Best Buy "extended warranty" Tulsa, Oklahoma
In November, 2010, my mother got me a Kindle at Best Buy. The cashier asked if we wanted an extended warranty. I asked what it covered. She told us about the one warranty that covers accidental damage during the first year -- we declined that one (if I'm stupid enough to break, that's my fault!).
She then said the next warranty plan would extend the manufacturer's warranty to 2 years. To clarify, I asked if that means 13 months after buying the Kindle, if it just stops working, Best Buy will cover it. She said yes -- if the manufacturer's warranty is expired, Best Buy would either repair or replace the device. Based on this, we got the warranty.
Well, here it is apx 1 year, 6 mos & 1 week since I got the Kindle, and it stops working. So I go to Best Buy. Guess what? What had actually been bought was to cover accidental damage during the first year. I called the customer service number where Dominique (the operator who answered my call) kept explaining the coverage on the Kindle. I let her know I understand what the records show--
my issue is that is NOT what was verbally agreed to (and no, we don't have the original paperwork-- my mother is 72-- once a purchase clears her bank or credit card, she shreds the receipts). I was pretty much told there is NOTHING she can do, however, I can call the store manager & see if he'll work with me! REALLY?!?! The store's answer was I could go buy another one! My response was if I have to spend money on another device, it most certainly will NOT be at Best Buy!
Maybe I'm wrong on this one, but I seem to recall Best Buy closing stores due to some financial problems. If so, do think anyone higher up the corporate ladder might have figured out poor customer service has a serious impact on the bottom line?? I will NEVER spend any money at Best Buy again!
5 Updates & Rebuttals
Paul
tulsa,Oklahoma,
USA
warranties
#6Consumer Comment
Tue, July 03, 2012
At times - in store warranties are not worht it... but many times they are.
first one should read the info..second dont buy a warrantie for small $ items.
I only buy such for very pricey purchases such as high end computers, TV's or similar. But wouldnt for a microwave or similar.
My last two computer related warranties.. have more than paid for themeselves.
In one case a tower I bought crashed, and the $250 warranty I bought pretty much got me a whole new tower (I paid $1800 for the package deal) and walked out with a new $2000 tower.
a previous warranty on a flatbed scanner that I bought for $200 (warranty was $150 for 4 years).
I went thru this warranty 3 times over 6 years (the warranty was autorenewed at zero cost each time it was used)... at the end 6 years when I finally hit a operating system the scanner then wouldnt work on... THe scanner was then a $1500 scanner.
Sold it on craigslist for $1000 despite being 3 years old.
But then when I buy electronics I rarely buy cheap stuff.
Ronny g
North hollywood,California,
USA
Not only..
#6Consumer Comment
Sun, May 27, 2012
..can a cashier at Best Buy not deny the opportunity to read a warranty...but the cashier can not even complete the transaction until the customer agrees with the terms. Have any doubts? Try it.
Ramjet
Somewhere,Michigan,
U.S.A.
Yes
#6Consumer Comment
Wed, May 23, 2012
What Ronny G said.
The cashier was probably not even lying and she thought she was correct. There's a difference between lying and being wrong.
Just read the warranty yourself so you know all the details. Very simple. There is nothing wrong with a business plan that expects customers to adhere to contracts. They don't have a voice recording of all your conversations. That's what written contracts are for. I've never had a cashier deny me the opportunity to fully read a warranty contract.
Accept responsibility and move on.
I predict that you won't and that you'll get all offended and accuse me of being an employee because I think you should know what you're signing.
Ronny g
North hollywood,California,
USA
Why is Granny..
#6Consumer Comment
Wed, May 23, 2012
...Shredding receipts? We need to hold on to those in case of a warranty issue.
Has far as anyone up the "corporate ladder" giving a rat's a*s forget it. The CEO and FOUNDER BOTH recently resigned. So that point is MOOT.
Regardless of who or whom takes over the company we can only hope that consumers develop the brain power to simply SHOP. That is really all it comes down to. Unless when you retail shop a cashier or manager or janitor for that matter has a gun against your head forcing you to buy the product or agree to terms?
Just be an AMERICAN for the love of all the is HOLY and use your GOD GIVEN right to accept, or reject any terms. OR, have your mommy go shopping with you next time and smack you in the neck with a hose when you are about to make a poor shopping decision? Jeebus son of all that are somehow thinking they were born "entitled" to anything? Try using your brain for a change you think?
IntheKnow
New Jersey,USA
No surprise
#6Consumer Suggestion
Tue, May 22, 2012
OP - you relied on a CASHIER to give you the details of a CONTRACT. Pause. Double Pause.
That said, what did the paperwork read - "1 yr" or "2 yrs" . Plans start from the date of purchase.
If "1 yr......" you purchased damage insurance for year one. If "2 yr...." that would have added a one year extended warranty.
Might as well listen to the gypsies in the streets of Istanbul.