Testimonial #7: Jayson
I recently went to best buy to buy my sister a computer because
she knows nothing about computers and I knew she would get
ripped off if she went by herself. Here is the conversation
between myself and the Best Buy Employee (bbe).
At this point he goes and gets a printer cable and an extra ink
cartridge and puts them in my cart. I know i can get them a lot
cheaper elsewere.
M: I didn't ask for those.
I wonder what percentage of best buys revenues come from
unnecesary add ons? Just while i was there 3 different people
fell for that crap when told that they HAVE to have it.
Does any one know what they actually do if someone does decide
to get their computer optimized? I wont be shopping at best buy
for awhile.
Follow Up:
The way the commission thing was explained to me (after i left
the store) was that no they aren't directly on commission, but
they DO get bonuses if they sell a certain amount of product.
That way they can legally say they aren't on commission but they
still want to push a lot of stuff over on you because they will
still get paid for it.
If what I heard was true then in my book that means that they
are on commission and they are lieing to you when they say they
are not on commission.
M: How much is this computer package after all the instant
rebates?
BBe: 1300.
M: But the tag says 999.00?
BBE: I've already added on the 3 year best buy extended warantee
which you will need. (+260.00)
M: I'll just go with the 1 year Compaq warantee.
BBE: Are you sure? Do you know that compaq won't fix your
computer if it breaks? You will have to prove to them that it
wasnt your fault if the computer breaks and that's very hard to
do. So Ill go ahead and put you down for the 3 yr extended
warantee.
M: NO, i dont want it.
BBE: Allright, it's your risk. DO you have a surge protector?
M: Yes i do, it's a surge master 3 with a phone line protector.
BBE: No,no, that one won't protect your computer. You need this
one (points to one that has a power backup that is 149.00)
M: No i'll use mine and take my chances.
BBE: Allright it's your computer man. Just so you know im not on
commision im just trying to help you protect your investment.
M: Whatever.
BBE: But you need them?
M: I already have a printer cable and doesnt the printer come
with an ink cartridge?
BBE: Yes but the ones that come with the compaq printers only
have a little bit of ink full so you will need another one.
M: I'll just buy another one when this one runs out.
BBE: Alright I'll see you back tomorrow then.
M: (getting pissed at this point) Whatever.
BBE: Allright then just so you know we are running a special
today that we will take your new computer over to the service
center and optimize it for you. I'ts only 20 bucks today its
usually 40.
M: NO i dont think so.
BBE: But it will make your computer run a lot faster and better
dont you want that?
M: NO i'll do it myself, bye.
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