Best Buy restocking fee???

[DisneyHumbug]

Does anyone know anything about this? My DS bought a camcorder today, and tried it and is not happy with it. His friend told him Best Buy would charge him a 15% restocking fee to return the item. Does anyone know if this is true? I called them and they are already closed.

 

[Krisu]

I read about this last week. they say they have it posted (in very small letters)

 

[RitaZ.]

It's true and it's posted in VERY small letters.

Good luck!

 

[Lanshark]

I wonder if they would charge it on an exchange rather then a refund. If he wants a different item it may be worth asking.

 

[KrnB]

It is generally only applied when the box is missing or pieces inside the box (remote controls, other accessories) are missing. If you have everything that it came with, you should be OK.

 

[Krisu]

I had heard once the box is opened they charge it

 

[RitaZ.]

I copied their return policy from their web site.

Here it is. I'm not certain if these policies apply to both online and store purchases.

Return Policies

Best Buy will fully refund most items within 30 days of receipt.

This return policy may vary slightly from the store and catalog policies. All returns, exchanges and price adjustments must be made in the country of original purchase. Please adhere to the following return policy:


14 days from date merchandise was received
Refunds available on these products:

•
Computers
•
Monitors
•
Printers
•
Notebook Computers
•
Camcorders
•
Digital Cameras
•
Radar Detectors

A 15% restocking fee will be charged on returns or exchanges of any opened notebook computer, camcorder, digital camera or radar detector, unless defective.


30 days from date merchandise was received
Refunds available on the remainder of our merchandise.

 

[KrnB]

What, you mean they won't let people take a camcorder on a trip and then return it because they don't want it anymore?

You'd be amazed at what people try, which of course ruins it for all the honest people.

 

[Lanshark]

These look like items that they may have had problems with people using, for an immediate need, and then returning. I actually know someone who bought a digital camera, used it for their vacation, and returned it.

 

[DisneyHumbug]

I know people buy things, use them and return them.
My son is 18 and researched this til I was tired of hearing about it! He dragged me to every electronics store he could find to get information and prices. He finally decided on this particular camera, and found the best price. Best Buy matched the price. We bought it this afternoon and he tried it tonight, but was very disappointed in the quality of the picture. He is especially interested in shooting in the dark (weirdo) and the salesperson told him this camera would be great for those shots. Well, it's not! The picture is terrible, and he's so disappointed. So we're going to go to Best Buy at 10 a.m. when they open tomorrow and see what happens.
Thanks for all the info.......I'll let you know how it turns out.

 

[chell]

Originally posted by Lanshark
These look like items that they may have had problems with people using, for an immediate need, and then returning. I actually know someone who bought a digital camera, used it for their vacation, and returned it.

Who told you that I did that?

Actually, I felt really bad for doing it. We bought a digital camera for our last vacation about two weeks before the trip so we could make sure we liked it. Everything was fine when we left. But a few days later the screen was all messed up. We still don't know what was wrong with it. It looked like something was in it. We took great care of it so it wasn't our fault. The store didn't have another one of that stlye/brand to trade for so they just gave us our money back.

 

[Tina]

Good luck, Disney Humbug. http://www.bestbuysux.org

 

[debster812]

I work for a retailer who sells similar products to Best Buy (no computers or appliances) and we have a no returns policy on camcorders, digital cameras, and radar detectors. Exactly the type of products that are 'rented' for trips, occasions, etc.

I know folks who have gotten around Best Buy's restocking by exchanging product, but it is usually pretty cut and dried.

 

[DisneyHumbug]

Well we were honest with Best Buy - told them the salesgirl said the camera would do well in the dark........but it did not. Someone from the technical department came out to help us and spoke to my son, who explained to him what he thought the camera would do. The salesman said only Sony cameras work well in the dark. So.......because we were given erroneous information - we were NOT charged a restocking fee and got our money back!!!!
My son is happy (since this was his money LOL) and now is on the hunt for a Sony.
Thanks for all your help!!

 

[Tina]

Congrats! I'm so happy they were fair. Good luck with the Sony.

 

[holycow]

I read this last night and wanted to see if your DS got his money back!...so glad he did! Yeah!...Hope he finds the camera he wants!

Holycow

 

[KrnB]

Great to hear that! Most stores (Best Buy and otherwise) are pretty understanding when it comes to something like that. The policy is set in place to protect themselves, but they really do want to do what is best for the customer, particularly an honest and calm customer, and they'll find a way to make it work whenever they can.

Good luck with the Sony!

 

[Dan Murphy]

That's great to hear, DH. Hope he enjoys the Sony, I have heard they are excellent.