Kmart shopper's disgusting discovery in new appliance box: 'I have been scammed'

Imagine the shock of buying a brand-new steam mop, only to open the box at home and find someone else's dirty, broken, well-worn mop inside instead. That’s exactly what happened to one unlucky Kmart shopper, and she’s not holding back her frustration.

"You best believe I was SHOOK to get home and find someone's old dirty, broken, and used steam mop inside the box," she wrote in a social media post to the Kmart Hacks & Decor Facebook group, expressing her disgust, saying she was "lost for words" over the discovery. "It's obvious that someone had returned their old mop inside the Kmart box. And Kmart have not even checked and just put it back on the shelf," she concluded.

To add to the confusion, the dirty mop was a Dirt Devil, a brand available from Bunnings, not Kmart.

RELATED:

• Kmart shopper's ‘perfect’ kitchen hack using unusual $12 item: 'Love mine'

• Kmart's $29 makeup mirror sends shoppers into a frenzy: 'Life changing'

• Kmart shoppers are obsessed with this 'expensive looking' $22 designer dupe: 'So chic'

The shopper shared her dismay online, explaining that she now has to drive 30 minutes back to the store to return the mop. "Now I am not only without a steam mop but also have to take it back to the store and hope they don't think it's me trying to scam them the way I have been scammed. Honestly lost for words."

Her post quickly garnered reactions from social media users, who were equally appalled. "God people are scummy," one person commented. Another added, "Some people! Who even thinks of these things?"

Others were frustrated by the store's return process. "This is getting ridiculous, the sh*t that gets shoved into boxes and returned and the dirty old shoes hanging on the shelves. Thieves galore at Kmart," one user vented. Another echoed this sentiment, "It's actually disgusting! You would think they would be more thorough with returns, especially something electrical."

The store's response

When the shopper reached out to the store manager, she was met with an unexpected response.

"Had the manager laughing, saying if the box doesn't look like it's been opened, they don't check. I will be taking it back tomorrow but she honestly had zero sympathy nor remorse for the whole situation. I told her how disgusting the mop is that came in the box and asked how something like this could even happen... can say I won't be buying from Kmart for awhile."

"I'm very disappointed and will still be trying to take this further so future customers don't have to go through this," she concluded.

Not an isolated incident

As it turns out, this isn’t as rare of an occurrence as you might think. Many group members shared their own horror stories. A former Kmart employee recalled someone returning an iron with a cinder block inside the box. Other customers recounted similar experiences with air mattresses, cameras, drills, kids' scooters, and even a baby bassinet.

SHOP:

• The 'fun' and durable toy that also trains your dog: 'Such a great tool'

• The facial sculpting tool that 'works wonders' and is easier to use than Gua Sha

• The winter pet range designed to keep your cats and dogs cosy, comfy and warm

Many social media users suggested that the shopper should return the item and give the store the opportunity to track down the original offender. "They'll have a record of the return and be able to investigate it," someone wrote.

The shopper's advice? "Check before you walk out of the store!"

Want the latest celebrity news? Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.