Man 'frustrated' after iPad purchase from Best Buy

DORCHESTER, Mass. -- One frustrated shopper said he didn’t get what he paid for at a recent trip to Best Buy.

“I was very aggravated and frustrated with the whole situation,” said Shlager.

Last month, Shlager paid more than $800 for an iPad at a Best Buy in Dorchester. He bought it as a gift for his son who was away at school in Florida.

But, when his son opened it last week, Shlager said nothing happened.

“He couldn’t get it to work and he was frustrated and he threw it in the corner of the room,” said Shlager.

Shlager said the iPad wouldn’t turn on, that there was no power cable in the box and there were hardly any instructions. Shlager said he took it to a Best Buy store in Florida and showed it to the Geek Squad.

“They looked at it and came back and said, ‘It’s not going to work because it’s fake,’” said Shlager.

Shlager then tried to return it at three Best Buy stores, including the one in Dorchester, but he said they wouldn’t let him.

“They accused me of bringing home a new one and replacing it with a dummy and trying to return a dummy,” said Shlager.

Then, Shlager said Best Buy called and left a message with his wife.

“They told her that this happened to five to six other people in the store and they realize that there is an issue,” said Shlager.

When 7NEWS inquired about the situation, Best Buy released a statement:

“Thank you for bringing this situation to our attention. We are investigating but do not have additional information to share at this time.”

“I think it’s lousy,” said Shlager.

Consumer experts have advice for those who may be purchasing boxed items this holiday season - they suggest always opening your package in front of a store employee inside the store to make sure everything is there and that its working.

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