topic Why Do I Bother with Best Buy in Community Chat

Why Do I Bother with Best Buy

Jordan2 — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 20:13:45 GMT

I went to Best Buy today to buy a computer mouse and a Tracfone refill card. I had to get on line to enter the store. There is never anyone to help you, they don't care if you're wandering aimlessly through the store. Anyway I had two Logitech mice in my hands, I wanted to know the difference between the two. I finally ask a sales rep what the difference is, he says they're basically the same. Well, thank you so much for clearing it up for me, not!! I was so annoyed I took myself over to Target and bought both items there. I feel Target values their customers, Best Buy doesn't seem to care.

Re: Why Do I Bother with Best Buy

Katcat1 — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 20:22:19 GMT

It's too bad that Best Buy is the only electronics store you can go to. There use to be the Good Guys and others and they all closed. I agree that it is not easy to get help at Best Buy. I actually do my shopping at Target for electronics and wish they would expand the dept.

Re: Why Do I Bother with Best Buy

mimomof4 — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 20:23:49 GMT

Funny you should say this. I order from Best Buy often because they ship so quickly or their curbside pick up is convenient but haven't actually shopped in the store in a few years. Hubby and I decided to walk into Best Buy to purchase a case for our iPad. I asked the sales person in the Apple section a question about the Apple Pen - basically he just pointed us to the table where they were located. No trying to get a sale. We wandered elsewhere through the store and didn't get help.

Re: Why Do I Bother with Best Buy

millieshops — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 20:28:29 GMT

@Jordan2 I think that with any of the chains, it’s the individual employees we encounter that determine how we feel about them.

i have just ended years of being a snowbird so I have often shopped in the same chains in both areas. Sometimes except for chain-owned merchandise, you wouldn’t think they are the same company.

Re: Why Do I Bother with Best Buy

Jordan2 — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 20:31:05 GMT

@Katcat1 I don't know where you live but I use to shop at The Wiz and Circuit City. My brother would shop at Crazy Eddies in Manhattan for records, I don't recall if they had electronics. Maybe Best Buy knows you don't have a lot of options so they don't have to treat their customers well.

Re: Why Do I Bother with Best Buy

Caaareful Shopper — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 20:33:28 GMT

I love Best Buy!

I haven't been inside the store in years though.

I shop online and either have it delivered (one of the consistently fastest delivery systems) or have the curb-side pick-up. Since they are three miles from my home, and in a plaza with Trader Joe's and my pet supply store, it's never a bother to drive by and have them place my order in my car.

Re: Why Do I Bother with Best Buy

Katcat1 — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 20:38:09 GMT

@Jordan2 When I lived in California it was the Good Guys. When I moved back to Illinois it was Circuit City, Best Buy and others but I can't remember the names now. I am sure Sears is next to go under.

Re: Why Do I Bother with Best Buy

beach-mom — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 21:11:26 GMT

I "boycotted" Best Buy for years. Years ago we bought a camera. It was last minute, as we were going on vacation the next day. The SA told us it was the best - more features than most and the top of its (well known) brand. Brand new of course.

Two days into our vacation and it stopped working. We located the nearest BB and gave up part of our day to drive 2 hours to get there. They told us that model was old and discontinued and they couldn't take it back. And of course anyway they didn't have any more. I was furious. We talked to the manager- didn't do any good.

I went to the drugstore and bought disposable cameras (remember those?) for the rest of our vacation.

When we got home I took it in to return it. I had the sales receipt. They gave me a hard time. I spoke to a manager, and of course the young salesman I originally had wasn't there that day. They didn't have that model and said I couldn't return it. I was not happy! Finally the manager said as a "one-time COURTESY" he would take it back but I had to pay a $50 "restocking fee."

When I walked out the door I decided I would never shop there again.

And didn't for a lot of years . . . until they became the only electronics store around.

Now I do shop there once in a while. We just got a new TV for our bedroom right after Christmas when our 20-year old one gave out. We're not going many places, but even before quarantine I never go there without an appointment. They've been pretty good about letting me do that. We checked prices other places for the one we (DH) wanted, and they had the best price.

I do wish they would get some competition, but with the path retail is taking I don't think that will happen.

Re: Why Do I Bother with Best Buy

Ibby114 — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 21:22:26 GMT

Best Buy near me has been fine, but I do extensive research beforehand and know what I want to purchase. If I have a tech type question I'll go to the Geek Squad area to get the best help.

7 or 8 years ago a different locale gave my 85 year old Dad a hard time about returning an item shortly after the 30 day timeframe, he had the original packaging and receipt. I went on their facebook page to 'handle' the issue! I got a apology from Corporate, and a full refund (no restocking fee) to my Dad's credit card.

Re: Why Do I Bother with Best Buy

ValuSkr — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 21:24:00 GMT

I went to Best Buy this summer and they had people at the door asking for your cell number. I didn't know why and they said they would call me when an associate was ready to assist. I asked if I could just look about the store - sans help - and they acquiesced. Gee, thanks!

I've since returned once or twice and it wasn't quite as regimented.

But Target is a better choice for inexpensive electronics. I bought both a mouse and a laptop there in 2020.

Re: Why Do I Bother with Best Buy

bonnielu — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 21:26:29 GMT

I think it has to do with Covid and the time and day of the week... and also who is working. We WERE treated very well. But it is hit and miss. I know that I like Staples and we seem to get along better there.

Re: Why Do I Bother with Best Buy

Wsmom — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 21:39:30 GMT

I have made a couple of purchases from BB, one for delivery and one for store pick up. Both times I was able to do an online chat and have my questions answered prior to placing the order.

Re: Why Do I Bother with Best Buy

Etoile308 — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 21:40:19 GMT

I stopped shopping at Best Buy years ago. I couldn't take the noise pollution. In fact last time I was there I walked twenty feet into the store and turned around and left. The loud migraine inducing music was more than I could take. I tried to tell the man at the podium that over the blaring music but didn't want to shout. Realized they didn't really want me or my money.

Re: Why Do I Bother with Best Buy

Ibby114 — Tue, 05 Jan 2021 00:18:34 GMT

@Etoile308 wrote:
I stopped shopping at Best Buy years ago. I couldn't take the noise pollution. In fact last time I was there I walked twenty feet into the store and turned around and left. The loud migraine inducing music was more than I could take. I tried to tell the man at the podium that over the blaring music but didn't want to shout. Realized they didn't really want me or my money.

@Etoile308 With covid, the stores are now like a ghost town.

Re: Why Do I Bother with Best Buy

mspatmac — Tue, 05 Jan 2021 00:29:09 GMT

I must be the exception because in the past 3 yrs I have bought a TV, dishwasher, iPhone, Macbook, and I'm looking at a refrigerator this year, a vac and 2 mice all at Best Buy. I have had home delivery and installation, curbside pick up and in store appoints for shopping and the geek squad. Not one complaint about the service, the helpfulness of employees. They have worked very hard at my store to provide great service. I think the store leadership sets the tone for service and can vary from store to store. Their warranties, which I purchased cover everything, and for electronics they set up, transfer everything off the replaced item, and explain everything. I want service with my purchases and I get that from my local Best Buy.

Re: Why Do I Bother with Best Buy

Spurt — Tue, 05 Jan 2021 00:37:47 GMT

At the Best Buy Store I shop at here in Texas the employees are always very helpful.....Sometimes I will be just browsing and an employee will approach and ask if I need any help......

Re: Why Do I Bother with Best Buy

Jordan2 — Tue, 05 Jan 2021 00:43:25 GMT

@bonnielu wrote:
I think it has to do withCovidd and the time and day of the week... and also who is working. We WERE treated very well. But it is hit and miss. I know that I like Staples and we seem to get along better there.

@bonnielu for me it isn't COVID related. Even before I could never find a sales associate to help and they aren't all that knowledgeable. A lot of times I'll order online and have it sent to me.

Re: Why Do I Bother with Best Buy

PINKdogWOOD — Tue, 05 Jan 2021 13:52:17 GMT

Don't go to Best Buy for anything because they are NOT the best buy. I know I'll never go there again for anything especially to buy a new appliance that only lasts 3.9 years as was the case on the fridge we bought 3.9 years ago. Yes I know it isn't really their fault they sell bad working appliances, yet the help I could not count on from them to fix the darn thing did not work to my advantage.

Re: Why Do I Bother with Best Buy

red&curly — Tue, 05 Jan 2021 14:08:32 GMT

My friend found out they had the best price on a tv until she had to return it & got the restocking fee deducted.
Most other stores don't charge you that.Least not the ones I go to.
I have been fine getting electronics from Walmart or Target.
I think there time is limited .Not the selection they used to carry yrs.back.
So much disinterest in working when you go to store in town near us & this was probably 2 yrs.ago.No desire in going after that.
k

Re: Why Do I Bother with Best Buy

froggy — Tue, 05 Jan 2021 18:24:04 GMT

You can refill your Tracfone online.