Worst Buy
 

I personally can not stand them! Worst customer service ever.


[url=http://money.cnn.com/2012/03/29/markets/best_buy/index.htm?iid=Lead&hpt=hp_t3]Best Buy to close 50 U.S. stores, stock drops - Mar. 29, 2012[/url]

Hopefully the beginning of the end for them!

I do feel bad for folks that will lose their jobs though.

Re: Worst Buy
 

first Circuit City and now these guys... have to admit, any store that sells monster cables should go straight the f out of business.

Re: Worst Buy
 

Best quote at the end of the article:

[B][I]Back to mom's basement for the Geek Squad.[/I][/B]

Re: Worst Buy
 

the fact that any store like that can stay open is beyond me. i find it quicker (and more helpful) to get everything online.

crutchfield is still open because of superior customer-service. places like best buy should take a hint.

Re: Worst Buy
 

[quote=PWNED;905193]the fact that any store like that can stay open is beyond me. i find it quicker (and more helpful) to get everything online.

crutchfield is still open because of superior customer-service. places like best buy should take a hint.[/quote]

Crutchfield is essential a on-line realtor.

Last time i checked they have one store in VA.

Re: Worst Buy
 

The only thing worth going to Best Buy anymore for is their superior $5 bargain bin dvd's, compared to Walmart's. And that's simply not worth it for me anymore, the only time I ever go in there anymore is when I need something immediately, like a new charger cable or something. And if it's not urgent, it can wait, because their prices suck for the most part.

Re: Worst Buy
 

Next best quote in the article:

[B][I]How am I going to try things out before I buy it on Amazon?! [/I][/B]

Re: Worst Buy
 

Kinda hard for any electronic retail store to compete with the likes of Amazon.com, TigerDirect.com, Newegg.com or Buy.com. I always find electronics/software cheaper on these sites than places like Best Buy.

Re: Worst Buy
 

[quote=BleedBurgundy;905187]first Circuit City and now these guys... have to admit, any store that sells monster cables should go straight the f out of business.[/quote]

Don't forget CompUSA too...

Online killed big box electronic stores

Re: Worst Buy
 

[quote=Ruhskins;905215]Kinda hard for any electronic retail store to compete with the likes of Amazon.com, TigerDirect.com, Newegg.com or Buy.com. I always find electronics/software cheaper on these sites than places like Best Buy.[/quote]

Not just electronics but accessories.

"Hmmm...should I buy this HDMI cable for $40 or buy it on Amazon for $15?"

They're a dinosaur and the big bang is coming for them.

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Ever try to return something at Best Buy? Awful just awful.

Re: Worst Buy
 

[quote=Mattyk;905220]Don't forget CompUSA too...

Online killed big box electronic stores[/quote]

Online stores/sites have killed the brick/mortar businesses in general.

Re: Worst Buy
 

[quote=Ruhskins;905215]Kinda hard for any electronic retail store to compete with the likes of Amazon.com, TigerDirect.com, Newegg.com or Buy.com. I always find electronics/software cheaper on these sites than places like Best Buy.[/quote]

This is thing though if they made their prices a bit more competitive and here is the kicker they have the ability to put a live person i nfront of yo uto help you but do they no they probably have some of the worst customer service ever.

Re: Worst Buy
 

The funny thing about Best Buy is people go there to test out items they're thinking of buying and then go online and buy them.

Personally I've had some pretty bad experiences with Best Buy including one that left me without a computer for a month and a half. Of course I bought a TV over Christmas break and returned two before I found the one I liked, and they made it pretty easy to do the exchange.

As for Crutchfield, I think Pwned is right. Their superior customer service is a big part of the reason they're still a powerhouse. It's kind of weird balance though, on one hand they tend to charge a bit more for stuff like TV's and speakers, on the other hand they also sell stuff like head units and amps at retail prices then include key equipment like amp kits and harnesses for free. Also free shipping is nice.

Either way, on simple plug and play electronics price is the biggest issue, with more complicated items customer service and support is key. Best Buy's biggest asset right now is the fact that you can walk into any local store and get what you're looking for the same day. However they're also getting beat by online e-tailers on both fronts (price and/or customer service).

Also Target and Wal-Mart are starting to catch up to Best Buy in terms of selection for retail electronics so that also plays a factor in Best Buy's recent struggles.

This story though reminds me of something I read a little while back.
[url=http://redtape.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2008/02/15/6345904-a-lost-laptop-a-54-million-lawsuit-part-2]Red Tape - A lost laptop, a $54 million lawsuit: part 2[/url]

Re: Worst Buy
 

[quote=Dirtbag59;905234]The funny thing about Best Buy is people go there to test out items they're thinking of buying and then go online and buy them.

Personally I've had some pretty bad experiences with Best Buy including one that left me without a computer for a month and a half. Of course I bought a TV over Christmas break and returned two before I found the one I liked, and they made it pretty easy to do the exchange.

As for Crutchfield, I think Pwned is right. Their superior customer service is a big part of the reason they're still a powerhouse. It's kind of weird balance though, on one hand they tend to charge a bit more for stuff like TV's and speakers, on the other hand they also sell stuff like head units and amps at retail prices then include key equipment like amp kits and harnesses for free. Also free shipping is nice.

Either way, on simple plug and play electronics price is the biggest issue, with more complicated items customer service and support is key. Best Buy's biggest asset right now is the fact that you can walk into any local store and get what you're looking for the same day. However they're also getting beat by online e-tailers on both fronts (price and/or customer service).

Also Target and Wal-Mart are starting to catch up to Best Buy in terms of selection for retail electronics so that also plays a factor in Best Buy's recent struggles.

This story though reminds me of something I read a little while back.
[URL="http://redtape.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2008/02/15/6345904-a-lost-laptop-a-54-million-lawsuit-part-2"]Red Tape - A lost laptop, a $54 million lawsuit: part 2[/URL][/quote]

Don't forget about Sears...been around forever for a reason.

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[quote=mredskins;905226]Ever try to return something at Best Buy? Awful just awful.[/quote]

Yep. I tried to return a video game there once, and they only said I could return it for an opened copy of the same game, instead of a refund. And it was the day after I bought it for 20 bucks. I was pissed off. I took it to Gamestop and they offered me 2 dollars for it. Sigh. I just took it back home and gave it to a friend instead.

Re: Worst Buy
 

[quote=mooby;905248]Yep. I tried to return a video game there once, and they only said I could return it for an [B]opened[/B] copy of the same game, instead of a refund. And it was the day after I bought it for 20 bucks. I was pissed off. I took it to Gamestop and they offered me 2 dollars for it. Sigh. I just took it back home and gave it to a friend instead.[/quote]they told me that before, i took the [B]un[/B]opened one, went to another best buy, and got a full refund. a hassle, but worth $50 to me

edit* misread, they did not say opened copy to me

i said the game did not work properly

Re: Worst Buy
 

[quote=los panda;905251]they told me that before, i took the [B]un[/B]opened one, went to another best buy, and got a full refund. a hassle, but worth $50 to me

edit* misread, they did not say opened copy to me

i said the game did not work properly[/quote]

Yeah the one I returned was opened, and she said it could only be returned for another copy that they actually opened in front of me. This is to prevent customers for taking an unopened copy back to another store and getting their full money back.

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[quote=mooby;905254]Yeah the one I returned was opened, and she said it could only be returned for another copy that they actually opened in front of me. This is to prevent customers for taking an unopened copy back to another store and getting their full money back.[/quote]

That is pretty true for most stores. No one will give you a refund for a open new game.

My problem with their returns is the line is always a mile and they have like one person working the return register.

Maybe someone in retail can explain to me how returns work...does it hurt the store or the vendor? Target and Wal Mart don't seem to give a crap if you return something as long as it is in their grace period. Other stores like best buy pitch a fit about returns or make it very diffcult.

Re: Worst Buy
 

[quote=mooby;905254]Yeah the one I returned was opened, and she said it could only be returned for another copy that they actually opened in front of me. This is to prevent customers for taking an unopened copy back to another store and getting their full money back.[/quote]i've been scamming for years and have never heard that, smarter on their part.

my personal favorite is to swap a broken controller with a used controller, or get two used controllers for one at gamestop. i justify this to myself. i buy a used one of the same color, go home, make sure it works, then take my broken controller back and tell them it didn't work. i get my money back = 1 completely free used controller or i get another used controller = 2 used controllers for the price of 1.

Re: Worst Buy
 

[quote=mredskins;905260]That is pretty true for most stores. No one will give you a refund for a open new game.

My problem with their returns is the line is always a mile and they have like one person working the return register.

Maybe someone in retail can explain to me how returns work...does it hurt the store or the vendor? Target and Wal Mart don't seem to give a crap if you return something as long as it is in their grace period. Other stores like best buy pitch a fit about returns or make it very diffcult.[/quote]

That is true. With Target and Wal-Mart I get a quick question of what was wrong with the product and theres usually two or three people working return.

With Best Buy it depends on the store. First TV (46' RCA) I returned at the store I bought it at which point they made me go through Geek Squad to make sure it worked then sent me to one person who was working returns at the time with a line of 3 or 4 people.

When the TV I returned it for ended up having a slight defect (40' LCD with semi-bright white lights in the top two corners) I ended up going to another store in Buckhead (which is like the Manhattan of Atlanta) mainly because they were the only one around that had the model I was looking for (42' Plasma). When I got there there was no line and 3 people working returns. The exchange there was quick and painless.

Long story short I've been more then pleased with the plasma ever since getting back in late December but in regards to returning and exchanging items at Best Buy, well I guess the moral of the story is it depends but for me is was never to difficult.

I guess I should also add that this was all done in a 4 day period so it wasn't like I had the TV's for a month or two before I decided to exchange them.

Re: Worst Buy
 

[quote=mredskins;905260]That is pretty true for most stores. No one will give you a refund for a open new game.

My problem with their returns is the line is always a mile and they have like one person working the return register.

Maybe someone in retail can explain to me how returns work...does it hurt the store or the vendor? Target and Wal Mart don't seem to give a crap if you return something as long as it is in their grace period. Other stores like best buy pitch a fit about returns or make it very diffcult.[/quote]

Yeah but Target and Walmart I've never had a problem returning opened games there before, but like you said I've always done it within the grace period.

Re: Worst Buy
 

[quote=mooby;905272]Yeah but Target and Walmart I've never had a problem returning opened games there before, but like you said I've always done it within the grace period.[/quote]

I don't know how yo uare pulling that off, per Wal Mart:
[url=http://www.walmart.com/cp/Returns-Policy/538459]Returns Policy - Walmart.com[/url]


[LIST][*][B]Books:[/B] Must be returned unused and unmarked.[*][B]CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs, audiotapes, videotapes and video games:[/B] Must be returned unopened. If the item is defective, it can be returned within 90 days with a receipt and the original packaging. Defective items may be exchanged for the same title.[*][B]Video on Demand:[/B] Cannot be returned. All sales are final and all charges from those sales are nonrefundable, except as otherwise stated in the [URL="http://www.vudu.com/termsofservice.html"]Vudu Inc., Terms of Service[/URL].[*][B]Video Games Hardware:[/B] Must be returned within 15 days of receipt.[*][B]Pre-Owned (Refurbished) Video Game Software:[/B] Defective items can be returned within 90 days with a receipt and the original packaging. Defective items may be exchanged for a different title if the same title is not available.[/LIST]Only think harder to return then a open video game is baby formula.

Re: Worst Buy
 

Good!!! Best Buy has the worst customer service I have ever seen and the F'D me once and I never walked back into their stores again. It was over a stupid $49 DVD player I purchased for my daughter to take to college. It never worked and by the time we could return it the 30 days had expired. They would not exchange it and wanted me to pay some stupid amount to ship it back for warranty work. The dumb ass MGR kept telling me I should have purchased the extended warranty. I told him all he was saying is that I had to buy their customer service. F%$K them.

Re: Worst Buy
 

[quote=mredskins;905277][url=http://www.walmart.com/cp/Returns-Policy/538459]Returns Policy - Walmart.com[/url]


[LIST][*][B]Books:[/B] Must be returned unused and unmarked.[*][B]CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs, audiotapes, videotapes and video games:[/B] Must be returned unopened. If the item is defective, it can be returned within 90 days with a receipt and the original packaging. Defective items may be exchanged for the same title.[*][B]Video on Demand:[/B] Cannot be returned. All sales are final and all charges from those sales are nonrefundable, except as otherwise stated in the [URL="http://www.vudu.com/termsofservice.html"]Vudu Inc., Terms of Service[/URL].[*][B]Video Games Hardware:[/B] Must be returned within 15 days of receipt.[*][B]Pre-Owned (Refurbished) Video Game Software:[/B] Defective items can be returned within 90 days with a receipt and the original packaging. Defective items may be exchanged for a different title if the same title is not available.[/LIST][/quote]that's the rub, you can take the unopened copy, then take it to another walmart, or the same one at a different time, and return it.

Re: Worst Buy
 

[quote=FRPLG;905223]Not just electronics but accessories.

"Hmmm...should I buy this HDMI cable for $40 or buy it on Amazon for $15?"

[B]They're a dinosaur and the big bang is coming for them[/B].[/quote]

Wait, didn't the big bang create everything? The ice age maybe?

Re: Worst Buy
 

[quote=los panda;905286]that's the rub, you can take the unopened copy, then take it to another walmart, or the same one at a different time, and return it.[/quote]


I got you after you exchange the open for a unopen then go to a different location. Seems a bit unethically but whatever.

I never buy new games if you wait a week any $60 game will be $40 used on line.

Re: Worst Buy
 

[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]I worked at the one by Springfield Mall when i was 16. More than 10 years later it is still by far the worst job ive ever had.[/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Bestbuy was a great story of a record show owner who had a massive sale because of a hurricane (maybe Andrew??) and learned that he could make more money by moving a large amount of product at small mark up than by selling a few records at a big mark up.[/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]But they become a corporate juggernaut who prized themselves for bankrupting Circut City (headquartered in Richmond of all places!). I remember a huge mural in the break room of the bestbuy “tag” and the circut city “plug” boxing and the bestbuy tag knocking the circuit city plug out. [/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Ive always been disgusted by this:[/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]The clock-in machine and the coat room were on opposite sides of the store. They made a real big deal about dropping off your coat first then walking to the clock to clock in. Same thing with leaving; clock out then go get your coat. Well the problem with that is that its nearly impossible to walk across bestbuy in a blue shirt and khaki pants without having to help a customer during busy hours. Could be something simple, could easily turn into a 5-10+ minute thing. [/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]They made a really big deal about it. Their explanation was that yeah, sure you may lose a few cents, at worst case a dollar, of earned money but bestbuy the company looses hundreds of thousands or more a year of employees putting their coats away. They would say things like it really hurts the company and has little or no material effect on you. In reality I believe the percentage financial loss was either the same or more for the individual than for the company. It really ground my gears. [/FONT][/COLOR]

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[quote=mredskins;905277]I don't know how yo uare pulling that off, per Wal Mart:
[url=http://www.walmart.com/cp/Returns-Policy/538459]Returns Policy - Walmart.com[/url]


[LIST][*][B]Books:[/B] Must be returned unused and unmarked.[*][B]CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs, audiotapes, videotapes and video games:[/B] Must be returned unopened. If the item is defective, it can be returned within 90 days with a receipt and the original packaging. Defective items may be exchanged for the same title.[*][B]Video on Demand:[/B] Cannot be returned. All sales are final and all charges from those sales are nonrefundable, except as otherwise stated in the [URL="http://www.vudu.com/termsofservice.html"]Vudu Inc., Terms of Service[/URL].[*][B]Video Games Hardware:[/B] Must be returned within 15 days of receipt.[*][B]Pre-Owned (Refurbished) Video Game Software:[/B] Defective items can be returned within 90 days with a receipt and the original packaging. Defective items may be exchanged for a different title if the same title is not available.[/LIST]Only think harder to return then a open video game is baby formula.[/quote]

Well seeing as how the last time I've returned one there was at least 2+ years ago, that probably explains it. All I know is last time I returned one there they took it and gave me my money back.

Re: Worst Buy
 

i buy from newegg at basically wholesale, and it gets here in 2 days exactly as promised. in fact, i pretty much never shop outside of my house anymore, outside of some clothes or shoes, there's no need. shoes are probably the only thing i wouldn't buy online, since I have wide feet, and, depending on brand, i'm somewhere between 11W and 13R.

Re: Worst Buy
 

[quote=BleedBurgundy;905187]first Circuit City and now these guys... have to admit, any store that sells monster cables should go straight the f out of business.[/quote]

Truth. Monoprice ftw.

I do think Monster loves playing on hype- Dre Beats are selling like hotcakes... and if you know anything about audio, you know these headphones are just like their cables: overpriced and all flash.

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[quote=mredskins;905295]I got you after you exchange the open for a unopen then go to a different location. Seems a bit unethically but whatever.

I never buy new games if you wait a week any $60 game will be $40 used on line.[/quote]

I don't know if I could do that. Usually if I'm going through the trouble to buy a game I'll be buying it on the first day.

[QUOTE=mlmpetert;905303][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]I worked at the one by Springfield Mall when i was 16. More than 10 years later it is still by far the worst job ive ever had.[/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Bestbuy was a great story of a record show owner who had a massive sale because of a hurricane (maybe Andrew??) and learned that he could make more money by moving a large amount of product at small mark up than by selling a few records at a big mark up.[/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]But they become a corporate juggernaut who prized themselves for bankrupting Circut City (headquartered in Richmond of all places!). I remember a huge mural in the break room of the bestbuy “tag” and the circut city “plug” boxing and the bestbuy tag knocking the circuit city plug out. [/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Ive always been disgusted by this:[/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]The clock-in machine and the coat room were on opposite sides of the store. They made a real big deal about dropping off your coat first then walking to the clock to clock in. Same thing with leaving; clock out then go get your coat. Well the problem with that is that its nearly impossible to walk across bestbuy in a blue shirt and khaki pants without having to help a customer during busy hours. Could be something simple, could easily turn into a 5-10+ minute thing. [/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]They made a really big deal about it. Their explanation was that yeah, sure you may lose a few cents, at worst case a dollar, of earned money but bestbuy the company looses hundreds of thousands or more a year of employees putting their coats away. They would say things like it really hurts the company and has little or no material effect on you. In reality I believe the percentage financial loss was either the same or more for the individual than for the company. It really ground my gears. [/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE]

God that place had one of the worst parking lots ever; especially over by the home depot.

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[quote=GMScud;905292]Wait, didn't the big bang create everything? The ice age maybe?[/quote]

True I blew that metaphor

[QUOTE=mredskins;905352]God that place had one of the worst parking lots ever; especially over by the home depot.[/QUOTE]

Still is one of the worst parking lots ever, hence why I never go shopping over there.

[QUOTE=mooby;905364]Still is one of the worst parking lots ever, hence why I never go shopping over there.[/QUOTE]

I cant remember is there a Barnes and noble in there as well?

[QUOTE=mredskins;905368]I cant remember is there a Barnes and noble in there as well?[/QUOTE]

Maybe? I haven't been there in a while and I know B&N shut down a lot of their stores in the last year or so. I remember one used to be over on that side of the mall.

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Im pretty sure when i worked there it was a Petsmart or other box pet store. There was also a Maggie Moos in that parking lot. Seriously the best milk shakes you can get. They make a pumpkin one in the fall, its ridiculous.

Also i remembered that if you smoked you could take all sorts of 5 minute breaks on the clock, if you didnt smoke, just the mandatory ones. I started smoking.

Re: Worst Buy
 

[quote=mlmpetert;905404]Im pretty sure when i worked there it was a Petsmart or other box pet store. There was also a Maggie Moos in that parking lot. Seriously the best milk shakes you can get. They make a pumpkin one in the fall, its ridiculous.

Also i remembered that if you smoked you could take all sorts of 5 minute breaks on the clock, if you didnt smoke, just the mandatory ones. I started smoking.[/quote]

The absolute Worst Buy in NOVA is the Tyson's Corner one.

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you guys know its a franchise and not a chain right? as in, individual owners can do things differently if they want. the pricing on anything besides DVD sales or below wholesale computer part rebate things is awful though (and they haven't had good deals on computer parts for years now).