Testimonial #97: The old DVD switcharoo

TO whom it concerns,

I found this website by googling negative best buy phrases. My theory was that w/ how badly i got fucked by best buy there must be scores of people out there w/ similar experiences. Here is my story:

I went to best buy in emeryville, CA to buy some components to finish building my computer. In all I spend about $650.00. My purchases are 1)Flat panel monitor 2)Plextor DVD dual layer SATA 3)300 GB hard drive SATA

After making the purchases went home, stashed the unopened boxes in my room and got ready to leave for my best friends bachelor party. 3 - 4 weeks passed and I finally had a chance to begin putting my computer together. I opened up the Plextor DVD box and out came a 4 year old Lite-On CD drive. Obviously some one in the warehouse swapped it out because it was factory sealed. I still hhad my receipt so I drove back to best buy to make my case.

Once in the store I went to customer service and explain my situation. THey (as i expected) say there is nothing they could do so I ask to speak to a manager. A heavy set asian man in his 20's came over, hears me out, and says "CAll corporate". I proceed to explain how this is an issue pertaining to this store and must be handled here at this location. HIs respons, "call corporate". I begin to get very upset, my voice is raised, i am now dropping f-bombs and his response is "sir, call corporate". When I ask for an explanation he says "if what your saying happened it must have occured at the manufacturing facility so call the manufacturer".

Still inside the store and fuming mad I called the corporate HQ in Minneapolis, MN. I explained my scenario to the tier 1 support girl. I explained my frustration and that I am calling from the best buy customer service area, how the manager is an ass hole, how i spent $650 and have no reason to waste my time to burn best buy..... She finally, against her own policy, andafter about 30 minutes, offers to comp. back %50 of my initial purchase value. I turn down the offer and ask to speak w/ her supervisor. This guy is a complete ass hole, takes back her offer, tells me this has to be handled at that store location and eventually hangs up on me.

At this point I am feeling like little david against goliath and i am getting killed. While still in the store I call both Plextor and Lite-On manufacturers. Plextor all but rules out that the swap could have occured in the manufacturing facility. Plextor and LIte-On manufacturing and distribution facilities are in different countries and states. I also called best buy corporate in Concord, CA and leave messages for several people there. I am getting names and phone numbers and trying to build a case but I feel this is more work then worth my while.

At this point I have been in this best-buy store for 2.5 hours. I track down the fat fuck of a manager and i am shaking w/ anger on the verge of just freaking out. He sees my desperation and offers to give me the Plextor DVD player at cost. I agree to this deal even though it means another $100 or so out of pocket I realize this is the most I will ever get. I have him write write down his offer on my receipt because they are out of stock.

To this day I have not redeemed this offer because the DVD player that i purchased was discontinued.

I hate best buy. They have a horrible return policiy and they treat there customers like shit. They think that because they are a big corporation they can get away w/ wronging people and treating people like shit and fucking them over w/ no repercussion. I will NEVER shop at best buy agian. By the way since this time I have made 2 more purchases at best buy. Recently I bought a camera that had to be returned because the lens was defective. I still have not received a credit to my bank account yet they re-debited it. WHen i called the store they say this is typical and while the debit occurs instantly the credit can take 7-10 business days. WHat craP!!! I will NEVER EVER EVER EVER shop at best buy and i will encourage others not to either.

FUCK BEST BUY

-A very pissed of and not to mention angry former patron of best buy


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