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Best Buy LIes to Consumer, swindles 12-year old, rude and inept customer service reps Ripoff Spokane Valley Washington
My 12-year old son received a Best Buy gift card for Christmas. We went to Best Buy where he selected an Oblivion computer game. After purchasing the game, my son excitedly tore the plastic off as we exited the store. At that point he realized the game was not a game, but an extension of a more expensive computer game. Less than 5 minutes after exiting the store we walked right back in and explained what had happened to the customer service desk. The lady shook her head and told us "I am sorry but it is against the law for us to take back any opened games. It has to do with piracy and is not a Best Buy Policy, but is the law."
We went across the street to another game store in the mall where I noticed that none of the games were wrapped in fact all of the games were unwrapped and the discs were put into drawers behind the counter to protect against theft. I walked up to the clerk and the manager and asked them about this "supposed law" and they told me that this was not true at all. Infuriated, I called the store and asked to speak with the store manager. Instead, I was given to the customer service department once again, possibly to the same girl that had lied to me. I explained how upset I was that I was lied to and that I felt my son was scammed out of his gift card. The lady told me at that point that returning the game was not against the law, but it was Best Buy policy NOT to accept returns that had been opened. I told her that we had not even left the parking lot before coming back in and she told me if I wanted to return the game she would be happy to exchange it for THE SAME ONE!!! That's right, the very download that was unuseable to my son.
The game store that I was calling from was so mortified at Best Buy's customer service that they allowed my son to exchange the Best Buy game at their store. The manager told me that they NEVER sell extensions or downloads that enhance another game without telling the customer that they need another product. Best Buy probably uses this tactic to make more money off of unsuspecting consumers.
I will never again shop at Best Buy any store with a customer service policy that includes lying to customers, especially 12 year-olds will never have my business again.
Shannon
Spokane, Washington
U.S.A.
20 Updates & Rebuttals
Bumblebee
Newport Beach,California,
U.S.A.
READ.
#21Consumer Comment
Mon, July 23, 2007
You should read before you purchase anything. Its a simple step to solving any solution. On the back of reciepts it will tell you the return policy. On the front of the game it will also tell you the game requirements. Oblivion is a TEEN game so your 12 year old son purchased a game not "suitable" for his age group to begin with. If you asked for help I am sure one of the Associates would of told you about the games. All retailers will carry the same return policies, in most cases a MANAGER or a supervisor will approve exceptions. For the most part these returns are set to save the companies back incase one of the people who PURCHASED a game and opened it and then copied it 50 times and sold it won't be their fault. Copyright laws are nationwide and are ussually set to protect the original owners right not to damage a relationship between a retail store and a family.
Rebecca
Somewhere,Ohio,
U.S.A.
Did you think to ask for a manager?
#21UPDATE Employee
Sun, July 15, 2007
I have worked Best Buy customer service and have had this problem with customers many times. Did you ask to speek to a manager? The people behind the counter are there to enforce policy. They do not have the power to override it, but a manager does.
If you had just bought the game (we would be able to tell by the time on your receipt), it would go without saying that you did not have enough time to burn the game or play it and then try to return it. That is why the policy is in place and it is the policy everywhere, including Wal-mart). If you had simply asked for a manager and acted like a calm adult who should understand that the person at the counter is just doing their job, most likely he or she would have let you exchange for something else.
Also, Best Buy did not lie to your 12-yr old son. It is your job to be an educated consumer. If we had to tell you return policy on every single item that you bought, it would take forever to get you through the line, plus you wouldn't listen anyways. The return policy is basically everywhere you turn in the store - back of your receipt, on the sales register, and it takes up an entire wall at the front of the store. It's hard to miss. If anything this experience should teach you to be more aware of what you are buying and what is the return policy is at stores.
Rebecca
Somewhere,Ohio,
U.S.A.
Did you think to ask for a manager?
#21UPDATE Employee
Sun, July 15, 2007
I have worked Best Buy customer service and have had this problem with customers many times. Did you ask to speek to a manager? The people behind the counter are there to enforce policy. They do not have the power to override it, but a manager does.
If you had just bought the game (we would be able to tell by the time on your receipt), it would go without saying that you did not have enough time to burn the game or play it and then try to return it. That is why the policy is in place and it is the policy everywhere, including Wal-mart). If you had simply asked for a manager and acted like a calm adult who should understand that the person at the counter is just doing their job, most likely he or she would have let you exchange for something else.
Also, Best Buy did not lie to your 12-yr old son. It is your job to be an educated consumer. If we had to tell you return policy on every single item that you bought, it would take forever to get you through the line, plus you wouldn't listen anyways. The return policy is basically everywhere you turn in the store - back of your receipt, on the sales register, and it takes up an entire wall at the front of the store. It's hard to miss. If anything this experience should teach you to be more aware of what you are buying and what is the return policy is at stores.
Rebecca
Somewhere,Ohio,
U.S.A.
Did you think to ask for a manager?
#21UPDATE Employee
Sun, July 15, 2007
I have worked Best Buy customer service and have had this problem with customers many times. Did you ask to speek to a manager? The people behind the counter are there to enforce policy. They do not have the power to override it, but a manager does.
If you had just bought the game (we would be able to tell by the time on your receipt), it would go without saying that you did not have enough time to burn the game or play it and then try to return it. That is why the policy is in place and it is the policy everywhere, including Wal-mart). If you had simply asked for a manager and acted like a calm adult who should understand that the person at the counter is just doing their job, most likely he or she would have let you exchange for something else.
Also, Best Buy did not lie to your 12-yr old son. It is your job to be an educated consumer. If we had to tell you return policy on every single item that you bought, it would take forever to get you through the line, plus you wouldn't listen anyways. The return policy is basically everywhere you turn in the store - back of your receipt, on the sales register, and it takes up an entire wall at the front of the store. It's hard to miss. If anything this experience should teach you to be more aware of what you are buying and what is the return policy is at stores.
Rebecca
Somewhere,Ohio,
U.S.A.
Did you think to ask for a manager?
#21UPDATE Employee
Sun, July 15, 2007
I have worked Best Buy customer service and have had this problem with customers many times. Did you ask to speek to a manager? The people behind the counter are there to enforce policy. They do not have the power to override it, but a manager does.
If you had just bought the game (we would be able to tell by the time on your receipt), it would go without saying that you did not have enough time to burn the game or play it and then try to return it. That is why the policy is in place and it is the policy everywhere, including Wal-mart). If you had simply asked for a manager and acted like a calm adult who should understand that the person at the counter is just doing their job, most likely he or she would have let you exchange for something else.
Also, Best Buy did not lie to your 12-yr old son. It is your job to be an educated consumer. If we had to tell you return policy on every single item that you bought, it would take forever to get you through the line, plus you wouldn't listen anyways. The return policy is basically everywhere you turn in the store - back of your receipt, on the sales register, and it takes up an entire wall at the front of the store. It's hard to miss. If anything this experience should teach you to be more aware of what you are buying and what is the return policy is at stores.
Gabriel
Corpus Christi,Texas,
U.S.A.
A lesson learned
#21Consumer Comment
Sun, May 13, 2007
According to the OP:
"We went to Best Buy where he selected an Oblivion computer game."
Did you or your son even speak to an employee or was this just a game your son picked out because it looked cool, and you as a parent said, "Are you sure that's what you want." I have seen and heard it many times.
If you didn't have an employee's help, you can't blame anybody but yourself.
The return policy also applies to cd's and dvd's as well.
Gabriel
Corpus Christi,Texas,
U.S.A.
A lesson learned
#21Consumer Comment
Sun, May 13, 2007
According to the OP:
"We went to Best Buy where he selected an Oblivion computer game."
Did you or your son even speak to an employee or was this just a game your son picked out because it looked cool, and you as a parent said, "Are you sure that's what you want." I have seen and heard it many times.
If you didn't have an employee's help, you can't blame anybody but yourself.
The return policy also applies to cd's and dvd's as well.
Gabriel
Corpus Christi,Texas,
U.S.A.
A lesson learned
#21Consumer Comment
Sun, May 13, 2007
According to the OP:
"We went to Best Buy where he selected an Oblivion computer game."
Did you or your son even speak to an employee or was this just a game your son picked out because it looked cool, and you as a parent said, "Are you sure that's what you want." I have seen and heard it many times.
If you didn't have an employee's help, you can't blame anybody but yourself.
The return policy also applies to cd's and dvd's as well.
Gabriel
Corpus Christi,Texas,
U.S.A.
A lesson learned
#21Consumer Comment
Sun, May 13, 2007
According to the OP:
"We went to Best Buy where he selected an Oblivion computer game."
Did you or your son even speak to an employee or was this just a game your son picked out because it looked cool, and you as a parent said, "Are you sure that's what you want." I have seen and heard it many times.
If you didn't have an employee's help, you can't blame anybody but yourself.
The return policy also applies to cd's and dvd's as well.
Jay
Private,Michigan,
U.S.A.
Oblivion
#21Consumer Comment
Sun, May 13, 2007
Regarding The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion -
This is a complete game. The expansion to TESIV: Oblivion was only released this past March. It is the 4th title in a series of four - it is *not* an extension of the other 3 (Arena, Daggerfall, Morrowind). Those games have their own expansions.
As far as the rating, it was *not* always rated M - I know this because when I purchased the game, it was rated T. Why & when it was changed I do not recall, but a bit of research should clear it up. It may have had something to do w/ a player-made modification even (which would need to be downloaded seperately). In my opinion, the game is just fine for Teens. There's very little cursing (perhaps 'd**n' or 'hell' - you hear worse on public TV), & the blood has a toggle - even w/ max blood, there's *very* little.
I'm sorry that they were rude to your son, that is unfortunate. Absolutely write a letter to their corporate office. Keep copies.
The other posters are correct in saying that actual computer software is not refundable in most cases, 5 min. passed or no. This is in part due to registration keys/codes. 1 scam that has happened before is people purchase the game, use a camera phone to take a snapshot of the key or code #, then sell it.
Cheers,
Elizabeth
Woodsville,New Hampshire,
U.S.A.
Best Buy is NOT allowed to refund on Software or movies
#21Consumer Suggestion
Sat, May 12, 2007
If you look above the register or on your receipt you will see the return policy right there....all opened games and movies can only be exchanged for the identical product.
Oblivion is the actual game. And may I ask, did you do your homework on this game and realize it's rated M? Which means it's not appropriate for a child under the age of 17?
Elizabeth
Woodsville,New Hampshire,
U.S.A.
Best Buy is NOT allowed to refund on Software or movies
#21Consumer Suggestion
Sat, May 12, 2007
If you look above the register or on your receipt you will see the return policy right there....all opened games and movies can only be exchanged for the identical product.
Oblivion is the actual game. And may I ask, did you do your homework on this game and realize it's rated M? Which means it's not appropriate for a child under the age of 17?
Elizabeth
Woodsville,New Hampshire,
U.S.A.
Best Buy is NOT allowed to refund on Software or movies
#21Consumer Suggestion
Sat, May 12, 2007
If you look above the register or on your receipt you will see the return policy right there....all opened games and movies can only be exchanged for the identical product.
Oblivion is the actual game. And may I ask, did you do your homework on this game and realize it's rated M? Which means it's not appropriate for a child under the age of 17?
Elizabeth
Woodsville,New Hampshire,
U.S.A.
Best Buy is NOT allowed to refund on Software or movies
#21Consumer Suggestion
Sat, May 12, 2007
If you look above the register or on your receipt you will see the return policy right there....all opened games and movies can only be exchanged for the identical product.
Oblivion is the actual game. And may I ask, did you do your homework on this game and realize it's rated M? Which means it's not appropriate for a child under the age of 17?
Ric
De Pere,Wisconsin,
U.S.A.
Show me this d**n Law that is Policy in all Stores?
#21Consumer Suggestion
Tue, March 27, 2007
Ok--You Preach that this is a "Law". Show me and Quote the State or Federal Statue that this is law and all stores can't except Returns like this.
You know this is a lame a$$ excuse to use "Policy of Best Buy" to screw the customer.
Mike
River Edge,New Jersey,
U.S.A.
Ok, let's try this again
#21Consumer Suggestion
Fri, January 12, 2007
The manager of the store not only went against his chains policy of software returns, but would lose his job if it was found out he accepted something at Best Buy to be returned for something in his store. It doesn't matter what that man did, I would guarantee no software stores policy allows for returns of software that has been opened to be exchanged for another title. Period.
You go on and on about how the employee at the software store made a point to point out to you that they always ask if the customer knows it's an extension. That's great, and I'm sure SINCE ALL THEY SELL IS SOFTWARE than they would know what games are add ons and what arent. But do you really expect Best Buy cashiers to know every single thing about everything they sell in that store? If you buy a Blu-Ray or HD DVD, should they ask you if you have that type of player too? Should they ask you if you have HD service if you buy an HD tv. What you are asking the cashier to do is know every detail about every product and also to question every customer about their purchase. That's flat out ridiculous. As for them saying that it was against the law, perhaps they were simply confused, or mistaken. They aren't exactly "skilled workers".
Also, I notice you didn't address the issue of the game itself that I asked. "oblivion" is not an add on its simply the next "chapter" in the continuing sage. It is a stand alone game and could've been played by your son. As for paying more for something somewhere else, well that's just silly.
Shannon
Spokane,Washington,
U.S.A.
Rebuttal to rebuttal
#21Author of original report
Fri, January 12, 2007
Obviously this is not policy everywhere. The "game store" I went to in the mall is a large chain of game stores across the United States.
As far as "policy" goes, a store should NOT ever fabricate information to its customers and state that it is NOT the policy of the store. In fact, the gal I spoke with stated twice that this is an actual law and it would be illegal for Best Buy to take the game back. I understand it was an error on our part not to know that we had bought an extension. I did not become angry until I found out I was lied to. If they lie about something like this, you can bet they are deceptive about other things as well. There is no integrity. All I know is that I now will shop for all of my computer software at the store in the mall, even if I have to pay a little extra...
Sean
Portland,Oregon,
U.S.A.
It's policy
#21Consumer Comment
Fri, January 12, 2007
The non-return of any media device (games, cds, dvds, etc) is a policy in all the large retail outlets. It doesn't matter which retail outlet you go to, it's policy, and they cannot go against it.
This other store didn't happen to sell USED games did it? The new games were not out of there packaging. And, the guy you talked to isn't going to know anything. I've gone to these buy/sell gamestop places and the people behind the counters are idiots. They also will talk you out of buying a game you want, or belittle you if you buy a game they don't think is "TEH PWNZER" (yes, that's how they talk).
Mike
River Edge,New Jersey,
U.S.A.
This is the policy everywhere
#21Consumer Suggestion
Fri, January 12, 2007
This policy is not just Best Buys, it's any store that sells computer software, and it IS due to piracy. Any software store will be happy to exchange it for the same title only.
Howeve,r I am confused because if I read it correctly your son bought "oblivion" which can only be "Elder Scrolls IV:Oblivion" correct? This is NOT an add-on and is in fact a stand alone game. You may be confused because it states it is the latest "chapter" of the Elder Scrolls saga.
In the future, you should be sure to read the packaging to not only make sure it's what you want, but that the computer specs on the box ensure your system can play the game.
D
Naples,Florida,
U.S.A.
It stinks..
#21Consumer Comment
Fri, January 12, 2007
It stinks that Best Buy did that to your son, but you could be a nice mom and buy the other game for your son.