The Idiotic Salespeople @ Best Buy

[Gazorgan]

Only at Best Buy:

El-Cheapo DVD Player : $39.95
Irrating Clerk: $0.02
Extended 2 year warranty $39.95
Clerk doesn't get it: Priceless

True story! Got my son a cheapo very small DVD player for X-mas, was $39.95. Sales person asked if I wanted the extended warranty. I asked how much, he said $39.95. I just stared at him until he got uncomfortable, then I asked in a quiet voice "Don't you think that's odd?" He responded that the extended warranty was a pretty good deal.....

Not wanting to waste a golden moment I got his supervisor, and had the salesman re-explain it all to both of us. The sales manager 'got it' but didn't let on lest he admit to the whole scam.

My parting comment was "Do you know how to use a broom or mop? You may have a future in the janitorial services, but sales is way over your head.

All was for naught, since I took it back because it craps out on SVCD's (losses audio and never regains it).

[Unicron80]

Thanks VideoTechMan. I was sure I had things mixed up, wanted someone to set me straight.

The $100 I meant was the fee for fixing something broken, not the price of the Sony extended warranty. Otherwise, you were right on the nose. No extended warranty is worth it unless it's something real expensive.

[Roundabout]

I'm not "videotechman", but I thought you were incorrect when you mentioned about $100 warranty on Sony products. As I said, the price varies depending on the product. The price for the extended warranty varies, and so does the out of warranty repair cost. The entire idea of doing that was to avoid having to take units in for repair and having to recontact the customer with an estimate. When someone brought a unit in for repair, we could tell them right at the front counter how much the repair was, since it was flat rate, and they either approved it or left with their unit on the spot. That saved us a lot of hassle, and the customer too. No surprises in the repair costs. That seemed to work out well for everyone involved. The only problem arose was some would complain later "you charged me $100 to replace a transistor?". Our response, "not to replace the transistor, but knowing which transistor to replace!" Also, we'd mention to them that we have no way of knowing when they brought it in how much or how little the co. would have to spend on repairing the unit, and if we had to replace hundreds of dollars worth of parts, they wouldn't be complaining. Also, they understood this when they brought it in for repair, as it is always explained carefully to them before they approve the charges. Some people were mad anyway. Can't please everyone...

[ChrisX]

I dont know what it is about these Best Buy stores.....has anyone encountered whenever you purchase an expensive item like a TV, stereo or even a computer system, they seem to try to pressure you into getting their extended warranty?

I do sometimes being ask for "extended warranty" when purchasing an item and the last time was on a Notebook Computer. I declined the offer on a set fee.

I feel a standard 12-month warranty is enough, no more. I never experienced any pressure getting this extra warranty cover.

I was into one extended warranty many years ago and I found this to be a waste of money as no service needed. I think this was for a TV or a VCR for an extra two years cover.

The sales person hasn’t any right push you and this is up to you to decide. You have every right to buy the laptop without the extra warranty.

An option is an option, not compulsory and this end of story, full stop. If they push you, don't buy and go elsewhere. Can you complain to some authority?

[Unicron80]

Sorry for the confusion Roundabout. Simply my lack of scrolling skills. Now i see that it's in reverse order on the "topic review."

Next time it happens, I've got a short sword and a manual for hari-kari next to me.

Also, I like the "knowing which transitor to replace" line.

[gmatov]

Unicron,

That's older than the transistor.. When I was younger, it was 500 to repair a machine tool, when the boss bitched all you did was turn a screw, (hydraulics or whatever ) write the bill up 50 dollar service call, 450- dollars knowing which screw to turn, and how much.)

I don't buy service contracts, but you also have to realize, as somebody above posted, that is the only way the kids can make more than minimum wage, on their repair contract commissions.

I don't say buy the damn things, just if they try to push one on you, realize what's happening, they're trying to make a buck. A living, if you like..

Cheers,

George

[Conquest10]

They don't make minimum wage. They make good money. Shit, when I was working, I was making minimum wage. Never have gotten anything higher than that.

[maestro5050]

Best Buy employees do not make commision on their sales. That's one of the reasons I always used to shop at Best Buy instead of Circuit City. Since they do not make commision, they usually didn't harass me like they did at Circuit City. (Note: Circuit City employees no longer make commision either.) The only thing Best Buy employees made commission off of is the extended warranties, which is why they press them so hard. They could care less if you buy more peripherals, media, etc, for your new computer as they (the employee) make no money on those sales.

I can however tell you that there is big money in extended warranties. The retailer that I work for makes over 40% of their profit on extended warranties alone, and that is a conservative number.

[Roundabout]

Next time it happens, I've got a short sword and a manual for hari-kari next to me.

Also, I like the "knowing which transitor to replace" line.

Well, we had to say something, because otherwise people want it both ways - flat rate repair if there's a lot of problems with the unit, and cheap hourly rate if there's something simple wrong. Impractical, but of course they don't think so. That's why they went to the flat rate repair system in the first place. To be honest, the customers came out on the winning end of that deal in most cases, because they not only got the unit repaired cheaper than almost anywhere else around, they also got a 90-day warranty (that the company would usually extend to 6 months or more if it failed past the 90 days).

[devinemi83]

About a year ago my neighbor had just got her tax refund and wanted to buy a new computer there, she was looking around and a salesman came up and asked to help her. She agreed and he asked if she wanted him to set up a financing deal and she told him she intended to pay for it in full. And asked why she wasnt using their financing or another credit card and she said she would rather just pay for it in full. HE WALKED AWAY FROM HER AND NEVER CAME BACK. And none of the other would help her. She walked out and went up the street to a circuit city and got her new comp in under 30 mins.



I to have had issues with these morons, I dont shop there anymore. I go to CC where the prices are cheaper, and the people are smarter and nicer to me. My money spends anywhere.

[ChrisX]

And asked why she wasnt using their financing or another credit card and she said she would rather just pay for it in full. HE WALKED AWAY FROM HER AND NEVER CAME BACK. And none of the other would help her. She walked out and went up the street to a circuit city and got her new comp in under 30 mins.

This is all about money, a quick buck. I'll go elsewhere and never come back to that rude retailer and being uncalled for.

[devinemi83]

And asked why she wasnt using their financing or another credit card and she said she would rather just pay for it in full. HE WALKED AWAY FROM HER AND NEVER CAME BACK. And none of the other would help her. She walked out and went up the street to a circuit city and got her new comp in under 30 mins.

This is all about money, a quick buck. I'll go elsewhere and never come back to that rude retailer and being uncalled for.

Yup, but its like night and day from BB to CC. At CC when you ask a question they either answer it or find someone who can. At BB you ask a question and they look at you like an ******* and say "I dont know". LOL

[Unicron80]

I go to CC where the prices are cheaper, and the people are smarter and nicer to me.

That's odd, I've had some really bad experiences with CC. Guess it all depends on the location *shrugs.* There have been two CC employees fired after confrontations with me or my friends (while I was with them). Never happened at any other store, and we shop for electronics alot. I don't go into CC unless I saw something in a flyer or on a forum that was too cheap to pass up, otherwise I stay away.

Of course, I know better than to go into BB (or any retail electronics for that matter) and ask for help in making a decision. I feel bad for people that have no clue about the stuff, and get taken for a ride everytime they go in (extended warranties especially). I'm sure I get taken for a ride in other things, like cars, so I can't really talk.

[Conquest10]

Yup, but its like night and day from BB to CC. At CC when you ask a question they either answer it or find someone who can. At BB you ask a question and they look at you like an ******* and say "I dont know". LOL

That's exactly why I stopped shopping at Best Buy. One day I went in there and asked where something was at and they replied, "I don't know." Then I asked if they had the dual sided glossy paper and they replied, "That type of paper doesn't exist." Went down to CompUSA and they instantly got the paper for me.

[devinemi83]

Last time I shopped at BB is when I got my hard drive and the sales bitch tried to take me on a ride telling me i needed a bunch of new stuff to use the drive and I told her I was just replacing the old small one. She argued "well when you get it home it wont work and you'll have to come back and buy the card for it" well needless to say I went home and had it booted in 30 mins. Thanks for trying to bend me over to take it up the tailpipe BB. I also feel bad for people who actually bought that 50.00 card thinking they needed it.

[gmatov]

I find the saleskids to be as polite at all the stores.

I also find the prices at CC to be higher than at ALL the other stores, with the possible exception of sale items.

I do, on occasion, buy at CC, but, generally speaking, their prices are higher.

No one really bothers me, "Can I help you, Sir?", "No, thank you, just browsing.", and they walk away.

I will admit,I have to bite my tongue when there is a customer buying a stack of CDs for 29.95, when they could go to BB, say, and get the same for maybe 9.95 that week, w/o rebate, or even with, at 4.99 or zero, with. rebate.

Or, vice-versa, BB to CC, or CompUSA.

You guys don't count, here. Most of you are sharp enough to know the prices. You will get the best buy by scouting around. First, you're gonna burn by the 50 or 100, so you're gonna look for a deal. Hell, I only bought the Office Max DVD+RWs because the price was right. I don't care if you can burn 1000 times, 5 bucks is too much, i9n my estimation, per disk. I get a 5 pack for 5 bucks, after rebate, I feel better.

Ah, well,

Cheers,

George

BTW, I am using FSOG w/my LiteOn 411s, bitsetting tool, region free tool, and having no problem. Well, I havent played them in many players, so don't know if they will actually show as DVD-ROM. I don't know what the prob was with FSOG, but it doesn't seem to be bothering my burns.

[Conquest10]

George, all you got to do is just show CC that they got the item someplace else for cheaper and they give you 110% of the difference.

[thayne]

It's not rocket science, just tell them, "I'm not interested" Period. I never have any problems with them once I tell them that. If they start up again just repeat it. 3 simple words......

As far as the rude people go, I have never seen it there, maybe there are just rude people in your town who happen to work there??? Everytime I have asked for their help they have always gone out of their way to help me...

[gmatov]

Conquest,
You're right. I think they will do that. Problem is, I'm an old fart and don't remember that till I'm already out the door.

Thayne,

You're right, too. Most of those kids are trying to help, whether they got any smarts or no. As has been said here many times, they are mostly not on commission anymore, so if they try to sell you something, it's not to make an extra buck, it's to keep the damn store from saying this is not a prifitable location, let's get the hell outa here. There go their jobs

No one has ever been rude to me in any of the stores. They all try to be helpful. Never had a "bitch" "try to bend me over to take it up the tailpipe".

Mebbe I should go more often, see if I can find one, see if she'd trade positions.

Cheers'

George

[Hatz]

So are the majority of people saying stay away from places like BB? The only reason I ask now is because I will be getting my own place in about a year and half or so when I'm done with school and I currently have about 200 dollars worth of BB gift cards. I want to keep getting more and more so I can eventually buy a big screen TV for my new place.

Is it stupid to buy a big screen from BB? Can I find it much much cheaper some other place? Of course I do not know what I will be getting but that new 70 inch Sony LCD doesn't look bad...hehehe.

So buy a TV from them or go some other place?

Thanks for the input.

Hatz

[rallynavvie]

For big ticket items like a huge TV I'd shop around before settling on BB. Sometimes Circuit City has some great deals, then Ultimate Electronics (nee Audio King) has the best deal, then someplace like Radio Shack has the best prices. I use Best Buy for games, music, movies, and computer accessories because they do have pretty good prices when it comes to that (not to mention the one near my work has a huge DVD collection). I do like CompUSA now that they're using more "instant rebates" to lower prices rather than relying on the mail-in type like Best Buy has so many of. But if I suddenly needed a game for my PS2, a relatively mainstream CD or movie, or a new mouse/keyboard I wouldn't hesitate to go to Best Buy; however I guess for most of those items you wouldn't be hassled to buy a warranty

[VideoTechMan]

Check this for more...

http://www.bestbuysux.org/index1.html

After reading the horror stories on this site, and after what I somewhat experienced a few years ago myself, i'm more than inclined to never think of buying any big-ticket items from BB. Their bait-and-switch tatics, incompetent, kindergarden-aged technicians that cant fix a flat tire on a car from a simple computer repair, their "We dont have nor will ever have this product in stock for the next 75 years" excuse and trying to sell defective merchandise as 'new' is more than enough to convince me. I dont like people trying to force something on me that I dont want, and then deny you the sale if you dont fall in their bear traps.

For big ticket items like a huge TV I'd shop around

I most wholeheartedely agree....shopping around is usually the best thing to do especially for large ticket items. I would rather pay a little extra for a product and get excellent customer service than shop at a place where CS has to look up in the dictionary on what customer service means.

So are the majority of people saying stay away from places like BB? The only reason I ask now is because I will be getting my own place in about a year and half or so when I'm done with school and I currently have about 200 dollars worth of BB gift cards. I want to keep getting more and more so I can eventually buy a big screen TV for my new place.

Is it stupid to buy a big screen from BB? Can I find it much much cheaper some other place? Of course I do not know what I will be getting but that new 70 inch Sony LCD doesn't look bad...hehehe.

So buy a TV from them or go some other place?

I would suggest taking a look at the link above Hatz and read on some of the situations people have had when they bought their large screen TV at BB....mann some of the horror stories there will really shock you. If I got hassled into getting a warranty 3 years ago for buying the laptop that I am currently using, there is no doubt that you will get hounded about it for an expensive item such as the bigscreen TV. And I know that some salespeople tend to take advantage of those who dont know what to shop for. Shop around first, and decide where you want to go.....but for something that expensive, I just wouldnt include BB in the plan. For myself personally, I am going to stay away from BB from now on, now that I am more aware. Im glad they have sites like that to keep people informed on BB's deceptive business practices. There are plenty other places out there that are more worthy of my hard-earned money. I am so glad that I can build my own computer systems, because then I wont have to worry about ever buying any computer from any store.

VTM

[Conquest10]

I most wholeheartedely agree....shopping around is usually the best thing to do especially for large ticket items. I would rather pay a little extra for a product and get excellent customer service than shop at a place where CS has to look up in the dictionary on what customer service means.

Oh man, that reminds me. I recently bought an iPod. I don't have any Firewire ports but have USB 2.0. So, along with it I bought the Firewire to USB cable. I ordered it online and went to pick it up. I was waiting there about twenty minutes when I asked why it was taking so long. They didn't tell me at first but after a couple of guys walked out and back and out and back again they came up to me and asked what the cable was. I told them and then they started telling me that the iPod comes with a cable. I then explained to them that I couldn't use that cable and I needed the USB cable because thats what I had. They still didn't understand. So they go out and still didn't find it. I got fed up and went out myself and instantly found it. These people have no idea what they are doing.