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iPad Returned iPad Air to Best Buy. They banned me for life.
- Thread starter BJonson
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Because getting a white box refurb is not the same as getting a brand new, sealed unit.
The problem with these return tracking systems is that they don't differentiate between returns due to circumstances out of the customer's control vs. those that are. For example if you purchase a blu-ray player and get it home only to find that it won't play any discs, that's one return against you. Regardless of if you exchange it or just return it, still one return on your record.
I can understand return accountability at retailers, they are fighting a very difficult losing battle. However it's just ludicrous to pin the responsibility on the consumer when the product is defective. These returns and exchanges should fall outside of the limits imposed.
Also, the system that Best Buy uses is called The Retail Equation. Best Buy is NOT the only retailer using them to track your return history. From what I understand these retailers cumulatively track your returns. You don't receive a certain limit per retailer but rather overall amongst all the retailers that use the return database. If someone is in the know and I'm wrong please correct me.
I can understand return accountability at retailers, they are fighting a very difficult losing battle. However it's just ludicrous to pin the responsibility on the consumer when the product is defective. These returns and exchanges should fall outside of the limits imposed.
Also, the system that Best Buy uses is called The Retail Equation. Best Buy is NOT the only retailer using them to track your return history. From what I understand these retailers cumulatively track your returns. You don't receive a certain limit per retailer but rather overall amongst all the retailers that use the return database. If someone is in the know and I'm wrong please correct me.
I'm not a Best Buy fan, either. Last year I bought my iPad mini at Apple and took it to Best Buy to get a Zagg screen installed. Took the guys 1.5 hours to install the dang thing, they ended up going through the entire stock of iPad Zagg shields the store had!
Needless to say, I was irritated. All was well at this point though- the guy gave me a refund in the install fee and then later a refund on the shield all together because they failed all of them. So instead I bought a generic sleeve that was sitting on the iPad mini display rack and went on my way.
Well the generic sleeve wouldn't fit the iPad mini. It was too slim. So I took that back, too, and was told that I was banned from making returns for 90 days. Uhh... Really guys??
It wasn't a huge deal because I rarely shop there. I don't think I had been to Best Buy in a year and I definitely haven't been back since. I just felt kind of insulted. Like you guys mess up three times, and then act like I'm the bad guy and banned from making a return.
Needless to say, I was irritated. All was well at this point though- the guy gave me a refund in the install fee and then later a refund on the shield all together because they failed all of them. So instead I bought a generic sleeve that was sitting on the iPad mini display rack and went on my way.
Well the generic sleeve wouldn't fit the iPad mini. It was too slim. So I took that back, too, and was told that I was banned from making returns for 90 days. Uhh... Really guys??
It wasn't a huge deal because I rarely shop there. I don't think I had been to Best Buy in a year and I definitely haven't been back since. I just felt kind of insulted. Like you guys mess up three times, and then act like I'm the bad guy and banned from making a return.
Case in point. 3 returns through no fault of your own, yet you have to shoulder the responsibility. Stories like this make my stomach turn. I refuse to shop there at all due to this.
Around this time of year I get the family asking me what I want for my birthday and Xmas, they ask if I want the usual. The usual=Best Buy gift cards. Normally I happily accept them, I usually find something I can use them on. This year I will ask for Amazon or Apple gift cards.
Just have someone else return it for you. No point in going through the hassle of selling, especially at a loss.You can also take it to an Apple store if there's one nearby. They don't care where you bought it.
If someone else returns it is still in my name though? Also I don't see how Apple will swap it if I bought only 3 days ago from BB, won't they tell me to exchange it there? I am close to multiple Apple stores, I made the mistake of buying at BB when I visited my parents back home. Should've never gone there.
I got my Air from a Best Buy and was treated great. They also gave me the price match the next day since Walmart has the iPad Air's cheaper. I have returned many things there, all legit, and never had an issue. One time they gave me a $5 gift card for my inconvenience because I returned a bad battery pack for my iPhone. I didn't ask or anything.
When I ask workers there for help, they always help me.
When I ask workers there for help, they always help me.
Agree, people are forgetting that there are people behind each product, their job and families depends on sale. If it is defective yes its fine, but return because Target gives you better offer is real abuse of the system. I would ban you for life too.
I know nobody reads the fine print, but this should be on the back of your receipt:
If you are going to ban BB because of this policy you should keep in mind that many major retailers have the same policy and even outsource to the same third party tracker "The Retail Equation" (TRE). For sure Sports Authority, J.C. Penney, Victoria's Secret, Home Depot, and Nike. Those are just the ones that have been made public. Almost certainly there are more. If you care, check the back of your receipts.
There is also a theory going around that TRE data is shared among their clients. If true, it's possible that BB's rejection is based off of more than just your two returns there, and might be based in part off of returns and exchanges elsewhere.
This is why stores are requiring photo ID for returns now instead of just receipts.
If you are going to ban BB because of this policy you should keep in mind that many major retailers have the same policy and even outsource to the same third party tracker "The Retail Equation" (TRE). For sure Sports Authority, J.C. Penney, Victoria's Secret, Home Depot, and Nike. Those are just the ones that have been made public. Almost certainly there are more. If you care, check the back of your receipts.
There is also a theory going around that TRE data is shared among their clients. If true, it's possible that BB's rejection is based off of more than just your two returns there, and might be based in part off of returns and exchanges elsewhere.
This is why stores are requiring photo ID for returns now instead of just receipts.
They scan the returner's driver's license, and that's what goes to the database. I know people who have been put on the 90 day ban, and have had friends and family return items with their name on the receipt. Elite member receipts have your name written prominently on the front. You could buy gifts for 100 corporate clients, and some would return or exchange them. That doesn't count against the purchaser, so use anyone you can find.
Aurora, IL
Funny, they never scanned my driver's license (or even asked for it) and I returned something last month.They scan the returner's driver's license, and that's what goes to the database. I know people who have been put on the 90 day ban, and have had friends and family return items with their name on the receipt. Elite member receipts have your name written prominently on the front. You could buy gifts for 100 corporate clients, and some would return or exchange them. That doesn't count against the purchaser, so use anyone you can find.
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I always check Best Buy's prices after making a purchase there. Their weekly and daily deals have allowed me to go back and get their own price match several times. I don't bother asking them to match other stores, but I'm just weird like that.
How would they enforce a ban on shopping?? I can see a way they can blacklist your card so that it won't let you check out at the register. Do they have posters of banned people in each store?? Do they have an upstairs room with people monitoring cameras ala Vegas casino? What if you have an identical twin, or even a sibling or cousin with a strong resemblance, would they be frog marched out of the store based on a 16 year olds assessment of identity?
Amazon does the same thing as do multiple other large retailers. Consistent returns do hurt companies.
Trust me. They did you a favor. Go there to try out stuff, then buy it online. You'll be happier.
What if you don't give them an ID?
If I buy something cash, they don't have any right to scan or even see my ID if I'm returning.
Cash can be exchanged for goods and services, and it goes the other way. If they want my information on a cash sale return, they can F right off - it's none of their business.
If I buy something cash, they don't have any right to scan or even see my ID if I'm returning.
Cash can be exchanged for goods and services, and it goes the other way. If they want my information on a cash sale return, they can F right off - it's none of their business.
I'd go back...what are they going to do...ask you to leave. Stay till the cops arrive.
Yes, I have heard that in this thread and elsewhere. My question was "how would they enforce a ban"?
I've had similar good experiences with my local BB, and I don't live in Heaven by any means.
In fact, BB in general is making a slow but sure comeback in the business world, which is a good thing:
http://finance.yahoo.com/blogs/breakout/4-reasons-best-buy-winning-back-consumers-154403783.html
http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2013/06/12/best-buy-not-your-standard-corporate-comeback/
http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424127887323463704578495353955994718
Oh Amazon can track you. Address and email obviously, credit card, IP etc.
I mentioned previously that one will lose all purchased digital contents and any balance from a gift card if Amazon closes the account, forgot to mention that you even lose your credit card reward points if you have an Amazon.com Visa card!