this deal only works on a manager? or a regular employee selling the thing also?

This must be true; about a year ago I bought a RPTV at BB, and originally purchased an extended warranty and a Monster Surge protector. I balked at the ridiculous price of the surge unit ($200), and talked them down $100. They did indeed take the $100 off the price of the TV, leaving the price of the surge unit at the original price. After getting home, reading the instructions and seeing that the warranty on the TV was 1 year (they originally lied and told me the warranty was only 90 days, therefore scaring me into buying the $299 extended warranty), I went back to the store to get a refund on the extension. I was again told the warranty was only 90 days, and should REALLY keep the extended warranty. They had to call a manager to void the warranty sale, and he also said the mfr. warranty was only 90 days, and I would be in big trouble if anything happened. Thankfully, there were many other customers around when I quite loudly stated that the mfr. warranty was 1 year, and I did not appreciate being lied to in order to make a sale. The manager grudgingly voided the warranty, and I went on my way. Other than spending the reward bucks that I received from buying the TV, I have not set foot in a Best Buy since.

write2warriors said:Make sure they haven't changed the policy when you pull this trick

Especially since BB corporate neckties read FW daily.

Nice one, OP. I used to work in retail many years ago and I can testify to the "package discount". Most retail system shows a "net markup" percentage of everything together that's why this works.

I wub Bestbuy.

OP, have you seen this site? bestbuysux.org

Seems perfect for you.

If the TV has a retail price of $1499.99, what would be a good price to settle at for the TV once you agree to buy all the accessories? What is a typical price reduction?

I've done this at Ultimate Electronics (when my local was actually in business). The guy told me he would give me 50% off an expensive Monster line conditioner. I agreed, figuring I'd just return it anyway. Then he told me he couldn't give me 50% off (because Monster wouldn't let them?) and that he would take that portion off the TV. So he knocked $400 off the TV and charged me full price for the line conditioner. Returned the line conditioner and my net was the TV for $400 cheaper.

Thanks OP, will try this when I'm ready to buy my plasma

Hi all...

I'm really enjoying this topic. Here are a few answers to questions, etc I am reading. I will put quotes on the post and a bullet in front of my reply so you can tell what's what;


"You should do this buying on Monday when best buy has a hard time hitting revenue. Also you should buy directly from the Manager for the home threater department to aviod any type of overwrite because you are buying it below cost."

- Likely day of the week will not matter but dealing with the home theater area manager will be better as they tend to be younger, less business savy and the ones held accountable for hitting the goals. They will likely be the most aggressive.


"Buy it all and wait a few days, then return to the store and refund everything but the TV."
Don't you need a valid reason for a refund, I can't just go in and ask for a refund for the surge protector and cables simply because I don't like them. Would using the excuse that the surge protector is too big and the cables are not the right cables for the TV work?"

- You do not need a reason to request a refund. They have a 30 day, no questions asked return policy. Just say you changed your mind.


"DO NOT let them tell you to call an 800 # to refund the warranty - they may try that one but policy is to return it in-store for the first 30 days."
Can you explain more on this part? How can I stop them from doing this? What could I say to stop them from telling me to return the warranty?"

- Tell them that you are aware of policy and that it is returned in-store for the first 30 days. If they dont cooperate call the 800 # from your cell (or their phone) right at the front counter. The person at the 800 will tell you that it's to be done in-store. Let them on the phone with the employee.


"...and may threaten to increase the cost of the TV but hold your ground.
What do I say if they increase the cost of the TV?"

- Let them do it and then tell them you will be calling the district office to see how they feel about the practice of bundling a deal to create accessory and warranty sales. They will relent in about 5 seconds.


"this deal only works on a manager? or a regular employee selling the thing also?"

- They have to fill out a form called a CPO to authorize the discount. Only a manager can sign off on it so ultimately the pricing will have to come from a manager.


"Make sure they haven't changed the policy when you pull this trick"

- As of now the policy is unchanged. The only variable is finding someone to deal to hit their numbers. Shouldn't be too tough.


"Especially since BB corporate neckties read FW daily."

- This is true. I used to get emails at work warning of things posted on FW.


"I'm shopping for a new gas dryer. What are the bundled items I need to be aware of if I buy at Bestbuy?"

- Ask them to work a deal which includes 5 year warranty, new gas line, delivery and install. The $ will be taken from the dryer.


"OP, have you seen this site? bestbuysux.org Seems perfect for you."

- LOL.. yes, I have read it many times. I used to read it as a manager as a reminder of how NOT to treat people also. It's knid of hard to separate the bad managers from the problem employees and customers but serves as a reminder that you never need to act unprofessionaly as BB people often do. Interesting read though, thanks for mentioning it.


"As a former sales manager at a CC, this type of move will also work there."

- Validated. I was a CC manager as well and you can do exactly the same thing there. Same items are used to do it.


"If the TV has a retail price of $1499.99, what would be a good price to settle at for the TV once you agree to buy all the accessories? What is a typical price reduction?"

- That's a good but tough question. Go for cost on the set but be careful not to show any attention to the set when talking to them or they may figure out what you're up to. Focus ONLY on the package price when negotiating.
Typical mark-up in a Best Buy store on a TV is approx 24%. Sale would reduce this #. Give me model numbers and I'll give you the store cost.


"I'm buying a washer, dryer, and fridge next weekend...any suggestions?"

- Do the package with warranties for all, gas/flex lines, delivery, install and BUY A GARBAGE DISPOSAL. Disposals have huge mark-up and will help alot in getting a better price on all appliances. Just don't look overzealous in buying everything they throw at you; they may figure out what you're up to or look long and hard at your credit card. Get all the items on the ticket but don't be a lay-down; put up a small fight so they feel like they are selling you. This is a big purchase - feel free to write me as you need for exact strategies.


Whew! LOL
I hope I've covered all since I was last on. Keep this going and I'll get on every 1-2 days to keep up. Also let me know if I'm ever unclear in my answers or if the format I'm using is confusing.
My intent is to hurt Best Buy (if only a little) and help you save $. I don't like them much for how they treated me, other employees and customers. I am more about helping others work their flawed system as they don't deserve the profit or standing which they enjoy.
Trust me; my advice is good and if I don't know something I will say so. I'm not a jilted 20 year old, nor was I a bad employess - they tried to get me back after I left. I say this because you will do better if you are confident when you walk into their store.

The game continues....

L.

lawlis1 said:"I'm buying a washer, dryer, and fridge next weekend...any suggestions?"

- Do the package with warranties for all, gas/flex lines, delivery, install and BUY A GARBAGE DISPOSAL. Disposals have huge mark-up and will help alot in getting a better price on all appliances. Just don't look overzealous in buying everything they throw at you; they may figure out what you're up to or look long and hard at your credit card. Get all the items on the ticket but don't be a lay-down; put up a small fight so they feel like they are selling you. This is a big purchase - feel free to write me as you need for exact strategies.Great idea with the garbage disposal. When you request delivery/install, doesn't that add to the price? and if so, how do you 'return' it.