1! Hell yeah, broke one about a month in and 9 months later, got both pulled out of new boxes, it was great, for 3 bucks by the way, don't know if mentioned it. didn't have to wait, didn't have to call, just walk in and walk out. Personally I don't care if they eat 150 bucks or 150,000 bucks, they make it, gamestop offers replacement (which they know they were doing), they can eat it, and like it, and make a better product next time (not to say people are just a$$es who break they for the hell of it, but whatever)....

[m0dem]

It's an analogy to the Rock Band thing.

The officer is the giver of the ticket; however, the officer is not the law, he represents the city/county/ect.
You go to the courthouse to take care of the ticket.

The store sells you Rock Band; however, the store is not the maker, they simply pass along the merchandise.
You go to the maker, EA, to take care of the product.

Thats the worst analogy ever. Gamestop clearly states on their receipt they will exchange defective merchandise within 14 days of purchase. So why would they post that if they are not going to honor it? If the ticket said if you wish to dispute this ticket please contact the officer do you think people are going to contact the officer and dispute it? The ticket says if you wish to dispute this ticket please call this number to arrange a court appearance. Which is the reason why people go to court to dispute the ticket they get. Despite what is in the box that says do not return to the manufacturer if gamestop does not have rockband as the exception on the receipt people are entitled to return the defective product to Gamestop.

[elmyra]

I stand corrected. I just wonder how long this protection extends. I didn't see any length stated in the article. I couldn't find any concrete information on the time limit for such returns, so I don't know. Also, keep in mind that a lot of people don't know about this law, including those working in retail. I just bought an Xbox 360 last night at GameRush, and they have a strict policy of not taking back defective consoles, so I'd have a fight on my hands if I tried to return it despite this law. If it were defective I might have to take it to small claims court (too much trouble) or call the state department of consumer protection. Just because the law is on the consumer's side doesn't mean that a retailer is going to cooperate and follow the law, even if they're aware of it.

[meesterjojo]

I'm back. Wow. Look- the issue isn't his legal right/wrong to return the RB bundle, it's more of a moral issue: Do I return *everything* as being broken, when it's clearly NOT, and thus deny a new RB bundle for someone else...OR...do I follow the instructions which have the potential to net me something for my troubles, and regardless isn't being wasteful, or acting poorly against my fellow man.

Do you throw out a bunch of grapes because one is bad? If your cars battery died do you just sell it (the car), and demand a new one? And the analogies can go on and on.

He did what he did. Oh, it's done. But I'd like to think/hope that there are some people who can rise above their psychosis/ASD (anti-social disorder), and realise that there are other people on the planet: Life, despite what you may hear/believe/read, isn't about just YOU- as long as you choose to live in a society you are expected to do what is best for yourself and others. Not just yourself. Sometimes I honestly believe that the state of things, when described as being negative, are because far too many people only think of themselves rather than the whole.

It's not a hard concept. Really. Do 3 good things a day, try not to do things which harm others, and take responsibility when you do screw up things. Simple way to live.

What he did was anti-social/abhorrent. The OP has stated a number of times it's all about him. And while I'm certain there are a lot of people who get off on saying such things over the intrawebs...this isn't my first rodeo- I know the same lot of you wouldn't dare bring yourself to say such things to people on the street, casual aquaintances, your family (presuming at least a few of you are well-adjusted), or other CAGers IRL. If you truly believe it's all about you, and you still live in our society, then you're no better than a parasite: taking but not sharing.

So, while the internet tough-guy "thing" is pretty awesome, especially the barely coherent statements where the OP replies in such a way that I can literally see the froth forming at the corners of his mouth, it's just not cool.

[m0dem]

I'm back. Wow. Look- the issue isn't his legal right/wrong to return the RB bundle, it's more of a moral issue: Do I return *everything* as being broken, when it's clearly NOT, and thus deny a new RB bundle for someone else...OR...do I follow the instructions which have the potential to net me something for my troubles, and regardless isn't being wasteful, or acting poorly against my fellow man.

Do you throw out a bunch of grapes because one is bad? If your cars battery died do you just sell it (the car), and demand a new one? And the analogies can go on and on.

He did what he did. Oh, it's done. But I'd like to think/hope that there are some people who can rise above their psychosis/ASD (anti-social disorder), and realise that there are other people on the planet: Life, despite what you may hear/believe/read, isn't about just YOU- as long as you choose to live in a society you are expected to do what is best for yourself and others. Not just yourself. Sometimes I honestly believe that the state of things, when described as being negative, are because far too many people only think of themselves rather than the whole.

It's not a hard concept. Really. Do 3 good things a day, try not to do things which harm others, and take responsibility when you do screw up things. Simple way to live.

What he did was anti-social/abhorrent. The OP has stated a number of times it's all about him. And while I'm certain there are a lot of people who get off on saying such things over the intrawebs...this isn't my first rodeo- I know the same lot of you wouldn't dare bring yourself to say such things to people on the street, casual aquaintances, your family (presuming at least a few of you are well-adjusted), or other CAGers IRL. If you truly believe it's all about you, and you still live in our society, then you're no better than a parasite: taking but not sharing.

So, while the internet tough-guy "thing" is pretty awesome, especially the barely coherent statements where the OP replies in such a way that I can literally see the froth forming at the corners of his mouth, it's just not cool.

Heres one for you, you just bought a brand new car and a week later there is a major engine problem and it has to go into service which will take 3 days to complete. This is the only car you have. Do you demand that the company pays for your rental or do you just sit back and not demand a rental because you waiting 4 days for your car is not long at all and because somebody else might need a rental car for more important things than you do.

[CocheseUGA]

I'm back. Wow. Look- the issue isn't his legal right/wrong to return the RB bundle, it's more of a moral issue: Do I return *everything* as being broken, when it's clearly NOT, and thus deny a new RB bundle for someone else...OR...do I follow the instructions which have the potential to net me something for my troubles, and regardless isn't being wasteful, or acting poorly against my fellow man.

Do you throw out a bunch of grapes because one is bad? If your cars battery died do you just sell it (the car), and demand a new one? And the analogies can go on and on.

He did what he did. Oh, it's done. But I'd like to think/hope that there are some people who can rise above their psychosis/ASD (anti-social disorder), and realise that there are other people on the planet: Life, despite what you may hear/believe/read, isn't about just YOU- as long as you choose to live in a society you are expected to do what is best for yourself and others. Not just yourself. Sometimes I honestly believe that the state of things, when described as being negative, are because far too many people only think of themselves rather than the whole.

It's not a hard concept. Really. Do 3 good things a day, try not to do things which harm others, and take responsibility when you do screw up things. Simple way to live.

What he did was anti-social/abhorrent. The OP has stated a number of times it's all about him. And while I'm certain there are a lot of people who get off on saying such things over the intrawebs...this isn't my first rodeo- I know the same lot of you wouldn't dare bring yourself to say such things to people on the street, casual aquaintances, your family (presuming at least a few of you are well-adjusted), or other CAGers IRL. If you truly believe it's all about you, and you still live in our society, then you're no better than a parasite: taking but not sharing.

So, while the internet tough-guy "thing" is pretty awesome, especially the barely coherent statements where the OP replies in such a way that I can literally see the froth forming at the corners of his mouth, it's just not cool.

You should have written, 'Oh wait, I guess you should be able to take it back...but the moral issues!!!!11' Would have saved time.

Defective? Back to the store. Unless they make me sign something that states I understand I can't return it to the store, it goes back to the store.

[l337m4573rpyr0]

I'm back. Wow. Look- the issue isn't his legal right/wrong to return the RB bundle, it's more of a moral issue: Do I return *everything* as being broken, when it's clearly NOT, and thus deny a new RB bundle for someone else...OR...do I follow the instructions which have the potential to net me something for my troubles, and regardless isn't being wasteful, or acting poorly against my fellow man.

Do you throw out a bunch of grapes because one is bad? If your cars battery died do you just sell it (the car), and demand a new one? And the analogies can go on and on.

He did what he did. Oh, it's done. But I'd like to think/hope that there are some people who can rise above their psychosis/ASD (anti-social disorder), and realise that there are other people on the planet: Life, despite what you may hear/believe/read, isn't about just YOU- as long as you choose to live in a society you are expected to do what is best for yourself and others. Not just yourself. Sometimes I honestly believe that the state of things, when described as being negative, are because far too many people only think of themselves rather than the whole.

It's not a hard concept. Really. Do 3 good things a day, try not to do things which harm others, and take responsibility when you do screw up things. Simple way to live.

What he did was anti-social/abhorrent. The OP has stated a number of times it's all about him. And while I'm certain there are a lot of people who get off on saying such things over the intrawebs...this isn't my first rodeo- I know the same lot of you wouldn't dare bring yourself to say such things to people on the street, casual aquaintances, your family (presuming at least a few of you are well-adjusted), or other CAGers IRL. If you truly believe it's all about you, and you still live in our society, then you're no better than a parasite: taking but not sharing.

So, while the internet tough-guy "thing" is pretty awesome, especially the barely coherent statements where the OP replies in such a way that I can literally see the froth forming at the corners of his mouth, it's just not cool.

Wow. I'm going to have to go out on a limb here and say that returning defective product within a reasonable time period is neither wasteful, or inconsiderate.

First, the waste part: Whenever you return defective electronics it's not thrown out. It is sent back to the manufacturer where they will:
Test all pieces and either repackage good pieces in new bundles or sell as reurbished units through outlets. and/or break down pieces to be remanufactured/recycled. I don't know of many manufacturers that just willingly throw out free materials.

Second off, the OP is not the inconsiderate one by initiating the return/exchange. Lets say a store states it will have 15 of an item and in the end only 10 are available due to supply, defects, whatever. It makes no difference if I have to find out an item is defective or if QA picked it up at EA. If I was customer 10, customers 11-15 are SOL. It's not my fault for expecting a functioning product when I make a purchase- It's EA's for not QA'ing or GS'es for over-promising on stock. If you want a product badly enough, you go out earlier than others to get it and if having to wait for the next shipment of rockbands ruins your day/week/life, you need to re-examine your priorities.

[elmyra]

If you want a product badly enough, you go out earlier than others to get it and if having to wait for the next shipment of rockbands ruins your day/week/life, you need to re-examine your priorities.
Jojo has a completely broken sense of morality. He doesn't have the ability to differentiate between important moral/social issues and trivial matters like shopping for luxury goods. On the other hand, he's kind of entertaining in the same way that a crazy, ranting homeless person can be entertaining.

[Demontooth]

The analogies in this thread suck ass.

[Tirade]

The RMA guitar arrived today. It was a PS3 guitar so they did manage to get the correct version out to me. Thats where the positives end though.

The 3rd guitar is actually worse than the first 2 (imagine that). Im pretty sure its refurbished because its got some small scratches on it, but the orange fret doesnt work at all and down strumming often causes a double strum.

Anyway, I was going to set up yet another RMA and yet another hold on my CC and yet another 4-8 days wait (best case scenario), but the RMA process is down at the moment.

Not sure if I'll just exchange the bundle at Wal-Mart or if I'll wait till the RMA process goes back online and try again for guitar #4.

[Tirade]

I ended up phoning EA support last night. After a 25min wait I ended up setting up another express RMA and they put another $125 on hold on my card. If it ships out today I'll be surprised. If the next one actually works, I'll be even more surprised. Im going to update the OP with the new tracking #.

[reibeatall]

Customer idiocy aside, does GH3 have the same "restrictions" on it for returns?
Coming back to this:
Turns out, a few days ago (I've been off), we got an e-mail saying that we aren't to do anymore GH3 returns, and to direct the customer to Activision's website.

[Demontooth]

I just bought a PS3 and it has a message inside the box telling me not to return it to the store if I have problems. If this thing is dead some of you think I should return it to Sony?

[assasin4hire]

I'm not a "lord" and you fail heavily in your signature. Mr. "Heart of Chill". A policy is a policy, GameStop should state on certain games that their policy is void and that the consumer should be take it back to the manufacturer

We shouldn't have to state the policy. The policy is stated on a yellow sticker on the box as well as on a bright ass pink piece of paper in the box.

[arfin]

We shouldn't have to state the policy. The policy is stated on a yellow sticker on the box as well as on a bright ass pink piece of paper in the box.

What good is the pink paper if it is in the box. The customer should be notified before purchasing, not after he opens the thing.

[sandman007]

What good is the pink paper if it is in the box. The customer should be notified before purchasing, not after he opens the thing.

Did you miss the part about the sticker on the outside of the box?

[Tirade]

We shouldn't have to state the policy. The policy is stated on a yellow sticker on the box as well as on a bright ass pink piece of paper in the box.
The point that you are missing is that the sticker isnt a policy. Nor can it be enforced as a policy.

The posted policy in the store and on the return receipt do not list an exclusion on them for Rock Band. EA's "suggestion" to RMA defective products rather than exchange them does not change the posted return policy.

Also if you read back a page you'll notice the right to exchange defective merchadise is a federal mandate. No amount of stickers are going to change that.

[CocheseUGA]

The point that you are missing is that the sticker isnt a policy. Nor can it be enforced as a policy.

The posted policy in the store and on the return do not list an exclusion on them for Rock Band. EA's "suggestion" to RMA defective products rather than exchange them does not change the posted return policy.

Also if you read back a page you'll notice the right to exchange defective merchadise is a federal mandate. No amount of stickers is going to change that.

Gotta agree with this. If I pay $160 for RockBand or $3 for a clearance DVD, I expect both to work when I open them. I also expect both to be able to be exchanged the same day.

If GS had me sign away my exchange right, then it would be a different story.

[Tirade]

Just so Im not accused of only posting the negative, here is a quick update of something positive at EA that happened yesterday.

"Im on bundle #3 but guitar #5 and waiting for yet another RMA guitar to come. I sent EAxViolet a PM last week regarding this (the last RMA guitar I received was clearly used and had been written on with permanent marker) and there are/were numerous holds on my credit card.

I never received a PM back from her but yesterday (on a Saturday), I received a call from the EA support escalations team. I spoke to a guy named Sean (hopefully the spelling is right) and he was great. He isn't the EAxSean from the forums in case you're wondering.

Now it was a little odd that he called me. When I answered the phone he said "Hi this is Sean with EA support management, is this Tim?" I replied yes and then he said "I understand your bundle was missing a microphone, is that correct?". Well that wasn't correct so I was sure that something got screwed up. It turns out that Sean just dialed the wrong customer. He had my name and number, but was looking at a ticket for someone else. He quickly realized his mistake and proceeded to handle my situation quickly. He released one of the holds off of my card and stated that I never should have had numerous holds as the first one should have went away when the 2nd RMA was issued and so on and so forth. He is the first EA support rep Ive spoken to that used English as their native language. He was very sympathetic and took it a step further by providing me with a "special" 1-800# that would connect me directly to the support management team in case of any future problems.

Either way, its been a lot of talk and no action at this point (and my latest RMA still has not shipped), but it was a step in the right direction. Lets see what comes of it. While Ive preached my share of doom and gloom on this forum, I did want to be fair and mention the good with the bad. Its been mentioned before that Violet needs a raise, well Sean from the support escalations team deserves one as well."

[shand]

Personally, I did an Express RMA before I even got Rock Band. If I didn't find a copy, I was just going to send the guitar back before the 21 days were up.

I found one, and didn't even bother playing with the guitar that was in the box. Just boxed it up and sent it back, and enjoyed playing on all my perfect instruments.

[Tirade]

Final update, the 2nd RMA arrived yesterday and Im happy to say it works fine. This is the first functioning guitar Ive had.

The 2 day express RMA service took 9 days (see the first post), so for those of you who keep claiming the RMA process is fast need to look again. This is on top of letting them hold $125 (or in my case $250) of your money while you wait.

From here on out, any problems will be dealt with via Wal-Marts exchange policy and I can Rock out in a matter of minutes instead of days.

[donssword]

Jeezus -- just read this thread. Between the Red Ring of Death and the Rock Band hardware issue, hardware quality is just going into the shitter.

Yugos ran better than this.

[Don Chubo]

Final update, the 2nd RMA arrived yesterday and Im happy to say it works fine. This is the first functioning guitar Ive had.

The 2 day express RMA service took 9 days (see the first post), so for those of you who keep claiming the RMA process is fast need to look again. This is on top of letting him hold $125 (or in my case $250) of your money while you wait.

From here on out, any problems will be dealt with via Wal-Marts exchange policy and I can Rock out in a matter of minutes instead of days.

Good to hear that there have been steps toward a positive resolution.

OP is 100% right in this matter - he's definitely not being a whiny bitch trying to get over on the company...unlike someone in a front-page thread a while back ;)

And OP, I want to thank you. Until this thread, I really did not know about all of the problems ppl were having with Rock Band. My kids and I had wanted to get the bundle, but after reading the posts in this thread, we've decided to wait and see when/if they get their shit together.

[jamesetakacs]

i just want to state for the record that if an employee is standing behind a store policy or a corporate policy like rockband's yellow sticker, you should really be sympathetic to the employee. i have worked in retail for 5 years now, and people seem to think that it is acceptable to treat another human like garbage simply because their product doesnt work. buying a product from a store doesnt give you privelege to torment another person. be more considerate the next time you take something back to the store, and be more considerate if they dont have something in stock (like a nintendo wii!). store employees are simply people, just like you. they dont like to be screwed over, just like you dont like to be. /endrant

[Radioactive_Man]

i just want to state for the record that if an employee is standing behind a store policy or a corporate policy like rockband's yellow sticker, you should really be sympathetic to the employee. i have worked in retail for 5 years now, and people seem to think that it is acceptable to treat another human like garbage simply because their product doesnt work. buying a product from a store doesnt give you privelege to torment another person. be more considerate the next time you take something back to the store, and be more considerate if they dont have something in stock (like a nintendo wii!). store employees are simply people, just like you. they dont like to be screwed over, just like you dont like to be. /endrant

The thing is, most people here don't think like that. They all think because they are spending a few bucks they should be treated like the fuking royal family. Some people are just born to be assholes to people who work retail.

[Tirade]

The thing is, most people here don't think like that. They all think because they are spending a few bucks they should be treated like the fuking royal family. Some people are just born to be assholes to people who work retail.

I don't think they expect to be treated like "royal fuking family", I think they expect to be treated like a paying customer who earned thier money (possibly dealing with assholes all day long at thier job too).

In this case it isnt an employee standing behind thier store/corp policy, its them NOT standing behind it. The policy states that exchanges are allowed yet they attempted to refuse to honor that policy.

I wasnt born to be an asshole to people who work in retail, I was born to be an asshole to people who attempt to defraud me or sell me something that they claim is working and then refuse to exchange it when I discover its not.

[Tirade]

Final update on this fiasco....

Starting from the beginning in a quick recap:

Day 1: Bought bundle. Guitar strum bar did not work and red drum pad did not work.

Day 2: Exchanged bundle at Gamestop after much arguing. Returned bundle to Gamestop and repurchased it at Wal-Mart with 2 year replacement plan. Guitar did not work.

Day 3. RMA guitar with EA. - $125 hold is placed on my credit card

Day 7. Replacement guitar arrives. It is clearly used and orange fret does not work.

Day 8. RMA guitar again with EA. - A 2nd $125 hold is placed on my credit card.

Day 10. EA calls to tell me they are releasing one of the holds on my card and that my RMA got screwed up so they are issuing a new RMA # and not to bother sending in the 2 broken guitars. It will take up to 7 days to release the hold.

Day 18. Replacement guitar arrives. It works great!!!

Day 21. An email notification that the RMA from day 8 that was supposedly canceled on day 10, just shipped out and will be delivered tomorrow. TRACK (http://wwwapps.ups.com/WebTracking/processInputRequest?HTMLVersion=5.0&loc=en_US&Requester=UPSHome&tracknum=1ZW1A1828792773812&AgreeToTermsAndConditions=yes&ignore=&track.x=20&track.y=12). I call EA to find out whats going on and explain that another guitar from a supposedly canceled RMA will be here tomorrow. They tell me to keep the guitar and not send any of the previous 3 back. I will not be charged and all holds will be released. This could take up to 7 days.

Day 22. A quick call to Amex shows 2 pending holds on my account for $125 each. Including the original hold that was supposed to have been released 12 days ago.


Somehow this is going to end up costing me money or at the least costing me time and effort.

There was no free game, no 20% off at the EA store. I thought EA might have come out of this a shining star after they called me 2 weeks ago to explain the situation and how they planned to correct it but thus far the holds are still on my card and they have shipped me a 2nd guitar that I'm going to get charged for I'm sure.

Best case scenario, I end up with a 2nd guitar for free. Worst case scenario, I'm charged $250 on top of the $190 I already spent on the game just to get a single working guitar.

[Haggar]

If you call Amex & explaing the situation they will release the holds on your cards. Amex is very loyal to it's customers and there is no reason for EA to still be holding your money.

[Don Chubo]

...I'm charged $250 on top of the $190 I already spent on the game just to get a single working guitar.

That's the bitch right there. Tie up my money because your product sucks? I don't think so.

[reibeatall]

Hey Tirade, want me to kick you in the nuts?

It just seems like everything else isn't really going right for you, so maybe the pain I deliver will make you forget some of your Rock Band woes.

[Tirade]

Hey Tirade, want me to kick you in the nuts?

It just seems like everything else isn't really going right for you, so maybe the pain I deliver will make you forget some of your Rock Band woes.


Lets at least let my asshole heal first.

[reibeatall]

*sigh*
Fine. I'm just trying to help you.

On a related Rock Band note, be careful with your Drum Pedal, folks. Or else you're going to end up like me, with snapped foot pedal and a crushed soul.