Campus bookstores usually perform well on their handling of most complaints. However, attempts made by students to obtain a refund for electronic items, such as calculators, often end up in frustration because of the students' unawareness about the ways to effectively register a complaint with the bookstore managers. The final decision rests with the managers; therefore, it is absolutely essential to have a good understanding of the key elements for complaining to them about obtaining a refund for faulty items.
             First of all, know your rights as a consumer before meeting the bookstore manager; your complaint is based on the fact that those rights have been violated. Every item purchased at the bookstore must be of marketable quality and reasonably durable. For example, a TI-86 calculator should have no visible damage and should operate properly for at least five years in normal conditions. In addition, the product must be as portrayed; whether that portrayal is part of the advertising on the label or made by the salesperson. For instance, the salesperson should not claim at the time of sale that the TI-86 calculator could perform word processing, while it does not. Finally, it is the bookstore that is responsible to students in the event that a product is malfunctioning, not the manufacturer. There have been several instances where students have been instructed to call Texas Instruments to complain about faulty calculators. Knowing your rights will deter managers from trying to take advantage of your ignorance of the law.
             Second, stay calm, but be firm while presenting your case to the campus bookstore manager. It is easy to get frustrated, especially if the process leading to the meeting with the manager has been an arduous one. Contrary to what many people believe, it is unnecessary to create an agitated environment; most managers value good customer relations and will go the extra length to ensure a smile on your face bef...