Horrible customer service at Best Buy

SILVER-ES · Post by **SILVER-ES** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 6:03 pm

I had a wonderful run in with Best Buy which has finally pushed me over the edge with them. I will never shop there again and will urge anyone I know not to shop there as well. Not that I feel this will do too much but I'm posting this on every forum I visit. I apologize in advance for the length.

I used to be an employee of Best Buy store #447 in Tukwilla Washington. During my time of employment I used my discount to purchase and Escort Passport 8500 as well as the Best Buy Product Replacement plan or PRP as they refer to it. The detector retailed for $299.99 and I payed $198.68.

Well lately one of the screws holding the case together had begun to work itself loose. I would tighten every couple of days fearing having to go in to Best Buy and use the PRP. Well the screw finally fell out and down into the defrost vent on the top of my dash so I had no choice but to try and seek a replacement.

Upon explaining this to the customer service representive in the store I was told I could not have it replaced without paying the difference between the employee price and the retail price due to me no longer being an employee. That just wasn't going to work so I asked for a Manager. This is when Eli, the general manger of the store, approached and explained that it could be replaced with the same product for the original $299.99 if they carried the product. The employee tried to change his story and say this is what he had told us. This is where it gets worse.

The customer service rep then looked up the Escort 8500 and said it was discontinued and I couldn't replace my defective one. Eli however informed us that if they did have it they would honor the original $299.99 price and replace mine. They did however have the Escort 8500 x50 which retails for $329.99. I became upset because he then told me that due to them not having the Escort 8500 I could only have $198.68 towards a different product and be forced to pay the difference. I would of gladly paid the $30 price difference for the x50 but because he deemed it not equivilant I would be forced to pay the difference between the $198.68 and the $329.99. At this point he had changed his story a few times and was getting rude with my mother (who was also present) and me. I then picked up my paperwork and radar detetctor and said if you won't honor this for the equivilant product because I am no longer an employee then what the f**k is the point of the PRP.

He then took great offense to me having a backbone and standing up to him by informing me he was kicking me out of his store for the use of the F word. I refused to leave instead asking for his business card and the number to corporate. He gave me both.

We then continued to argue for a bit over why I couldn't pay the $30 difference for the x50 seeing as my original reciept listed my 8500 at a price of $299.99. Well he would no longer work with me because I had said the PRP was pointless. Eli offered to refund me my PRP price and that was it. When I asked for the refund he then once again changed his story and refused the refund. We were both vocal with eachother at this point and he threanted to call the police yet again.

Finally after going back and forth some more it got down to the point that he wasn't going to do anything for me. My mother and I went out front of the store and called the PRP hotline. They worked with me and said that they couldn't replace my radar detector but would refund me my $198.68 plus sales tax. As my mother was on the phone getting help from corporate Eli and the employee working the door both came out front and began to harass us. Saying things like, "good luck", "no one will help you." I then thanked him for the number because corporate was actually helping. He got pissy yet again and said something along the lines of, "oh yeah, well we will see how that works." I informed it was working because not only did I still have my detector but I was getting a check for the purchase price.

Shortly after that was sorted out my mother and I both filed complaints with corporate over how he refused to honor the PRP and then came out of his store to harass us.

I've contacted Escort and they are fixing my detector for $49.95 and took a vendor complaint towards Best Buy, of which I was informed they had done alot of lately.

I guess I can't be too mad. I'm getting a check for $198.68 plus sales tax, still have my radar detector, and I'm alos getting the detector fixed for $49.95. So I'm basically making money.

I will however never shop in a Best Buy again, I was reminded today why I quit working there. I apologize for typos or anything of that nature and don't really mind if you agree with me being upset or not. I just figured I'd get it out there.

Cliff Notes - Best Buy doesn't honor my PRP, manager becomes argumentitive, I argue back and I'm threatened with trespassing charges, I leave with my brokin product, my mother is harassed by the Manager.

03sxt · Post by **03sxt** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 6:10 pm

SILVER-ES wrote:During my time of employment I used my discount to purchase and Escort Passport 8500 as well as the Best Buy Product Replacement plan or PRP as they refer to it. The detector retailed for $299.99 and I payed $198.68.

Those plans are a bunch of bullshit. I worked at K-Mart about 6 years ago and they have the 'SmartPlan' Replacements and Service Contracts you can buy with electronics. It's supposed to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside when buying a piece of shit TV or VCR. The 'extended warranties' are all just to get the store a few extra dollars. I always felt guilty when I sold a 'SmartPlan' with a 'Sansui' television. Anytime someone needed one honored, there were so many stipulations in the fine print and the manufacturer never honored them.

eVilcreations · Post by **eVilcreations** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 6:12 pm

Well to tell you the truth......that really doesn't surprise me about how Best Buy was.....I worked at a Best Buy for about 2 1/2 years when I was in high school/college.......and recently every time I go in one....I'm amazed by what a down hill slide the company has taken.........

Josh

SILVER-ES · Post by **SILVER-ES** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 6:17 pm

Oh yeah, I'm not too surprised either. This is why I had put off trying to use the PRP.

I find it rediculous because when I filed the vendor complaint with Escort she informed me that whether he returned my broken unit to them or sold a brand new x50 he would get the same credit from them no matter what.

The thing that pissed me off the most was his "I don't care because I have the authority to say no" attitude and the fact that he contintued to pester my mother after we left the store.

01RTNeon · Post by **01RTNeon** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 7:30 pm

Why not just go to the hardware store, and buy a screw for 10 cents?

lowneon · Post by **lowneon** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 7:47 pm

because he got a check in the mail and hes getting it fixed.

Neonix · Post by **Neonix** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 8:12 pm

01RTNeon wrote:Why not just go to the hardware store, and buy a screw for 10 cents?

Because you shouldn't have to bend over and take it up the ass from best buy, you pay for the replacement plan you should be able to replace it. 10 cent screw or not.

J-Villa · Post by **J-Villa** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 9:07 pm

well i can understand them only refunding you the 200 or w/e it was...and i can understand why you couldn't spend the 30 bucks for the better replacement....b/c your not an employee any more so you would be basically gettin the better one at an employee price...but i see your side too ...you bought the plan so it should be replaced hands down....i worked in retail for over 2 years seen this situation a 1,000 times....but they are IN fault with the way they handle themselves....i would just get your money back and take your business else where

SILVER-ES · Post by **SILVER-ES** » Wed Jul 13, 2005 12:38 am

01RTNeon wrote:Why not just go to the hardware store, and buy a screw for 10 cents?

Mainly because I paid for the PRP so it should be replaced by them, not fixed by me.

And like lowneon said, now I'm getting a check and getting it fixed so essentially I'm getting it for damn near free.

E3EsXt02 wrote:well i can understand them only refunding you the 200 or w/e it was...and i can understand why you couldn't spend the 30 bucks for the better replacement....b/c your not an employee any more so you would be basically gettin the better one at an employee price...but i see your side too ...you bought the plan so it should be replaced hands down....i worked in retail for over 2 years seen this situation a 1,000 times....but they are IN fault with the way they handle themselves....i would just get your money back and take your business else where

I can see their side to an extent, but even with my paying the employee price they would still get the same credit from Escort when they returned it. Escort doesn't see how much I paid for the unit if Best Buy returns it. Basically if he had not become a full grown punk ass it would of went over slightly better.

WiTeOuT · Post by **WiTeOuT** » Wed Jul 13, 2005 2:15 am

This does'nt surprise me, BUT in my opinion seems to be something more of a STORE or MANAGER problem.

I worked at Circuit City for 1 year, until they cut 4,000 employees and myself one day in one of the largest retail staff reductions EVER! So I vowed to never shop there again. But lo and behold, 2 years later I finally bought something. I know at Circuit City, thier plan in the Roadshop REALLY does work. At least the store here in town really does send stuff off. My friends Head Unit's faceplate broke, and instead of fixing it, they just told him to pick out a new one in the store!!

So my final point. Don't give up on a company because of one A-HOLE. I know that Best Buy probably does screw people with the RPP, that's how they make profit....but remember, it was just one big A$$ that you dealt with. AND you came out on top!

Neonix · Post by **Neonix** » Wed Jul 13, 2005 9:33 am

WiTeOuT wrote:This does'nt surprise me, BUT in my opinion seems to be something more of a STORE or MANAGER problem.

I worked at Circuit City for 1 year, until they cut 4,000 employees and myself one day in one of the largest retail staff reductions EVER! So I vowed to never shop there again. But lo and behold, 2 years later I finally bought something. I know at Circuit City, thier plan in the Roadshop REALLY does work. At least the store here in town really does send stuff off. My friends Head Unit's faceplate broke, and instead of fixing it, they just told him to pick out a new one in the store!!

So my final point. Don't give up on a company because of one A-HOLE. I know that Best Buy probably does screw people with the RPP, that's how they make profit....but remember, it was just one big A$$ that you dealt with. AND you came out on top!

I had a really great experience with circuit city. Went in there to buy a deck and the guy I was talking to kept like trying to sell me the wiring harness you need with an aftermarket deck I kept trying to tell him that I already have an aftermarket deck installed, I just want a different one. Well the manager came out and looked at my car, and said he'd do it. He installed it right there for me. I'll go to circuit city over best buy anyday just because of the service.

SILVER-ES · Post by **SILVER-ES** » Wed Jul 13, 2005 10:11 am

This is by far not the only reason I have given up on Best Buy, just the final straw. After working there for nearly a year and being a customer I've recieved my fair share of BS from them.

speedemon · Post by **speedemon** » Wed Jul 13, 2005 11:05 am

BEST BUY SUXXXXXXXXX they dont know how to do there job at least franktown tenny they suc the broke my bothers side mirror toggle while installing his door speakers the douschbags

sorry I need to clam down

thats better

mynameiskiller · Post by **mynameiskiller** » Wed Jul 13, 2005 12:27 pm

speedemon wrote:BEST BUY SUXXXXXXXXX they dont know how to do there job at least franktown tenny they suc the broke my bothers side mirror toggle while installing his door speakers the douschbags sorry I need to clam down thats better

yeah, clam down and taek it aesy...

juicyjay504 · Post by **juicyjay504** » Wed Jul 13, 2005 1:30 pm

Thats sucks man but luckily everything is working out in the long run. The Best Buys here I have no issues with what so ever.

SILVER-ES · Post by **SILVER-ES** » Wed Jul 13, 2005 2:06 pm

Nope. It's not working out now.

District won't do a damn thing for me and now I'm being told that the lady who was supposed to send me a check was wrong and I won't get a check until I pay to ship them the detector.

dblsg · Post by **dblsg** » Wed Jul 13, 2005 2:13 pm

E3EsXt02 wrote:well i can understand them only refunding you the 200 or w/e it was...and i can understand why you couldn't spend the 30 bucks for the better replacement....b/c your not an employee any more

i have to agree with you E3E, if you buy something on sale and then return it...you get back the amount you paid, not the retail price... it is a business, they gotta make money....but it does seem like things got carried away with the manager

as far as the protection plan, i bought one for me kewood cd/dvd player just in case, i also bought one from sears for my watch, ive replaced it five times in 18 months and about to do it again

SILVER-ES · Post by **SILVER-ES** » Wed Jul 13, 2005 5:19 pm

Ok, so we'll assume that I only get back $198. Then he should not of said in the first place that it would be a straight across trade for the $299 price.

And I'm not asking for the $299 back. I'm asking for replacement of the product as per a replacement plan. All they would of done if they had given me a new one is send the old back to Escort and be credited.

01RTNeon · Post by **01RTNeon** » Wed Jul 13, 2005 9:59 pm

I woulda got a screw for 10 cents and went on my way, way to much of a hassle.

Frizbe · Post by **Frizbe** » Thu Jul 14, 2005 3:24 am

go to Circut City, I went in to buy $24 in CD's, only paid $13.88, new guy forgot to ring up one CD. Didn't realize what happened 'till I got home, but it has been a very good day for me.

thirteentwo · Post by **thirteentwo** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 4:39 am

I love Best Buy. Never had a problem with them. They replaced my deck when it stopped working (with the CD still inside

) and I've had stuff replaced that didn't have the PRP.

My only complaint is that there is too much customer service at the one I go to. I can't look at anything without 3 people asking to help me.

Even when I avoid eye contact and run away.

titansxt · Post by **titansxt** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 4:52 am

Damn, last post was Thu Jul 14, 2005 1:24 am...

thirteentwo · Post by **thirteentwo** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 4:59 am

i see 12:24.

Post by **racer12306** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 10:27 am

Bumping old threads are not cool. Plus it doesn't even help your post count because off topic posts don't count towards your post count.

MyNeonSaysHi · Post by **MyNeonSaysHi** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 11:40 am

Maybe he searched "Best Buy" and got this thread and wanted to add to it? Not cool to ressurect an old thread, but this is offtopic and I have never read it before.

Damn he made out like a fat rat. $150 in his hands and fixed product.

Very niiice.

I like best buy because they honor price matches.

MoxHair · Post by **MoxHair** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 11:59 am

Old topic.. But as I always say.. Not every store is ran the same. There's always a few bad stores.

optlo · Post by **optlo** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 1:55 pm

MoxHair wrote:Old topic.. But as I always say.. Not every store is ran the same. There's always a few bad stores.

QFT

hansken_yo · Post by **hansken_yo** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 2:14 pm

titansxt wrote:Damn, last post was Thu Jul 14, 2005 1:24 am...

I just wasted 10 mins of my life, also thinking it was good to see silver ES and Neonnix back on... Damn man that is just not cool....

thirteentwo · Post by **thirteentwo** » Wed Dec 05, 2007 3:18 pm

MyNeonSaysHi wrote:Maybe he searched "Best Buy" and got this thread and wanted to add to it? Not cool to ressurect an old thread, but this is offtopic and I have never read it before.

Damn he made out like a fat rat. $150 in his hands and fixed product.

Very niiice.

I like best buy because they honor price matches.

You're right except I searched Radar Detectors instead of Best Buy.

Bumping old threads are not cool. Plus it doesn't even help your post count because off topic posts don't count towards your post count.

I guess it's good then that I wasn't trying to increase my post count.

For I know it's not the size of the count, but the motion of the ocean. $\:D/$

Chibits12 · Post by **Chibits12** » Wed Dec 05, 2007 11:33 pm

This new Best Buy in my town's ok so far. I still like Circuit City better.

Edit: Okay I just noticed... old thread FTMFL...

2GN.ORG

Horrible customer service at Best Buy

Horrible customer service at Best Buy

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