Why did I go to Best Buy?

The rumors are true. Best Buy sucks.

I went to Best Buy today to look at new laptops. I wasn't really planning on buying one at Best Buy due to the wonderful reputation they have. After looking a few minutes I find a nice Dell XPS 1530 that s being discontinued for $739. I know this is a good deal as I had configured a similar laptop at dell.com a few days ago for almost $1400. A supervisor stops by and asks if I need help. I respond I'm interested in the laptop. I then ask if price is open box, floor model, etc. He laughs and assures me I'll get a new laptop in a box. I want to see some more specs. He takes me to a kiosk and punches in the SKU. It brings up a screen similar to this, and I notice two things:

1. The price is $1059 instead of $739.

2. Big red text at top of window says "Item out of stock at store."

Supervisor notices #1 and says, "Hmm, the price is more online. That's odd since they should be the same. Oh well, we price match anyway." Supervisor then walks away.

Five minutes pass. Salesman stops by.

"Do you need any help?"

"I'll take the laptop."

"We don't have any in stock. And I can't give you floor model since we don't have a power cable for it."

"Okay. Can you check another store?"

"Sure. I'll be right back."

...

"The Erie, PA store (over 3 hours away) has 7 left at same price. But, they won't send us any for two weeks since the are doing inventory. Sorry I can't help you."

So, I leave and figure I'll buy laptop online. But wait, online price is ~$300 higher. I call online customer service and describe situation.

"Sir, stores have more leeway than we do for pricing. We cannot match the store's prices online. How much cheaper was it in the store?"

"$300 cheaper."

"Man, that's a great deal. Sorry I can't help you."

I now begin ranting at work. A guy next to me mentions his sister lives in Erie, and is coming home this weekend. She could pickup the laptop for me. Great. I call Erie store to buy laptop over phone. I start explaining whole situation again.

"So, I'd like to buy laptop and have somone pick it up for me."

"I am sorry sir. To pickup laptop, whoever purchases the laptop needs to come to the store and show ID and credit card. Sorry I cannot help you."

Grrr. I am now mad enough to call corporate customer service and explain situation to them.

"Hmm. Wow. Hmm. It doesn't sound like there's a whole lot I can do."

"So, this laptop is available 3 hours from me and also online. But, in order to get one I need to drive over 6 hours roundtrip or pay an extra $300."

"Yes, well. I guess I could call the store for you and talk to them."

"They explicitly told me they needed ID and credit card for pickup."

"Hmm. Well, the ball seems to be in your court sir as to what you want me to do."

"It sounds like you can't do much."

Best Buy has lost another customer for life. 

I dedicate this post to the blog post that inspired me to take time and describe my experience.