Best Buy Lies

[Freg3000]

Just browsing through Best Buy and their "glossary," and I came across some great bits of misinformation:

"Macintosh supports Apple iPods only; PCs support a full range of digital music players, including Apple iPods."

You know, even though I use an iPod, I know that there are other digital music players that work on the Mac. While the majority of people using Macs probably are using an iPod for their digital music needs, there are most certainly some who do not. Let's get onto some more lies:

"AAC-The only file format used by Apple iPods, AAC stands for Advanced Audio Coding."

Hmmm, I guess they forgot about all of those other little formats the iPod also plays....like MP3, Apple Lossless, WAV, AIFF, Audible, etc.

Stuff like this annoys me. Best Buy is a consumer electronics retailer. They should know better. Ugh, ignorance is bliss (and really painful if you know better).

[rant over]

[goodtimes5]

Best Buy cheats. As of right now, they still owe me over 50 bucks in rebates in addition to a $100 gift card. And their customer service doesn't know anything at all. Not even how to get their printer working.

Rant over.

[musicpyrite]

I was at Staples on Friday getting a new hard drive, and I saw a chart that showed compatibility of various mp3 players..... apparently the Apple IPOD is only supposed by Windows. :rolleyes:

[jared_kipe]

If you think the website is bad, go to the store in person walk up to one of their supposed computer guys and say, "I need some memory for my mac." I'm not sure if they can help you, but I do know that when asked which of their hard drives or cd drives were mac compatible I was told none of them were, and they don't carry apple stuff. :rolleyes: Yeah right dumbass...

[cmvsm]

A few years ago, my roomate and myself went there and bought two PC's. Of course this is pre-Mac enlightenment, and I was still a lost soul. Anyhow, we both bought the same computer that had a $100 rebate. We both sent them in and about 8 weeks later, he got a check in the mail, I got zero.

So I called Best Buy and the CS rep stated that I shouldn't get one as there was only one rebate per household. I said what the %$@!#$!! So anyway, no $100 bucks. Their mail in rebates are ridiculous.

[FelixDerKater]

Do remember that you are dealing with Best Buy. Don't confuse them with a high quality company.

[efoto]

BB as a whole is completely rediculous. The only nice thing about them is their usefulness as a price-match location and occasionally they will have good pricing on a few products.

Oh, and they usually have good prices on newly released DVDs...well, sometimes.

[bubbamac]

Did you know that the iPod mini software for Windows converts the songs to an MP3 format before it puts the songs on the iPod?

At least, that's what the Best Buy guy said.

[OldManJimbo]

I regularly drive 100+ miles to buy electronics, despite having two Best Buy stores within 15 minutes of my home.

The clerks are idiots, the stores are too freakin' frantic and their corporate policies are nothing short of piracy.

Specifically - I bought a portable CD player and purchased with it the Best Buy "protection plan." For $9.99 I was assued the Plan would replace the unit should it ever become damaged or inoperable - NO QUESTIONS ASKED.

About six months later a little piece of plastic broke off and rendered the unit useless as it had no way of knowing the lid was closed.

Upon returning to the store WITH the original receipt, I was told by the clerk, the night manager and the general manager (I made them call her) that the Plan required me to bring in ALL the original packing material. They wanted the box (which I had), the foam packing material (whch I didn't) and that was that. Case closed. ****** YOU very much.

It's been two years and I am still pissed about this. Can you tell? :mad:

[FelixDerKater]

Well, I must say that they are nice about letting you play with the stuff in the store.

Also, one time I bought a printer from them and took it back with a paper feeding problem, so they checked it and told me to pick one of equal or lesser cost. Considering the original printer had cost $499, I could get pretty much any non-laser printer in the store with the way prices have come down on them.

[FelixDerKater]

You should have gone back for another try when different people were working.

I regularly drive 100+ miles to buy electronics, despite having two Best Buy stores within 15 minutes of my home.

The clerks are idiots, the stores are too freakin' frantic and their corporate policies are nothing short of piracy.

Specifically - I bought a portable CD player and purchased with it the Best Buy "protection plan." For $9.99 I was assued the Plan would replace the unit should it ever become damaged or inoperable - NO QUESTIONS ASKED.

About six months later a little piece of plastic broke off and rendered the unit useless as it had no way of knowing the lid was closed.

Upon returning to the store WITH the original receipt, I was told by the clerk, the night manager and the general manager (I made them call her) that the Plan required me to bring in ALL the original packing material. They wanted the box (which I had), the foam packing material (whch I didn't) and that was that. Case closed. ****** YOU very much.

It's been two years and I am still pissed about this. Can you tell? :mad:

[keysersoze]

I was at Staples on Friday getting a new hard drive, and I saw a chart that showed compatibility of various mp3 players..... apparently the Apple IPOD is only supposed by Windows. :rolleyes:

Why would you buy an HD at Staples?

Just curious...

:confused:

[quackattack]

I work at a local camera store, I have about 2 customers a day come in complaining that they couldn't handle the customer service at Best Buy. Apparently they are over there telling people that digital zoom is the really important one, and that you can get away with no optical zoom on your camera...... what a bunch of idiots. I don't see how they can even get away telling customers things like that. Oh well, at least they are driving business to me!

[denm316]

I agree they dont know what they are talkin about, but most are people making 8 bucks an hour and could care less about thier job.

[Chip NoVaMac]

A few years ago, my roomate and myself went there and bought two PC's. Of course this is pre-Mac enlightenment, and I was still a lost soul. Anyhow, we both bought the same computer that had a $100 rebate. We both sent them in and about 8 weeks later, he got a check in the mail, I got zero.

So I called Best Buy and the CS rep stated that I shouldn't get one as there was only one rebate per household. I said what the %$@!#$!! So anyway, no $100 bucks. Their mail in rebates are ridiculous.

This is a frustration in that Best Buy or the manufactures does not see a difference between a "family" or "roommates" living under the same roof. Call it cultural bias or whatever. In cases like this get separate receipts, and have a second address you trust. One can not blame them from wanting to limit rebates to a single address (most rebates are for the consumer, not the corporate user).

[Chip NoVaMac]

Do remember that you are dealing with Best Buy. Don't confuse them with a high quality company.

I know what you mean. I work for a photo store that will call the manufactures directly when there are rebate issues. Are we 100% on those calls, no. But we do have the customer at heart.

[Chip NoVaMac]

BB as a whole is completely rediculous. The only nice thing about them is their usefulness as a price-match location and occasionally they will have good pricing on a few products.

Oh, and they usually have good prices on newly released DVDs...well, sometimes.

To me the only reason to buy at Best Buy is their 12 to 24 month no interest financing. If I can't get that, I shop elsewhere.

[Chip NoVaMac]

I regularly drive 100+ miles to buy electronics, despite having two Best Buy stores within 15 minutes of my home.

The clerks are idiots, the stores are too freakin' frantic and their corporate policies are nothing short of piracy.

Specifically - I bought a portable CD player and purchased with it the Best Buy "protection plan." For $9.99 I was assued the Plan would replace the unit should it ever become damaged or inoperable - NO QUESTIONS ASKED.

About six months later a little piece of plastic broke off and rendered the unit useless as it had no way of knowing the lid was closed.

Upon returning to the store WITH the original receipt, I was told by the clerk, the night manager and the general manager (I made them call her) that the Plan required me to bring in ALL the original packing material. They wanted the box (which I had), the foam packing material (whch I didn't) and that was that. Case closed. ****** YOU very much.

It's been two years and I am still pissed about this. Can you tell? :mad:

At least with 2 PC's; they were not that anal. With an iPod, they wanted the packaging, and I was able to convince them to use the packaging from the upgraded iPod.

[Chip NoVaMac]

Why would you buy an HD at Staples?

Just curious...

:confused:

I have bought a few HDD's from Staples with no problem. My question is, why not?

[wrldwzrd89]

To me the only reason to buy at Best Buy is their 12 to 24 month no interest financing. If I can't get that, I shop elsewhere.
Using your reasoning, I shouldn't shop at Best Buy at all, since financing of any sort doesn't interest me in the slightest. I would much rather save up and buy all at once. And I don't go there to shop. :D

[Chip NoVaMac]

I work at a local camera store, I have about 2 customers a day come in complaining that they couldn't handle the customer service at Best Buy. Apparently they are over there telling people that digital zoom is the really important one, and that you can get away with no optical zoom on your camera...... what a bunch of idiots. I don't see how they can even get away telling customers things like that. Oh well, at least they are driving business to me!

I too work for a local camera shop. In our area we have a problem in dealing with the "free gift cards" and the "no interest financing". For us the problem is one of those wanting these deals, "pumping" us for information, with no hope for a "sale". The problem is that no one area of the country is representative of the whole. In the DC area stats show that Best Buy and others do not do well on the "interest free financing".

In my area what I love is those that come in with a manual is a language other than English, and what help with it.

[Chip NoVaMac]

I agree they dont know what they are talkin about, but most are people making 8 bucks an hour and could care less about thier job.

And those that might know a thing or two (those over 40+ years old) are not seen on the floor. Or so it seems to be the case in my area. I know a number of the over 40 set that never got a call back from Best Buy.

[Chip NoVaMac]

Using your reasoning, I shouldn't shop at Best Buy at all, since financing of any sort doesn't interest me in the slightest. I would much rather save up and buy all at once. And I don't go there to shop. :D

You are right, particularly if you can find local dealers that can give you better service.....

[musicpyrite]

Why would you buy an HD at Staples?

Just curious...

:confused:

Black Friday.... 120GB IDE hard drive for $39.99.... not a bad deal imo.

[wrldwzrd89]

You are right, particularly if you can find local dealers that can give you better service.....
I have plenty of better options around me - most of them are closer to me than Best Buy is, too (including an Apple Store).

[Koodauw]

A few years ago, my roomate and myself went there and bought two PC's. Of course this is pre-Mac enlightenment, and I was still a lost soul. Anyhow, we both bought the same computer that had a $100 rebate. We both sent them in and about 8 weeks later, he got a check in the mail, I got zero.

So I called Best Buy and the CS rep stated that I shouldn't get one as there was only one rebate per household. I said what the %$@!#$!! So anyway, no $100 bucks. Their mail in rebates are ridiculous.

Thats not really Best Buy's fault. To be eligable for the rebate you must meet the terms... Let me guess... You didn't read them. Did you tell the Salesman, you lived together? Prob not. So you assume he should know?

Heres the deal with Rebates, The're incredibly simple: Read the form/ Make sure you meet the requirements. Send them everything they ask for. Wait for check. Cash check.

Its not rocket science here folks really. I realize that I am prob preaching to the choir here, as those who dont take the time to read the rebates forms, prob wont take the time to read this.

I do feel for those people who do everything the rebate says and have been denied. Those people are usually taken care of though.

[keysersoze]

Black Friday.... 120GB IDE hard drive for $39.99.... not a bad deal imo.

Not at all! That's pretty good!

Just curious, because I rarely think of Staples as the place to get computer components... I am surprised at the deal you found. I will have to check them out... usually I just go with an online store like Newegg.

thanks for opening my eyes to the benefits of box stores. :)

[zelmo]

Best Buy is a good place to shop for DVD's, CD's, and video games. It is also a convenient place to go and see multiple options for home entertainment devices and computers. Most smaller stores (or any Staples or Office Depot in my area) aren't going to have 23 different laptops on display, which is how many I found when I took my wife to BB to look at PC laptops this weekend. I wouldn't think of buying a computer there, but for browsing and not relying on the "helpful customer service associate" for anything remotely helpful, they are great.
I purchased my TV (47" HDTV-ready projection) at BB, and have no complaints with the experience. They even gave me back $200 when the price dropped (within 30 days) with no hassle at all. AAMOF, I don't think I know a single person who has had a bad experience at BB. That's probably because they either don't know they are getting bad advice from the inexperienced help, or they know enough to not bother asking anyone there any questions.

[Chip NoVaMac]

Thats not really Best Buy's fault. To be eligable for the rebate you must meet the terms... Let me guess... You didn't read them. Did you tell the Salesman, you lived together? Prob not. So you assume he should know?

Heres the deal with Rebates, The're incredibly simple: Read the form/ Make sure you meet the requirements. Send them everything they ask for. Wait for check. Cash check.

Its not rocket science here folks really. I realize that I am prob preaching to the choir here, as those who dont take the time to read the rebates forms, prob wont take the time to read this.

I do feel for those people who do everything the rebate says and have been denied. Those people are usually taken care of though.

Much what I was saying.....

[Chip NoVaMac]

Not at all! That's pretty good!

Just curious, because I rarely think of Staples as the place to get computer components... I am surprised at the deal you found. I will have to check them out... usually I just go with an online store like Newegg.

thanks for opening my eyes to the benefits of box stores. :)

Why not? Most computer supplies are commodities. Given that, the best price wins.

[applekid]

I'll go against the current and say I like Best Buy.

My reasons: I often find they cheap deals or their prices are overall the cheapest from the stores I'm shopping. Not always, but often enough.

I never had to deal with customer service at Best Buy, so I guess that's why I really haven't had a bad experience with them. I got my rebates quickly and properly and when I returned an item they were quick to replace it. And, when I'm shopping for things, I do research that's not from the actual store. I'll either go straight to the manufacturer or read up on reviews. That's how dodge any customer reps.

My sister also had a decent time with Best Buy's representatives. When she was purchasing her digital camera, I told her to talk to Best Buy's people, and I'll help after they're done. Well, all went well, I had no complaints, and she's happy with her purchase.

[Koodauw]

Much what I was saying.....

Sorry, I skipped over most of them... You have about 349857348957345987345983745938754x10^67 responces in this thread.

Anyways to condence them into one?
Is the camera shop that slow?

[Les Kern]

I agree they dont know what they are talkin about, but most are people making 8 bucks an hour and could care less about thier job.

One one level I agree, but in reality I demand good, friendly service. So many of us just shrug it off when we get treated like idiots. Not me. Those folks represent the chain no matter if it's 8 or 100 bucks an hour. I've confronted salesfolks numerous times and almost always win because I work my way up the food chain. As for the kids in BB, they know nothing but they don't need to to satisfy the corporate head. Sell the machines, sell the PC's for the biggest profit, make us money. Don't know what the hell you're talking about? Hired! Just make us some dough, and sell the PC's to get yourself a bonus... maybe. On a few occasions I overheard salespeople giving a load of bull to some unsuspecting customer. Hearing things like they needed "this expensive machine to cruise the Internet faster", I would walk over, and this is no bull, and say "This guy doesn't know what he's talking about. Run!" A lot of times they would, and the kid would run off and talk to another worker. Not once was I approached by a store manager, but I was ready for them anyway. Lyin' jerks. I'd love to educate the entire world on computers, but it's just not possible. there will always be the ignorant, and there will always be the corporation that will try to ream them. Don't count on BB and the like to have the customer's well-being in mind. No sir.

[keysersoze]

Why not? Most computer supplies are commodities. Given that, the best price wins.

I know. But I am a Mac user... so browsing over in Staples computer section is something I don't do. If I can get a $39 hard drive there, I promise, I will.

[Daveway]

I hate Best Buy. I just don't go anymore. Twice i went there for something they were advertising in the paper and it wasn't there and the clerk just abandoned me (obviously just to get you in the store). About a year ago I went to buy a dvd burner for my PC laptop with my mom (purchaser) and i was going to the checkout when my mom called the sales guy to prove this was a valid thing to buy. The guy said that laptops were not capable of editing video or burning DVDs because they did not have the necessary ports, software, and were not powerfull enough! I had a 2.5ghz P4 and this was a year ago! He insisted the only way to edit video and burn DVDs was with a desktop and a video capture card. I was furious, i told him i had the nessary firewire port for the drive and camera and he asked what that was!!!! I was so mad i walked out the store without anything.

I will never go back.

[atacinus]

One one level I agree, but in reality I demand good, friendly service. So many of us just shrug it off when we get treated like idiots. Not me. Those folks represent the chain no matter if it's 8 or 100 bucks an hour.

That.s wrong. Offer people a living wage and you.ll get quality service. You can.t pay people nothing and still force them to work - that.s called slavery. You also can.t pay people next to nothing. If you do, you get the wal-marts, and best buys of the world.

F corporations.

- Nader voter -

Christien.

[KSource]

Black Friday.... 120GB IDE hard drive for $39.99.... not a bad deal imo.
Black Friday at Best Buy 160GB HDD for $30 bucks after rebate.

Didn't get it though. Had no urge to wake up at like 5am and line up before it opens.

[cmvsm]

Thats not really Best Buy's fault. To be eligable for the rebate you must meet the terms... Let me guess... You didn't read them. Did you tell the Salesman, you lived together? Prob not. So you assume he should know?

Heres the deal with Rebates, The're incredibly simple: Read the form/ Make sure you meet the requirements. Send them everything they ask for. Wait for check. Cash check.

Its not rocket science here folks really. I realize that I am prob preaching to the choir here, as those who dont take the time to read the rebates forms, prob wont take the time to read this.

I do feel for those people who do everything the rebate says and have been denied. Those people are usually taken care of though.


Yeah, I guess when they plaster the $100 rebate all over the store large as lilfe in POP, newspaper advertisements, and everywhere else, while leaving the fine details of the promotion in a size 3 font on a rules and regulations clipping that you have to ask for or look up online, that is completely acceptable.

Right.. :mad:

[superbovine]

BB as a whole is completely rediculous. The only nice thing about them is their usefulness as a price-match location and occasionally they will have good pricing on a few products.

Oh, and they usually have good prices on newly released DVDs...well, sometimes.

The other good thing is the provide jobs and tax revenue to the economy, but as a former employee the only thing best buy cares about is it's image and bottom line. for example, if you return something it hurts their bottom line for that day. The manager try to hold off on all the returns so they will get promoted. the management are self-serving bastards all trying to get promoted. One manager had to apologize to me for threatening to fire me, because I threated to sue them, if they fired me. They wanted to fire me, because I didn't push hard enough to sell insurance of their stupid PC's. I was also apart of a class-action lawsuit to get back-pay they never paid. That took more than 3 years to get my money. btw that manager got demoted shortly after I left, because he wasn't able to protect the bottom line, and have high insurance sales on their equipment.