Best Buy Aggravation

Ksyrup · 01-25-2005, 12:19 PM

I'll admit it. I actually like Best Buy. I can spend hours browsing in their store. But today, I got really pissed off because of one of their policies.

Everyone who knows me knows how much I love music. So as a result, I ended up with almost $200 in BB gift certificates for Christmas. Cool, I think, I won't have to buy a new release for a few months, at a minimum. Problem is, my taste in music isn't exactly mainstream 90% of of the time. But that's OK, because BB online has pretty much everything I want, so I can either order it online or have them special order it in the store.

Wrong. I can't use my BB gift certificates online. And BB refuses to single order any items, since they can be purchased online. But I can't use my gift certificates online.

*cue vicious cycle*

WTF?! I've got a wallet full of free money that I'm dying to spend, but I'm going to have to buy most of the stuff I want with MY real money. I've basically been given gift certificates to an expanded Columbia House - brand new releases from artists I don't like, greatest hits albums, and old stuff to fill in the holes in my collection. Otherwise, unless I find a big ticket item or some software, these suckers are lasting 6 months, while I spend hundreds of my real dollars on the stuff I want.

I'm especially pissed because there is 1 thing that came out today and 2 that come out next week that I want, but it looks like I'm going to have to wait to confirm that they won't get them in my store, then buy them elsewhere.

FU BB!

Joe · 01-25-2005, 12:21 PM

you should sell the giftcards on ebay.

Ksyrup · 01-25-2005, 12:23 PM

I was thinking about offering them to anyone here who is going to spend over $150 cash at BB anytime soon - I'll trade straight-up for the cash.

jbmagic · 01-25-2005, 12:25 PM

on gift certifcate, how long there good for..

i have one from Target like a year old and one from Best buy like a year old.. i forgot i had them in my wallet

Lathum · 01-25-2005, 12:29 PM

Why don't you get something to play that music on. An Ipod or a download card etc...

SackAttack · 01-25-2005, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbmagic

on gift certifcate, how long there good for..

i have one from Target like a year old and one from Best buy like a year old.. i forgot i had them in my wallet

If you're in California, by law they cannot expire. I don't know about the other 49 states.

Ksyrup · 01-25-2005, 12:32 PM

I've got an MP3 player, but honestly, I don't really have much use for it outside of working out. My car is my personal stereo. I also don't download unless something's been released exclusively online. I still like the idea of "collecting" CDs.

I could go waste it on a bunch of DVDs or old CDs that are on an "if money was no object" type list, but I haven't gotten to that point yet.

JeeberD · 01-25-2005, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SackAttack

If you're in California, by law they cannot expire. I don't know about the other 49 states.

On OG gift cards they are good for 2 years, then after that you will start being charged a monthly $1.50 "service charge" until either you use it or the accumulated service charges empty the card...

Maple Leafs · 01-25-2005, 12:36 PM

What is this "buying music" you speak of?

Loren · 01-25-2005, 12:39 PM

I cannot stand Best Buy, the store, their policies, nor the people they normally have working there(but this could be a local problem

everytime i go to the store I walk out with an anxiety attack and feeling the need to either blow the store up or bend the manager over and stick sharp objects up a couple of his orifices....

not being able to use the certificates is pretty retarded, especially if you could just order them to be delivered to your local store and pay by using them there..

rkmsuf · 01-25-2005, 12:40 PM

I say you blow the f-ers up.

Ksyrup · 01-25-2005, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loren

not being able to use the certificates is pretty retarded, especially if you could just order them to be delivered to your local store and pay by using them there..

Maybe I can order them COD and list my address as the local BB store.

Ksyrup · 01-25-2005, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rkmsuf

I say you blow the f-ers up.

It's a definite possibility.

After I use my gift certificates, anyway.

Ksyrup · 01-25-2005, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maple Leafs

What is this "buying music" you speak of?

Oh no, here we go. Don't you take my bitch thread and turn it into a moral discussion about downloading!

Loren · 01-25-2005, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ksyrup

It's a definite possibility.

After I use my gift certificates, anyway.

If you do, I'll gladly help out in any way I can...maybe itll wipe out what we owe them

rkmsuf · 01-25-2005, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ksyrup

It's a definite possibility.

After I use my gift certificates, anyway.

Right but their action today demands an immediate retaliation. And, if you don't, you're nothing but the nerd they say you are.

Logan · 01-25-2005, 12:46 PM

Very few people are aware that Best Buy (stores) and bestbuy.com are two completely different businesses.

MacroGuru · 01-25-2005, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loren

everytime i go to the store I walk out with an anxiety attack and feeling the need to either blow the store up or bend the manager over and stick sharp objects up a couple of his orifices....

Sounds like a sexual frustration problem to me.....

Passacaglia · 01-25-2005, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Everyone who knows me knows how much I love music.

I always thought you liked Kpancakes.

Ksyrup · 01-25-2005, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Passacaglia

I always thought you liked Kpancakes.

Actually, it's KBelgian waffles.

Barkeep49 · 01-25-2005, 01:27 PM

So if I know somoene likes music this past holiday season I bought them a gift certiifcate to iTunes or musicmatch depending on what I knew about how they listened to music.

Anyhow what I would do is talk to corporate headquarters/the store manager and remind them that they cannot legally book your 200 as revenue until you spend it. So all in all you're really just trying to help the bottom line.

rkmsuf · 01-25-2005, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barkeep49

Anyhow what I would do is talk to corporate headquarters/the store manager and remind them that they cannot legally book your 200 as revenue until you spend it. So all in all you're really just trying to help the bottom line.

I would love to hear that conversation.

Barkeep49 · 01-25-2005, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rkmsuf

I would love to hear that conversation.

I think I could have made a very interesting audio documentary if I had recorded all of the conversations I've had with Best Buy employees.

Loren · 01-25-2005, 01:38 PM

my conversations with them usually exist of sarcastic remarks on my part..I always wanted to get a job with them though just because i know id end up knowing more about computers and everything else on the planet than any of the employees at our local store

maybe the bending them over/sharp objects thing isss a sexual frustration

I should work on that, any volunteers

Suicane75 · 01-25-2005, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loren

maybe the bending them over/sharp objects thing isss a sexual frustration

I should work on that, any volunteers

raises hand

rkmsuf · 01-25-2005, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Suicane75

raises hand

so bend over and you'll get a sharp object then I guess

Suicane75 · 01-25-2005, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rkmsuf

so bend over and you'll get a sharp object then I guess

You talk like it's a bad thing.

rkmsuf · 01-25-2005, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Suicane75

You talk like it's a bad thing.

I'm not sure where to go with this other than to shake your hand and wish you luck.

Loren · 01-25-2005, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Suicane75

raises hand

HOWWWW did I KNOWWW

I'll need directions to your house...

Suicane75 · 01-25-2005, 01:48 PM

I can make things uncomfortable so quickly, it's a skill.

RPI-Fan · 01-25-2005, 02:12 PM

My own little BB story...

I want to buy a car CD player ASAP to put in my car by this weekend (Friday afternoon to be specific). I call, asking if they have any install times available. He says no, but if someone cancels I could squeeze in... but I don't plan at sitting at the mall all day long. So I say, in a very "wink-wink" kind of voice... "Are there ever things done with the finances that would make it possible to get it installed by Friday?"... Him: "Nope."... Me: "Ok, thanks for the help. --click--".

Dumbass. Took it to a car-stereo place and got it done for the same price, and it was installed within an hour.

Ksyrup · 01-25-2005, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rkmsuf

I'm not sure where to go with this other than to shake your hand and wish you luck.

I'm not sure I'd even shake his hand.

johneh · 01-25-2005, 02:38 PM

About 6 years ago I was buying a new PC @ Best Buy. The guy kept pressuring me for the extended warranty it went like this after me telling him no 10 times...

BB Guy: why don't you want the extended warranty
Me: If something breaks on a computer I know how to fix it and it will cost less than the $200 warranty.
BB: Computers are getting more and more complicated and things are always easy to fix anymore.
Me: Not interested, plus everyone I know who every purchased a warranty and tried to get service was denied for some silly exception
BB: I wouldn't recommend buying this computer without the ext. warranty
Me: Ok, Thanks, guess I'll take your advice & not buy it.

I then turned and walked away, he had all the paperwork filled out and everything... so the guy is chasing me through the store trying to get me to come back and buy the computer...

Me: Why would I buy the computer, you just told me basically it is a piece of crap & you wouldn't buy it w/o getting the warranty?

I then left, went to the Besy Buy on the other side of town & bought the same computer. I was hoping for more fun but at this store they asked once and then dropped the subject.

Eaglesfan27 · 01-25-2005, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johneh

About 6 years ago I was buying a new PC @ Best Buy. The guy kept pressuring me for the extended warranty it went like this after me telling him no 10 times...

BB Guy: why don't you want the extended warranty
Me: If something breaks on a computer I know how to fix it and it will cost less than the $200 warranty.
BB: Computers are getting more and more complicated and things are always easy to fix anymore.
Me: Not interested, plus everyone I know who every purchased a warranty and tried to get service was denied for some silly exception
BB: I wouldn't recommend buying this computer without the ext. warranty
Me: Ok, Thanks, guess I'll take your advice & not buy it.

I then turned and walked away, he had all the paperwork filled out and everything... so the guy is chasing me through the store trying to get me to come back and buy the computer...

Me: Why would I buy the computer, you just told me basically it is a piece of crap & you wouldn't buy it w/o getting the warranty?

I then left, went to the Besy Buy on the other side of town & bought the same computer. I was hoping for more fun but at this store they asked once and then dropped the subject.

That is great

TargetPractice6 · 01-25-2005, 03:51 PM

I got a Comp USA giftcard... which is even worse. No music at all, poor selection of games, and they are slow to get newly released games in stock. There really isn't anything I want from that store. Maybe if I go in and buy a stack of DVD-Rs they will just give me change for the rest of the giftcard so I can spend it somewhere else.

TargetPractice6 · 01-25-2005, 03:52 PM

Dola

Oh yeah, what's the deal with giftcards anyway? I don't really see the point. I mean really if you want to give me money then just give me cash. Restricting me to one store that I can spend it at has always struck me as odd.

Izulde · 01-25-2005, 04:12 PM

Gift Cards are useful for when you know someone likes to shop at the store, but have no idea what to get them from said store.

Plus, it's a little nicer gift than just crass cash.

Though from the retail end of things, I hate selling gift cards... because there's no guarantee the money on it will go to our store because, as alluded to by someone else earlier, the money doesn't get counted as revenue until the card is actually used.

Also echoing an earlier sentiment, the online division is almost always separate from the store division in large retailers... or in the case of Victoria's Secret where I work, it's divided between store division, online sales division, and catalogue division, all of which are under the umbrella of the Limited Brands company.

TargetPractice6 · 01-25-2005, 04:26 PM

"Plus, it's a little nicer gift than just crass cash."

This is what I don't get. I don't see how a plastic card is any better than cash, but I guess I could be in the minority on this. I mean I'd take an envelope labeled "Universal Giftcard" with cash in it if it would make the giver feel better.

henry296 · 01-25-2005, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Izulde

Gift Cards are useful for when you know someone likes to shop at the store, but have no idea what to get them from said store.

Plus, it's a little nicer gift than just crass cash.

Though from the retail end of things, I hate selling gift cards... because there's no guarantee the money on it will go to our store because, as alluded to by someone else earlier, the money doesn't get counted as revenue until the card is actually used.

Also echoing an earlier sentiment, the online division is almost always separate from the store division in large retailers... or in the case of Victoria's Secret where I work, it's divided between store division, online sales division, and catalogue division, all of which are under the umbrella of the Limited Brands company.

And they have different prices and sales. I saw something on sale on the web page, but it wasn't on sale at the store.

henry296 · 01-25-2005, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TargetPractice6

"Plus, it's a little nicer gift than just crass cash."

This is what I don't get. I don't see how a plastic card is any better than cash, but I guess I could be in the minority on this. I mean I'd take an envelope labeled "Universal Giftcard" with cash in it if it would make the giver feel better.

To me it showed that the giver had some thought about what type of gift you would be interested in. If I give someone cash as I gift I have no idea if they are using it a "gift" product or just putting it in the bank. If I am giving a gift I want some to get something tangible.

Todd

MizzouRah · 01-25-2005, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RPI-Fan

My own little BB story...

I want to buy a car CD player ASAP to put in my car by this weekend (Friday afternoon to be specific). I call, asking if they have any install times available. He says no, but if someone cancels I could squeeze in... but I don't plan at sitting at the mall all day long. So I say, in a very "wink-wink" kind of voice... "Are there ever things done with the finances that would make it possible to get it installed by Friday?"... Him: "Nope."... Me: "Ok, thanks for the help. --click--".

Dumbass. Took it to a car-stereo place and got it done for the same price, and it was installed within an hour.

Now it's a first come, first serve basis. At least that is what they went to here where I live.

I used to love BB, but now.. they have too many f-n "rebates" for me to mess with that place too much... and Ksyrup, I agree about not being able to use your gift cards online, that sucks!

Todd

oykib · 01-25-2005, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Izulde

or in the case of Victoria's Secret where I work

How the hell did everyone else in this thread miss the most important line in the thread?

K, stop whining about your $200 (just buy something for the wife for V-day and spend your real money on yourself) and lets get to the pix pls-- thx.

Suicane75 · 01-25-2005, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oykib

How the hell did everyone else in this thread miss the most important line in the thread?

K, stop whining about your $200 (just buy something for the wife for V-day and spend your real money on yourself) and lets get to the pix pls-- thx.

It sounds real good till the first time you have to help a 70 year old woman try on a thong.

RPI-Fan · 01-25-2005, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MizzouRah

Now it's a first come, first serve basis. At least that is what they went to here where I live.

I used to love BB, but now.. they have too many f-n "rebates" for me to mess with that place too much... and Ksyrup, I agree about not being able to use your gift cards online, that sucks!

Todd

I know, but I was offering to tip the guy to do my car by Friday... his casual reaction to it, instead of "Sorry, we have a policy that we can't do that" leads me to believe he couldn't even be bothered to pay attention to worry about what I was offering.

Pumpy Tudors · 01-25-2005, 09:33 PM

Does anyone else think the signature of "Lorennnn...

" is really fucking cute? I'm drooling over here, and my wife has already dialed 5 digits toward the wacky wagon.

Suicane75 · 01-25-2005, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pumpy Tudors

Does anyone else think the signature of "Lorennnn...

" is really fucking cute? I'm drooling over here, and my wife has already dialed 5 digits toward the wacky wagon.

No fair, your much skinnier than me, hence you can run faster.

Pumpy Tudors · 01-25-2005, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Suicane75

No fair, your much skinnier than me, hence you can run faster.

What? You're trying to run away from my wife, too? I didn't know she was also trying to get you locked up.

Suicane75 · 01-25-2005, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pumpy Tudors

What? You're trying to run away from my wife, too? I didn't know she was also trying to get you locked up.

No my friend, the 18 wheeler thats attached to her husband.

Pumpy Tudors · 01-25-2005, 09:39 PM

Oh shit.

So, uh, about that Best Buy place...

sovereignstar · 01-25-2005, 09:43 PM

Shit, Pumpy can probably jump too.

01-25-2005, 12:23 PM	#3
Ksyrup This guy has posted so much, his fingers are about to fall off. Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: In Absentia	I was thinking about offering them to anyone here who is going to spend over $150 cash at BB anytime soon - I'll trade straight-up for the cash. __________________ M's pitcher Miguel Batista: "Now, I feel like I've had everything. I've talked pitching with Sandy Koufax, had Kenny G play for me. Maybe if I could have an interview with God, then I'd be served. I'd be complete."

01-25-2005, 12:32 PM	#7
Ksyrup This guy has posted so much, his fingers are about to fall off. Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: In Absentia	I've got an MP3 player, but honestly, I don't really have much use for it outside of working out. My car is my personal stereo. I also don't download unless something's been released exclusively online. I still like the idea of "collecting" CDs. I could go waste it on a bunch of DVDs or old CDs that are on an "if money was no object" type list, but I haven't gotten to that point yet. __________________ M's pitcher Miguel Batista: "Now, I feel like I've had everything. I've talked pitching with Sandy Koufax, had Kenny G play for me. Maybe if I could have an interview with God, then I'd be served. I'd be complete."

01-25-2005, 12:36 PM	#9
Maple Leafs Coordinator Join Date: Jan 2002	What is this "buying music" you speak of? __________________ Down Goes Brown: Toronto Maple Leafs Humor and Analysis

01-25-2005, 12:39 PM	#10
Loren High School JV Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: i live in tx	I cannot stand Best Buy, the store, their policies, nor the people they normally have working there(but this could be a local problem everytime i go to the store I walk out with an anxiety attack and feeling the need to either blow the store up or bend the manager over and stick sharp objects up a couple of his orifices.... not being able to use the certificates is pretty retarded, especially if you could just order them to be delivered to your local store and pay by using them there.. __________________ Lorennnn...

01-25-2005, 12:40 PM	#11
rkmsuf Head Coach Join Date: Dec 2001	I say you blow the f-ers up. __________________ "Don't you have homes?" -- Judge Smales

01-25-2005, 12:21 PM	#2
Joe Pro Starter Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Minneapolis	you should sell the giftcards on ebay.

01-25-2005, 12:25 PM	#4
jbmagic Pro Starter Join Date: Apr 2004	on gift certifcate, how long there good for.. i have one from Target like a year old and one from Best buy like a year old.. i forgot i had them in my wallet

01-25-2005, 12:29 PM	#5
Lathum Favored Bitch #1 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: homeless in NJ	Why don't you get something to play that music on. An Ipod or a download card etc...

01-25-2005, 12:46 PM	#17
Logan Head Coach Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: NYC	Very few people are aware that Best Buy (stores) and bestbuy.com are two completely different businesses.

01-25-2005, 01:27 PM	#21
Barkeep49 Coordinator Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Not too far away	So if I know somoene likes music this past holiday season I bought them a gift certiifcate to iTunes or musicmatch depending on what I knew about how they listened to music. Anyhow what I would do is talk to corporate headquarters/the store manager and remind them that they cannot legally book your 200 as revenue until you spend it. So all in all you're really just trying to help the bottom line.

01-25-2005, 01:38 PM	#24
Loren High School JV Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: i live in tx	my conversations with them usually exist of sarcastic remarks on my part..I always wanted to get a job with them though just because i know id end up knowing more about computers and everything else on the planet than any of the employees at our local store maybe the bending them over/sharp objects thing isss a sexual frustration I should work on that, any volunteers __________________ Lorennnn...

01-25-2005, 01:48 PM	#30
Suicane75 Coordinator Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: NJ	I can make things uncomfortable so quickly, it's a skill.

01-25-2005, 02:12 PM	#31
RPI-Fan Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Troy, NY	My own little BB story... I want to buy a car CD player ASAP to put in my car by this weekend (Friday afternoon to be specific). I call, asking if they have any install times available. He says no, but if someone cancels I could squeeze in... but I don't plan at sitting at the mall all day long. So I say, in a very "wink-wink" kind of voice... "Are there ever things done with the finances that would make it possible to get it installed by Friday?"... Him: "Nope."... Me: "Ok, thanks for the help. --click--". Dumbass. Took it to a car-stereo place and got it done for the same price, and it was installed within an hour. __________________ Quis custodiets ipsos custodes?

01-25-2005, 02:38 PM	#33
johneh Mascot Join Date: Jul 2004	About 6 years ago I was buying a new PC @ Best Buy. The guy kept pressuring me for the extended warranty it went like this after me telling him no 10 times... BB Guy: why don't you want the extended warranty Me: If something breaks on a computer I know how to fix it and it will cost less than the $200 warranty. BB: Computers are getting more and more complicated and things are always easy to fix anymore. Me: Not interested, plus everyone I know who every purchased a warranty and tried to get service was denied for some silly exception BB: I wouldn't recommend buying this computer without the ext. warranty Me: Ok, Thanks, guess I'll take your advice & not buy it. I then turned and walked away, he had all the paperwork filled out and everything... so the guy is chasing me through the store trying to get me to come back and buy the computer... Me: Why would I buy the computer, you just told me basically it is a piece of crap & you wouldn't buy it w/o getting the warranty? I then left, went to the Besy Buy on the other side of town & bought the same computer. I was hoping for more fun but at this store they asked once and then dropped the subject.

01-25-2005, 03:51 PM	#35
TargetPractice6 College Benchwarmer Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Lexington, KY	I got a Comp USA giftcard... which is even worse. No music at all, poor selection of games, and they are slow to get newly released games in stock. There really isn't anything I want from that store. Maybe if I go in and buy a stack of DVD-Rs they will just give me change for the rest of the giftcard so I can spend it somewhere else.

01-25-2005, 03:52 PM	#36
TargetPractice6 College Benchwarmer Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Lexington, KY	Dola Oh yeah, what's the deal with giftcards anyway? I don't really see the point. I mean really if you want to give me money then just give me cash. Restricting me to one store that I can spend it at has always struck me as odd.

01-25-2005, 04:12 PM	#37
Izulde Head Coach Join Date: Sep 2004	Gift Cards are useful for when you know someone likes to shop at the store, but have no idea what to get them from said store. Plus, it's a little nicer gift than just crass cash. Though from the retail end of things, I hate selling gift cards... because there's no guarantee the money on it will go to our store because, as alluded to by someone else earlier, the money doesn't get counted as revenue until the card is actually used. Also echoing an earlier sentiment, the online division is almost always separate from the store division in large retailers... or in the case of Victoria's Secret where I work, it's divided between store division, online sales division, and catalogue division, all of which are under the umbrella of the Limited Brands company. __________________ 2006 Golden Scribe Nominee 2006 Golden Scribe Winner Best Non-Sport Dynasty: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty) Rookie Writer of the Year Dynasty of the Year: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty)

01-25-2005, 04:26 PM	#38
TargetPractice6 College Benchwarmer Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Lexington, KY	"Plus, it's a little nicer gift than just crass cash." This is what I don't get. I don't see how a plastic card is any better than cash, but I guess I could be in the minority on this. I mean I'd take an envelope labeled "Universal Giftcard" with cash in it if it would make the giver feel better.

01-25-2005, 09:33 PM	#45
Pumpy Tudors Bounty Hunter Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Pittsburgh, PA	Does anyone else think the signature of "Lorennnn... " is really fucking cute? I'm drooling over here, and my wife has already dialed 5 digits toward the wacky wagon. __________________ No, I am not Batman, and I will not repair your food processor.

01-25-2005, 09:39 PM	#49
Pumpy Tudors Bounty Hunter Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Pittsburgh, PA	Oh shit. So, uh, about that Best Buy place... __________________ No, I am not Batman, and I will not repair your food processor.

01-25-2005, 09:43 PM	#50
sovereignstar Pro Starter Join Date: Feb 2004	Shit, Pumpy can probably jump too.

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