Beware of Best Buy Exchange Policy

[mwest350z]

The Linksys Router I had purchased at Best Buy died. Returned to Best Buy with all original packaging and receipt for an even exchange. Customer service took a look at my stuff and said go ahead and get another unit. Returned to customer service counter with new router. Different person took a look at my paperwork and tells me cannot do even exchange. I purchased my router more than 30 days ago (45 to be exact). Person stood firm no exchange after 30 days. I remained very calm and polite and businesslike during this exchange. Asked to speak with the store manager. A very non-managerial type person introduced himself to me as the manager. Was very abrupt in his demeanor. Repeated Best Buy no exchange after 30 day policy, turned his back toward me and walked away.I E-mailed this story to Best Buy Corp. offices and received the typical canned corporate line. Basically they told me in corporate speak "screw you" call Linksys. By the way I went across the mall to Walmart. Surprisingly, they carried the same Linksys products. I asked the manager, what is Walmart's policy in the event I purchase this router and it dies after 6 months? His answer, bring it back we will exchange it. We have spent literally thousands of dollars the past 2 years at Best Buy (lap top, desk top, perihperals, cd's, dvd's etc.).You can be assured Best Buy will not see dollar 1 of my families hard earned money in the future. Also, I am relating my Best Buy experience to anyone that will stand still long enough to listen. Unless you buy there BS extended warranty (a huge money maker for Best Buy) you are on your own.

[PC_Fanatic]

Which is why Wal-Mart is dominating the retail industry. They exchanged a fan I bought months before, and even refunded me the difference in price. The current price was less than the price I paid.

I returned a CD to Best Buy, the reason was that the wrong CD was in the jewel case, shrinkwrapped and all. The Best Buy rep looked at me suspiciously, as if I were at fault. They exchanged the CD, but not easily.

If Best Buy made it as hard to BUY something as it is to RETURN something, they'd be out of business in days.

[mwest350z]

As a follow up to my earlier comment. I sent a letter detailing my experience directly to Best Buy CEO, Brad Anderson. I also included a copy of every receipt for stuff purchased at Best Buy the past 2 years. Totals in excess of $2000. No reply yet. Mailed it Dec. 18. Also from now on will send him copy of receipt for every itme I buy elsewhere that Best Buy carries.

[shaunh]

Same deal happened to me, or somewhat the same. Bought a $20 set of headphones and after a few days the left speaker quit working. I lost the receipt but figured there'd be no problem since I just wanted to even exchange. I went there with everything (package, bag, etc) and they said "no, without the receipt you are just outta luck".

I've spent thousands at best buy and for them to do this over a $20 set of headphones was absurd. I went in the next day and purchased the exact same set, then returned the bad headset using that receipt and this time got my money back. Underhanded? Yes but I didn't feel guilty considering I had bought the original set there not even a week earlier.

[eppenta]

hi i'm new here.

i seem to never have trouble with best buy here in my town. they always take my things back without problems i guess it depends on the store.

[elroy]

I have also had bad experiences trying to return items at Best Buy, that is why I rarely, and I mean rarely shop there.

[bombledmonk]

While this is an old thread, it's a good topic. I haven't had the easiest time returning stuff their either, the only thing that saved me was a friend that worked there and let it slide.

The only time I set foot in a BB is when I'm researching TV's or laptops a bit, I can't even remember the last thing I bought there.... Probably battlefiled 1942 upteen years ago when it first came out.

[fishycomics]

ha! there is a sucker born every minute , and you did not learn your lesson?
next time go buy a new one and return itthe next hour , and tell them I am not satisfied instead of arguing nicely that you got a defetive item and the receipt is passed due, 14 days on electronics and 30 on other stuff.
800.00 and I returned an item no questions asked without a restocking 15% fee . i agree with you they suck, but I totally disagree if your reciept is out dated

[NM_Bill]

Best Buy as well as Circuit City kind of suck, but by being an informed customer, the 30 day return can be a big deal. I wasn't going to buy a TV by having it shipped. Was surprised to get a bad Panasonic, but exchange with no explanation was nice. By the way, if you go when not busy, you can negotiate price on the spot. Salesmen have commission incentive and with department sales manager's OK often have room to work. That opens up a situation some hate, but it worked well for me when purchasing more than one significant item at the time. Obviously, be prepared with reasonable product and price info. Sometimes they are the place to buy.

[fishycomics]

Originally posted by NM_Bill
Best Buy as well as Circuit City kind of suck, but by being an informed customer, the 30 day return can be a big deal. I wasn't going to buy a TV by having it shipped. Was surprised to get a bad Panasonic, but exchange with no explanation was nice. By the way, if you go when not busy, you can negotiate price on the spot. Salesmen have commission incentive and with department sales manager's OK often have room to work. That opens up a situation some hate, but it worked well for me when purchasing more than one significant item at the time. Obviously, be prepared with reasonable product and price info. Sometimes they are the place to buy.

they do not work on commission as a worker told me his friend works for them best buy or curcuit city. but depending on the item 14 day 15-20 restocking fee. better read the over the counter by the register, and box sticker? i walked out with a full refund by stating what a peice of garbage you sold me.