Complaint Review: Best Buy #561

We went to BEST BUY to buy an advertised Lap top computer on 12-09-07 Model #(DV2418NR) 8633847.

As we were checking out, we noticed that the Box had been opened and asked the Sales Rep why?? He replied that BEST BUY's policy was opening the box, removing extraneous advertisements, and optimizing
computer's performance for a $29.99 fee prior to sale.

At first, we refused to buy this computer stating that we would prefer a sealed carton. As he left to find us a sealed box, we decided to go ahead and buy the open carton so that we would not have to do it at home.

However, on the way home, we were wondering how Best Buy could take it upon itself to do alterations without the knowledge of the buyer. We then decided to take the box back the next day.We returned to BEST BUY the next day and asked for a sealed box.

We tried to explain our story to 3 different managers who seemed to be bewildered by the sales person's actions. At first, they claimed that we must have opened the box, and that we must have asked the software to be installed. We were very consistent in describing our situation the day before. They then insisted that we pay the restocking fee even though the box had only been opened and resealed by them.After some persistent communications, we were able to exchange the opened carton for another sealed by HP, as indicated on the adhesive tape used for sealing.

Question: Are you aware of this policy of removing extraneous software automatically? Is this not
software of paid advertisers?

Abla
tampa, Florida
U.S.A.