![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-498964-100x100.png\")
I guess he can atleast be happy that it wasn't a box of rocks.
2 replies
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-53212-100x100.png\")
@Kimaroo - Fortified with Kittydus Purrularis: And that it didn't take him 10 months to realize the box of rocks was not a dvd player.
I guess he can atleast be happy that it wasn't a box of rocks.
@Kimaroo - Fortified with Kittydus Purrularis: And that it didn't take him 10 months to realize the box of rocks was not a dvd player.
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-98911-100x100.png\")
I can't really say this is anyone's fault, except all the bad consumers out there who DO try to pull scams like this. It hurts the honest shopper more than anybody.
![\"user-pic\"](\"/css/images/default.gif\")
@FatLynn: Ditto. I bought an Xbox from Target, got it home, and found that it was very used (dust completely covering the fans). If I hadn't noticed dirt in the seam of the controller, I would never have thought to use a flashlight to look inside the console. Luckily Target believed me and let me bring it back.
Now I always check inside the box!
Yet another \"don't leave best buy without opening the box first\" story.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-144421-100x100.png\")
@jdmba: Considering he had the box open for 10 months and didn't notice anything wrong, I don't think opening it in the store would have helped.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-222420-100x100.png\")
@jdmba:No, how about don't enter Best Buy in the first place.
Where I live, Best Buy just moved into the old Circuit City location. No surprise here. The only thing that changed is the name.
Oh, the head line should simply be \"Don't Trust Best Buy\". period.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-232905-100x100.png\")
They would not even do anything if it were 10 minutes ago. Heck, they don't seem to support open box items let alone unopened boxed items.
Heck, they don't support open boxed items sold with a extended support contract!
@WowWashington: If you bought it 10 minutes ago you would still have the right to reject it as a non conforming good. At 10 months though you do not have such a right as you should have inspected when you bought and received the item.
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-537475-100x100.png\")
@WowWashington: That's not the point of the story. The OP bought one model of blu-ray player (according to the box) only to discover 10 months later that he had actually purchased a different model than what was described on the box. It has nothing to do with warranties or support. The player isn't broken; he wanted to return it to get the model he meant to buy originally.
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-1050981-100x100.png\")
@pecan 3.14159265: My experience with Best Buy (Well.. Future Shop. Big box owned by Best Buy in Canada) was very positive...
Purchased an iPod touch. Realized when I brought it home, it had a defect in that when it heated up, the screen stopped recognizing some of the input in some parts of the screen.
Brought it back to the store, took it to the desk, and she told me to go see the \"Connect Pro\" guy. I tried to show him but because the iPod had cooled down again, I couldn't replicate the issue. We played around with it but it wouldn't do it. He's like \"well I can't see the problem but if you want to exchange it you have the right to\".
So they exchanged it for me, with a new one, with the original open box price.
I think it's the OP's tactics that got him shut down by BB management.
\"I explained to him that I have no problem with returning the item and using the money towards towards the player I thought I was buying originally and paying the difference along with any discount he would be willing to give me.\"
He's not doing BB a favor by telling them he wants to return a 10 month old open box blu-ray player. And then he hints that he wants a discount. Yes, BB made a huge mistake. But the OP didn't notice for 10 months, and he seemed to be perfectly satisfied with what he bought. It sucks he paid for a higher model than what he got, and BB should have refunded the difference as a good faith gesture, but I don't think the OP was helping the situation.
Even though BB would have earned the goodwill of a customer by allowing him to return his open box item, BB would have either sent the blu-ray player right back onto the floor (for someone to pay too much for an open box item that's been in use for 10 months) or would have had to call it damaged.
@pecan 3.14159265: While I agree with you, I think the threat of \"I will never shop here\" is way way overused. Really, like where are you gonna go: Circuit City? CompUsa?
It's one thing to ask for your money's worth, it's another to feel you are entitled to a discount.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-630279-100x100.png\")
@pecan 3.14159265: he didn't have the receipt. he did have the amount... probably from the credit card statement, but that doesn't really prove anything either. it's easy to spend $300ish at best buy.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-332258-100x100.png\")
I purchased an open box Sony Blu-Ray S550 and have been more than satisfied with the player for over 10 months now.
Now the OP hates Best Buy and is dissatisfied with his DVD player.
Innocence lost.
ok 10 months is way way too late to expect them to do anything. And to Meg saying people have been given gift certificates for rudeness...I bet that was not after 10 months had elapsed after the incident. Seriously, what do you expect Best Buy to do? Just hand out $50 gift certificates for every customer with a complaint?
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-49761-100x100.png\")
@tundey: Well said, this is a recession people, not whatever you call a recession when it's not a recession!
\"I also refuse to believe that Best Buy could not scan the barcode on the box and see its history of original purchase and then return dates to check if it was done in a matter of days before I purchased it but he refused to investigate the issue at all.\"
They only scan the UPC and this is not unique from the other of the same SKU. They can see what else was returned but that does little to nothing to help the scenario.
\"vowing to never purchase anything other than a DVD from Best Buy or a low cost item.\"
This is what they count on... You will always go there.
Keep in mind call corporate and get a token gift card but that's about all you will get. After 10 months there is little to expect. To me geek squad inspected means it works not it is the same item as the one in the box.
screw the op and I quote \"I left the store vowing to never purchase anything other than a DVD from Best Buy or a low cost item\"
Way to stick by your guns OP.
You get screwed but are willing to go back for more if the price is right.
A pox on your viewing machines whatever format they take.
I give you the evil eye and hope you get suckered into a monster cable, extended warranty, geek squad install hell of your own making.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-25844-100x100.png\")
@Ronin-Democrat: LOL I was thinking the same thing. Maybe the manager would reply to his hard-hitting, take no prisoners response with this:
\"I fart in your general direction. Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries. Go away before I taunt you again.\"
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-446358-100x100.png\")
\"Don't Trust Best Buy Just Because The Open Box Item Is \"Geek Squad Inspected\"
Better title:
Never trust anything that was Geek Squad Inspected
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-580579-100x100.png\")
@Android8675: ...really? I feel badly for people that are employed at Geek Squad. It's the horrors of Retail Hell combined with the fun of Tech Support Hell. The pay isn't even very good. The only thing I'm jealous of is the excuse to wear a tie every day, and I can make one of those up myself.
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-159178-100x100.png\")
PS3's, arguably the best Blue Ray players out there, are now only $299. That has to sting too.
Always inspect open box items. The box has been opened already, half the work is done.
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-1055924-100x100.png\")
Sorry, but if ever there was a valid \"blame the OP post,\" this one is it.
Ten months? No receipt?
Why is this even on Consumerist?
@TinaBringMeTheAx: Someone else said, it is No Sympathy Monday. This is the 3rd or 4th post that has turned toward \"blame the OP\".
Probably some other customer bought both model players, returned the cheaper model in the newer box, and unfortunatly the guy handling returns didn't double check the serial number on the box with the actual player. I caught that twice at my location. 2 customers tried to return a cheaper model dvd player in a more expensive box. One of the customers even had both players on the original receipt.
10 months though dude? Best Buy will take ANYTHING back for the first month (unless it's a camera, notebook or gps), why not double check your purchase?
You said you're happy with the player, sucks to be you, but these are the open box risks, next time find a sealed box.
@Android8675: Semi-unrelated...I returned a couple of switches to Fry's a few months ago. I wasn't up to shenannigans or anything, but I put the items in the wrong boxes (they were the same model). The lady accepting the return checked the serial number on the first item to the box it was in and kinda scrunched up her eyebrows. She compared it to the second box and it matched, as did the second item to the first box. I told her I was sorry, I didn't even think of matching that up. She said it happens all the time. From what you just said, she probably meant it happens all the time where people are trying to scam.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-371772-100x100.png\")
It was both their fault, geek squad putting the wrong model in the wrong box, and his fault for not looking in the box before he paid for it.
It's been 10 months, if I was the manager I wouldn't do anything either.
Best Buy only has a 30 day return policy(not 10 months).
He should stop complaining and live with his mistake.
10 months too late, unfortunately.
@lotussix: For future reference if anyone needs it, BB can reprint your receipt at the customer service desk. Their records go back several years, so OP should be able to get another receipt from them.
if anything, \"Geek Squad Inspected\" should translate to all customers as \"do not buy, do not even accept as a free gift\"
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-450305-100x100.png\")
Yeah, if you didn't notice for ten months I say this is perfectly appropriate customer service. Each company isn't required to bend to every ridiculous whim a customer might have.
Dont ever buy Frys returned items. They are supposed to be marked as returns but a lot of stuff is shrink-wrapped again by them and sold as new. Frys denies this but it happens all the time as I know insiders. Also check serial numbers to make sure the item matches the box...
10 Months?
Oh grow up. I don't care if it is BB or not, whining after 10 months is behaving like a little baby.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-145489-100x100.png\")
I agree totally. 10 months? What can you really expect 10 months later, plus he doesn't have his receipt. How is BB expected to help someone who can't even verify he bought the player there.
I know there is not a lot of love for BB, but I think I have to side with them on this.
There's not much difference between the 350 and 550, they both have the same picture quality.
He did you a favor, now you'll be free from Best Buy overpriced merchandise.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-196743-100x100.png\")
If he paid $264.79 for what turned out to be an open box S350 in new condition, he got a fairly good deal anyway (ten months ago, anyway). If he had paid the going rate for an S550 but got the S350, then he should be upset.
Ten months? The salesperson was a bit of a dick, but that far outside the return policy, he probably shouldn't have been pressing the issue in the first place.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-1981-100x100.png\")
(Side note: stop saying 10 months, guys. It hasn't yet been 10 months since he bought it.)
I once bought something at Best Buy, found that it was defective, returned it...and saw it on the shelf two hours later, marked As Is, for just 10% off. Whoever bought it found it was *still* defective, and had no recourse.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-90422-100x100.png\")
The \"As Is\" items are sold with the original return policy at my Best Buy. The \"As Is\" is to just discourage you from trying to do so. :)
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-425645-100x100.png\")
I can understand being miffed if this had happened shortly after you bought the player, but seriously, when you're approaching the ten month mark and only just now notice that something's amiss, I think you've pretty much foregone your right to complain. I don't blame Best Buy for declining to exchange the player; at this point, everything about your story screams shady, especially given that you no longer have the receipt. The manager is right in this case; if he believed every story like yours that came through the doors, they'd probably have no merchandise left.
Is it too bad that you ended up with a slightly lower-end blu-ray than you initially thought you were buying? Yes. Should the model you received have matched the model number on the box? Absolutely. But in not noticing the error for such an extended period of time, you've rendered yourself completely unable to pursue this. I'd say at this point, the most important thing you could take away is that when buying anything used, be it at Best Buy or elsewhere, you should double-check the actual item to make sure it's what you're paying for. Do this while in the store to avoid getting burned in the future. And really, in the worst case scenario here, you ended up with a blu-ray player that was previously just fine for you, and based on some of the other comments, you may still have gotten it at a price lower than what it usually sold for.
To be honest, I'm a bit disappointed in the Consumerist for putting this up here at all, in that I don't think Best Buy was the least bit unreasonable in declining to compensate this person, and even he doesn't indicate that the employees he saw were rude or anything. They just explained that given the time frame and complete lack of any receipt, there's nothing they could do for him. And I have to say, if I were his credit card company and he called me, I'd probably laugh at the idea that I would be refunding any money based on the evidence he has available this point. Ten months out is just too long for something like this.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-375741-100x100.png\")
So it's November, and the poster just noticed that the Blu-Ray player he bought in January is the wrong model number? And he's irritated that Best Buy won't do anything?
Sorry, I have a hard time feeling any sympathy towards the poster here, especially when he said he's been happy with it. The first thing you should do when you unbox ANY electronic purchase is check the model of the device, especially if it's an open-box purchase.
Sorry, I don't say this often, but I agree with Best Buy on this one.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-208904-100x100.png\")
Hey, I bought this burger from Wendy's 5 minutes ago, and even though I'm happy with it, and ate it, I realized it was a single not a double. Now, if you guys would kindly take this wrapper, and give me half off on my double, I'll be happy. Otherwise, I'm sticking to the 99 cent menu!
Maybe ti's just me, but, anytime I buy ANYTHING, I make sure it's what I paid for. Not some lower model.
I can completely confirm that thinks like this happen at GS all the time. I worked there for a little over the a year. And for the record, the manager -could- have done something, s/he just didn't want to. Within 12 months, there was some pretty clever things you could do under 'Mfg Warranty'
I see this all the time with my Clients and this is why I say DON'T BUY FROM BEST BUY. Every time its an opened package it dies or its been switched with another product. At least it does have some label to show it was opened.
I'm afraid I can't feel sorry for this poster. He didn't notice he had the wrong model for 10 MONTHS??? And all that time, he was perfectly satisfied with its performance... So he really has no right to beef. In fact, his first mistake was to buy a BR player at BB. His second mistake was to buy an OPEN BOX BR player at BB. His third mistake was failing to carefully inspect the contents of his open box from BB. Really, even in this jobless economy, some folks really have too much money...
I've also had problems with Best Buy. I bought a Hoover battery powered vacuum online. What I got was a used product with no manual. I think someone returned it because of a battary problem and Best Buy just sent it out again without checking it. I then tried to exchange it at the store for a new one. Their web site said they had one in stock, but at the store they said they didn't. So, I asked for a refund, which they gave me - minus shipping. Finally got that back after much additional effort. I've spent a lot at BB over the years. But I'm finished with them.
I've also had problems with Best Buy. I bought a Hoover battery powered vacuum online. What I got was a used product with no manual. I think someone returned it because of a battary problem and Best Buy just sent it out again without checking it. I then tried to exchange it at the store for a new one. Their web site said they had one in stock, but at the store they said they didn't. So, I asked for a refund, which they gave me - minus shipping. Finally got that back after much additional effort. I've spent a lot at BB over the years. I'm finished with them.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-506714-100x100.png\")
Geek Squad inspected = feeling the box weight to make sure it isn't empty
Geek Squad inspected = feeling the box weight to make sure it isn't empty
Geek Squad inspected = feeling the box weight to make sure it isn't empty
I worked for Best Buy and the geeksquad for a couple of years. Unfortunately some stores do not have the payroll to have enough agents to check what was in the box. I can assume someone fooled the store the first time and the store passed it on to you. I would recommend anyone buying open box have someone check it at the geeksquad before you purchase it. It was already open box so there wouldn't be to much trouble for someone to check it.
I'm sorry, but are any of you people who are supporting the OP serious? This person discovers a problem 10 months after the fact and wants Best Buy to do something for him? Yes, BB made a mistake by putting the wrong item in the box, and if the poster had noticed sooner that would be one thing. But posts like this are why Consumerist has a reputation as a site that is less worried about fairness to the consumer than about bashing retailers (the bigger the better) at every opportunity.
The bottom line is that Adam had every right to go to BB to see if the situation could be adjusted (maybe having the receipt would have helped, BTW), but BB did nothing wrong by refusing to do anything. I know it's hard to believe, but there are people who try to rip off retailers by doing things like this, and it's OK for a retailer to protect themselves.
At my store, all we do in Geek Squad is make sure the item functions. Comparing serial numbers and whatnot is left to the customer service associate who performs the exchange.
They may have been rude, but 10 months, and you're perfectly happy with it? I think the statute of limitations on being upset may have run out on this one.
Granted; it sucks that you got a cheaper blu-ray player. But, I can't blame Best Buy for not helping you later.
Though I will wholeheartedly blame them for being incompetent about the blu-ray player in the first place.
@The Cynical Librarian: He did lose more than just the difference in price. I would bet that the manufacturer's warranty is not valid either, and if it breaks tomorrow, he is out of luck.