ok, just got back from target. returned the xbox... successfully! it was a little bit of a hassle though so risk takers be warned. anyways, this is what happened so far:
i walked in with only the xbox in the big bags, and asked to return it showing my receipt. the lady doesnt believe that i have not opened it yet even though i bought it late yesterday and the seal is in perfect condition. so she opens the xbox. and lo and behold, everything is in perfect condition. man, they're going to have a hard time trying to sell that unit now... stupid employee.
anyways, all went well and she processed the return and was about to hand me my return receipt and original receipt when she was telling me that "ok, X amount of dollars has been put back on your card", then she sees that i used a $30 coupon.
wait a sec.
she starts questioning me right before she hands me the receipt, and then goes asking a few employees if they know about any deal about a $30 coupon with a game (because she noticed i also bought an 'xbox software'.
i told her no, it was a manufacturer's receipt (white lie!). then the electronics guy tells her that there's a deal with 'ninja gaiden' and she asks me and i tell her i got a sports game (since the title isnt on the receipt (another white lie!). she starts spitting out numbers and stuff and i get freaked out.
she finally gives up and gets tired of me acting pissed off (i almost cried when she opened the xbox from the bottom of the box) from her ignorance.
so she finally hands me the receipt and i get out of there as soon as i can.
i was originally planning to go back in and buying another bundle, but i figured the electronics guy had a fresh memory of the deal and would question me if i might be the guy who returned the xbox. so i promptly left.
anyways, here's what i figure. it might be safer to buy multiple games (besides ninja gaiden) and other things you might like so that the receipt looks longer and fuller, thereby sorta masking the coupon line on the receipt (you know, less noticable). then, if they ask you, you can just say that it was also a manufacturer coupon and that you got sports games (like top spin) and kotor, halo, shenmue, etc... so that they have less of a chance and less time to prove you wrong on the spot.
the credit went through, and i currently have ninja gaiden for $20.
currently no xbox, but i plan on going back for another bundle at a different target later.
i'll let you know how that goes, i might as well pick up top spin while i'm at it. it's $29.99 everywhere right?
it was a bit of a rush, i'll admit, but it was totally worth the $30 discount. for those interested, i wish you the best of luck
ps--i have the dc euro import of shenmue2, so would the xbox version be worth it? how's the english voice acting?