Best Buy **RANT** thread - Can they do this?!

[amnesiac]

We had a computer get knocked out at the office from a power surge, and since I needed an immediate replacement, I bought the cheapest one I could find at Best Buy - a $499 Compaq. :disgust:

Anyway, it was just purely pathetic; not even worth keeping. So I express ordered parts from Newegg and put together a MUCH faster PC the next day. I returned to BB and got the following:

BB: We'll have to charge you a 15% Restocking fee.
Me: Where's it say that?
BB: Right here on the receipt. It's written in the remarks field. And it's also printed on the back.
Me: First, the guy wrote in Sanskrit on my receipt. That's not legible. Second, the return policy states a 15% restocking fee on notebook computers, not desktops.
BB: But that includes this computer.
Me: Since WHEN has a DESKTOP been considered a NOTEBOOK?
BB: It's a computer and we have to charge a restocking fee.
<Continue arguing over definition of "notebook computer">
--> Here's where BB decides to switch their story
BB: Also you opened the box. That's not "in like new condition"
Me: So this went from "a desktop is a notebook" to "opening the box will cost you $75?"
BB: You opened the box so it's no longer in "like new" condition.
Me: I've returned PLENTY of things with open boxes and never had to pay a restocking fee! Plus, your policy states that something NOT being "in like new condition" includes "missing box, manual, peripherals, etc." I haven't even TOUCHED the manual, software, or accessories. They're all sealed.
BB: It's an opened box.

At that point I was too mad to keep arguing with a flunky "supervisor" so I asked for the General Manager's number who I'll call later today.

Best Buy's return policy is clearly written in an ambiguous fashion, and I think the pimply faced jerkoff misinterpreted it. Can anyone here help me out?

 

[Spac3d]

Why would you ever even buy a temporary computer from Best Lies. That is your fault for getting yourself into this mess.

 

[StageLeft]

You're probably out the 15%, but I'd be sure to make them prove that fact and they've not done it yet.

 

[masterxfob]

i think you might as well bend over and take it up the ass, best buy likes it like that.

 

[BooGiMaN]

what reason did you give them for returning it?
i mean they cant charge you a restockign fee for ummmm a non functional computer can they

but then again it kinda is your fault for the whole purchasing a temp computer thing

 

[Ylen13]

that is their new policy but it applies only if something is missing box, manuall anything like that. As for its open box u can't return its bs. I guess they got tired of losing business to online retailers so they decided to copy the policy of 15% restocking fee.

 

[Angrymarshmello]

I just looked at the receipt and it states nothing about charing a 15% restocking fee on desktop computers; however I can't say I feel sorry for you because you bought it with the intention of using it as a "loaner". A little something called karma

 

[slikmunks]

why are you complaining?? you tried to USE best buy... you tried to buy a computer, use it, and then return it...

 

[ScottyB]

Originally posted by: RagingBITCH
I just looked at the receipt and it states nothing about charing a 15% restocking fee on desktop computers; however I can't say I feel sorry for you because you bought it with the intention of using it as a "loaner". A little something called karma

No, he said that it was pathetic so then he decided to return it and get something off of newegg.

 

[XZeroII]

Well, basically it goes something like this: Every now and then you get some moron who hates his job and wants to make your life miserable. Sometimes you get a nice person who is willing to go to bat for you. You just have to go back at a later time when that person isn't working and try your luck again.

 

[Ornery]

IMO, if you've got all the packaging etc. in good shape, I'd call that "like new condition". Would you be willing to take full credit in the form of store credit? I bet they'd jump at that. Otherwise, it might be a little tougher to pull off, but I think you're in the right here, if your facts are correct. In the end, they ought to fork over ALL the dough.

 

[SunnyD]

Anyway, it was just purely pathetic; not even worth keeping. So I express ordered parts from Newegg and put together a MUCH faster PC the next day

I think from what he said his intention wasn't a "loaner", but after the fact, who knows.

 

[kermalou]

best buy sucks and comes in a distant second to FRYS in sucking

 

[LeeTJ]

Originally posted by: amnesiac 2.0
We had a computer get knocked out at the office from a power surge, and since I needed an immediate replacement, I bought the cheapest one I could find at Best Buy - a $499 Compaq. :disgust:

Anyway, it was just purely pathetic; not even worth keeping. So I express ordered parts from Newegg and put together a MUCH faster PC the next day. I returned to BB and got the following:

BB: We'll have to charge you a 15% Restocking fee.
Me: Where's it say that?
BB: Right here on the receipt. It's written in the remarks field. And it's also printed on the back.
Me: First, the guy wrote in Sanskrit on my receipt. That's not legible. Second, the return policy states a 15% restocking fee on notebook computers, not desktops.
BB: But that includes this computer.
Me: Since WHEN has a DESKTOP been considered a NOTEBOOK?
BB: It's a computer and we have to charge a restocking fee.
<Continue arguing over definition of "notebook computer">
--> Here's where BB decides to switch their story
BB: Also you opened the box. That's not "in like new condition"
Me: So this went from "a desktop is a notebook" to "opening the box will cost you $75?"
BB: You opened the box so it's no longer in "like new" condition.
Me: I've returned PLENTY of things with open boxes and never had to pay a restocking fee! Plus, your policy states that something NOT being "in like new condition" includes "missing box, manual, peripherals, etc." I haven't even TOUCHED the manual, software, or accessories. They're all sealed.
BB: It's an opened box.

At that point I was too mad to keep arguing with a flunky "supervisor" so I asked for the General Manager's number who I'll call later today.

Best Buy's return policy is clearly written in an ambiguous fashion, and I think the pimply faced jerkoff misinterpreted it. Can anyone here help me out?

They can't do it. get ur money back.

 

[Jugernot]

Dude, just say something is wrong with it and be done with it.... say something like "the screen corrupts after a few hours... Compaq told me to bring it back for an exchange, but I need the comptuer asap, so I just built on. Can I get arefund?"

Try it...

 

[amnesiac]

Originally posted by: RagingBITCH
I just looked at the receipt and it states nothing about charing a 15% restocking fee on desktop computers; however I can't say I feel sorry for you because you bought it with the intention of using it as a "loaner". A little something called karma

No, actually I bought it with the intention of KEEPING it but considering it took 30 minutes to boot up the first time, and it ran slower than my home-built Duron 750, it wasn't worth the silicon it was printed on.

 

[Deeko]

Maybe they were wrong in the way they told you about it, but they do have a restocking fee on all computers. If it is still sealed, there is no restocking charge, because it is still sealed.

 

[Dragnov]

Although I agree that their policy is all YMMV,

you did open it up and they can't sell the product for full price anymore but rather an open box. Doesn't really matter, but wgen it comes with expensive items like computers where they make jack money already, they get anal.

I believe you are out 15%.

P.S. Out of ALL the reccomendations of buying the computer at you picked Best Buy?!

 

[DaiShan]

Originally posted by: RagingBITCH
I just looked at the receipt and it states nothing about charing a 15% restocking fee on desktop computers; however I can't say I feel sorry for you because you bought it with the intention of using it as a "loaner". A little something called karma

From his post it sounds like he bought it for a replacement, and found that he could make one cheaper, did so, and now wants to return, his original intent was not to have a "loaner" Now on to the topic at hand. When you speak with the General Manager be polite. You catch more flies with Honey than Vinegar. Calmly explain that you have the computer in the box, the seal has been broken and you are returning it because you do not feel it meets your needs. Calmly quote their restocking policy as it applies to notebooks, and calmly define the term notebook computer (try to find a definition from a tech website, don't ad lib it, you will probably end up sounding stupid) After that explain that the manager at the store first told you it was a notebook so he couldn't return it then he told you since you opened the box you could not return it. Explain that like new condition means gently used, sealed in box is considered Brand New. The manager will want to talk at this point probably, it is important that you don't get mad, and don't say your gut reaction, it is most likely derived from emotion and will likely hinder your argument. All people can be reasoned with, you just have to find logic that they understand. The only time anger might work is in store, as no store wants a scene, and 75 bucks is not something BB would quibble about if you have a crowd of people watching. Hoewever, over the phone, the manager can simply put the receiver down while you yell and pick it back up when you are done, so it is pointless. Good Luck.

 

[SKORPI0]

What is Best Buy?s return and exchange policy?

14 days from date merchandise was received

Refunds available on these products:

?Computers

?Monitors

?Printers

?Notebook Computers

?Camcorders

?Digital Cameras

?Radar Detectors


A 15% restocking fee will be charged on returns or exchanges of any opened notebook computer, camcorder, digital camera or radar detector, unless defective .

Nowhere does it show that you'll be charged a 15% restocking fee for opened desktop computers. :disgust:

Think of it, the reason they have this 15% restocking fee for these specific items. People buy them, use it during a vacation and return them before 14 days.