A man named Mark Giles went into a local GameStop location and purchased a refurbished Nintendo 3DS game console for his five-year-old son. Expecting that the console was refurbished as promised, he wrapped it up and gave it to his son as a Christmas gift. What the man didn’t know was that the console hadn’t been refurbished at all.
When the man’s son opened the console to play with it, the boy found nine different pornographic images stored on the portable device. According to GameStop, it has rules in place specifying how products are to be refurbished, but sometimes devices slip through. Clearly, this was one of those times.
GameStop’s Refurbishment Process
GameStop has a detailed refurbishment process that is supposed to ensure all pre-owned devices are thoroughly cleaned, tested, and restored to a like-new condition. This process includes wiping all previous data from the device, checking for any hardware issues, and ensuring that the device is fully functional. However, in this instance, it appears that the process was not followed correctly, leading to a significant oversight.
The presence of inappropriate content on a device intended for a child is a serious issue. It raises questions about the effectiveness of GameStop’s quality control measures. While the company has stated that it has rules in place, this incident suggests that there may be gaps in the implementation of these rules.
Customer Reactions and Company Response
GameStop responded to the incident by giving Giles a brand-new Nintendo 3DS console and a bunch of video games. This gesture was intended to rectify the situation and compensate for the distress caused. However, Giles expressed that this resolution did not fully address the problem. He pointed out that the emotional impact on his son could not be undone. “What’s been seen can’t be unseen,” he remarked, highlighting the lasting effect of the incident.
This situation has sparked a broader discussion about the responsibilities of retailers when selling refurbished electronics. Customers expect that refurbished products will be as good as new, especially when they are purchased from a reputable retailer like GameStop. The incident with Giles and his son underscores the importance of rigorous quality control and the potential consequences when these standards are not met.
In addition to the immediate response, this incident may prompt GameStop to review and possibly enhance its refurbishment process. Ensuring that all devices are thoroughly checked and cleaned before being resold is crucial to maintaining customer trust and preventing similar incidents in the future.
Moreover, this case serves as a reminder to consumers to be cautious when purchasing refurbished electronics. While buying refurbished products can be a cost-effective option, it is essential to verify the reputation of the seller and understand their refurbishment process. Consumers should also consider checking the device themselves before gifting it, especially when it is intended for a child.
via Huffington Post
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
