No cd-key included inside factions box!

So I saw BestBuy is selling factions for 39.99 and I went to buy it for a friend two hours ago.
I got it and then I got home and opened the box.
I already have all 3 chapters and I know how exactly the cdkey should look like and where to find it.

So I took everything out and started to look through everything. After a little while I started to panic.
Then I realize that there is NO cdkey in the box!!
Everything else is included except that.

The box was sealed with that plastic wrap and those three plastic strips.

Is there anybody who has experienced the same thing? Any suggestion?

Wow, that's pretty nasty...

I've heard of people getting two cd keys in a single box, perhaps someone else got the cd key that would have been in yours. Contact tech support is the best advice I can give you, although unless you can prove that you didn't get one they might not be able to help you.

Well, there is absolutely no way to prove it since I opened it when I got home. Unless each box's bar code is linked with a cdkey in which case they can disable the cdkey based on the barcode, and I highly doubt it.

I guess I am just going to bring my student ID to BestBuy tomorrow and try to convince them that as a graduate school student it's unlikely I'll do all this to get a cd-key. This method does not really have any proof but it seems I got no choice here.

No slip of paper with perforations?

Definitely, take the box back asap to Best Buy. Manufacturing errors do occur. I once got a 2-Disc music CD set that had two Disc 2's and no Disc 1, an exchange was made at the place of purchase.

No slip of paper with perforations!
I will try to bring it back there.

Thanks for the reply.

If BestBuy doesn't allow an exchange, you can contact ANet through the PlayNC support and they will help from what I have heard. Although it might take several weeks.

Well, there is only way to find out if there is a cdkey in the box and that is by opening the box... just go back to the shop and ask for another copy.

The problem with that is a lot of stores have a no-returns policy on certain items if they've been opened. Mainly on digital media such as games, music cds, software.
That's why I always open the product and inspect it in front of the sales person, before leaving the store.

Take it back, and if they give you any grief over it just say in a rather loud voice "What? Are you accusing me of stealing the activation code? You do realise that under the law that could be construed as slander don't you?"

It worked a treat for me when GAME over here refused to abide by my Statutory Rights and the Sales of Goods Act and exchange my copy of Battlefield 2 that came without a manual, the code is printed on the manual.

Isn't it great to know a bit about the law?

Any decent store will just do an exchange for you. These kinds of things happen, and they probably see it several times a month, or more.
I've had two seperate incidents involving 'missing' cd's, and some CD's that were so scratched all ready(plastic sealed ??), I didnt even try installing. This occured at two different retailers, and neither had a problem with an exchange. Sure leaves the door wide open for abuse, but lets not even go there.
Good luck.

Actually, since I really DO know something about the law, what Arazoth said was pretty much b/s.

No, not BS at all. Just exploiting the ignorance of the general population when it comes to all things legal. Mr minimum wage isn't going to stand there arguing when you're shouting the 'law' at him is he?

From the Sales of Goods Act:-

As soon as you hand the money over and receive the receipt for the goods, that's classed as a contract.

You'd be surprised at how many store managers quite easily give in! Plus it also helps to be a 6'2" long haired guy when it comes to persuading shops to honour their side of the contract too.

This happened to me also. I bought a Nightfall standard box and the activation key is missing. So I contacted the store about it and they told me to get pictures of what is inside the box, the barcode, the code on the white sticker which seals the box at the top end which has the minimum and recommended system specifications written on it and on the bottom end which has the IMPORTANT note on it. I sent it to them via e-mail. Less than a week later I received my activation key delivered at my doorstep. Not to mention I am a thousand mile away from Anet's office. Talking about fast service