Best Buy
reviews and complaints

I bid on and won an auction on eBay from Dealtree. The product was being shipped from Texas. During checkout, tax was added to my purchase. When I sent an e-mail questioning this, especially since I am a tax-exempt reseller, they indicated that they could not accept tax-exempt certificates and that I would have to take it up with the taxing authorities in my state.

Okay, I said, then tell me the name, address and tax ID of the organization that will be remitting my tax that you have collected to the state of New Mexico so that I can attempt to get my money back. They refused, other than to just say "contact Best Buy corporate" and "We will not be removing the tax off of this invoice".

I strongly suspect that this tax will never go to where it is supposed to and will certainly not deal with these people again. Most unpleasant!

I brought in my computer for the very first time into Best Buy over at what is Steel Yard Commons in Cleveland Ohio on the day of Monday of January 12th of 2009 for much needed improvement and for enhancement and for virus removal.

The cost of removing computer viruses as was explained to me from a representative of the Geek Squad for my computer was $ 300.00 flat.

Now I had been working a lot for the month of January of 2009. So normally in any given situation of my life. I would never have the kind of dispensable financial resources or excess cash just lying around to just pay this whopping amount for the computer.

However as it relates to Best Buy on this day in question. This was an exception in this instance. I reluctantly surrended my computer with some anxiety and discomforting uncertainty over to the people of Best Buy and to the Geek Squad on that day.

I was also charged the initial amount of $ 300.00 which was not including the 7.75 % sales tax upfront before anything was even done on the computer.

After having written a check. I walked out of the store on that day with the hope of seeing a much more improved and functional computer in the next three to four days later.

In my mind I had wanted to think of Best Buy and the Geek Squad as being trust worthy and reputable and honest and knowledge-able experts trained in their field.

I tried to dismiss my anxiety and distrust, and instead replace it with something more positive and hopeful.

Since this was my very first consumer experience and encounter with Best Buy. I knew nothing at all in that moment on that day of the previous horrible and notorious reputation for that Best Buy and Geek Squad have between themselves and any other of the many unsuspecting people and consumers who come into their store.

I placed my consumer trust into Best Buy and into The Geek Squad and I was later bitterly and wretchedly disappointed in the results.

When I received my computer back after about some four days later.

They put a lot of paper work and receipts into your hand as if to express and demonstrate that they conducted a fair and balanced and a honest transaction.

Reading over the lengthy paper work alone would make an ordinary person’s head spin.

But when finally I took the computer home. I could not really see any discernible improvements at all done onto my computer. The cost of removing the viruses from my computer was $ 300.00 flat.

And the cost of purchasing anti virus soft ware from them which in this case was Kasperky anti virus soft ware for which cost about $ 56.00.

I immediately after wards then took the computer back to Best Buy with all of my paper work they had given me about two days later after I had taken it home for the first time.

They provide a 30 day warranty window of time to cover what ever issues should arise afterwards. Well, 30 days is not very much time for when you work forty hours a week or more. And there are many other pressing demands in life.

So I take my computer back to Best Buy for the second time and I express my dis-satisfaction with them. The person at the Geek Squad pointed out that the computer’s power supply system was not functioning correctly.

This would have been something they should have noticed before from the first time. The fan was not functioning correctly.

Just about this time, all kinds of red flags are coming up every where. I am realizing that I am dealing with very greedy and selfish little weasels.

So now once again about three or maybe four days later. I finally get the computer back on the second time with a new power supply. For which I had to pay another $ 35.00 out of my pocket to Best Buy for.

I was so angrily disappointed and bitter with Best Buy and with the Geek Squad. That had I actually gone back to the store for a third time. I would have been arrested by the police for felonious behavior and conduct. Because I felt that I would not have been able to conduct myself in a self controlled and a law abiding way.

So instead I choose to stay away from the store.

I have warned all of my family and friends and anyone else connected to me in the Internet community to not place their trust in either the management of Best Buy nor in anyone else who works for The Geek Squad.

I will never as a consumer ever again walk through the doors of any Best Buy that exists here in Cleveland but especially true of the store that exists on Steel Yard drive in the 44109 zip code.

I am not the only person who has suffered a bitter financial sting from Best Buy and from the Geek Squad.

There are numerous reports now on the Internet that describe and characterize the poor and the dishonest manner of Best Buy and The Geek Squad that include Cleveland Ohio and many other Best Buy locations.

I would not recommend that anyone in Cleveland Ohio ever put their consumer faith and trust into Best Buy or into The Geek Squad ever again.

If paying a lot of money and receiving no benefit from it and becoming subject to terrible customer service is something you seek. Then Best Buy is the ideal place to find this recipe.

The only thing that I would like back from Best Buy but I know I won’t get back any way. I would like my almost $ 400.00 that I spent on my computer back.

I hope Best Buy will fully reap and sow the consequences of how they have betrayed the trust of the public who pay egregious costs and then walk out the door with no positive benefits or results from that excessive cost they paid.

My complaint is that these guys are the real deal when it comes to rip-offs. First of all I am a frequent customer that is fed up with Best Buy. Yesterday I bought a Gps Unit that cost $160.00 witch was an awesome buy. When I took it home and tried it out it didn't have the features that I wanted in it, so I brought it back to the store. Yeah I should, ve done more research, but I am human and sometimes research is not necessary.

All that I wanted was an upgrade or an even exchange for a Gps that was $50 more than what I had paid. The cashier in customer service quoted if I got an upgrade or an even exchange it would be a 15% restock charge which is pretty much ridiculous compared to a $0 Wal-Mart return. I immediately asked for a manager. He could not help. I quoted, It hasn't been 24hrs yet since the purchase. He said that he doesn't make the rules.

So I said you mean to tell me that you are going to charge me $24 plus the $50 for the upgrade on the new one therefore robbing me of my dollars and cents. He said that he was sorry and I can file a complaint at bestbuy.com. Best Buy sucks when it comes to Return Policies. Watch What You Buy! No one wants to be suckered by ridiculous restock charges. Read the fine print on all Receipts.

I was with my husband in bb. I stepped away for a moment to pick out a movie and he went to play video games. I noticed that a man was creepily following me for a good five minutes. He was staring and reeked of boozes. Finnaly the man wasnt even trying to hide himself, so I ask him if I could help him with something and if not to leave me alone and go away. He told me that he couldnt stop staring at a beautiful women when he saw one. I felt extremely uncomfortable and told him thanks, but no thanks (Im married) well, he didnt stop. I walked away to put space between us and he stood at the end of the isle with his eyes fixated on me. Creepy... Finally I went to an employee and explained what was going on and the employee told me that he was just walking around and was drunk (basically, no b deal) he also said he had seen what was going on and he obviously didnt take the initiative to ask me if there was a problem. So when I got no response from him I had gone to another employee, who told me dont let a man ruin your day over that.. Ummm excuse me I was being sexually harassed! After all that they did nothing.. What was a drunk man doing in best buy just hanging out and walking around.. Well no good can come from that and that will only travel by word of mouth and surely contribute to the negative reputation of the store..

I hope these issues are addressed seriously. Women do not deserve to be treated as an object or feel uncomfortable while trying to shop because a man feels the need to stare.. Yah know.. What a sicko. And shame on best buy for the lack of training on the topic of sexual harassment!

So I stop in at Best Buy to purchase a camera the day before heading off to a long planned carnival (Trinidad MardiGras if you are unfamiliar) trip. Read lots of costumes and picture taking opportunities. I need a compact point and shoot at a reasonable price. I get offered a seemingly good deal. Just returned 'brand new' all checked out (customer wanted to change the colour) Sony Cybershot DSCW150B for $132 (as the box had been opened). I believe the sale price that day was $150. Great I think. I get to Trinidad, battery incompatible error. On the trip, I tried googling for software upgrade etc., no go. My whole vacation, no pics, very disappointed. Confident though that because it is Canada and given the economy, I would have no problems replacing my camera for a new one OR even an upgrade in light of the situation. Joe and the lady on that shift at the Ajax store (Thurs 5th Mar pm) ensure me that they 'will take care of me' and then offered that I go to their trouble shooting website to try to fix the problem myself IF it is a software issue OR they could give me a new (same model) camera for an additional $20 plus tax on my sale price! What?! I have to either fix the problem myself or pay MORE for a replacement because I got a defective product at a sale price?! Is this considered customer SERVICE? Anyway, I politely asked for a refund (which I got with a bit of attitude as if the offer was good..."Just GIVE her the refund!") and have taken my business elsewhere...for good! I am in no rush to replace the camera now anyway, the vacation has passed and I am sure I will get a good deal AND BETTER service somewhere else! www.bestbuycares.ca ? Yah really! Oh and btw, I just got a DSCW170R (more features) for $150 (including the tax) elsewhere! Looks like Best Buy is not looking to KEEP business in these times.

I opened a Best Buy 18-month same as cash account in 02/2007 and made a purchase of a Bose System for my husband that was around $1000 plus tax. I made payment over the monthly amount each month and made another purchase later on this same account. I kept paying over the minimum payment each month and when the balance came due for the initial Bose purchased, I paid what appeared to be the balance due on that account. Because I pay my bills electronically, I failed to keep that specific bill to prove that specific balance and due date. This I have come to deeply regret.

When reviewing a later bill I noticed my balance had increased substantially and noticed that I had been charged all the deferred interest from this payment. When I called Retail Services, I was told that I did not in fact pay the balance in full on time and that was the reason for the charge. When I questioned the Customer Service person, who of course is in India, she repeated the same info over and over. I then requested a detailed printout of my billing statement and how all payments and charges were applied since the opening of my account. After placing me on hold multiple times she stated that they could only go back 6 months on the billing. When I pushed a little further she put me on hold again and then stated that I would receive my request shortly in the mail. I have never received this and it has been 4-5 months.

To avoid this again, I called Retail Services again when noticing another same as cash account was coming due on 05/24/2009 and the balance was $293.47. I called to assure myself that if I sent the balance in full or sent an extra payment (over the required min. payment) it, $85 was alotted to the regular balance and $15.00 to the same as cash account that was expiring 05/24/2009. How convenient! They chose to apply not to the one where I will soon be charged $50 finance charges, but to the regular revolving account. That is exactly what I believe happened to the payment I sent to pay off the last SAME AS CASH account back in 2008. If I had not called to request them to change the way the payment was applied, I may have been subject to this deception as before. I requested again tomight that a financial statement be supplied to me to show how these payments were applied each month and once again was told to just look at the billing each month to see the balance. This is ridulous. I will continue to call after each payment is made to assure that it is applied properly until this account is paid in full.

I have learned my lesson and once this account is paid in full, I will never deal with company or even Best Buy again. I believe this is fraudulent behavior and should be prosecuted and will pursue a possible class action suit against both Retail Services and Best Buy.

I needed a gift as soon as possible so I decided to purchase online the new MSi mini laptop, that I really wanted to give away as a gift. I made the order online thinking it will be faster than going to the store. And of course like other time they do not have the merchandise in the store, so I did the order online paid it got my confirmation number online THEN in the bottom of the confirmation you see the words, "this is not a receipt you need to receive 2 confirmation emails within 45 minutes that the merchandise is in the store." the 45 minutes came and left this was at 2:00. No respond from the store where I was going to pick it up, which was the Hialeah store in Miami, I waited untill 6;45 called them back to ask, "why I have not receive my confirmation ".I really need this mini laptop because its a gift, so of course, they already have my credit account number so I figure I cancel the order. Any ways, I tell the customer service lady that I think it will be faster to get the computer at the store. In the mean time she doesnt explain to me that if I cancel they well hold the money on my card for 7 days ;until I get the money back on my account. Which sucks because online Best buy they say they will not charge your account but they do because they are holding my money for 7 days and I can't buy the gift.So, I still decide to go to the store when I go there i ask for the Msi computer they have it. I ask the sales guy for the price same as the internet plus $20.00 tax. Then he comes back "Oh mam, there will be a charge of 39.00 extra because the computer was optimized by the GEEK squad and we charging 39.00 extra. I tell him well i don't want the optimization. If you guys promise an Ad a price 319. then online 319 plus with the tax it would be about 342 dollars and change, well since they optimize the mini laptop in the store already they want to stick you the 389 dollar charge, so I was So frustrated already then the sales guy ask me, " did you order it online." I was like, " yes, I was soppose to pick it up here but no one verified my second email indicating that you guys had the merchandise." He goes, " yah we do have the merchandise but we didn't get back because we optimize them." one again it will cost more at the store, so I tell him, " so we order it online to pick it up at the store online BestBUY saids that yes its available they hold my money and it all because you guys add optimize with out no one consent, "So the merchandise its not available, "i told him."so you need to put it down online, so no one else get scammed and you guys hold there money".I was so frustrated to find out that my funds where still kept by Best buy even though i canceled my order online. And they still promoting the computer for 319 online that its available in Hialeah. BEWARE YOU WILL GET CHARGED . EVENTHOUGH THEY SAY IF THE MERCHANDISE IS NOT AVAILABLE THAT THEY DON"T CHARGE. THEY PUT THE MONEY BAcK BY THE SECOND WEEK. UNLESS YOU GET ONE OF THE CUSTOMER SERVICE REP THAT WANT TO DO THE WORK> AND CALL YOUR CREDIT COMPANY TO ASK FOR YOUR MONEY BACK> IF THEY HAVE THE MERCHANT NUMBER WITHIN MINUTES YOU HAVE YOUR MONEY, BUT OF COURSE, MINE DIDN"T, , , , I CALLED AGAIN SPOKE TO DIFFERENT REP, AND AGAIN UNTIL SHE TELLS ME, " MAAM YOU ARE NOT EVEN IN THE COMPUTER .WE HAVE TO MAKE A CLAIM REPORT ."I WAS LIKE (WTF)>>>> so i need a claim number...then i call bestbuy again

finally after repeated calls and waiting on the phone with automated machine, which is a crap hole ... ayoung lady by the name of carina did the order and tells me Sorry for my inconvinience and I will have my money within 48 hours and so i can have the computer order again online and they willl ship it for free through standard shipment WHICH IS & DAYS . THE WHOLE POINT OF ONLINE ORDER TO PICK UP IS SO YOU CAN HAVE IT THE SAME FRIKKIN! DAY! GEEEEEEEEZUZ...BESTBUY...ONLINE TO PPICK UP IS THE BEST HEADACHE ...(ANNOYED, NOPRESENT, SPENT DAYS ON THE PHONE, ) STILL NO MSI MINI LAPTOP. I WILL BOYCOTT THEM,

I purchase an appliance from Best Buy and also got the warranty. My refrigator has been broken for almost a week and I am still waiting for someone from Tech Pro Plus to show up! I have taken time off from work waiting from a suppose appointment just to find out that they made a decision in the morning of my appointment that their schedule was to busy to get a technican out to my house. The Best Buy representatve gave them the wrong number and of course, Tech Pro Plus did not try the alternate number --- That would be consider.

I still do not have a confirmed appointment. I have called Tech Pro Plus 15 times and a person answered once. Two Best Buy tech have called and guess what - They get the voicemail also.

Beware of Best Buy warranties- The customer service and response time sucks!

T

I purchased a Pioneer 5020 TV from Best Buy online. Along with this purchase and incentive was being offered to get a $100 value towards Geek Squad setup. I considered this to be a $100 value. Well, after having my appointment with Geek Squad cancelled twice by the company I complained to customer relations. I was told that my request to receive a credit of $100 toward my purchase (since I had not received the value offered to me) would be reviewed and I would receive an email regarding this in 5-10 days. I never received an email. I tried again with Geek Squad - they finally show up to my house and then I am told that the service I chose did not cover what I wanted done (I specifically asked someone in Geek Squad customer relations if I had purchased the correct set up and was told yes). I called customer relations again and was told that my first request had been reviewed and denied (of course I was never emailed this information from Best Buy).

For a purchase that was supposed to be an exciting thing, Best Buy has turned it into a terrible experience. I never plan on purchasing from Best Buy again - hoepfully this isn't how all customers will now be treated with Best Buy's major competitor leaving the market. I will do my best to purchase online from other places from now on. And believe me I was not a customer Best Buy wanted to lose.

I had purchased a LCD HDTV with accessories in May of 2008. Along with the purchase, I was coerced into buying a $250.00 home theater calibration. I was told at the time that the picture quality and monitor life would be improved. I was also told that I would be contacted by phone to set up an appointment at my residence for the service at a date convenient to my schedule but that the call may take 6 to 8 weeks. After two months, I received a cryptic voice mail message that was completely cut off except for "...eek Squad. Have a great day." Little did I know at the time, but this was an automated call to inform me a technician was automatically scheduled to show up at my house for the calibration. I found out about this when I received a call a few days later from a very angry person stating he was at my residence for the calibration and where was I. After three more "automated" attempts at mis-scheduling, I cancelled the service in November 2008. By the way, Best Buy policy is not to allow customers to choose their schedule; it is chosen for them. I was told at the time that my account would be credited back to my bank. My mistake was I forgot about the "supposed" credit until January when I was preparing receipt for my taxes and came across the Best Buy receipt. Just in case, I reviewed all of my bank statements since November; no credit. On Monday, February 2, 2009, I called the Geek Squad number I had been given on the 3 voice mails earlier last year. After verifying that my service had indeed been cancelled, the representative told me I could go in to any Best Buy store to obtain an immediate credit back to my card. I was not informed the reason why my account had not been credited back in November. On Tuesday, February 3, I went into the Pleasant Hill, CA store closest to my work. The main customer service desk was reluctant to handle my request as "This is a Magnolia service. I might screw it up." So I went back to the Magnolia service counter and requested the refund from a blue-shirted sales associate. He quickly excused himself to talk to his manager close by in my sight. The manager reviewed the receipt and gave direction to the associate who returned back to the counter. "What exactly was the issue with the calibration?" I explained the issue and stated a refund was non-negotiable. The associate replied, "I would be more than happy to help you, but as this item is inventoried, you will have to request the refund from the original place of purchase." I then asked to speak to the manager he had just spoken with. The manager (Magnolia Service Manager) informed me that he would be happy to send an e-mail request to the service manager at the Brentwood, CA store. I asked that my cell phone number and e-mail be put in the request so that I would be contacted with a transaction number and authorization code when the refund was processed. Friday, February 6; I have not received any credit back to my account. I call the Brentwood store and ask to speak to the service manager, Jeff. He is off. I ask to speak to the store manager, Marlon, who is also off. The manager on duty, Devon apologetically handles my request. I ask for the district, regional, and divisional manager's contact information to file a formal complaint at this point. Devon tells me that he cannot give out this information. I ask how the chain of command works for complaint procedures and he tells me to call 1-800-BEST-BUY. Monday, February 9, 2009 and I still have not received a credit back to my account. I call the 800 number and after being on hold for five minutes am railroaded back to Geek Squad Installation Services which by this time will be of absolutely no help to me. After five more minutes, I ask the GS rep to route me back to corporate. After being on hold for another seven minutes, I asked to speak to the highest level available to register my complaint. Okay, now on hold for sixteen minutes, finally Brendon picks up and takes every word of my complaint calmly and professionally. Suspiciously, I ask that a district manager be in contact with me in the next couple of days so I may hear the resolution of this catastrophe of customer service. Once again, I was told that this was not Best Buy's policy but that the district manager and a "group" at the corporate office would definitely be reviewing my complaint. I am definitely sure this will not happen. I am however, definitely sure I will never shop at Best Buy again and will go out of my way to tell my story to everyone who will listen.

We purchased a LG refrigerator (French Door white 22.6 cf) on a Sunday and they took away our old refrigerator and brought the new one on Tuesday. The new one DID NOT COOL! Discovered it only later in that day after it was plugged in. The control panel did not operate. Called Best Buy back. They said to call repair. I called an 888 number and they said if the refrigerator is less than 30 days than we could get a new one. We called back to Best Buy. The best reply was to wait a full 24 hours to "make sure."

The next morning (Wednesday), as the food was spoiling, the refrigerator obviously had the same problems. I called Best Buy - of course, the people I spoke to the day before and the sales person were off that day. Now we are 24 hours without refrigeration. I finally got a hold of someone in the appliance department who just did not understand me or the problem. I got in the car and drove to the store to explain. This new person kept trying to sell me a new, more expensive refrigerator! There were no more models of the original refrigerator in the area. He kept going off to some manager who did not had the courtesy to come over and help with the situation. To repair the machine would need a "Geek Squad Tech" to look at it and make a determination. The earliest one could come would be the NEXT day.

Many tears later and another day without refrigeration, on Thursday a tech shows up ("why didn't they call me yesterday?) and says "aha just what I thought - it needs a new control panel" - THIS IS WHAT I TOLD THEM FROM THE BEGINNING. He says it will take at least two days to get the parts. Later someone calls who confirms the parts are ordered and will be in on MONDAY (which is 4 days) - nearly a week after the refrigerator was delivered.

My husband took over from here and after many, many phone conversations (and he went over there) with the original clerk, who always had to leave to talk to a "manager", the solution was for us to buy another refrigerator and then when the original refrigerator came back in stock, they would come, pick up and credit the new refrigerator. We would have to have TWO refrigerators on our credit card until then. My husband even offered to take one of the dented ones until the original one came in...but they insisted we keep the original one on the card and we buy another. WE DID NOTHING BUT BUY A REFRIGERATOR?

To make this long, long story short we have spent hours on the phone and trips to Best Buy and in the end we told them to come and pick up the refrigerator THAT NEVER WORKED SINCE IT WAS DELIVERED and give us our money back. Is this crazy or what? Now to get back money for ruined groceries. WE WILL NEVER, EVER USE BEST BUY AGAIN (we had also just bought a computer there) and suggest the same to others - who want service and respect.

I purchased a Insignia ns-ltdvd26 26" LCD/dvd combo TV and it stopped working after 12 months and 5 days. I called insignia's tech support and was told that they do not support their products and sent me to 1888-bestbuy. I called them and I explained the situation and was told sorry it is out of warranty and they could send me to a parts technician. only 5 days out of warranty? so I let them transfer me to the parts guy... 1 hr later I get a guy on the phone and I explained the situation and gave him the model# of my TV. he explained that he needed the part # off of the power supply and some main circuit board. I asked how do I do that and he worked with me to disassemble my TV! My Gosh since when did I become a TV repairman? what if I got electrocuted?
so he said he ordered the correct replacement parts I finally got the parts on the 26th of jan 09 and the wrong parts were sent... Now after6.5 hours on the phone and waiting on hold, getting transferred and then the automated system hangs up on me I went through this cycle 7 times. and still no resolve on either correct parts, return info or anything.

If this is what best buy has to offer I want out!

My 5-month old HP laptop ceased functioning so I returned it to the Middletown, RI Best Buy. I was told by the Geek Squad that it had a bad motherboard and had to be mailed back to HP for repair as part of the manufacturer warranty. I was called a week later by the Middletown Best Buy Geeks and told that they found the problem and had a quote for how much it would cost to repair. I told the Geek that it was under warranty and was supposed to be mailed to HP. I was told that the Geeks had no record of this. I asked to speak to a manager. I never did. Two weeks later I was called by Best Buy and told that my laptop was repaired. Upon picking up my laptop I was told that it had been tested by the Geeks and that it worked just like new. I tested it myself and it still was non-functioning! I was clearly lied to by the Geek Squad. I asked to speak to the manager. I was told there wasn't one available. I asked that a manager call me. They never did. I still have no idea what is happening with my laptop. The Middletown, RI Best Buy is a disaster and should be avoided at all costs!

Best Buy has a contract agreement with Dell to prohibit all guarantees and technical support for computers sold in their stores. This is a scam that allows Best Buy to sell their tech support in the form of the Geek Squad. The worst part about this practice is that Best Buy keeps this a secret at the point of purchase, and will not inform you of it until something goes wrong with your computer and Dell tells you that since you bought it at Best Buy they cannot help you in anyway. If Best Buy were honest and offered this information upfront they know no one would buy a Dell product from them, hence the dirty little secret marketing and the Geek Squad GOTCHA when you need help. I will never shop there again.

Best Buy will not take my defective Sony Vaio laptop back without a 15% restocking fee. I spoke with Sheryl Harris, consumer advocate for the Cleveland Plain Dealer on 1/13/09. Her comment: 'Pete, Best Buy has some sort of agreement with the Ohio attorney general's office, which sued it over customer service and other issues. You may want to file a complaint with the Ohio AG -- www.ag4ohio.gov -- because usually when companies have these types of agreements they take care of things brought to their attention by the AG very quickly. It just may save you added hassle. Sheryl'
1/6/09 - purchased new Sony Vaio Laptop VGN-FW235J/H (clearance)for $808.11. Laptop was shipped to my home.
Received laptop however several defects:
1. Dead pixels on screen
2. On/off switch misaligned
3. Factory installed software was defective/corrupted (Internet Explorer would crash)
Returned laptop to Best Buy in Cleveland, Ohio and store promptly replaced laptop on 1/10/09.
Tried new laptop at home. This laptop was also defective:
1. Upon turning on laptop there was a loud noise from the hard drive.
2. Factory installed software was defective/corrupted (Internet Explorer would crash as well as propagate screen with multiple windows crashing the computer itself, scroll mouse would not be recognized and would not work properly, printer would not work ... I do have the latest Vista compatible 64 bit drivers for these devices).
Attempted to return this to the store for full credit on 1/12/09. After keeping me waiting for a half hour Best Buy claimed there was no defect in the laptop. Service manager Mo Hamdan stated that if I returned the laptop I would be charged 15% for restocking fee. He said that the hardware tested good. I again stated my problems with the laptop and again he insisted that if I return it I would be charged 15% ($112.50) or exchange for another laptop. I did not want this option since the Sony model we bought and were returning as defective had been our choice. Obviously with two defective machines it no longer was our choice. I than stated I would take them to small claims court if not resolved. He said go ahead. I demanded to speak with his manager ... he refused. Best Buy refused to take the laptop back ... I took pictures of the irate store manger charging after me to take the computer. In one picture you can see that he had the laptop box at almost head level. I fled the store. Best Buy refused to issue a receipt for the return.
I attempted to call two other Best Buy stores (North Olmsted and Mayfield Hts) to talk with a manager. Neither store picked up the phone. I attempted to resolve this with Best Buy customer relations that evening and talked with someone with a like 'Latef' at [protected] who said they would log my complaint and pass on to the managers.
1/13/09 I tried calling the store but apparently the store was not taking calls. I again called Best Buy customer relations and spoke with someone that identified himself as 'Leep'. I again gave my complaint and added the question ... if Best Buy considered the laptop to be defect free and wanted to charge a restocking fee, why would they offer another laptop with a restocking fee? Obviously no customer service since I requested a full refund and by offering another laptop they were admitting there was a problem. 'Leep' kept me on the phone on hold for a very long time. He stated he spoke with John the store manager and that I either pick up the laptop or return it with a 15% restocking fee. He also stated that I had 'abandoned the product' at Best Buy.
I contacted VISA disputes and they are working on a full charge back against Best Buy. I told VISA that Best Buy claims that I "abandoned" the laptop in the store, even though I clearly attempted to return it
for full credit and even have the card and picture of the violent service manager. Visa disputes says that I will be covered and consider that what I did was "left product with merchant".

During the frenzy of the black Friday weekend, My boyfriend and I were at the Best Buy store in Henderson, NV (across the street from the Hotel where we were staying) where I witnessed a store employee jump on a platform and try to sell a bunch of laptop computers as if it was an auction. He spoke through a bullhorn announcing the 'deals' but almost all of the computers included an 'optimization service' that they charged an additional $169.00 fee. The guy with the bullhorn (his name tag either said Brett or Brent on it) was claiming that their optimization service would DOUBLE the speed of the computer.

We found that extremely difficult to believe. We asked another Best Buy employee if that was true and he replied 'not really, we take much of the adware out of the computer and you might see a performance increase of 30% as a result of that, but it won't go double the speed'. I asked some representatives from Microsoft, HP, and Dell that were in the store if the claim was true, and none of them were able to confirm or deny that the Best Buy statement of doubling the speed was true, but it was obvious they didn't believe the statements being announced.

Nearly all of the laptop computers that were advertised in the flyer were out of stock, with the exception of the units that were 'optimized' by the Geek Squad.

This is a classic bait and switch operation. They advertise a computer at one price, but tack on $169 dollars for a WORTHLESS, UN-NECESSARY service.

BEST BUY... CON ARTISTS AND SNAKE OIL SALESMEN!

Best Buy advertise a ACER Laptop for 399.00 have to go to store and buy it. My wife went to the Northcrest Store in Fort Wayne, IN and called me and stated that they did not have any of the laptops left, but had some time in stock they optimized. I asked to talk with the saleman and he told me the same thing. I said I did not ask you to optimize the computer and wanted it at the advertised price. I said take your optimize stuff off.

He said he would sell it for 399.00.

Here is the point, I was glad my wife called but to the other shoppers, their intimidation would lead you to believe you have to buy this optimize unit or get nothing else is. This is wrong and misleading. What they do and intended to do is not sell the laptop at 399.00 But make you believe they are gone but all of sudden they have the special ones.

Figure this out if all the stores do this they could make upwards of $30, 000 selling this optimize stuff.

Well what did they optimize, NOTHING, they made a set of restore CD's and that s all.

Bought a 32 in TV, wall mount, mounting, tv setup, wire concealer and warantee for tv and installation for my elderly Mom for Christmas. I was advised that if she did not want the TV mounted I could get a full return on all items and change the waranty to cover just the tv. The installation date was set a week after Christmas and in the meantime cablevision came the day after Christmas and set up the cable and the box and connected the tv. We had been watching on this tv for a week before BestBuy came to do their job. The date of the installation the installer called me very early in the morning to confirm that would be at my mom's house between 12:00 to 5:00 PM that day. They called me that morning to confirm and I agreed figuring I would be there when they came. My mother cannot be left on her own for this type of activity. I went to an exercise class and my cell phone was not on. When I finished I listened for messages and it was from the installer saying they had a cancellation and could come sooner leaving a return cell number. I tried to call the number but it was not correct and I then called the store and they had to track down the installer. I was on the phone for a while until they said they would call dispatch and get back to me. In the interim I called my mom to let her know what was going on and she advised that the installers were already there and that she did not want the TV installed because of holes in the wall and sent them away. The installer said to my mom that the picture on the set was not right and he would adjust it, her not understanding that this implied a charge (to the tune of $99.99) to turn a button to widen the screen that my husband could have done would eventually become a big problem. I went to the store to return these items and get all of my vredit for everything but the tv and the warantee on just the tv. they credited me for the warantee and recharged for the warantee on the tv and credited the mount. They said they had to get all of the notes from the installers about what transpired at the house when they were there. I keft my number for this young manager to call me later. He called later that day and advised that he did not have an answer but would call in the morning when he spoke to the installers. He kept his promise and it went downhill from there after he told me the installers did the installationof the box and set up the tv. What! Cablevision did the tv and box installation and we had already been watching tv for a week before they got there. This propted a screaming match and this young manager proceeded to scream over my voice and tell me I had to listen to him and then quote things to me that never happened and then tell me what I said about the phone call that day that was incorrect. I told him that I never authorized the installers to go to my mom's earlier then scheduled. This deal was between me and BestBuy, not my mother and Best Buy. They totally disregarded anything that I wanted or authorized and now want to charge me $99.99 for turning a button when my mother said oh after they prodded her by telling her the tv picture was all wrong. They would not have touched this tv if I were there but I did not have that opportunity because Best Buy just does what they want! After this tirade on the phone with this wet behind the ears kid of a manager I contacted the Consumer Complaint division of Best Buy. They listened, they were polite and I did have to hang on the phone for a long time so that they could call the store and talk to the manager. I was then told that I would have to speak to the Operations Manager of the store that I bought the tv as it was bewteen the Techs and that Manager as to how they handle this situation. It is now out of their hands. They gave me a name and I called this manager leaving a message for a return call. After 2 days I called back and finally reached him, he apologized for not getting back and I got some excuse. He told me that the Complaint Dept makes the decision and it was already made in the store favor after the manager read to them the notes that the installer put into the system. How nice, so no matter what the customer says, whatever the employee (installer in this case) says is what stands. No one cares that my contract was violated and they are basically robbing me of my $99.99 for turning a button and not at my (purchaser) request. AND that in a large Coproration such as Best Buy no on can make a business decision! I have heard stories about disatisfied customers of Best Buy and my husband will not deal with them at any level. I will make it known to all of our friends and business associates, I am a Business Development Specialist for a large Insurance Carrier and my network ranges very far, what has happened to me in my dealing with best Buy. I do not want to see anyone else go thru this aggrevation. I have a wall tv in every room of my house and nothing was purchased from best Buy and I had not problems.