Friggin Wal-Mart

Aradia · Teh Creator of Cute Gender: Joined: 16 Jul 2004

OK, I know it's my fault that I didn't notice until now, but I still blame Wal-Mart. I figure they can handle it. As some of you know, Auran's 1st birthday is on the 26th of October. Dai and I are in a real financial funk at the moment and can only afford to get Auran 2 gifts for his birthday. I know he won't know the difference, thats whats so good about him being this age. So we have this baby laptop picked out cause Auran has his own keyboard and he plays on that when Dai and I are on our computers. I go to Wal-Mart to find it yesterday and of course, its not on the shelves. Nowhere in the store. That's not uncommon since our Wal-Mart has gone Nazi on us and has stopped carrying just about everything we buy from there. Stuff's cheaper there than at Target and some things are Wal-Mart exclusive. So why wouldn't they stop carrying things? Wal-Mart, Lowes and Home Depot have already shut down all our hardware stores, corner stores and smaller stores. Well, anyway, I go back online a few minutes ago to find out if I can buy this thing online and have it shipped to the store. That's when I realize I couldn't find it in the store because it's an online only item. And shipping it to the store will get it there after his birthday. Auran's party is on the 21st so the only way I can almost guarantee it's gonna get here on time is to buy the 2-3 day shipping. Thats after the processing time which can take forever cause they don't always get their butt in gear. Supposedly, it will get to our house the day before the party. Here's the crap. The friggin laptop is 18.88 (it's the cheapest thing we could find for him. We left the more expensive things for X-mas). After shipping, I'm paying 39.84. And that's not even guaranteeing it's going to get here on time. Now, like I said, it's my fault I didn't notice it was an online only item, but is there a specific reason a 1.5 pound package costs more than the item to ship? Come on!!!! ARRRGGG!!!! Thanks, I feel a little better now.

Razer · 4934 5157 5662 5658 Gender: Joined: 07 Oct 2002

Well it's really not Walmart's fault for the shipping cost. They still have to send it UPS, Fed Ex, or whatever. You should blame the shippers, Aradia.

underpants · awesome sauce! Age: 41 Gender: Joined: 07 Jul 2004

It's really outrageous!! I bought my friend a gift card to a store that is only online, and because I bought it so late I wanted the 2 day shipping, so that it would get here on time. Let's keep in mind this is a GIFT CARD being sent through USPS. The shipping was....ready for this.......$36.00!!!!!!!!!!!! For something that costs .37 to send!!! I didn't go for it, and just let it get here after her birthday, but still. Come on! It's a friggin' gift card!!!!!!!

ScrumYummy · bunnyhunches of scrums Gender: Joined: 29 Jun 2005

Shipping has gotten rediculous >.> Part of it has to do with gas prices.

And Wal-Mart sucks.

!

Ming · DOOM! Gender: Joined: 13 Jan 2003

Walmart in general just pisses me off. I used to be a big fan, but I really started to see what they do to communities that they come into. Plus, I can't stand how the Walmarts around us all started off nice, but then within 2 years time went to shit because they stopped caring. I don't like buying things from stores that look dirty with crap all over the place and disorganized merchandise (that's why I have decided to not shop at Circuit City anymore)...just a thing I have.

And as far as the shipping goes, I think that that's potential BS. Yes, shipping companies are to blame for SHIPPING costs, but notice the charge is always for "shipping and HANDLING". HANDLING is a charge created by the company selling you the product, not the shipping company. While there should be some handling charges to compensate for packing materials, etc, I'm sure some companies take advantage of it.

I would rather just spend the extra money and shop at Target.

Blackmage · Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2006 1:00 pm Post subject:

I agree with ming

Razer · 4934 5157 5662 5658 Gender: Joined: 07 Oct 2002

Well in defense of Walmart they also offer .97 cents shipping on things from videogames to large Tonka toys and stuff. Some of those items weigh like 20 pounds.

Postage has become a business because you have no option. Fed Ex and UPS used to be far apart but UPS upped their prices because you have no choice. Smaller companies like DHL and RPS (if they are still in business) either jump up too or die. Such is life in the U.S.

Shino · Posted: Mon Oct 16, 2006 8:48 am Post subject:

I think everyone makes good points.

Razer has a point that they do offer reasonable shipping on some items.

But $36 for a freak gift card, that's messed up. And doubleing the price of an item to ship it is also messed up.

But it's not just Wal-mart that does this... (well, maybe the gift card thing) it's many companies. This one is just getting our focus at this time.

For the record... I do shop at the Super Walmart by me... but really... it's only b/c the Super Target is twice the distance away.

FawkesFyre · Posted: Tue Oct 17, 2006 2:53 pm Post subject:

If I had to order it, I would have just gone ahead and gotten it at Target.

I think Target and Walmart each have their perks and drawbacks. It just depends on what I need and where I feel like going.

But that much to send a gift card is crazy!

Razer · 4934 5157 5662 5658 Gender: Joined: 07 Oct 2002

And if we're going to bash then credit must also be given where it's due

This is going on now. .97 cents shipping on War And Peace isn't bad.