Does a California retailer have the right to withhold an item from a customer if it is paid for? Site-to store system was down at Walmart an...

Question

Does a California retailer have the right to withhold an item from a customer if it is paid for? Site-to store system was down at Walmart and they turned me away - my paid-for $500 computer is sitting in their back room with my name on it. Store claims that they have no paper backup system to allow me to sign for the item and take it. I say I own it because I paid for it. Thank you in advance for your answer!

Answer

I would suggest contacting the district office with a copy of your receipt for the purchase and explain why they should give you the computer. If you paid by credit card, you'd want to dispute the charge with the card's issuer.