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[worldrunover]

As a former Best Buy employee, I COMPLETELY believe this news.

I just can't believe corporate had the balls to let this get out in the open.

I agree. I used to work there too, and this news does not surprise me at all, in fact I was kind of waiting for it.

Just make sure the rest of the 80% buy Netflix!1!!

 

[mashoutposse]

Just make sure the rest of the 80% buy Netflix!1!!

Netflix is actually a great service. One day, my dad caved in and signed up; as a movie buff, it was probably the best thing he has ever done for himself.

Not all 3rd party in-store retail promotions are bad deals. Heck, most of them are actually excellent values -- even the ISP ones (broadband, especially).

 

[Flynn]

I don't know what that article is talking about, but we don't price match internet ads. There's no way we would stay in business. Also, we don't mind people mailing in Rebates. The problem arises when they mail in for a Rebate and THEN bring the damn thing back for a return... And even THEN waiting for the Open Box item to go out on the floor(we usually discount all opened items if they still work). So they are pretty much hustling best buy. I work in customer service and it's ridiculous what people do to try and get over!

I just wanted to return an unopened wireless router I got as a gift. It probably didn't come from Best Buy, all I wanted was a credit. They looked at me like I was trying to plant a bomb in their store.

The thing that pissed me off was that they couldn't explain to me why they wouldn't take the return, except for the fact that they're not sure it came from Best Buy.

 

[Deleted member 1159]

Just a quick story before I head out:

Last night I went to Best Buy in search of MGS3. Seeing it was nowhere to be found on the display shelf, I asked an employee to check the back. He reported that the guys in the back said it had been moved up to next week. I shrugged my shoulders (since they obviously didn't have it) and decided to check the EB Games at the mall. On the way out, however, the stupid turd that has to stand at the front greeting people questioned me on the way out. Went something like this:

Turd: You find everything you were looking for?
Me: No, you don't have it
Turd: What was it?
Me: Metal Gear Solid
Turd: Oh I'm sure we have that
Me: Not the new one
Turd: Well did you ask someone to check?
Me (getting irritated): Yeah, he said it was bumped up but I know people already have it, so I'm going somewhere elese
Turd: Well have you checked online? There are a lot of big games coming out this week so it's possible it was bumped up so they could sell more
Me: No...I mean yeah I've checked online, I know people who have it, I'm sure it's out, shut the fuck up before I kill you and rape your mother

...ok I made up part of that last line, but I wasn't too happy about being questioned on my way out. Let me leave in peace!

 

[RevenantKioku]

I just wanted to return an unopened wireless router I got as a gift. It probably didn't come from Best Buy, all I wanted was a credit. They looked at me like I was trying to plant a bomb in their store.

The thing that pissed me off was that they couldn't explain to me why they wouldn't take the return, except for the fact that they're not sure it came from Best Buy.

If you didn't have a receipt, and their policy for returns involves you having a receipt, what's the issue? You can't return it.

 

[teiresias]

just wanted to return an unopened wireless router I got as a gift. It probably didn't come from Best Buy, all I wanted was a credit. They looked at me like I was trying to plant a bomb in their store.

First of all, you should have slapped whoever it was that gave you a piece of electronics for a gift without a gift receipt. Second of all, I don't see how you had any real right to return it anyway, given you had no receipt. Maybe if it was immediately after Christmas where stores are often more leniant when it comes to receipts, but otherwise, no.

 

[Miguel]

Also, Best Buy seems to be phazing out the Gamer's Gift Card. At least at the location I went to this week. They are replacing it with an 'EA Gamer Gift Card' that has a $5 coupon on EA games $29.99 and up, not any game at $19.99 and up as with the regular gamer's card.

:lol Fuck yeah... NBA Live for 24.99! :lol

 

[WasabiKing]

Well, GAF administration loves Best Buy.

 

[ge-man]

I go to Best Buy like every 2 weeks just to walk around and get people to follow me. :lol

No one's ever told me anything, but I swear this guy was following me throughout the store for a while. I walked in between aisles for a few minutes, even circling one section for about a minute while he started to follow then realized I knew he was following me and stopped. :lol

I usually just go in to play whatever games they have in the kiosks and make the employees paranoid.

This happens to me too. Nothing annoys me more than people coming buy every few minutes asking if you need help.

Anyway, I'm not surprised about this news either--and I've never been a BB employee. There's no way BB executives would continue tolerate shrewed shoppers. I thought they would have stop the loss leader stuff by now.

 

[Lucky Forward]

I generally like Best Buy; I go there at least once a week and buy a lot of DVD's and games from them.

But, damn, some days shopping in that store can be a sonic assault on the senses. They'll have some loud hip-hop going over the speakers while Star Wars is blasting from a home theater set-up and Armgeddon is cranked up on a little flat screen on the end of the aisle. Meanwhile, the rock is cranked up on a car audio system, and I hear the distant booms from the subwoofer of yet another home theater unit at the far end of the store.

There's a saying, "If it's too loud, you're too old." Well, I give up, I'm too old.

 

[Flynn]

If you didn't have a receipt, and their policy for returns involves you having a receipt, what's the issue? You can't return it.

It's a shitty policy. People don't always give gift reciepts. There was once a time that if a store stocked something they'd exchange it, no questions asked...because they valued your business. Apparently Best Buy doesn't value mine.

 

[Miguel]

It's a shitty policy. People don't always give gift reciepts. There was once a time that if a store stocked something they'd exchange it, no questions asked...because they valued your business. Apparently Best Buy doesn't value mine.

Ace Combat 5 @ Sears - 4.99
Ace Combat 5 @ Best Buy - 49.99

45 dollars lost = ...yeah, that's not going to work.

Actually, they don't really lose anything...except they would miss out on a sale cause I don't think too many people would buy AC5 at 50 bucks, while the guy who returns a Sears copy would probably get a big name title with the 50 bucks credit. In some weird fuzzy math way...it's bad for Best Buy.

 

[Wario64]

Ace Combat 5 @ Sears - 4.99
Ace Combat 5 @ Best Buy - 49.99

45 dollars lost = ...yeah, that's not going to work.

It's not 45 dollars lost...it's $49.50 dollars lost

Gotta account the 110% pricematch difference

($49.99-$4.99) * .10 = $4.50

$4.99 - $4.50 = $0.49 game

 

[Miguel]

No, I meant buying the game at Sears, and returning it to Best Buy for credit...as the previous poster was complaining about "needing a receipt to return a gift"

 

[RevenantKioku]

It's a shitty policy. People don't always give gift reciepts. There was once a time that if a store stocked something they'd exchange it, no questions asked...because they valued your business. Apparently Best Buy doesn't value mine.

Losing money isn't business companies appreciate, sorry.

And as for "people don't always give gift receipts." Then get the receipt from them. If they lost it, threw it out, I'm sorry you deal with such people. Seriously, this isn't very difficult stuff to do.

 

[DarienA]

It's a shitty policy. People don't always give gift reciepts. There was once a time that if a store stocked something they'd exchange it, no questions asked...because they valued your business. Apparently Best Buy doesn't value mine.

VERY FEW stores will accept an item back with no receipt these days you know.

 

[Miguel]

VERY FEW stores will accept an item back with no receipt these days you know.

Does Walmart?

 

[WasabiKing]

It's a shitty policy. People don't always give gift reciepts. There was once a time that if a store stocked something they'd exchange it, no questions asked...because they valued your business.

And that's to prevent scammers like some people on these board to make a killing...

And they don't know that they've ever had your business to begin with without the receipt.

 

[xsarien]

Apparently Best Buy doesn't value mine.

They value not getting scammed like people regularly do to Wal-Mart. If you need to return a gift, it isn't too much to ask to ask that person for a receipt. You don't have to worry about hurt feelings, just say that it's defective or something and they'll gladly hand it over.

 

[Flynn]

VERY FEW stores will accept an item back with no receipt these days you know.

I know, long gone are the days of Nordstrom.

But just because its the status quo, doesn't mean I have to like it.

 

[Wario64]

Target used to accept returns without receipts but now they changed their policy apparantly. You can only return wihtout a receipt if the item is under $10

 

[DarienA]

Does Walmart?

It doesn't seem like it according to their Website

To Return an Item to a Store

* Take the item, invoice and all original packaging and accessories to Customer Service at your local Wal-Mart.
* An Associate will issue an immediate credit to the original payment method or provide a store credit for the cost of the item and the sales tax, if applicable.

Ah somebody mentioned Target:

We will issue a full refund for most items returned within 90 days in new condition, with the original receipt or packing slip, packaging and accessories.

Also, please note:
• Music, movies, video games, software and collectibles must be returned unopened.
• Camcorders, digital cameras, portable DVD players and portable electronics are subject to a 15% restocking fee.
• Holiday and Seasonal merchandise on clearance at the time of the return will be refunded at the current clearance price.
• Any purchase made by check may be refunded as a merchandise voucher.
• Other restrictions may apply.

All other returns or exchanges — including those without a receipt — will be offered manufacturers' warranty and repair assistance at 1-800-303-0308.

Don’t have your receipt?
In most instances, Target stores can verify purchases made within the last 90 days on a store account, third-party charge account, check or GiftCard using our unique Receipt Look-up system.

 

[RevenantKioku]

But just because its the status quo, doesn't mean I have to like it.

No one's asking you to like it.

 

[Flynn]

No one's asking you to like it.

Yeah, they're just making me seem like a hapless fuck for not having a gift reciept.

Anyway, my inability to return a perfectly good, sealed router was just the straw that broke the camel's back.

Best Buy also just gimped their Rewards Card, giving less for buying more. I was very reluctant to pay for my card's renewal (which I had originally gotten for free). I should have gone with my gut and let my participation with the promo lapse.

 

[Future]

Since the best buy dude was such a blatant ass in that article, he should have just went all out and admit that selling the product itself actually takes a back seat to selling the service plan that goes with it. When I worked there, all product training was focused on finding ways product could break down, and then use that to sell the service plan. Nothing has changed either. Was at best buy the other day and all I heard was customers forced to deepthroat crap about that service plan. Complete Bullshit

 

[tedtropy]

Since the best buy dude was such a blatant ass in that article, he should have just went all out and admit that selling the product itself actually takes a back seat to selling the service plan that goes with it. When I worked there, all product training was focused on finding ways product could break down, and then use that to sell the service plan. Nothing has changed either. Was at best buy the other day and all I heard was customers forced to deepthroat crap about that service plan. Complete Bullshit

"And sir, would you like to buy an uber-extended accidental death coverage for that cheesey $20 portable CD player?"

Yeah, it's amazing how persistent they are with those things. One day I was just shopping around, bought only a coke, and was honestly half-prepared for the clerk to ask me if I'd like to buy a 5-minute satisfaction warranty with it or something... :lol

 

[Flynn]

"And sir, would you like to buy an uber-extended accidental death coverage for that cheesey $20 portable CD player?"

Yeah, it's amazing how persistent they are with those things. One day I was just shopping around, bought only a coke, and was honestly half-prepared for the clerk to ask me if I'd like to buy a 5-minute satisfaction warranty with it or something... :lol

If it spills we'll replace it at no extra charge.

 

[TheGreenGiant]

Paying customers that just happen to take advantage of store policy deserve to be banned from the store?

Glad you don't own a business

you highlighted the word just fine. Try running a business where people try to TAKE ADVANTAGE of you.

Apparent from your statement you're don't run a business and that you're probably one of the flakes this report is talking about

 

[Shogmaster]

"And sir, would you like to buy an uber-extended accidental death coverage for that cheesey $20 portable CD player?"

You are giving their replacement plans way too much credit. They don't cover "accidents". You physically break it, you keep it.

 

[Flynn]

you highlighted the word just fine. Try running a business where people try to TAKE ADVANTAGE of you.

Apparent from your statement you're don't run a business and that you're probably one of the flakes this report is talking about

Um. Businesses shouldn't create exploitable promotions. That's bad business.

Turning 20% of customers away because some people are smart enough to see the Lincoln Tunnel sized loopholes in your deals is additionally stupid.

 

[WasabiKing]

Um. Businesses shouldn't create exploitable promotions. That's bad business.

Have you actually worked in retail before? Restaurant business? It's not so much company policy, but idiotic people who won't back down to get what they want. It's also not good company practice to treat every customer that they're going to rip you off some how, creates really bad morale.

You brought up Nordstrom as an example of archaic ways of doing things. I think it's great that they have such a policy, but what you don't know is that they totally fuck over their employees. An ex worked in the women's department, and not only do you have to take returns when they have obviously been worn the weekend before when heading to the club, you lose commission. Also, revenue drops, costs increase, and time wasted to re-tag and re-classify that product, if you can still sell it.

 

[Flynn]

Have you actually worked in retail before? Restaurant business? It's not so much company policy, but idiotic people who won't back down to get what they want. It's also not good company practice to treat every customer that they're going to rip you off some how, creates really bad morale.

You brought up Nordstrom as an example of archaic ways of doing things. I think it's great that they have such a policy, but what you don't know is that they totally fuck over their employees. An ex worked in the women's department, and not only do you have to take returns when they have obviously been worn the weekend before when heading to the club, you lose commission. Also, revenue drops, costs increase, and time wasted to re-tag and re-classify that product, if you can still sell it.

I worked retail for ten years and know how bad customers can be.

Its kinda sad, though, that Nordstroms' policy of giving people the benefit of the doubt is considered archaic. I predict a backlash against zero-service establishments like Best Buy. At this point, I'd rather shop online, where impersonal service dictated more by medium than by cost effectivenes.

 

[FreakyFink]

I purchased Ace Combat 5 today @ Best Buy. I'm going in tomorrow to take them up on their 110% price guarantee using Sear's $4.99 ad. What plausible arguments might they come up with to not honor the price match?

 

[luxsol]

I purchased Ace Combat 5 today @ Best Buy. I'm going in tomorrow to take them up on their 110% price guarantee using Sear's $4.99 ad. What plausible arguments might they come up with to not honor the price match?

If they're smart, they'll call to price check.

 

[Particle Physicist]

The Circuit City close to me has a customer population that is about 35% Mexican and black. Not surprisingly they have store people and "secret shoppers" EVERYWHERE in the store, even though customers don't cause problems. Life in the midwest :lol

arent secret shoppers supposed to test the actual employees ?

 

[FreakyFink]

If they're smart, they'll call to price check.

I thought the price was verified in Sears' computer?

 

[belgurdo]

arent secret shoppers supposed to test the actual employees ?

I believe they do, but they probably also use 'em as undercover cops too

And GreenGiant, I don't scam stores, but I do believe that if stores don't cover themselves for loopholes then they deserve what they get. Maybe you should have my tag

 

[luxsol]

I thought the price was verified in Sears' computer?

It's a misprint, it's supposed to Ace Combat 4 (which is a player's choice or greatest hit title).

 

[Phoenix]

I don't have any gripes against my local Best Buy near Atlanta. They've never sold me anything bad and I've never even once had an issue returning something within the policy period.