Mickey's Musings

Is It Or Isn't It?

I went to Staples this afternoon. I wanted to get photo printing paper. My son gave me a digital camera for Christmas and I wanted to print some pictures of Sebastian to send along to the vet. Both vets have sent sympathy cards, they've really been unbelievable.

Anyway, I see a sign for Staples brand glossy 4x6, it says 2 for $25.00 and underneath it says $12.50 ea. I decide to get one pack because I'm not sure of the quality. As I'm pulling out of the lot I thought to myself that the total that I'd just paid for the paper, some paper clips and a mini stapler seemed high. My son checks the receipt and I was charged $24.98 for the paper.
Back I go in the store and I drag him with me to look at the sign. Says exactly what I said, except I hadn't noticed that the left side of the sign, which is not in the bright yellow portion advertising the 2 for $25.00, $12.50 ea, states buy one for $24.98, mind you the "Buy one" is small print. Even the girl who tried to help us said that's where you look (the yellow section) I figure I'll spend the 2 cents and get the 2nd box, even though I really don't want it and I don't feel like spending this much, but, I proceed to customer service.
The whole thing really irks me though and the girl at customer service isn't very sympathetic to my questions regarding this misleading sign. Her exact reply was "Do you want them or not?" I suppose this is where I should mention that I have an Irish temper and it had just been sparked. I smirk, pause and then ask for a manager. I got the distinct feeling he saw my point, but he wouldn't cave. This was when I asked if after purchasing the 2 for $25.00 that I could then just stand there and return one for $12.50? Yes, I could......for a second, he seemed perplexed by his own answer and seemed to suddenly realize how stupid this all was. I looked at him, wondering if he'd now try to make sense of all this?
Why should I waste everyone's time by buying them and then immediately hand them back as a return? But, that's exactly what was required.. This was after another employee, told me in a rather heated manner that they'd been doing this for years. I think it's false advertising, why even say that they are $12.50 ea on your sign if you can't make a single purchase of *one* for $12.50?