Office Depot Grumble

[Prunella]

Last weekend I was talking to my Mom about my computer. She asked me how old it was. I told her the computer was new, but the monitor was over 7 years old. I also said, that I was surprised that it has lasted 7 years. That was pretty unusual for a cheap monitor to last that long. Wouldn't you know it - the VERY next day the monitor dies. I borrowed one from a friend until I could get to Office Depot to see what they had in stock. I found a $50 rebate coupon on-line, so I knew exactly what I wanted. I get to the store today, find the monitor and go to check out. My total comes up $8.00 more than is should have. I'm thinking - what? I ask the clerk, who tells me they now charge an $8.00 "disposal fee" on all computers. I get iirritated, so I tell them I don't want the monitor. It's not that I don't want to pay the fee, it's just that I don't like surprises. No where was the "fee" information posted in the store or on the price tag. If I hadn't caught the extra charge, they wouldn't have said anything.

:mad: :mad: :mad:

I come home, go on-line and find an Office Depot coupon for $30 off anything over $150. Since the monitor I wanted was only $149.99, I ordered a .29¢ eraser. Total comes out to $129.35 for both items, plus free shipping, plus an additional $50 rebate. No where was I charged any "Disposal fee." Since I saved myself $88, I guess it paid to walk out of the store.

:) :) :)

[jkmiller]

I just called my husband at work, which happens to be Office Depot. He is over several stores.... he said he knows NOTHING about an "fee" to dispose of monitors or cpu's. If I were you, I would call the store back and speak with the manager to find out exactly what is going on. I'm not saying there isn't such a fee, but I worked for Office Depot several years, as well as my husband still working with them. I would definitely check it out! I am curious as to what the manager will tell you about it! Please let us know!

[Prunella]

I found this - California Imposes CRT Recycling Fee

http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,112649,00.asp

Makes sense, but I wonder why the store charged me, but the web-site didn't?

[justme23]

I found this - California Imposes CRT Recycling Fee

http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,112649,00.asp

Makes sense, but I wonder why the store charged me, but the web-site didn't?

Probably because their corporate office isn't in California... same as not having to pay taxes at most online stores unless they have corporate offices in the same state you are ordering from.

We buy fron newegg.com and we never pay taxes or shipping or extra disposal fees... and they are usually about 25% cheaper than everybody else.

[Prunella]

Probably because their corporate office isn't in California... .I checked. It's coming from California and being delivered in California.
Oh well..doesn't matter. Just glad I got such a good price. :D

[justme23]

I checked. It's coming from California and being delivered in California.
Oh well..doesn't matter. Just glad I got such a good price. :D

That's just a warehouse... but I am glad you got a good price and you didn't have to pay the fee. :)

[jkmiller]

That explains why my husband hadn't heard anything about this.... we do not live in CA, and haven't ever either. :D

[Goobie]

Makes sense, but I wonder why the store charged me, but the web-site didn't?

Probably because they aren't the one disposing of it, you are.

I know places that change your oil, tires, and batteries charge a disposal fee, that's just part of life nowadays with all the chemicals and hazards these materials can cause in our trash and landfills.

[Prunella]

That makes sense, if they were taking my old one. I called - they don't. So why are they getting the money?

I checked with my family and neighbors. Between all of us, we've purchased over a dozen computers, monitors, televisions, and other electronic gadgets in the past couple of years. No one had to pay any type of fee.