Best buy stinks

Every gizmo I buy at a store they always give "the warranty hustle". Now I'm polite. I thank them for the offer and decline. Most are equally as polite in response. However, last year I was at "a store" and the guy at the register kept hammering me about the warranty hustle. I smiled and said no thank you. More insisting by this guy. I said in a firmer voice, no thank you. He persisted. I went "Drill Sgt." on him. When I was done he was standing there about in tears and I walked out.

The warranty is mainly a scam in my opinion. They're betting whatever it is you bought will outlast the warranty just enough so you'll come buy another. And IF it does break before, well your charming young lady found out how well the warranty is they push onto you. Companies in retail are fighting internet sales for their very lives. They'll hustle as much from the consumers as they can. Every cashier is pressured buy the store management to push the extended warranty onto everyone that buys things that has a manufacturer's warranty. The idea is most will call the 1-800 number on the manufacturer's manual and deal with them. The store of course, has pocketed their warranty money from you and are constantly hunting their next victim.
 
My daughter goes through laptops like Wade, only she doesn't need a gun. Shes a chef and uses them in the kitchen all the time. Anyway, she always buys from Best Buy and gets the warranty and they have never given her any troubles over honoring them. Maybe theiy're nicer in Cali?
 
A lot depends on the warranty plan you purchase. A simple extended warranty doesn't go as far as the the Geek Squad Protection plan and purchasing the accidental damage plan.

Years ago, we got my son a laptop from Best Buy and we did the full Geek Squad thing. They actually did pretty well. The hard drive failed at one point. He got the thing fixed and a full system restore, as I recall.

Anyway, it worked out for us. You really have to pay close attention to what each plan covers.

I do think it's sloppy, though, to have the cashiers push these plans. When you're waiting in line and have people waiting, you're less likely to make a good decision. You'll either quickly turn it down, just to save time; or you'll buy it, without really thinking about it. There really isn't much time in those situations to talk in detail with someone about different options.

It's really best, when buying a computer, to get a salesman and go over each plan carefully to really understand what you want. That way, when you come to the register you can make a more informed decision.
 
Last edited:
In 1997, I bought a nice new Ford Futura sedan. It had 4000km on the clock (was a demo) and was in virtually mint condition. Being a sucker, I paid an extra $1500 for the extended warranty.
About 7 or 8 months after I bought it, the water pump sprang a leak, and the mechanic found some corrosion on the pump.
I rang the warranty company, and they told me that they don't cover water pumps, as they are an "expendable" part! WTF???
I threatened them with small claims court, and within half an hour was told by a manager to take the car to the closest Ford dealer for a new water pump, and a complementary hire car for the day.
My point is, that generally if they try to give you the run-around, call their bluff. It usually scares the pants off them. If that doesn't work, ask to speak to a manager. Last resort, threaten them with the Media or Small Claims court. Works for me!!!
Funny 'bout that...

futura.jpg
 
Last edited:
Alex_SG said:
I threatened them with small claims court, and within half an hour was told by a manager to take the car to the closest Ford dealer for a new water pump, and a complementary hire car for the day.
Click to expand...
When I was the customer service rep for the city of Sackotomatoes public works department, they sent me to a class where the instructor said, "Always deny the first claim for service, if they're serious, they'll pursue the matter." I trained my people to "deal with the issue at the lowest possible level. If you can't help a customer, send them directly to the one who can." Our customer satisfaction ratings went through the roof and our service costs dropped by 30% because we were proactive with maintenance.( BTW I was retired a year after taking the position because I didn't meet the civil service qualification for that rank and pay grade and I couldn't jump i and out of a high entry truck anymore.)
 
We have "The Good Guys" here in Oz too, Wav. TBH, I think they are probably one of the better electronics places.
They do good deals for cash, and if you buy multiple items you generally get a decent discount.
Harvey Norman is probably the worst of the bunch... Rip off personified!
 
Frankblade, I admire your sand. The corporate world IS out to directly and indirectly skim profits off the top of anything sold on the world market. It's a subtle form of stealing they've devised and it works too. With most folks being bred as sheep these days, it scares the crap outta them when a lion arises to challenge them and demands justice. Like yourself I KNOW it's a scam. And I refuse to buy into their thievery at the checkout stand. Stand your ground amigo and take no prisoners. If enough stop this and tell them to cram their scam up their pampered posteriors they might get the point..
 
Session 5 said:
I never buy extended warranty's on anything I buy, even Consumers reports will tell you not to buy them , In Majority of cases total waste of money. Save your money.
Click to expand...
I did buy them on a couple of my Dsl40c’s , but after that no.
No more!!
Thanks for the heads up though.
Mitch
 
Trident said:
I always say no, and if ya buy a vehicle that has 10/100,000 no warranty is needed:celebrate2:

Just dump the thing before after the warranty goes n get anutter one:pound-hand:
Click to expand...

And take on a car payment, all over again?

This one’s paid for!

I haven’t had to use the warranty much. But, when I have had to use it, it has been worth it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top