Walmart — Local services in La Mesa

One evening almost two weeks ago, after the firmware on my printer updated—it wouldn’t recognize some of the ink cartridges. This would begin a series of frustrating events for me in the days to follow. After researching and reading that Epson’s latest firmware update included the (illegal) locking in of the printers affected to only being able to function with genuine Epson ink cartridges. While I have previously purchased 3rd party ink cartridges and have used it in this printer in the past—the ones that were installed at the time of the update were all actual Epson ink cartridges, that were purchased online. The problem was, the printer wasn’t recognizing two of the four colors. Needing to print urgently, I went to Walmart and bought another full combo set of ink cartridges, as well as another cartridge of just black ink. When I purchased it, I asked the clerk if I would be able to return it and was assured with the receipt, I would with the receipt, and if it was unused and still in the vacuum seal. When I got home and proceeded to prepare the printer for the cartridge switch, I noticed that the model on the ink cartridges that the printer recognized, differed from the ones it did not—the ones it recognized were 288. and the ones it did not were 220. In my experience with this printer, I only ever bought and used 220, and so it was that I purchased at Walmart. Frustrated, I called it a day and planned to go back and exchange it for the right model, the next day. When we get to the Walmart the next day, I explain to the customer service person about the situation, and she proceeds to review the products for exchange. She pauses and tells us that the cartridges we were returning were not all the right ones, and not the ones that should have been in the package we bought. Perplexed, we asked her to call her manager. We explained again to her manager and told her that the clerk from the department that had the ink upstairs even took it out of the glass case and walked it to the register we were checking out at. How some of the ink cartridges that were still vacuum sealed got into the mix from taking it home, discovering the probable issue, and taking it right back to the store the very next day—still vacuum sealed–was beyond any explanation I had. The manager seemed to understand, and I felt assured we could pick up some other items we needed, grab some food at McDonalds, and finally resolve the ink cartridge fiasco. Alas, Walmart was fresh out of customer satisfaction that day. I left my friend at the customer service desk to finalize the ink cartridge matter while I went to McDonald’s to get our food. About 20 minutes later, while I’m in line at McDonalds, my friend comes and informs me that the clerks manager called her manager—who manages that store. His name was Freddie. The clerks manager explains the situation to him, and he basically makes a judgment call to renig on the assumed exchange. My friend asks why he wouldn’t take the exchange and he said he didn’t need a reason he just wasn’t. Yes, I know it’s at his discretion, but he really could have left the condescending, discriminate tone out. Bewhildered by Freddie’s handling of the matter, my friend asked for corporates contact info and proceeded to document the situation with his phone. At that point he said Freddie freaked, told him he wasn’t allowed to take his picture, and scurried off quick. I am completely oblivious to whether taking photographs in Walmart is prohibited, but for photos posted are for informational reference. At this point, and after having the exchange for the correct model of ink cartridges been accommodated at another Walmart, I have no problem driving a few extra miles to my new local Walmart—they obviously appreciate their patrons by providing the product that...

This Walmart location needs to step it up and enforce the new COVID requirements better. Especially when it comes to wearing masks. I have noticed recently that sometimes people are not allowed to enter the store with no face coverings, while others are ignored. I went there this evening and they had someone at the entrance to check the customers coming in - as they should. While waiting to enter I noticed the gentleman at the door got on a woman who was wearing her mask improperly. He told her to put it on correctly or she could not enter. The very next customers in line was a small group of 4 teenagers, and not one of them were wearing masks. 4 completely uncovered faces. And even though it was the same guy at the door, he let them all in without saying a word. I was the next one to enter and I pointed out what I had just witnessed. He snapped at me with a nasty "well I can't watch everyone" attitude. I'm Sorry.... But, What? He's at the door and it's his job to watch everyone entering. Isn't it? And why was that one lady singled out, but those 4 teenagers just ignored? But there's more to come during this visit: I was only in the store about 15 minutes, since I had a small list. But during my visit, I witnessed at least 12 employees walking either not wearing masks properly, or just wearing them around their necks not even covering their mouths or noses. At one point, over in the grocery aisles, I saw 3 employees gathering having a conversation with customers walking right past them. And not one of the 3 had there faces covered. I actually said something to one of the ladies stocking the shelves about her mask not covering her face. She gave me some attitude telling me she can't do her job if she can't breathe. I'm Sorry Again... But, WHAT????? The last time I visited this location, I actually witnessed an employee on the second floor in the electronics area talking face to face with a customer with his mask around his neck instead of covering his face. And he was not 6 feet spaced from this woman either. All of the current requirements were already in place at that point. I reported it to one of the managers, who told me that was wrong. Well, apparently, things have gotten worse. Granted, this Walmart location has had it's problems. But right now there is a Very High Concern in regard to the Health and Welfare of the Public During this World Wide Pandemic. Rules are put in place for a reason. We as customers are expected to follow all of Walmart's, as well as the Governor's, rules. All of which I agree with. But this Walmart location doesn't seem to care about the rules or the welfare of their customers. I live only 5 minutes away, but I'm done with this location. With these recent events, and their laxed attitude, they've lost my business for good. I'll drive to another location...

To get down to brass tacks - I go to Walmart more often than not for specific needs/reasons, not to window shop. With that said, customer service is incredibly important and is still appreciated by me, and I would hope, the overall public.

Customer service should still be at the forefront. Products come and go but people remember the way they are treated.

As I've stated in other reviews, I am empathetic towards the daily dealings of customers (who more often than not are impatient and rude.) It's not easy. I get it. I've been there. I've done it.

With that said, retail jobs are voluntary. Everyone's job is voluntary to some extent if you think about it.

If you don't like customers, or questions, or doing go-backs, or fronting end-caps, NEWSFLASH: you can quit.

Employees at this location are often times rude based on their initial judgment of a customer. Dress, demeanor, whether you have a backpack or a purse, etc, etc. Being greeted at the door, the check stand, the exit.

I think all of those small things are hugely important and imperative to customer retention and at the end of the day; that's what matters.

Don't get me wrong...this location has great employees and some that are not great and not professional whatsoever.

Unfortunately those detrimental experiences leave a lasting impression. As for Walmart, it's a good thing that "supply and demand" is still at the forefront of most economical decisions of the people thus making customer retention easier to maintain based on the savings.

I firmly believe that disgruntled or "angry at the world" employees shouldn't take out nor air their grievances at work or customers. Period.

Customers will have questions. Your job will suck. So on and so forth. But treating customers rudely or blowing them off based on how they look, how you feel that day, past experiences etc., only further solidifies the apathetic and cold stance our society appears to have taken on daily life.

For everyone's sake...Do...