- Report: #12565
Complaint Review: Best Buy - Austin Texas
-
Author Not Confirmed
Why?
Best Buy
Austin, 78759 Texas, U.S.A.
Phone:
512-795-0014
Web:
N/A
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Best Buy Austin Texas - Unethical business practices high pressure ripoff selling
LOST CUSTOMER
I notice your web site has no link for customer satisfaction or complaints, but I still feel the need to tell someone why I will never shop or recommend Best Buy again.
On 1/20/02 I bought a Sony Playstation 2 at store #203 in Austin, TX. Along with games, periphials, and stuff, I spent $423.37. While checking out at the front, the gentleman taking my money was insisting that I need a 'extended replacement plan" for the playstation 2, because "they break all the time." Yes, it was high pressure selling, but I was willing to let it go. After finalizing the purchase, I was directed to the front where someone could check my bag before I left the store. When he examined my receipt, he noticed that I had not purchased the warranty, and proceded to explain that both his and his girlfriend's Playstation's fans had broke, and would not be covered unless I purchased "the plan." Getting angry now, but I can see the door - I let it go.
On 1/26/02 I went back to the same store (near my house) to purchase an additional controller, a Madcatz Dual Force 2. It was $19.99, so I was thinking to myself at least I wouldn't get hasseled for an extended warranty for 20 bucks. Boy was I wrong. At the counter, the cashier started in about for 5 bucks more, I can protect my investment. I handed him my credit card and said "No thanks." I am not exaggerating when I tell you what he said - "fine, you can just buy a new one when this one breaks, and it will. That'll be $21.64."
I was furious, but the store was extremely crowded, so I figured I would call when I got home 10 minutes later. I called 512-795-0014, and was on hold for 45 minutes before I hung up without speaking to a human being. I tried calling Best Buys's 1-888 customer number, but it was busy. I gave up after 10 tries.
I seriously doubt if anything will be done with this complaint, judging by Best Buy's past performance on accepting my complaint. But I am going to forward a copy to Sony, Madcatz, BBB, and anyone who will listen to me explain why your company is conducting unethical business practices. Oh, as far as upselling goes, I know a thing or two about it - I am a Senior District Manager for Jiffy Lube in Austin. Selling additional parts and services to people who come in for an oil change is how we make a living. However, if my employees were ever to state things like "it will break if you don't buy," not only would I refund the customer's money, but I would take administrative action against the employee responsible. I have done so more than once. But, our business is based on customer satisfaction, while yours is obviously on something else.
William Spain
Austin, TX 78759
Click here to read other Rip-off Reports on Best Buy
STOP! ..before you think about using the Better Business Bureau (BBB)... click here to see how other consumers were victimized by the BBB's false or misleading information. Don't be fooled! When there are thousands of complaints and other investigations underway by authorities, the BBB has no choice but to finally give an UNsatisfactory rating to a BBB member business that is paying the BBB big membership fees every year. When a business is reported that is NOT a BBB member, BBB files WILL more likely show an UNsatisfactory rating, then reportedly shake down that company to become a member of the BBB. One positive thing about the BBB is, either way, if a business has an unsatisfactory rating with the BBB, you can be sure, the business is bad. But what about all those BBB member businesses that had complaints filed against them? Consumers never get to hear about them. What about the BBB advertising to the public? Is this a false and misleading perception they are giving about consumer confidence when dealing with a business? Click here to understand more of what consumers and business alike are saying about the BBB. You decide.
I notice your web site has no link for customer satisfaction or complaints, but I still feel the need to tell someone why I will never shop or recommend Best Buy again.
On 1/20/02 I bought a Sony Playstation 2 at store #203 in Austin, TX. Along with games, periphials, and stuff, I spent $423.37. While checking out at the front, the gentleman taking my money was insisting that I need a 'extended replacement plan" for the playstation 2, because "they break all the time." Yes, it was high pressure selling, but I was willing to let it go. After finalizing the purchase, I was directed to the front where someone could check my bag before I left the store. When he examined my receipt, he noticed that I had not purchased the warranty, and proceded to explain that both his and his girlfriend's Playstation's fans had broke, and would not be covered unless I purchased "the plan." Getting angry now, but I can see the door - I let it go.
On 1/26/02 I went back to the same store (near my house) to purchase an additional controller, a Madcatz Dual Force 2. It was $19.99, so I was thinking to myself at least I wouldn't get hasseled for an extended warranty for 20 bucks. Boy was I wrong. At the counter, the cashier started in about for 5 bucks more, I can protect my investment. I handed him my credit card and said "No thanks." I am not exaggerating when I tell you what he said - "fine, you can just buy a new one when this one breaks, and it will. That'll be $21.64."
I was furious, but the store was extremely crowded, so I figured I would call when I got home 10 minutes later. I called 512-795-0014, and was on hold for 45 minutes before I hung up without speaking to a human being. I tried calling Best Buys's 1-888 customer number, but it was busy. I gave up after 10 tries.
I seriously doubt if anything will be done with this complaint, judging by Best Buy's past performance on accepting my complaint. But I am going to forward a copy to Sony, Madcatz, BBB, and anyone who will listen to me explain why your company is conducting unethical business practices. Oh, as far as upselling goes, I know a thing or two about it - I am a Senior District Manager for Jiffy Lube in Austin. Selling additional parts and services to people who come in for an oil change is how we make a living. However, if my employees were ever to state things like "it will break if you don't buy," not only would I refund the customer's money, but I would take administrative action against the employee responsible. I have done so more than once. But, our business is based on customer satisfaction, while yours is obviously on something else.
William Spain
Austin, TX 78759
Click here to read other Rip-off Reports on Best Buy
STOP! ..before you think about using the Better Business Bureau (BBB)... click here to see how other consumers were victimized by the BBB's false or misleading information. Don't be fooled! When there are thousands of complaints and other investigations underway by authorities, the BBB has no choice but to finally give an UNsatisfactory rating to a BBB member business that is paying the BBB big membership fees every year. When a business is reported that is NOT a BBB member, BBB files WILL more likely show an UNsatisfactory rating, then reportedly shake down that company to become a member of the BBB. One positive thing about the BBB is, either way, if a business has an unsatisfactory rating with the BBB, you can be sure, the business is bad. But what about all those BBB member businesses that had complaints filed against them? Consumers never get to hear about them. What about the BBB advertising to the public? Is this a false and misleading perception they are giving about consumer confidence when dealing with a business? Click here to understand more of what consumers and business alike are saying about the BBB. You decide.
