Pages

Monday, May 16, 2011

A Minor Annoyance

So here's a little thing. About four months ago, in a fit of decluttering the office, I brought 14 or so spent ink cartridges to Staples to recycle them. When I called to find out if the do, in fact, recycle spent ink cartridges, I was told that yes, AND I get $2 for every one, plus money off of new cartridges and paper for each one! Yay! But then when I GOT to Staples, I discovered that I had to sign up for a customer loyalty card to get the money. And they will only take 10 cartridges a month. So. OK. I gave her 10 of my 14 cartridges, signed up for the program, and paid for my new cartridges and paper. But what was this? No money off! And no money back!

No, they MAIL you the rebate at a later date, and it actually comes as "Staples Dollars" (or whatever they call it) only to be spent at Staples. So. FINE.

But here we are, four or five months later, and I do not have my Staples Dollars. I finally got around to inquiring at the store, and they said, "Oh, they must have the wrong email address." But I get the ads JUST FINE. In fact, I was inspired to write this complainy post by a Staples ad I got in my email just today! As I do every day! And there is nothing they can do at the store; I have to call Staples and complain. This is obviously a huge pain, so I didn't, and then a month went by and I lost the info, and had to inquire at the store again. I should note that at this point, I also brought back the other four cartridges, so now they owe me at least $28. Then I actually DID try to call, but it was the weekend and I have to call during normal business hours. Which I didn't, and now I've lost the phone number again.

But I will hunt down my $28, and I will complain heartily and try to get more. At least, I hope I will. I'm a lot of empty talk sometimes. But I'll try to channel A'Dell who would definitely not put up with this sort of thing.

6 comments:

A'Dell said...

1) This is why I do not recycle. There are too many rules and conditions and ways to screw it up and waste my time. You tried to do something good and look where it landed you? Angry and with all your time wasted!

2) I would have never signed up for the loyalty program because I hate loyalty programs.

3) Their Twitter feed seems to be responsive to complaints. I'd see if you can get to them that way (and, obvs, provide a link to this post). @staplestweets

Jessica said...

Let us know how it turns out. I have a boatload of used cartridges, plus I already get Staples emails even though I'm not a rewards member. (I stupidly signed up to get their Black Friday preview last year and have been too lazy to unsubscribe.)

Erica said...

UGH I am annoyed along with you!!!

A'Dell's Mom said...

Companies love to advertise a great offer, but then make it so difficult to collect on promised benefits. They count on most people not having the time or persistence to follow through. Go get your $28, and when you talk to them on the phone tell them that because of your tweet A'Dell's mom will not be patronizing Staples....not that I ever shopped there before, but ....

Heather R said...

I think it's so funny that A'Dell's mom chimed in! That family is serious about customer service!

I keep checking to see if you've changed your background/template!

LJS said...

see if you can manage your Staples account online. We did the same thing to get free binders and the rebate took FOREVER but we were able to speed things up on their website.