I like shopping. I like being able to go into a store and see an item, look at different models, ask questions and, if needed, get immediate support. It saddens me to see stores go out of business (think CompUSA & Circuit City) while online-only retailers flourish. So, I do my best to support my local Best Buy, but boy do they make it difficult...
Being that I purchase many electronics, and am upgrading the house as well as equipping new small business, I was recommended to purchase the Best Buy Totaltech protection. Large yearly fee and, so I was told, amazing support benefits and extended warranties! So, it just so happens I purchased an Epson 4760 printer in January. Come December the Magenta cartridge is no longer printing. I go online and chat with a support representative where I am walked through numerous steps to try to solve the problem. The rep determines that I need to take the printer into the store. We make a Geek Squad appointment (only available time is days later).
I show up to my appointment on time, knowing that I have a kid's school concert to go to. Upon being called, I explain the issue only to be told that I do not have coverage because I didn't buy the extended warranty. I explain that the online rep said I am covered under the Totaltech protection. She proceeds to print out the old receipt to educate me that I do not have coverage and that since it is past the 30 (or was it 60) day manufacturer's warranty I must contact Epson. She would not offer any assistance nor understand that I had some type of coverage. Frustrated, I left the store.
On my way to the school, I called the Best Buy support line. A dumbfounded rep explains that I should have been helped at the store, Specifically, her words were, "they know never to turn away a Totaltech customer. At the very least they should have offered to repair at a discounted rate." Ugh! The rep asks if I would like a follow up call from store management. I say yes!! She carefully takes notes, reads back the case, confirms my callback number, and explains that I should expect a call within twenty-four, at most 48 hours. That was 5 days ago.
Another experience was bringing in my iPhone for a Wi-Fi connection issue. This store came up as the next available Authorized Apple Care location, the actual Apple Store around the corner was running a week later on appointments. Anyway, the rep looking at my phone says they will have to send it in, and more than likely "they" will send me a refurbished replacement phone. Then whispered, "I would just go to the Apple Store." So, I literally walked out of the Best Buy store, walked around the corner to Apple, signed in and within five minutes a rep found competing VPN services, turned off the Verizon service and I was back on Wi-Fi!
Then let's not forget last Christmas. I ordered three high-ticket items for curbside pickup. While waiting in my designated spot, at least twice, yes twice, a Best Buy employee attempted to deliver a very expensive item to the wrong vehicle!! We were also approached about an item we did not order! This prompted me to keep a sharp eye for my items lest I be left without! As soon as I saw the cart with similar items I opened the door, told the rep those were mine, he proceeded to load my car and walked away. Not once did he ask for a receipt or an ID. Fortunately, they were my items, but I was shocked! Even the local grocery asks to see my ID before placing $40 worth of groceries in my car!!
Can you say clueless?? I for one may even shed a tear when Best Buy goes out of business, but unfortunately, it will be their own undoing. Sad. read more