Best Buy ripoff, stole my stock stereo and wont replace it Burbank California
I bought a stereo from Best Buy Sept of last yr and had them install it. Shortly after that I found out I had a 6 disc changer in my trunk. However this was a stock 6 disc changer and there are no stereos on the market that it works with other then a stock stereo. I want back to Best Buy this past weekend and asked if I had signed something waiving the right to have my stock stereo back once the installation was done.
The Manager I spoke to (Mike) told me that they ALWAYS give back the stereos. (But mine was an exception I guess)I told him that I never got mine back and that now I have a 6 disc changer that I can't use. He said he did not know what happened he was not the manager at the time and that they always give back the stereos. He said he could give me a DISCOUNT on new hardware if I wanted. (Why would he give me a discount if they "ALWAYS" give back the stereos, maybe because they dont "ALWAYS" give them back)
I cantacted Volkwagon and asked how much it would cost to replace a stock stereo they told me without the trade-in it costs $459.00 to replace it. I figure Best Buy can do one of 3 things. 1. Come up with the stereo they stole from me. 2. Replace the stereo they stole from me through Volkswagon. 3. Give me a 6 disc changer that is compatable with the stereo I bought from them.
Serenity
Sunland, California
U.S.A.
3 Updates & Rebuttals
Clint
Tallahassee,Florida,
U.S.A.
Your Answers I'm sure it was a mistake
#4Consumer Comment
Wed, June 15, 2005
OK, I understand now why you didn't know there was a CD changer in your car.
I have used Best Buy to do installs for me in the past and yes, they have always left the old one on the passenger seat for me. Know what I did with it when I got home? I threw it away. I didn't want this old car stereo laying around my house, so away it went. Are you sure you wouldn't have done the same thing?
The manager kept telling you they ALWAYS return the old stereos because on his "watch", they always do. This is not to say that a mistake can't be made. Installers are human and we ALL forget something or make a mistake from time to time. I'm sure this was the case here.
Trust me when I say that NOBODY is going to steal a stock in-dash radio. Heck, you can't even SELL them! I have seen them in flea markets and at garage sales and no one even LOOKS at them. To keep saying that the installer stole yours is silly.
Once suggestion I have is that if you want it back so badly, check the online auction sites and see if there is one for sale there. Bid on it, and win. Then when you receive it, you can take out the player you had them install and put back in the stock one. That way, you won't have to pay the $460 exhorbitant price Volkswagon wants for a new one. Also, I can only assume that that price is for a complete system...changer and all. I can't imagine just the in-dash radio being that much.
As I said before, I'm sure it was a mistake. They probably kept it for a few days to see if you came back for it and when you didn't, they threw it away.
Serenity
Sunland,California,
U.S.A.
Re: I have several problems with your report.
#4Consumer Comment
Wed, June 15, 2005
First of all I had just bought the used car and when I noticed it did not have a cd player I went to Best Buy and had another stereo installed.
As for Mr Manager Mike he continually told me that they NEVER keep any of the stereos that they ALWAYS leave the stereos in the car. But I guess mine was just an exception. Since Mr Manager Mike states that they ALWAYS give the stereos back and they did not give mine back I can only assume they stole it.
I hope that anwers your comments Clint!
Clint
Tallahassee,Florida,
U.S.A.
Several Problems Here
#4Consumer Comment
Tue, June 14, 2005
I find several problems with your report.
First, why did it take you nine months to decide you wanted the stock stereo back? If someone DID forget to give you your old stereo back, I'm sure they only kept it for a few days to see if you came back for it. After that, I'm sure they threw it away.
Second, you obviously didn't know you had a 6 CD changer in your car to begin with, which tells me you never used it even once when you DID have the stock stereo in it. Why are you concerned about it NOW?
Third, why would you be upset with a manager who tried to help you? Mr. Manager Mike offered you the discount because he could tell you were unhappy and was trying to do something for you to help. If he was not the manager when you had your install done, I'm quite sure he couldn't tell you what had happened. They may even have completely different installers now and there is no one in the store who would even be ABLE to tell you.
If you have suddenly decided you want to use the CD changer after all this time, I suggest you take the discount offer and proceed with your life. Thinking any car stereo installer should pay you almost $500 for a stock stereo from the manufacturer is ludicrous.
Another thing...Best Buy did NOT steal your stereo from you. You purchased another model, had them install it, and left the store. Nothing in those actions constitue theft. However, that comment could be construed as slander by Best Buy.
Since you never once used the changer when you DID have the stock stereo installed, my suggestion is to drop it completely and be happy with the stereo you chose in the store.