Best Buy - MacBook Scam

[Buerkletucson]

• Purchased brand new (not open box) silver Macbook 512 on 03/20/16. Unit did not work properly and would not allow me to log into my Apple ID. I called Apple support, they recommended returning it to Best Buy.
• Returned on 03/22/16
• They exchanged it for another supposed brand new Macbook (box was sealed as far as I could tell)
• When fired it up, I was immediately suspicious as it has Yosemite as the OS, and also still has some Apple ID issues logging in.
• Contacted Apple support
• Apple says the unit was purchased before on 9/13/15.
• Warranty coverage that Apple will not change.....
• Limited warranty
  2016-09-13 (172 Days Left)
  No phone support
  Expired 103 days ago
  Serial Number: C02Q60U3FWW4

I cry foul........I don't care if I got $300 off or not on their "sale".........it's supposed to be a brand new machine! Not an open box or already sold unit.
Needless to say it's going back immediately.

I should of known better than to purchase Apple products other than at an Apple store.
Best Buy is not being at all honest with customers...

I'm done with them.

 

[deeddawg]

Hyperbole much? Clearly someone screwed up. Take it back and swap it out, validate the warranty coverage against the serial # on the box before you leave.

Claiming an entire company is dishonest based on one instance is a rather ridiculous exaggeration that undermines your point.

 

[RUGGLES99]

bestbuy staffers are all morons. it's known fact. the company generally sucks. screw ups are commonplace. but the rmb sale was a good one.

 

[BigCTM]

My open box had 5 battery cycles and a warranty through February 2017. No complaints here...Looks just like a new one...

 

[CE3]

• Purchased brand new (not open box) silver Macbook 512 on 03/20/16. Unit did not work properly and would not allow me to log into my Apple ID. I called Apple support, they recommended returning it to Best Buy.
• Returned on 03/22/16
• They exchanged it for another supposed brand new Macbook (box was sealed as far as I could tell)
• When fired it up, I was immediately suspicious as it has Yosemite as the OS, and also still has some Apple ID issues logging in.
• Contacted Apple support
• Apple says the unit was purchased before on 9/13/16.
• Warranty coverage that Apple will not change.....
• Limited warranty
  2016-09-13 (172 Days Left)
  No phone support
  Expired 103 days ago
  Serial Number: C02Q60U3FWW4

I cry foul........I don't care if I got $300 off or not on their "sale".........it's supposed to be a brand new machine! Not an open box or already sold unit.
Needless to say it's going back immediately.

I should of known better than to purchase Apple products other than at an Apple store.
Best Buy is not being at all honest with customers...

I'm done with them.

Best Buy sucks.

 

[fenderbass146]

It's a little harsh to say all Best Buys suck...mistakes happen in any big box retailer. I personally worked at one for 5 years and there where some great employees and some not so great ones. In regards to your issue. Like the guy said. Just return it. They will exchange it no problem...if you don't want to do that you should be able to fax/e-mail a scan of your receipt in and have Apple reset the warranty. They have done that for me in the past when I got a old Macbook Pro that was open box.

 

[Buerkletucson]

Hyperbole much? Clearly someone screwed up. Take it back and swap it out, validate the warranty coverage against the serial # on the box before you leave.

Claiming an entire company is dishonest based on one instance is a rather ridiculous exaggeration that undermines your point.

Really?

I live within 15 miles of Best Buy corporate headquarters and at least 12 retail stores....
I've given Best Buy the benefit of the doubt many times on things I've purchased at different BB retail stores and they have been less than honest with me on numerous ocassions.
I reluctantly gave them another shot...

I call them as I see them and stated the facts.....you can defend them all you want but my experience with them speaks volumes.
I could write numerious accounts on their tactics but that is not the point of this thread.

This is the 2nd iMac in 5-days I've returned to Best Buy and this incident is darn right dishonest.......I'm not so stupid as to try for #3.

edit...
I just talked to Apple again about the first machine I got from Best Buy on Sunday. I had the SN since I had non-repairable issues with that unit.
Turns out that unit is from October and again the warranty started then.

Told like it is...

 

[g.t. rags]

did you ever take into consideration maybe apple messed up and repackaged the refurb as new and shipped out to BB?

 

[CE3]

It's a little harsh to say all Best Buys suck...mistakes happen in any big box retailer. I personally worked at one for 5 years and there where some great employees and some not so great ones. In regards to your issue. Like the guy said. Just return it. They will exchange it no problem...if you don't want to do that you should be able to fax/e-mail a scan of your receipt in and have Apple reset the warranty. They have done that for me in the past when I got a old Macbook Pro that was open box.

I've no issues with the people who work there, but I did some shopping with them last year, apparently returned too many items (I got a Roku & a digital antenna for my parents who were thinking about cutting the cord.. the antenna didn't work and the Roku wasn't any faster than the older model they had - returned it the same day.. got a G7X camera.. found it on Amazon for 150 cheaper..they wouldn't price match.. returned.. the other two were cheap phone cases + one Apple case exchange), and they had me sign something that said I couldn't return anything I bought from them for 90 days. I didn't really think about it when I signed it, or I wouldn't have agreed. I thought about it later, though, called the number to the company that handles this nonsense, and they told me it was for a year. I understand why a system like this might need to be in place, but all of my returns were legit - I had receipts for everything and damaged nothing. If they can't guarantee their products and want to treat their customers like scammers when they're not, I'll shop somewhere else.

 

[fenderbass146]

I've no issues with the people who work there, but I did some shopping with them last year, apparently returned too many items (I got a Roku & a digital antenna for my parents who were thinking about cutting the cord.. the antenna didn't work and the Roku wasn't any faster than the older model they had - returned it the same day.. got a G7X camera.. found it on Amazon for 150 cheaper..they wouldn't price match.. returned.. the other two were cheap phone cases + one Apple case exchange), and they had me sign something that said I couldn't return anything I bought from them for 90 days. I didn't really think about it when I signed it, or I wouldn't have agreed. I thought about it later, though, called the number to the company that handles this nonsense, and they told me it was for a year. I understand why a system like this might need to be in place, but all of my returns were legit - I had receipts for everything and damaged nothing. If they can't guarantee their products and want to treat their customers like scammers when they're not, I'll shop somewhere else.

Wow that's crazy. I never heard of a store doing that unless a guy bought like $1000 of stuff any kept returning it

 

[ZipZap]

Really?

I live within 15 miles of Best Buy corporate headquarters and at least 12 retail stores....
I've given Best Buy the benefit of the doubt many times on things I've purchased at different BB retail stores and they have been less than honest with me on numerous ocassions.
I reluctantly gave them another shot...

I call them as I see them and stated the facts.....you can defend them all you want but my experience with them speaks volumes.
I could write numerious accounts on their tactics but that is not the point of this thread.

This is the 2nd iMac in 5-days I've returned to Best Buy and this incident is darn right dishonest.......I'm not so stupid as to try for #3.

edit...
I just talked to Apple again about the first machine I got from Best Buy on Sunday. I had the SN since I had non-repairable issues with that unit.
Turns out that unit is from October and again the warranty started then.

Told like it is...

Why are you crying foul here?

Take it back.

 

[Eric8199]

I've no issues with the people who work there, but I did some shopping with them last year, apparently returned too many items (I got a Roku & a digital antenna for my parents who were thinking about cutting the cord.. the antenna didn't work and the Roku wasn't any faster than the older model they had - returned it the same day.. got a G7X camera.. found it on Amazon for 150 cheaper..they wouldn't price match.. returned.. the other two were cheap phone cases + one Apple case exchange), and they had me sign something that said I couldn't return anything I bought from them for 90 days. I didn't really think about it when I signed it, or I wouldn't have agreed. I thought about it later, though, called the number to the company that handles this nonsense, and they told me it was for a year. I understand why a system like this might need to be in place, but all of my returns were legit - I had receipts for everything and damaged nothing. If they can't guarantee their products and want to treat their customers like scammers when they're not, I'll shop somewhere else.

Wow that's crazy. I never heard of a store doing that unless a guy bought like $1000 of stuff any kept returning it

Considering the G7X retails at $650, with the other stuff he was buying it probably was close to $1,000 worth of stuff.

Look, the ability to return things you don't like is a luxury. Don't abuse it. When you buy something from Best Buy, and then return it for a full refund, Best Buy loses money on that item whereas you lose nothing. Where do you think the open box discounts come from. The return policy isn't there for you to try and return everything. Of course they're going to limit you if you're a habitual returner. I don't blame them. You abused the system. That's what happens.

 

[Howard2k]

I've no issues with the people who work there, but I did some shopping with them last year, apparently returned too many items (I got a Roku & a digital antenna for my parents who were thinking about cutting the cord.. the antenna didn't work and the Roku wasn't any faster than the older model they had - returned it the same day.. got a G7X camera.. found it on Amazon for 150 cheaper..they wouldn't price match.. returned.. the other two were cheap phone cases + one Apple case exchange), and they had me sign something that said I couldn't return anything I bought from them for 90 days. I didn't really think about it when I signed it, or I wouldn't have agreed. I thought about it later, though, called the number to the company that handles this nonsense, and they told me it was for a year. I understand why a system like this might need to be in place, but all of my returns were legit - I had receipts for everything and damaged nothing. If they can't guarantee their products and want to treat their customers like scammers when they're not, I'll shop somewhere else.

You kept a copy of the contract you made with them right? If not, you should get one.

I've returned a few things to BB. Including a MBA last week. Never heard of this.

 

[CE3]

You kept a copy of the contract you made with them right? If not, you should get one.

I've returned a few things to BB. Including a MBA last week. Never heard of this.

I don't know if I still have the orginal. I had them email me a copy, but I think the info was on the back of the receipt, so it wasn't on the copy they sent.

Considering the G7X retails at $650, with the other stuff he was buying it probably was close to $1,000 worth of stuff.

Look, the ability to return things you don't like is a luxury. Don't abuse it. When you buy something from Best Buy, and then return it for a full refund, Best Buy loses money on that item whereas you lose nothing. Where do you think the open box discounts come from. The return policy isn't there for you to try and return everything. Of course they're going to limit you if you're a habitual returner. I don't blame them. You abused the system. That's what happens.

I'll admit it was a lot of returns in a short amount of time (maybe a 3 month period), but I don't feel I abused their system. It's all good, though. I shop at places that afford me to the luxury to return the items I'm not satisfied with (within their return period and with my proof of purchase), and in the end, these businesses get a heck of a lot more of my money than they do returned merchandise. I can think of a few big ticket items that might have been purchased there that were bought elsewhere.

I'm sure I could find lots of ways Best Buy has abused the trust of their customers over the years.. from their Geek Squad scams, to telling customers they need to buy certain cables in order for their televisions to work properly, or (to get back to the topic of this thread) selling "brand new" MacBooks that were actually originally purchased in September.

 

[fenderbass146]

Considering the G7X retails at $650, with the other stuff he was buying it probably was close to $1,000 worth of stuff.

Look, the ability to return things you don't like is a luxury. Don't abuse it. When you buy something from Best Buy, and then return it for a full refund, Best Buy loses money on that item whereas you lose nothing. Where do you think the open box discounts come from. The return policy isn't there for you to try and return everything. Of course they're going to limit you if you're a habitual returner. I don't blame them. You abused the system. That's what happens.

That's true. I didn't realize how much he spent

 

[PTLove]

I don't know if I still have the orginal. I had them email me a copy, but I think the info was on the back of the receipt, so it wasn't on the copy they sent.



I'll admit it was a lot of returns in a short amount of time (maybe a 3 month period), but I don't feel I abused their system. It's all good, though. I shop at places that afford me to the luxury to return the items I'm not satisfied with (within their return period and with my proof of purchase), and in the end, these businesses get a heck of a lot more of my money than they do returned merchandise. I can think of a few big ticket items that might have been purchased there that were bought elsewhere.

I'm sure I could find lots of ways Best Buy has abused the trust of their customers over the years.. from their Geek Squad scams, to telling customers they need to buy certain cables in order for their televisions to work properly, or (to get back to the topic of this thread) selling "brand new" MacBooks that were actually originally purchased in September.

Just curious, why do you not feel you abused there system? They have a system in place to allow customers with actual problems to return items, and you appear to have used it as a personal credit card it sounds like (phone cases? You actually returned phone cases?).

These companies are retailers, not producers. It doesn't really matter how "big ticket item" something is, they are likely making razor thin profits off of it. Every return is a strict loss for them.

 

[RUGGLES99]

My open box had 5 battery cycles and a warranty through February 2017. No complaints here...Looks just like a new one...

not the point.

 

[CE3]

Just curious, why do you not feel you abused there system? They have a system in place to allow customers with actual problems to return items, and you appear to have used it as a personal credit card it sounds like (phone cases? You actually returned phone cases?).

These companies are retailers, not producers. It doesn't really matter how "big ticket item" something is, they are likely making razor thin profits off of it. Every return is a strict loss for them.

I already explained the reasons I returned the higher priced items in my post (a Roku & a digital camera). They were both in perfect condition, one was returned the same day, accepted by the associates with no problems, and returned within the proper time frame. Yes, I returned two cheap phone cases (omg!).. also in perfect condition.. one hadn't even been opened.. and exchanged one because I switched phones.

If you feel that's abusing their system, that's fine. I can live with that. Why do I feel differently? Because according to their policy: "If you are not fully satisfied with your purchase, let us help you with a replacement, return or repair."

It's true that if I'm not satisfied with something, I'm going to take it back. I thought that's what most people did.. but all the scolding in this thread has led me believe otherwise. Yet another reason to shop with Amazon, I guess. BB will probably be bankrupt and out of business in 5-10 years anyway.

 

[noobinator]

Amazon will blacklist you too if you do the same thing. Might take more but they will blacklist you. Actually most companies do this. It's just not advertised.

 

[RUGGLES99]

i have walked out of my bb on a number of occasions because the stupidity and or arrogance of the help and management. they are on a par with the lunkheads who work at radio shack, if that hellhole is still in business. i hope bb fails.

 

[justiny]

Best Buy is terrible. They will never have my money ever again.

My last and final terrible experience with them was when I pre-ordered an iPhone 5S. My credit card was charged and payment accepted. Went to go pick it up only to discover they had sold MY PRE-ORDERED, PAID FOR BY ME iPhone to a walk-in customer.

And I wasn't alone. Three other customers experienced the exact same scenario at the exact same time. Store manager offered all of us a cheap case for free. Some accepted, I refused.

I documented this in very polite terms to their corporate HQ only to fall on deaf ears and with no reply back to me.

Bye bye, Best Buy. There's no shortage of options to buy anything nowadays.

 

[jgelin]

Not too sure if there is a character limit on these forums but I could damn sure hit it with the number of just plain out bad customer service experiences I've had from Best Buy over the course of the past 5 years.

None too surprised at this.

 

[CE3]

Amazon will blacklist you too if you do the same thing. Might take more but they will blacklist you. Actually most companies do this. It's just not advertised.

Well it should've taken a lot more than what I returned for their system to flag me. That said, I've never been a frequent BB shopper - last summer/fall was the most I'd shopped there in a long time, and much of what I bought ended up going back. So I guess that's why it happened. It's fine if people think I was abusing the system, but I certainly wasn't scamming the system, or buying things so that I could turn around and take them back.

Needless to say, I don't shop at multi-billion-dollar companies that don't guarantee their products and treat legit returns like they're criminal. I've never had any problems with Amazon and don't expect to in the future. I've bought significantly more from Amazon than I've ever returned, and their excellent return policy is one of the reasons people shop there with confidence. If they have a blacklisting system in place, it's obviously much more reasonable and does a better job at targetting the real scammers.

 

[justiny]

Amazon will blacklist you too if you do the same thing. Might take more but they will blacklist you. Actually most companies do this. It's just not advertised.

This sentiment is sad, really. Whatever happened to the good business practice of "The customer is always right"?

I've worked retail before. Retailers are fools for so called "blacklisting" a customer unless there are legitimate reasons for corporate theft. Otherwise, every major retailer minimizes the costs to restock or salvage.

 

[BigCTM]

not the point.

The point is I like best buy and have never had an issue with them. Just a different point of view than many of the other posts on here...