Sick of Best Buy's push to sell those extended service plans?

[GoingUp]

Why is it that Best Buy only seems to Employ 16 year old morons who would rather talk to one another than help a customer? They could make their $7 an hour at Taco Bell at Taco Bell and your shopping experience wouldnt be any different.

Just as a general rule though, I dont go into a retail store to buy something unless I know what I want. I spent 2 months researching the TV and stereo system I wanted to buy. When I finally went into the store it was just to check and see how it was in Person.

I did buy an extended warrenty on my TV from CC since I got an open box model of the one I wanted. In the end it only cost me $30 more for 5 years. Pretty stupid to pass up. On my surround sound system I didnt buy one. Im not gonna pay $90 for a 3 year PSP when my system comes with a 2 year warrenty.

 

[brtspears2]

Originally posted by: Shlong
One of the Sales guys actually was cool, I bought a playstation way back for $200 I think and he told me to break it when it gets old and a new system comes out, so I did exactly that and returned it and got $200 credit (at that time PS1 was selling for $99 I think) and bought a PS2.

Yup, slightly fradulant. They try to sell it that way too. Since someone sold me a laptop with a warrenty on it .. hmm ...

 

[Codewiz]

Originally posted by: newbiepcuser
I think the Best Buy employees get a $$$ amount per warranty they sale. When I was techie at Micro Center, our sales guy got around $5.00 to $25.00 per extended service plan they sold. The amount of the bonus depends on the total cost of the item.


Depending on the item, I would recommend the extended warranty or not when the customers ask me.

Not the case at best buy. The low level sales people don't get jack crap. Management gets kickbacks if their store does well selling them.

 

[poopaskoopa]

I have no problem saying no, and I don't mind saying no to everyone in BB. I don't know. Maybe I come off as a jackass. When I say no thanks, they stop bothering me. It helps to say "no thanks" in the middle of their speech.

 

[stonecold3169]

Originally posted by: Gobadgrs
Why is it that Best Buy only seems to Employ 16 year old morons who would rather talk to one another than help a customer? They could make their $7 an hour at Taco Bell at Taco Bell and your shopping experience wouldnt be any different.

Just as a general rule though, I dont go into a retail store to buy something unless I know what I want. I spent 2 months researching the TV and stereo system I wanted to buy. When I finally went into the store it was just to check and see how it was in Person.

I did buy an extended warrenty on my TV from CC since I got an open box model of the one I wanted. In the end it only cost me $30 more for 5 years. Pretty stupid to pass up. On my surround sound system I didnt buy one. Im not gonna pay $90 for a 3 year PSP when my system comes with a 2 year warrenty.

I know you DID specifically mention best buy, but let me get something off my chest...

I'm a 19 year old college student who works part time at computer hardware/office supply store. I hear these blanket statements like yours above and it's very insulting. As half of you have mentioned, you don't give us the time of day and are very rude when we ask you if you need a hand with something. We don't say it to be assholes, we say it to find out if you need any help, and we appreciate if you don't act like an asshole back. If you weren't trying to hard to act like dicks (I'm not pointing out this to Gobadgers at all, this is aimed at theEvil1), you'd maybe realize that you DON'T know it all, and some of us know a good deal about the department we work in (not saying we know it all, just that we aren't here to annoy you).

When people come in I don't try and sell them useless garbage, nor does anyone else in my store. When buying products I try my best to help the customer buy exactly what they want or what they need. Also, somebody in here mentioned commision being our goal in life... don't assume all retail workers make commision! I don't make a whole lot of money at all... I work the job because I like people, and in general people like me, as well as it giving me a chance one day a week to play around with a little bit of computer junk...

As far as the replacement plans go, we ARE "required" to ask every customer, every time. I say required because even though I've only worked retail for 3 years, you can get a feel for who will appreciate it and who will not and I can use my own judgement. Yes, on some products I will strongly suggest they are bought, but never force it down someones throat. For example, if on a $1,500 laptop there is a 3 year full comp plan available for $110, I will fill the customer in on what the plan does because quite honestly I would get one on that. Now, on a keyboard or mouse, don't make me laugh... but there are some that are very worthwhile.

Keep in mind also some people get very upset if there is an extended plan available, they were never told about it, and their product breaks a year down the line, and then they are pissed at the store and nobody wins. Also, in this case if someone comes in and gets mad at us when a scanner they bought from us breaks in a year, hey, we offered a plan.. and just because we offered it most people will blame themselves for not getting it versus us for it breaking. It ends with less hostility towards us.

Sorry for the long winded rant, but please, please don't assume all of us are scum suckers, as it just isn't true. Show us some respect, and you'll usually get some back in return. And who knows, I've picked up computer dork friends that I've met on the job, maybe you can be so lucky

 

[AbsolutZero]

The BB employees here are either brain dead or laid back, not pushy. I got a PSP on a dryer for $60, they come out to the house even if the wife calls and says "its making a funny noise".

 

[busmaster11]

I have a friend who works there... Beig technically savvy, he knew that pushing these plans on people was immoral, especially a 200 dollar plan on a 20 dollar eMachine. But after a while, it didn't bother him anymore and he started selling them like crazy, and it became a personal challenge for him...

It's a good idea to get it on a few things, like laptops (for the eventual switcheroo ) and things like TVs and washer/dryers, you know, stuff you'd rather have inhome service rather than having to bring it in.

 

[dquan97]

Originally posted by: newbiepcuser
I think the Best Buy employees get a $$$ amount per warranty they sale. When I was techie at Micro Center, our sales guy got around $5.00 to $25.00 per extended service plan they sold. The amount of the bonus depends on the total cost of the item.


Depending on the item, I would recommend the extended warranty or not when the customers ask me.

Since I've worked there, I can assure you that sales employees dont get commission from selling the PRP or PSP. They are HEAVILY pressured to do so by management, who controls their hours and the environment. So if you dont sell = you get stuck doing truck every night. And doing truck SUCKS!!!!!! (fyi: "doing truck" = unloading merchandise from trailers at midnight)

 

[GoingUp]

Originally posted by: stonecold3169

Originally posted by: Gobadgrs
Why is it that Best Buy only seems to Employ 16 year old morons who would rather talk to one another than help a customer? They could make their $7 an hour at Taco Bell at Taco Bell and your shopping experience wouldnt be any different.

Just as a general rule though, I dont go into a retail store to buy something unless I know what I want. I spent 2 months researching the TV and stereo system I wanted to buy. When I finally went into the store it was just to check and see how it was in Person.

I did buy an extended warrenty on my TV from CC since I got an open box model of the one I wanted. In the end it only cost me $30 more for 5 years. Pretty stupid to pass up. On my surround sound system I didnt buy one. Im not gonna pay $90 for a 3 year PSP when my system comes with a 2 year warrenty.

I know you DID specifically mention best buy, but let me get something off my chest...

I'm a 19 year old college student who works part time at computer hardware/office supply store. I hear these blanket statements like yours above and it's very insulting. As half of you have mentioned, you don't give us the time of day and are very rude when we ask you if you need a hand with something. We don't say it to be assholes, we say it to find out if you need any help, and we appreciate if you don't act like an asshole back. If you weren't trying to hard to act like dicks (I'm not pointing out this to Gobadgers at all, this is aimed at theEvil1), you'd maybe realize that you DON'T know it all, and some of us know a good deal about the department we work in (not saying we know it all, just that we aren't here to annoy you).

When people come in I don't try and sell them useless garbage, nor does anyone else in my store. When buying products I try my best to help the customer buy exactly what they want or what they need. Also, somebody in here mentioned commision being our goal in life... don't assume all retail workers make commision! I don't make a whole lot of money at all... I work the job because I like people, and in general people like me, as well as it giving me a chance one day a week to play around with a little bit of computer junk...

As far as the replacement plans go, we ARE "required" to ask every customer, every time. I say required because even though I've only worked retail for 3 years, you can get a feel for who will appreciate it and who will not and I can use my own judgement. Yes, on some products I will strongly suggest they are bought, but never force it down someones throat. For example, if on a $1,500 laptop there is a 3 year full comp plan available for $110, I will fill the customer in on what the plan does because quite honestly I would get one on that. Now, on a keyboard or mouse, don't make me laugh... but there are some that are very worthwhile.

Keep in mind also some people get very upset if there is an extended plan available, they were never told about it, and their product breaks a year down the line, and then they are pissed at the store and nobody wins. Also, in this case if someone comes in and gets mad at us when a scanner they bought from us breaks in a year, hey, we offered a plan.. and just because we offered it most people will blame themselves for not getting it versus us for it breaking. It ends with less hostility towards us.

Sorry for the long winded rant, but please, please don't assume all of us are scum suckers, as it just isn't true. Show us some respect, and you'll usually get some back in return. And who knows, I've picked up computer dork friends that I've met on the job, maybe you can be so lucky

Actually Stone, I worked at CompUSA for 4 years in hardware sales. I quit because the Extended plans became a shitty value for the customer. When I first started you could get a 5 year warrenty on a $2000 computer for $190. By the time I left it had jumped to $450 for 3 years. Anyways, just at least by the Bestbuys by my house, the employees are worthless and you can never find them if you actually need help. When you do they vaguly point somewhere in teh store where your product is located. Not all retail employees are like that, but a good number are.

 

[richardycc]

a business reply without giving you her last name? what a class act.

rich

 

[flashbacck]

I kinda agree with the posts that many of the BB employees aren't that bright. I am more often annoyed at the misinformation I get, than I am grateful for helpful assistance.

About the PSPs... Those are definitely worth it sometimes. It lasts 3 years and for laptops and cellphones, includes battery replacements! The key reason I get the PSPs, is that if you take it in for parts replacements (e.g. batteries), and they don't have the battery, they give you a new laptop or cellphone! And at the rate laptops and cellphones are outdated, you're almost guaranteed to get a new one.

but yes. constant PSP offers on small items like keyboards and mice is pretty silly.

 

[T2T III]

Originally posted by: Cfour
Whats the problem here? Just say "no thanks" and walk away.... is it really that big of a deal? If people are dumb enough to buy the replacement plans, let them.

I couldn't agree with you more - and I always say "no thanks." However, it has become somewhat irritating lately when the only thing the salesperson knows how to do is sell a service plan. The salesperson, for the most part, knows little if anything about the products in the area that they are assigned to. Also, I noticed in one of the replies where a comment was made about some of the salespeople huddling around and BS-ing instead of helping customers. I've seen cases of that happening, too. Unfortunately, you have all these "pockets" of employees around the store shooting the bull - and then you look over at customer service where they have 2 people working with customers on returns and such. Plus, the line has about 10 or more people waiting for up to 45 minutes to have their chance at getting their issue resolved. Something is wrong with this picture.

For example, if on a $1,500 laptop there is a 3 year full comp plan available for $110, I will fill the customer in on what the plan does because quite honestly I would get one on that. Now, on a keyboard or mouse, don't make me laugh... but there are some that are very worthwhile.

Belive me, if I had the opportunity to purchase a 3-year service plan for $110 on a $1,500 laptop, I would have taken it. However, I was given the opportunity of a 3-year service plan for $249 on a laptop that was going to cost me $549 after rebates. What's wrong with this picture? The extended warranty is nearly half the cost of the item.

 

[Kaervak]

Originally posted by: flashbacck
I kinda agree with the posts that many of the BB employees aren't that bright. I am more often annoyed at the misinformation I get, than I am grateful for helpful assistance.

About the PSPs... Those are definitely worth it sometimes. It lasts 3 years and for laptops and cellphones, includes battery replacements! The key reason I get the PSPs, is that if you take it in for parts replacements (e.g. batteries), and they don't have the battery, they give you a new laptop or cellphone! And at the rate laptops and cellphones are outdated, you're almost guaranteed to get a new one.

but yes. constant PSP offers on small items like keyboards and mice is pretty silly.

Hmmm, this is good news. I actually bought a service plan for my cell phone. The battery is getting a little goofy, the phone is 2.5 years old. Gonna get it replaced now.

 

[jimmyhaha]

I think PSP does NOT cover cellphone / laptop battery ?

btw, trust your brain instead of some HS kid pushing the PSP in retail industry..

 

[flashbacck]

Also, I noticed in one of the replies where a comment was made about some of the salespeople huddling around and BS-ing instead of helping customers. I've seen cases of that happening, too. Unfortunately, you have all these "pockets" of employees around the store shooting the bull - and then you look over at customer service where they have 2 people working with customers on returns and such. Plus, the line has about 10 or more people waiting for up to 45 minutes to have their chance at getting their issue resolved. Something is wrong with this picture.

I COMPLETELY agree with this. I HATE when that happens. And it happens not just at BB, but at Circuit City and other stores.

 

[flashbacck]

Originally posted by: jimmyhaha
I think PSP does NOT cover cellphone / laptop battery ?

btw, trust your brain instead of some HS kid pushing the PSP in retail industry..

It does:

"This Plan provides battery repair/replacement for notebook computers, cellular and PCS phones when original is determined defective by us. "

If you don't have a PSP handy, go check out bestbuy online and select a laptop. When you checkout it'll offer the PSP. select it and it'll take you to the legalese. It says it there...

 

[Spikey217]

I'm glad my local BB does not push the extended service plans. They do however, know little to nothing about the products but when I say no, they don't continue to persue it.

 

[Dragnov]

Unfortunately, it is difficult to follow a policy regarding PSP's, etc. because not all customers are the same.

It's not Best Buy's freakin fault dumb@sses try to return broken products AFTER the allowed the return date. And one day late is still LATE. Furthermore, there are numerous cases where the customer b1tches and moans about a broken product, but opted NOT to get the PSP and then later says they were never offered it.

Theres no real business solution to this plan. But just go in their friendly, talk to the sales person friendly and when they mention the PSP, just say you know all about it already and say no way you're going to get it but thanks for offering. Their all like high school kids, so they'll get the point... they are just offering because the managers are hounding after them. Furthermore, it is nearly IMPOSSIBLE for the sales person to know all. There are pretty much an inifinite amount of questions to be asked (some of them insanely stupid), management shuffles them around to sell products they don't know about, and they are never given information to learn. Give em a break, hell I've been working w/ computers for a long time now and I'd say I probably still know jack sh1t compared to some other people.

Don't be a grumpy old man... you've had longer to learn. Remember when you were a whee lad learning the ropes?

 

[pulse8]

I usually just say, "No thanks," and they drop it.

 

[waggy]

Originally posted by: Shlong
One of the Sales guys actually was cool, I bought a playstation way back for $200 I think and he told me to break it when it gets old and a new system comes out, so I did exactly that and returned it and got $200 credit (at that time PS1 was selling for $99 I think) and bought a PS2.

hope you are proud of yourself cause all you are is a theif.


last time i purchased a large product at BB was when i got a 27inch Samsung tv. First i couldnt get the guy to help me get it off the shelf. he was on a cell phone with his friend and kept walking away from me. so my wife went up and called for a manager to come over to help. while complaining to the manager the guy finally came over. the manager made him get it down for me and take it to my car. The manager did give me 20% off on the tv (plus it was open item) so i got it for a great price.

But the salesman didnt know squat about the TV and it was his department! but he did know all about the service plan. he didnt ask nicely he just tried to add it on to the paper (since it was a open box with discount they had to write it up for the cashier) when i made him take it off he got upset and said i had to get it on a open box which i told him no i didnt. but then he stared asking, finally on the 4th time i told said "will you please shut the fck up!?" he was slightly shocked that i said that but darn i was getting pissed. When i got up to the cashier she asked me nicely if i wanted it. so i said sure put it on! heh the guy's draw about hit hte floor.

If he would have asked nicely and not put it on the write up to begine with i would have got it from him.

 

[stonecold3169]

Originally posted by: waggy

Originally posted by: Shlong
One of the Sales guys actually was cool, I bought a playstation way back for $200 I think and he told me to break it when it gets old and a new system comes out, so I did exactly that and returned it and got $200 credit (at that time PS1 was selling for $99 I think) and bought a PS2.

hope you are proud of yourself cause all you are is a theif.


last time i purchased a large product at BB was when i got a 27inch Samsung tv. First i couldnt get the guy to help me get it off the shelf. he was on a cell phone with his friend and kept walking away from me. so my wife went up and called for a manager to come over to help. while complaining to the manager the guy finally came over. the manager made him get it down for me and take it to my car. The manager did give me 20% off on the tv (plus it was open item) so i got it for a great price.

But the salesman didnt know squat about the TV and it was his department! but he did know all about the service plan. he didnt ask nicely he just tried to add it on to the paper (since it was a open box with discount they had to write it up for the cashier) when i made him take it off he got upset and said i had to get it on a open box which i told him no i didnt. but then he stared asking, finally on the 4th time i told said "will you please shut the fck up!?" he was slightly shocked that i said that but darn i was getting pissed. When i got up to the cashier she asked me nicely if i wanted it. so i said sure put it on! heh the guy's draw about hit hte floor.

If he would have asked nicely and not put it on the write up to begine with i would have got it from him.

Now THAT is ridiculous, and I would have made damn sure I reported him to management and even asked for a corporate number. I would take that as fraud, and would make the manager know that if you ever came in to buy something again and that penis was working you wouldn't be buying anything

 

[waggy]

Originally posted by: stonecold3169

Originally posted by: waggy

Originally posted by: Shlong
One of the Sales guys actually was cool, I bought a playstation way back for $200 I think and he told me to break it when it gets old and a new system comes out, so I did exactly that and returned it and got $200 credit (at that time PS1 was selling for $99 I think) and bought a PS2.

hope you are proud of yourself cause all you are is a theif.


last time i purchased a large product at BB was when i got a 27inch Samsung tv. First i couldnt get the guy to help me get it off the shelf. he was on a cell phone with his friend and kept walking away from me. so my wife went up and called for a manager to come over to help. while complaining to the manager the guy finally came over. the manager made him get it down for me and take it to my car. The manager did give me 20% off on the tv (plus it was open item) so i got it for a great price.

But the salesman didnt know squat about the TV and it was his department! but he did know all about the service plan. he didnt ask nicely he just tried to add it on to the paper (since it was a open box with discount they had to write it up for the cashier) when i made him take it off he got upset and said i had to get it on a open box which i told him no i didnt. but then he stared asking, finally on the 4th time i told said "will you please shut the fck up!?" he was slightly shocked that i said that but darn i was getting pissed. When i got up to the cashier she asked me nicely if i wanted it. so i said sure put it on! heh the guy's draw about hit hte floor.

If he would have asked nicely and not put it on the write up to begine with i would have got it from him.

Now THAT is ridiculous, and I would have made damn sure I reported him to management and even asked for a corporate number. I would take that as fraud, and would make the manager know that if you ever came in to buy something again and that penis was working you wouldn't be buying anything

yeah after i got in the car i thought about it. i should have called the manager and complained yet again. but my wife hates it when i do stuff like that and she was already mad enough.

 

[ScottyB]

What's really funny is that they tried to sell me and my dad a plan for a $20 phone. My dad looked all confused and I told him we didn't need it. My dad is a salesman and can't shop at all, not even for cars. He is one of the best salesmen, if not the best, at his company and helps them make millions every year. My mom says he is just nice so everyone buys from him.