Burlington Coat Factory Informative - BCF steals from the customer - Holiday returns

Posted by Principissa on 2007-11-19:

You know Alley, my husband was in the Navy for 6 years and never once used his service to get out of paying or have someone make exceptions for him.

I do think it's unfair that you got charged that 18.00 but everyone else does. I had a 50.00 gift card to Bed, Bath, and Beyond that I lost and then found two years later and it only had 10.00 on it. It was my fault I lost it and used that 10.00 to get a really cute spatula set.

Posted by DebtorBasher on 2007-11-19:

I'm reading this thread differently...when the poster stated, "Unfortunately, I was deployed for fourteen months and there was no BCF in the Middle East for me to use the giftcard"...I'm not seeing that being said in a way to get out of paying, but just as an explaination as to why the card wasn't used.

Thanks for the info...I was not aware of this policy either.

Posted by Principissa on 2007-11-19:

Sorry DB, I must have read wrong. I shouldn't have posted at all to this if I was confused.

To the OP, I apologize I misread what you typed. And it is a valid explanation to why you didn't use the card. I still say it's unfair that they took the money, but policy is policy.

Posted by DebtorBasher on 2007-11-19:

No problem...I read it twice, because the first time I thought the same thing you did.

Posted by moneybags on 2007-11-19:

Check w/ JAG about the Soldiers and Sailors Act. I believe this law will force BCF to return the money. It says Military members who are deployed cannot be financially penalized.

Posted by yoke on 2007-11-20:

What is your problem Alley. The OP was not using his military status as an excuse, but trying to warn the consumer that this company takes from the consumer.
When exactly is the "Holiday" season. Years ago it was from the day after Thanksgiving until New Years Day. It seems the "Holiday" season now starts right afater Labor Day and runs until mid-January.
To the OP thank you for your service to our country. Do as moneybags said and go to JAG, find out if BCF has to return the money to you.

Posted by DebtorBasher on 2007-11-20:

Moneybags is right. When I worked for NCO, we had the "Soldiers and Sailors" program...which meant that there would be no additional fees added to the account or any negative comments reported to the Credit Bureau while deployed. Once they returned home, they would be put onto a payback program that allowed them to make reasonable payments to bring the account currents. Some collectors would argue if the spouse is a joint holder on the account, they can still go after the spouse...however, the way I worked the accounts, if the spouse was unable to make the payments, I would explain this program and put them on it. It does no one any good to continue calling when payment is not possible and a program like this is available to help the customer.

Posted by Lidman on 2007-11-20:

Rag, I hope moneybags is right and I don't care what anybody else says you deserve to use your military status when you are over sea's fighting for these people that think it's alright to screw even our military. BCF will never get any of my business just because of this fact not to mention the fact that they would be so petty over $18.00.

I thank you for your service to our country and its ungrateful people. May you have a great Holiday and thanks for this information about BCF, you helped us again! God Bless

Posted by Stew.old on 2007-11-20:

AlleyS - You stepped over the line... let's chalk it up to youthful indiscretion.


What Lidman said! Rick, maybe your local media would be interested in this story... I know I am. Good luck and thanks for your service.

Posted by rag on 2007-11-20:

Thanks Moneybags. I forgot about that rule. Normally my wife handles the accounts when I'm deployed but the giftcard was in my wallet which was with me. I'll do it for principal sake.