The lost iPod: what would you do?

Today while I stopped into Home Outfitters for a few minutes, I found an iPod Nano on a shelf inside a charging station valet. There were small, messy fingerprints all over but no other identifiable information. Obviously it was misplaced by a child who was probably crying somewhere in the mall. Maybe her parents were busy trying to retrace their steps.

I couldn’t just leave it there. I asked a couple salespeople if they knew of anyone looking for a lost iPod. They didn’t. I was on my way to the checkout. So, while paying, I gave the cashier the iPod and asked her to take my name and number. I left clear instructions asking her to call me if the owner didn’t come back to claim it within a week or so. Why? I wanted to make sure someone working at the store didn’t take it home. There had to be some way to find the owner even if she didn’t come forward.

After I had made my decision and returned the Nano, I put the question out to my friends on Twitter. Here’s what they had to say.

As you’ll see, most of them would have done the same thing. One person suggested doing nothing. Daniele Rossi and Dave Jones suggested taking it back to Apple since they could probably trace it back to the owner. Great tip, I hadn’t thought of that.

What would you do?

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Announcing PodCamp Toronto 2010

Perhaps you’re wondering why I’ve been so quiet lately. I haven’t disappeared. Like the rest of an amazing group of volunteers on this year’s organizing team and sub committees, I’ve been busy helping to put the pieces together for PodCamp Toronto 2010 – an unconference for podcasters and other social media enthusiasts – February 20 and 21.

Our new website launched Sunday night and already almost 250 people have registered from all over Eastern and Central Canada as well as the United States, to attend this free event. Sponsors have been incredibly supportive and without them to cover the costs, PodCamp Toronto would not be free.

But one piece is still missing: the sessions. If you’re passionate about something or you have a unique point of view you’d like to share with the community, consider presenting. A session registration form will be added to the website soon, promise. And if there’s something you’d like to see me speak about, leave your suggestions in the comments.

What?
PodCamp Toronto 2010
It’s the largest unconference for podcasting and social media in Toronto.

Have something to share?
Consider presenting. Sign up will be available soon.

When?
February 20-21, 2010
You can register by signing up here.

Where?
Rogers Communications Centre
Ryerson University (map)
Toronto, ON

How much?
FREE!

Stay informed:
• Check out the website
• Subscribe to the blog
• Follow @PodCampToronto on twitter
• Join the Google group

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Should retailers be responsible for all comments made by their employees?

Yesterday I purchased a pair of Vans KISS Sk8-Hi Skate shoes for my son. I’m not sure about you but buying footwear for either of my sons is such a chore. So, when we were shopping with my nephews for winter boots and L’il Spo just had to have these shoes, I obliged on one condition. I needed to know they could be returned. Yes, they could... for a full refund within seven days as long as he didn’t wear them outside and we kept the bill. Why? Because I know he tends to get suckered in by the appearance and often complains about the fit when he gets home.

Last night I checked them out on the Getoutsideshoes.com. Surprise, they were on sale for $15 less than what I paid in the store. I called them right away and very politely told the woman who answered the phone. She was most apologetic and said sometimes the “north” store doesn’t have its systems up-to-date but that I could come in and get a price adjustment. The refund policy would still stand. Today I went back to the store, presented my bill and got a refund for the difference between the regular and sale prices. Painless.

Sounds great, right? We’ll not really. Getoutside is right on when it comes to customer service policies. The staff could have been more helpful though. They weren’t very attentive when we needed help – there was plenty of staff – the store is set up in a self-serve manner but we were shopping for kids’ footwear and stores selling to kids need to be more accommodating.

But that’s not the issue that concerned me most. When I called back last night, the woman I spoke to was lovely and accommodating. She wanted me to know it was an honest mistake. The problem was how she said it – she said, “I wasn’t trying to gyp you or anything.” Yikes! I never assumed she was.

There’s no excuse for racist remarks even when said out of ignorance. Regardless, that type of comment never sits well. I think it reflects as poorly on the store as it does the employee. What about you?

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Bargainista’s list of 2009 Boxing Day Sales

This list will be updated continuously so check it often. You may also want to click through to Bargainista’s comprehensive list on Twitter.

If you find a sale that isn’t listed here please add it by leaving a comment or e-mail me and we’ll do our best to post it quickly.

Sumaya is helping out this year. The ˆES or ˆSK at the end of each tweet represents our intials.

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