Best Buy: The Conclusion
As has been mentioned in this journal previously (many times, in fact), I am boycotting Best Buy stores. In March I was in the market for a new computer, and I briefly debated checking out Best Buy. At the mere thought, I was instantly alight with renewed rage, and I ended up writing them a letter (also, I bout my new PC through Dell).
I was polite and articulate throughout, and wrote enough to fill two single-spaced pages with 10-point type. I pointed out that while the last encounter with Best Buy staff had occurred over six months ago, I was still angry enough to write them a letter.
I documented every instance of shabby customer service I had received from Best Buy, and I made sure to casually mention that I was certain of the dates, times, and quotes, because I had blogged every instance (hidden subtext: I am telling people about this. Lots of people). I mentioned how my wife and I buy big-ticket electronics the way other couples go on cruises; that we were currently in the market for a new PC, a video camera, a new air conditioner (grr, grr), and possibly a big-screen TV, none of which would be purchased from Best Buy.
I wrote about how I didn't want to abandon their chain, that I really liked the store layout, helpful sales staff, and range of products, but that with the abysmal after-sales service I had consistently received not once or twice, but every time I no longer felt that I could continue to give them my consumer dollars.
I ended with a note to the effect that, judging by the comments on my livejournal entries, I am not alone in this sentiment.
I addressed the letter to the Customer Relations department, and sent a cc to the President of Best Buy Canada.
I don't know what I expected to come of it. I guess what I wanted was for them to woo me back, to give me a reason to continue shopping there and be a happy customer (because frankly, trying to shop for electronics without going to Best Buy or their owned-by-the-same-parent-company Future Shop is a major pain in the ass).
What I got was... nothing. I wrote to them on March 25th; it is now April 29th. I get a distinct feeling of "Oh, wah, there's a couple of grand our billion-dollar empire won't see again. Boo hoo, g'bye".
So: adios forever, Best Buy. I will file this under "irreconcilable differences", and never cross your doorstep again.
I conclude this as I have concluded every other entry concerning these guys: Just another example of the sterling customer service I receive from Best Buy.
I was polite and articulate throughout, and wrote enough to fill two single-spaced pages with 10-point type. I pointed out that while the last encounter with Best Buy staff had occurred over six months ago, I was still angry enough to write them a letter.
I documented every instance of shabby customer service I had received from Best Buy, and I made sure to casually mention that I was certain of the dates, times, and quotes, because I had blogged every instance (hidden subtext: I am telling people about this. Lots of people). I mentioned how my wife and I buy big-ticket electronics the way other couples go on cruises; that we were currently in the market for a new PC, a video camera, a new air conditioner (grr, grr), and possibly a big-screen TV, none of which would be purchased from Best Buy.
I wrote about how I didn't want to abandon their chain, that I really liked the store layout, helpful sales staff, and range of products, but that with the abysmal after-sales service I had consistently received not once or twice, but every time I no longer felt that I could continue to give them my consumer dollars.
I ended with a note to the effect that, judging by the comments on my livejournal entries, I am not alone in this sentiment.
I addressed the letter to the Customer Relations department, and sent a cc to the President of Best Buy Canada.
I don't know what I expected to come of it. I guess what I wanted was for them to woo me back, to give me a reason to continue shopping there and be a happy customer (because frankly, trying to shop for electronics without going to Best Buy or their owned-by-the-same-parent-company Future Shop is a major pain in the ass).
What I got was... nothing. I wrote to them on March 25th; it is now April 29th. I get a distinct feeling of "Oh, wah, there's a couple of grand our billion-dollar empire won't see again. Boo hoo, g'bye".
So: adios forever, Best Buy. I will file this under "irreconcilable differences", and never cross your doorstep again.
I conclude this as I have concluded every other entry concerning these guys: Just another example of the sterling customer service I receive from Best Buy.