Best Buy? No buy!

[Adam77]

I bought my first HD TV about a year ago, the Sony KV 34 HS 510. Man what a grate TV. I have now decided to make it a bedroom TV and purchase something larger for the living room. After researching all of the technologies that I was considering, LCDRPT, LCOS, and DLP, I finely decided on the Sony KDF 55 XS 955. CC had the lowest local price at $3,399 plus tax. They were, however, on back order for about three weeks. I then went to Best Buy with assurance from one of their sales reps over the phone that they would price match plus ten percent of the difference. When I got there it took me forever to get some assistance. They were not even busy. I don’t think I would have been helped any quicker even if I had gone in they’re wearing a shirt that said I’m here to drop over three grand on a TV. When I finely got some help and told the sales guy what TV I wanted, he proceeded to tell me that they would not price match without a flyer listing the price from CC. I told the guy that the price was listed on CC’s website and to look it up. He told me that they did not have access to the Internet. Yeah right. I asked to speak to the manager. A manager came out and after explaining my situation; he told me that he thought he had a flier in the back.

After I got the price match plus thing situated, it was time to pick out a stand. Although the Sony Stand looked nice, I didn’t want to shell out the eight hundred bucks it would have cost to get it. I found one that was just as nice for much cheaper. I wanted to compare the size of the TV and the stand to make sure it would fit, but alas my sales rep had disappeared. I had to find another one. Here comes the best part. When I went to pay, now dealing with my third sails rep, I was going to pay by check. I handed the guy my check and went over to talk to my wife. I guess the rep thought I was out of earshot, because I herd him say to another rep; I bet you fifty bucks that his check does not pass verification. I couldn’t believe my ears. I walked over, grabbed my check and said; I bet you twice that much that I will be spending my money somewhere else.

What a bad experience. If the reps are working on commission, they are all over you, and if there not, they don’t care if your coming in to buy a big ticket item or a pack of batteries. Where is the happy medium? I have also noticed that when I go to these retail stores that I seam to know more about their items than they do. I think I might try buying from an authorized online Sony dealer.

[puck71]

Eh, sounds like fairly harmless banter to me. Probably should have used inside voice though :D

[LeeS]

Adam,

Please let someone in charge at Best Buy know about your experience. That kind of crap cannot be tolerated. I'm sure BB's management feels the same way.

My BB has internet terminals. Sounds like a cop out to me.

Personally I have never bought a big ticket item from them. Printers and supplies, lots of DVDs.

Lee

[wasting]

I bought my lcd from them, everything went smooth my father also bought his plasma there and they delievered it the next day. Overall i would buy my next TV from there aswell.

[DoubleDAZ]

Unfortunately, that is not atypical IMHO. While BB can be a good place to get decent prices on stuff, their technical knowledge and customer service has definitely been on a downslope in the last 5-10 years that I have been dealing with them. I'd be willing to bet I could sepnd an hour in the local BB just roaming the aisles throughout the store and never be asked if I needed any help. I recently spent 20 minutes doing just that looking for a headset radio and not one saleperson even made eye contact, much less asked if they could help, and they weren't busy.

Then, too, their technical service has also been going downhill. My sister-in-law took a computer in for them to check. They said it needed a new motherboard. Being the cheapo she is, she decided not to fix it. She ended up having an acquaintance eventually look at it and it only needed a minor part, though I forget exactly what part. Of course, BB refunded the $60 service fee, but that isn't the point. For $60 they should have looked beyond plug-n-play. How many people have replaced motherboards when something much cheaper would have fixed the problem?

[kevinw]

Computer supplies/DVD's/ Music/Video games , small electronics that require nothing but taking it off the shelf....Even then I would go to Fry's first...BB is only a last resort..

[tonelocdog]

Yeah I don't get nothing at bestbuy anymore, i bought a samsung 192mp lcd monitor and they told me that i had thirty days to return it, then before the 30 days came up I wanted to do an exchange for something bigger and better, then they told me that on lcd computer monitors they are only returnable within 7 days, man did that suck. I even offered them to give them more business, on buying something more expensive and they still refused.

They have a horrible return policy and they are overpriced, also they give false information on products to lure you to buy them because, they want to get more money out of your pocket. Thats my opinion

Best Buy :boo2:

[Adam77]

Yeah well I live in Tampa too, so I bet we both got horrible service from the same Best Buy.

[Adam77]

I bought my lcd from them, everything went smooth my father also bought his plasma there and they delievered it the next day. Overall i would buy my next TV from there aswell.


I’m not saying that all Best Buys have horrible service. I do think that in general, the local retail stores should better train their employees about the products that they are selling. No I’m not expecting a sales rep to know the ends and outs of every product but when it comes to a big-ticket item like a big screen TV, they should. Best Buy is an authorized Sony dealer. One of the stipulations of being an authorized dealer, is that the reps are knowledgeable about the products that they are authorized to sell. In my opinion, from the best buys that I have visited, this qualification is not being met.

[Jooki]

I bought my Sony 60XS955 from CC. This was the best shopping experience I've ever had buying big ticket electronics. The stand - I told the sales guy I will NOT pay 799 for the stand and that I saw it for so and so on the internet. Now, he had internet connection right on his register screen, so he goes: "Ok show me" and moves out of the cash register. I move in and pricegrab/yahoo the lowest price on the stand and he gives me that price!

So... 2 days later the tv arrives. I let it warm up then I turn it on. DARN! Big red spot of light in the middle of the screen, only visible on the dark background but already drives me crasy!

Next day - back to the store, walk up to the salesman and tell him I have a problem with a screen. He doesn't even let me finish, grabs me and brings me to the service desk where they proceed to give me a replacement, no questions asked. Next day truck comes with the brand new set which is perfect. I havn't even gotten the extended warranty yet. Salesman told me take your time see how you like the tv you have 30 days to buy warranty. No pressure, I had 100% attention all the time, anywho awesome experience with CC, very satisfied customer.

[Seared Steak]

I really don't have an issue with BB. I go there to buy new DVD movies when they come out cause there usually under $15. It's true at times they are off. I went in last week to buy a new digital camera and I had to ask for help even though there were 3 guys just standing around. But maybe not everyone is trained in certain departments. So a guy from cellphones comes to help. When I tell him to match a price from thier own website he says, no problem. But when we go look for the online price, it's not easily found. So I tell him, I just saw it before I came here. He said, Well I don't see it. I say there is a link on the main page, clearly stating digital camers are 10% off. He then proceeds to correct me saying the link is only for certain models but sure enough when he scrolls down, there is the camera I want for 10%, so he calls over a manager, and I get the 10%. I really went there cause I had $65 in gift cards. But I really wouldn't buy a big ticket idem from a chain. Local B&M stores always treat me better. :sherlok:

[UTrod03]

Don't ever trust anyone to make tv buying decisions for you. It's true, the guys at best buy know very little about what they're talking about. That is also the case at CC, but to a lesser extent. I've worked at both. I started at bb about 5 yrs ago, figured out that it was an electronics wal-mart, and then i wen to cc, where i no longer work,(mainly 'cause it was commissioned). i'm really into this stuff, so i did my homework, and when cc was commissioned, the sales guys were top notch...at least in the city i'm in(austin, tx). cc is no longer comissioned, so that means free run for 18 yr old kids trying to sell you expensive electronics. Bottom line is, DO YOUR HOMEWORK YOURSELF. I still shop at both, among other stores, but on each purchase, I've already done the research, asked the questions, and compared alternatives way before I walk in. They hate that, but it's a lot easier and reliable for you. For instance, I walked in and purchased a 300 dollar center channel in 2 min. No one even had time to get near me. just some thoughts...

[UTrod03]

more thoughts...

most of the people on this forum seem to know enough about this technogy and they have access to endless amounts of info. with that being said, who cares how the service is at cc or bb? aren't you going there for the unit? they should be the same price at both stores, particularly since they're always located in close proximity to eachother. it should be about inventory. the service plans, on tvs at least, are almost the same. maybe it's just me, but i like to be very independent of sales people. i don't trust them. it doesn't seem like you guys do either.

[mikem74]

Bottom line is, DO YOUR HOMEWORK YOURSELF. I still shop at both, among other stores, but on each purchase, I've already done the research, asked the questions, and compared alternatives way before I walk in. They hate that, but it's a lot easier and reliable for you. For instance, I walked in and purchased a 300 dollar center channel in 2 min. No one even had time to get near me. just some thoughts...


My thoughts exactly. If you are relying on a person at any store to make a $3K plus decision for you, that is your own damn fault. I dont expect much from the reps. I do demand a good attitude and willingness to help me with whatever I need you to do to make the transaction a pleasant one. Not that hard...right?

[kevinw]

My thoughts exactly. If you are relying on a person at any store to make a $3K plus decision for you, that is your own damn fault. I dont expect much from the reps. I do demand a good attitude and willingness to help me with whatever I need you to do to make the transaction a pleasant one. Not that hard...right?
I agree with both of you BUT the original post was not about the BB sales people having product knowledge, it was about lieing about not having internet access and not wanting to honor there own promise to pricematch and the cashier being downright rude.
IF was to use a check and got that kind of snide remark, I would been a lot more adamant about what a F-head the cashier was. :mic:

[mikem74]

I agree with both of you BUT the original post was not about the BB sales people having product knowledge, it was about lieing about not having internet access and not wanting to honor there own promise to pricematch and the cashier being downright rude.
IF was to use a check and got that kind of snide remark, I would been a lot more adamant about what a F-head the cashier was. :mic:


You bet...he probably would have been lacking oxygen due to his neck wedging itself in my hand

[Adam77]

[QUOTE=UTrod03]Don't ever trust anyone to make tv buying decisions for you.


I never said that I relied on a sales rep’s technical knowledge. I always do my own homework regarding the electronics that I am interested in purchasing. If I didn’t, then I wouldn’t be posting on this forum.

[Adam77]

My thoughts exactly. If you are relying on a person at any store to make a $3K plus decision for you, that is your own damn fault. I dont expect much from the reps. I do demand a good attitude and willingness to help me with whatever I need you to do to make the transaction a pleasant one. Not that hard...right?

I don’t care about a rep’s knowledge of a product, and I don’t need the rep to hold my hand while I make my purchase either. I researched for several months before buying my first HD TV. All I am saying is that the reps are not as knowledgeable as they should be. That’s what they advertise, and that’s one of the reasons why they are authorized to sell the brands that they do. Maybe it’s because the manufacturers have minimal qualifications for becoming an authorized dealer, or maybe they just don’t enforce them. I don’t know.

On a different note, kevinw, I did have some choice words to say to the cashier that I didn’t think appropriate to post on this forum. Let’s just say that I told the rep where he could stick that 55-inch TV. I also told the manager that my money and I were going
Elsewhere, and that if he wanted good sales numbers, that he should higher people with better sales manners.

[kevinw]

On a different note, kevinw, I did have some choice words to say to the cashier that I didn’t think appropriate to post on this forum. Let’s just say that I told the rep where he could stick that 55-inch TV. I also told the manager that my money and I were going
Elsewhere, and that if he wanted good sales numbers, that he should higher people with better sales manners.
You make me proud :bow:

[Jooki]

Here comes the best part. When I went to pay, now dealing with my third sails rep, I was going to pay by check. I handed the guy my check and went over to talk to my wife.

Unrelated but why didn't you use Sony promo - 18 months no payments no interest?


I have also noticed that when I go to these retail stores that I seam to know more about their items than they do. I think I might try buying from an authorized online Sony dealer.

Actually, you will find out there is no such thing as "Authorised on-line Sony dealer." All the on-line places who don't have their own warehouses, showrooms and stores are just brokers and they do state so on their websites sometimes. To be authorised you would need to have a retail facility.
Yes you can save money by going through on-line stores but if there is something wrong with TV you are stuck with it, you will have to go throwgh warranty repair rather than exchange.

You can always buy on-line from a retail chain like CC or BB but I learned it pays to actually go into the store because you can negotiate a better deal, while on-line is what you see is what you pay.

This of course applies to big ticket purchases only, anything under $1000 I would only buy on line, just for savings.

This is IMO of course.

[Adam77]

Actually, you will find out there is no such thing as "Authorised on-line Sony dealer." All the on-line places who don't have their own warehouses, showrooms and stores are just brokers and they do state so on their websites sometimes. To be authorised you would need to have a retail facility.


Hmmm, interesting. When I went to Sony’s website and clicked on locate dealer, it brought me to a page that has options for locating local and online authorized dealers. When you click on the authorized online dealer link, it brings you to a page with a list of dealers. This message is at the top of the list.

“All Authorized Dealers display the Sony Consumer Electronics Authorized Internet Dealer logo on their Web site. Whenever you see this logo on a web site, click on it. It should take you back to this site to confirm the dealer has been authorized by Sony.

The following is a list of Sony's Authorized Internet Dealers for Consumer Electronics Products. These dealers have agreed with Sony Electronics to provide high level on-line service, product support and security on the Internet that you expect and deserve as a Sony Consumer Electronics customer.”

Am I interpreting this information incorrectly? If so, please clarify. I have never purchased a big-ticket item online before, so my knowledge about such practices is minimal. This is one of the reasons why I am on this forum. I only know from what I have read while researching, and what Sony has told me.