I agree that most probably dont have the proper knowledge to check or fix a bike, be it a box store or an lbs sale. However I would like to think someone close to the individual be it a family member, neighbor, ex wife's brother(cause you know they always get along lol) would be able to check the bike for them. Granted they would need to at least need to have the capacity to ask someone...It actually happened to me.

My sister bought a kent 18 speed from walmart for her grandson for xmas. The kids in 5th grade and wanted a bike with gears. When I found out they bought it I told her to have the boys father go thru the bike. I saw him a week later, asked if he checked the bike. He told me he didnt go thru it yet so I ended up checking it out.

But lets be fair, were talking bicycles here, they are not that complicated, in fact they are fun to work on even if your learning as you work on one..At minimum, grab a crescent wrench and tighten the wheels and handlebars