Best Buy not really the best buy, Reward Zone and RFID by 2007 |
Loading ...Lots of Best Buy stuff to talk about. One big thing I’ve noticed about Best Buy is that when it comes to many items they aren’t really, truly the best buy. Wal-Mart is just one place which blows them away price-wise in our local area. Perhaps in other regions they do have the best buy, but not where we are located (Seattle/Tacoma area). And online retailers, even after adding tax, shipping and handling usually put them to shame. Alas, we’re paying for that retail convenience.
Here is just one very recent example: the Star Trek Original Series was on sale in our local Best Buy store for $104.99 but at the local Fred Meyer store it was going for $99.99 (regular price, not a sale or special). Online at Amazon for those willing to wait an extra couple days it is $84 + tax and shipping/handling. While waiting in line along the wall I noticed that they have a price guarantee of meeting any competitor’s price (on most but not all items) and then giving you 10% of the difference as long as you have proof and that the other offer is not some special or sale. We didn’t have proof but we told the cashier about it and she quickly whipped out this book for us to sign — no other questions asked — and changed the register price to $99.99. I guess if we had had proof of the competing store price then we would have gotten another 50 cents or so off. I guess it pays to read the writing on the wall!
I couldn’t help thinking then or now how many customers don’t take advantage of this Best Buy price guarantee deal. I’m going to be putting my camera phone to good use now by taking pictures of the prices from competing stores before shopping at Best Buy. We are in their Reward Zone club also, which is another wise thing for those who shop at Best Buy and spend over $300 a year there (not really worth it, otherwise).
I notice from looking at their website that they don’t advertise this club very well, but in the stores they sure do. You can find the cards at the front of every register. I looked around on a few messageboards and the feedback on the program seemed to be that many people forget to give the cashier their Reward Zone card. I sure don’t! That’s like free money back and if you do a little legwork with pricing you can get lower prices than anywhere. They will track your purchases and give you store credit back which equates to like $5 for every $150 spent.
I just logged into the Reward Zone to see how many points we’ve racked up since 8/31/2003 when we originally signed up and yowsa (see above), I wasn’t even aware how much our DVD and other electronic purchases there have added up over the last year. Wonder if we make their good customer list dropping an average of $500/month?
Lastly, Best Buy is making a committment towards RFID by 2007.
Related PostsBest Buy has gone public with its RFID plans, pledging to move all of its major suppliers to start delivering RFID-compliant tags for all product cases and pallets by Jan. 2, 2006. The deadline for those suppliers to support all product cases and pallets is May 2007.
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- How to keep retailer pricing honest — iPods anyone — with Price Protectr
Best Buy’s reward zone is a shame. They charge $10 to use it, offer a 30 day money back refund on it, and it takes 12 weeks to get your card and initial reward zone coupons. They won’t talk to a spouse, even to get the mailing address right. They won’t price match anyone’s prices, there is always a reason… you can’t play Best Buy against CompUSA because according to BestBuy they only have to match competators prices “locally” and 20 miles isn’t local… Take your money elsewhere folks, as this is a company of lies and deception.
Comment by Bob — November 23, 2004 @ 11:08 am PST
The Reward Zone is lame. $5.00 for every $150? So that means Ide have to spend $300.00 just to make my money from purchasing the reward zone to being with. Why not just find a friend who works for Best Buy or a joint company with Best Buy and get their discount instead? My girlfriend gets 15% off her purchases, which is quite a bit better than the dinky reward zone.
Comment by Jesse — January 1, 2005 @ 1:09 am PST
I am now waiting on certs I should have received back in September…email after email, and…nothing!!! Its rediculous…especially considering the amount of money I have spent there in the last 5 years and only one of them was attached to the reward zone!!!
This is truly what corporate America has come to. “Lure the sheep in with falacies, and they will keep coming back…if they don’t, we have 150 more to replace them!”
Comment by Brian — January 22, 2005 @ 12:01 am PST
Brian - sign up so you can print them online. That’s how we’re doing it these days and it makes it faster than waiting for the certs to arrive.
Comment by TDavid — January 22, 2005 @ 12:20 am PST
I made the mistake too of thinking that Best Buy always had the best prices. I hit their post-Thanksgiving sale, waited hours, & ended up buying a Canon digital camera without doing my usual online price comparison. After I later found the same camera MUCH cheaper ($70) at BlueSwitchDigital (I think that’s the name), I went to return the item at the store. As a RewardZone member, the manager was willing to pricematch WITHOUT ME PROVIDING ANY DOCUMENTATION (if they lookup your spending history on the card, they would have seen my recent purchase of a big screen),
Comment by Glenn — February 5, 2005 @ 2:37 pm PST
The rewardzone is questionable at best. I recieved a letter from Best Buy saying I was getting my rewardzone membership renewed for FREE. That was in Sept and it still hasn’t been renewed. I’ve kept the letter. I called RewardZone today for the 5th time asking about the renewal and now they are more or less saying I’m lying about the letter. I offered to fax it to them but the lady I talked to sait they don’t accept faxes. I think it’s a sham. Another case of false advetising.
Comment by David — February 18, 2005 @ 5:57 pm PST
I love the Reward Zone. I have never had any problems with it!! My certs always arrive on time and I never had any difficulties with them expiring becuase i took notice of the expiration date which is printed right on them. I think some people just need to pay more attention to what they are gettin themselves into and take time to read the TERMS AND CONDITIONS. Its a great program and i hope they continue with it.
Comment by Tammy — February 26, 2005 @ 2:17 pm PST
[Tammy:7] I think Tammy is one of the few. 12 weeks to issue the reward zone card… They will “e-mail” the certs… but their system doesn’t work if you are behind a firewall… We got into the program by having a $50 instant rebate through the reward zone on the purchase of a laptop, elsewise we would never have joined. If you read the “complaints”, there is no one that “hates” best buy… they, as I just want Best Buy to do what they promise in a timely manner. Obviously the program works, somewhat, and it has increased their stock prices… folks are just holding them accountable for what they promise, and they miss the mark too often.
Comment by Bob — February 27, 2005 @ 8:17 am PST
certificates have an expiration date. be careful!!!
Comment by d. Mal — March 29, 2005 @ 3:12 pm PST
Best Buy is full of CRAP. Sorry for the foul language, but they sucker you into buying things by making promises for the future. Which will honestly be a long, long time from when you purchase your product. I have personally decide to not purchase products from Best Buy and go with a competitor if they have the same product for a similar price. For instance, there was a Projection Television that I have just purchase. Sears offered 10% right of the price, Best Buy offered a stupid reward credit to spend in their store. Yea right, fool me once, but NOT TWICE! If anyone says that Best Buy Reward Zone has not given them a hassle, that is because they do not need their money, and they don’t mind Best Buy holding their money for months. Why do you people even use these programs if you can obviously afford to pay full price!!!!!!!
Comment by Jeanetta — March 29, 2005 @ 3:14 pm PST
Rewardzone sucks! I purchased a large ticked item Jan 1st 2005, as stated on my contract I signed and on the website, I am to be emailed the rebated amount in 6 to 8 weeks. It is now April and I have called numurous times to hear them say ” it should be sent to you next week, we have been having computer problems” I have heard plenty of there excuses, lies, and lack of service. I agree with all the other postes that you can do better shopping around. I plan to hit ever blog, complaint site, or any other place on the web that will let me tell experiance and let others know what poor service they have.
*** MAKE A CUSTOMER HAPPY, THEY WILL TELL A FEW PEOPLE **** ***** MAKE A CUSTOMER UNHAPPY, THEY WILL TELL EVERYONE THEY MEET ****
Comment by Alan — April 2, 2005 @ 10:10 am PST
I too joined Best Buy Reward Zone upon a very large item purchase. I figured “why not” … I’ll get a few bucks back to spend. This was last year. It is April and like all others I have not received ONE CERTIFICATE. And yes I did sign up for email delivery. I have made contact with the Reward Zone Customer Service so many times I’ve lost count. And NO CERTIFICATES. All I get from Best Buy is that they will reissue the certificates and send them back out. I figure by the time Best Buy gets all these certificates out to people they will end the Reward Zone program and all of our certificates will be worthless ! I strongly warn people NOT to join Best Buy Reward Zone. Go spend your money with their competitors !
Comment by Chris — April 3, 2005 @ 6:15 pm PST
[…] st now with the Wisconsin lawsuit news. Admittedly, I was a bit surprised by the number of negative comments when I posted about Best Buy before. Apparently in this particular microcosm, by and […]
Pingback by Make You Go Hmm: » Trouble for Best Buy — May 28, 2005 @ 11:47 am PST
I signed up for the program in October of 2004. At that time the associate who entered my info must have screwed something up because when I received my card I tried using it online (myrewardzone.com) and it wasn’t working. After nearly 2 months they sent me a new card with a some bonus points however, this account had the same exact issue! Here we are 6 months later and I still don’t have a new card that works and all my point are in limbo. Best Buy owes me about $90 in certificates right now.
I call twice a month every month (sometimes more) and I have about 4 help desk tickets open but the problem is not being resolved. I use the online feedback site that is a joke is well. Funny thing is, everytime I call the 1-888 number the call center can’t even recognize my name as a customer until I give them a help desk ticket number. One call center associate told me to take my original card I received at sign up to my nearest Best Buy and buy a pack of gum or something cheap to see if it still works, then call them back.
I would suggest anyone who is having issues with this to file a complaint with the BBB. Shame on Best Buy for launching a consumer loyalty program half-assed and shame on me for popping $10 before researching it.
Comment by Shawn — June 1, 2005 @ 5:35 pm PST
My rewardzone from Best Buy is terrible. I was told by a sales associate that I could earn money buy making purchases. I figured “what the heck,” so I signed up. The associate told me that I could redeem my points whenever I wanted them, but apparently the fine print says they will automatically send them when you get to $15. Well, since I was unaware of this $30 of my dollars expired and they have a strict policy not to refund the coupons even though the “fine print” is different from what they tell you in the store. For sure they just lost a good customer for life.
Paul
Comment by Paul — June 9, 2005 @ 5:12 pm PST
I used to work at the BBY Reward Zone call center. I really feel back for alot of the people who got sucked into the program. It works for the vast majority of people (there are a few million members now, and about 1,000 calls a day to the center, 80% of which were people adding a purchase to their card), but they really don’t know what they’re talking about in store. They will say absolutely anything to get the customer to buy the card, and then they call us when they have problems. We got trained really well on our end, I wish they would do the same in store.
The database is also a problem because it often links two accounts if the names are similar. It causes alot of unneccesary hastles and headaches. I really hope they got that fixed.
Another tip: If you’re calling to add somebody else’s purchase to your RZ card, lie and say that you’re that person. We can’t (couldn’t) add it otherwise. Needless to say, I no longer work there. I moved on with my life and hope to never see a Best Buy again.
Comment by D — June 23, 2005 @ 2:55 am PST
the reward zone program is not only the most reprehensible and misrepresentative customer incentive plan i have ever encountered but it is also a prime example of corporate disconcern and customer ignorance. i (like the other 1 million members it boasts) willingly plopped down $10 in january 2005 to get some “money back” on a large purchase of $4582. you can imagine the elation of the sales clerk that was credited for my purchase and my elation for receiving so many reward zone points. i received my card exactly four weeks later. however, my first initial certificate (vie email) did not come until after 9 weeks. when i tried to print it the website gave me an error message and after two tries rendered my certificate number invalid. i phone bestbuy and was reissued. seven weeks later i got my 2nd certificate (via email) only to find out after two print tries that the print command was not compatible with Mac computers. i then phone bestbuy and asked to have my certificates snail mailed. i am still waiting. i have since become intimate friends with the people on the “customer service” end of myrewardzone. i have memorized all of their rebuttles and have even begun to finish their sentences for them. i warn you all. albeit $10 is no fortune. save it. imagine if all 1 million of us had saved our $10? it is no wonder the bestbuy stock has risen +0.90 on a regular basis since the beginning of the fiscal year. we are paying them to lie to us! here is my idea. for every $150 you spend at an A/V store…put $5 or $10 in a piggy bank or a pickle jar or something. in no time you will have tangible money to spend on something frivolous and you will see what true reward is!
Comment by drew — July 6, 2005 @ 3:44 pm PST
Well…
I make money with my reward zone. I have already racked up 100,000’s of points. I buy things for other people all the the time. I am always picking up Tv’s and electronic and computer equipment and I reap all the benefits of the card without even buying anything for myself. I’ll just wait for the certs and then run out and purchase things for myself and get more points off the certs!
Comment by trent — July 15, 2005 @ 9:18 pm PST
R18- You can’t get points from the certs. Trust me on that one, I’ve had many a confrontation with angry customers.
Comment by D — July 17, 2005 @ 9:36 pm PST
In May of this year we relocated to the Houston area. After the close of our new house we needed to buy two refrigerators. After shopping around it seemed that Best Buy had the ones we wanted in stock and with the promis of their Reward Zone rewards, they would have the best price. We purchased the appliances two months ago and still no rewards.
We’ve tried calling their 1-800-EAT-CRAP number just to get the run around. We tried going to the store, but they told us they have no control over the Reward Zone promotions. Since they do not want to honor their own promotion, I am going to try to return the units. It is disappointing that a company like this would use such deceptive and fraudulant business practices. I will not spend another dime at Best Buy. I would ask those that consider shopping there to think twice about it. If the price is good WITHOUT the Non-Reward Zone promise, then buy it at there.
Reginald
Missouri City, Texas
U.S.A.
Comment by Reggie — July 18, 2005 @ 7:21 pm PST
i work at best buy. sorry but usually they won’t accept returns after 30 days of the purchase date, unless you bought a service plan. if you bought the service plan, go ahead and kill the fridge, cus they’ll give you your money back. otherwise you’re probably outa luck.
Comment by someone — July 23, 2005 @ 11:13 am PST
I recently got a reward zone certificate issued for $10. I clicked the link in the e-mail to print the certificate, it opened my browser and just sat there saying “Loading…”. I tried again and it did the same thing. The third time it says, “Thanks for printing”…”You are only allowed two attempts at printing”. What? Did I do something wrong?
I called these people and the guy told me that you have to use Internet Explorer to print these and that my certificate was gone, it would take 2 weeks to issue another one.
Are these programmers just stupid? Why didn’t they 1) tell you in the e-mail that you are required to use IE, and 2) detect the user’s browser, and if they aren’t using IE then don’t let them ERASE their certificates. Besides, they should not be limiting the browser you use at all.
Comment by Kyle — August 2, 2005 @ 11:23 am PST
I’ve never had a problem w/ BB RewardZone. I get my certs via e-mail … print ‘em out, and I’m stackin ‘em up for other purchases.
Comment by Paige — August 7, 2005 @ 11:59 pm PST
Just an update from back in Jan. I originally signed up for them through email and never received a thing. I finally got those certs in the mail only after I contacted my local news outlet telling them the deal. After about two weeks of contacting them, not only did I receive my coupons, but my membership was mysteriously renewed free of charge….hmmmmm
Comment by Brian — August 14, 2005 @ 11:04 pm PST
[…] As of today, Sept 12, 2005 while supplies last. Might make it worth heading over to the nearest Best Buy, because for one of those rare times, they actually might have the best buy. We’ve got some great deals from eBay and during store clearances on less popular, older title videogames. Patience can payoff at retail stores. […]
Pingback by Make You Go Hmm: » Best Buy clearance videogame blowout — September 12, 2005 @ 4:30 am PST
We are investigating the reward zone program at Best Buy for failing to issue reward points due. If you would like to participate in this investigation, you are welcome to email sklarlaw@aol.com.
Comment by Lori — October 6, 2005 @ 9:57 pm PST
Watch your certificate numbers — Best Buy may be sending you duplicates! I was sent $130 in certificates for a computer purchase this summer. I used $60 in certs a few weeks ago — no prob. I tried to redeem the other $70 today. The cashier only accepted one $5 cert — her register said my remaining ones were already redeemed! After the manager actually suggested that I had redeemed the certs, then somehow got them back (!!) I called customer service. “Heather” told me I had been sent duplicate certs! My misfortunate at the counter was no problem for her. She said it was my responsibility to check the last four digits of each cert and there was nothing Best Buy could do.
Comment by Bill — October 22, 2005 @ 9:36 pm PST
why don’t people just stop worrying about things like this that obviously aren’t going to change for you and stop going there? strike!
Comment by Jessica — December 18, 2005 @ 10:44 pm PST
I just logged on www.myrewardzone.com to check my points. Surprisingly, my personal information is totally wrong. They put someone else’s phone numbers and address in my account. I don’t know how this could happen. Everything was okay when I checked last month. The terrible thing is I chose to receive reward certificate by regular mail. I am going to switch to the email delivery option now. I don’t want to have my certificates mailed to someone else. You guys may want to check your profile as well.
Comment by smokefly — January 15, 2006 @ 11:33 pm PST
After many e mails and calls to Best Buy rewards I get told today the certificates will expire even if I don`t receive them! I ask “why didn`t you send them “? They do not have an answer for that , only told me they expire even if they did not send them to me. So I wrote a complaint to the attorney general of my state along with a copie of best buys e mail . I spent alot of money there for wireless equipment , a tv, a notebook pc , thinking I would get alot of certificates back . I only got $10 after the first complaint I made to the online BBB
Comment by Lorraine — January 31, 2006 @ 12:12 am PST
BEWARE — if you purchase an item with rebates, you may end up being charged with NEGATIVE points on your reward zone card. Do NOT use the card if this is the case. I had purchased a Vonage adapter for $60 and used the Reward Zone card to get a few extra points. BB had a special: $25 for gift card with the purchase of any Vonage item, and $100 rebate. I checked myrewardzone.com and it showed a transaction for that day with a negative amount of points. This is insane. I emailed them about it and asked why. They said that they will take the price of the item and subtract any gift cards & rebates and you get the difference in points. Well, that’s fine, but putting a negative amount of points? I never would have used the card if I had known they were going to subtract points.
Comment by Suzanne — February 1, 2006 @ 2:34 pm PST
I have been running around with the rewardzone and the store since August 2005. I purchased a direct TV system with the promise of 150,000 points (50 bucks.) The store printed out a 4 page receipt with all of the details for the promotion. After 7 months and numerous “case numbers” assigned, I was finally told that the Direct TV offer was not valid for the week I purchased the system. It was valid the week before and the week after, (and I suspect longer than that), but not the week I purchased it. When I asked then why I would get a 4 page printout of the offer if it was over, she said I had to take it up with the store. They of course say they have no control over rewardzone promotions. I am wondering if anyone else has had issues with this particular promotion? I can’t be the only person who purchased direct TV that week??? (August 7 through August 20, 2005.) I sure would like to catch them at something I can prove!
Comment by Leslie — March 7, 2006 @ 11:47 am PST
I suggest you all start reading the terms and conditions. We as Americans like to sit on our pompus behinds complaining. If you have a correct address and or a deliverble email there is absolutley no problem receiving certificates.
Comment by R pratt — March 8, 2006 @ 11:29 pm PST
I joined BBRW Zone a few months ago after purchasing a few really expensive items.
They issued 50.00 worth of certificates to me on the 5th of May, 2206. I had them e-mail them to me which I have never recieved them. I called them and they voided those out and issued more on the 16th. I have never recieved them. After about 52 calls to the service center they finally tell me to put an e-mail code in my address book. I have. They issued them to me again on the 19th, still have not recieved them. It is the 23. They say it takes 7 to 10 days to recieve them on e-mail, but never did. One guy told me when I call up there it really only takes about four days from the time they issue it for you to recieve them in your box. They only tell you 7 to 10 days to keep you from calling up there. I do have internet explorer, but my e-mail is at aol; but the guy says that does not matter if you have the code in your address book. As far as the certificates, I will believe it when I see it. I am starting to think of it as a scam. With the code in place, there is no reason I should have not recieved them by now. Millions of people are in this now, they have made millions on this, and
very few people are recieving their certificates. I decided to do research, and I was blown away by all the people not recieving their certificates.
Dana Francis
Comment by Dana Francis — May 23, 2006 @ 2:31 pm PST
My problem with the reward zone card is the coupons that they send in the mail from time to time. There are so many stipulations and exclusions on it it is so difficult to use. I just got a letter saying that in sept the program is becoming free if you make at least 1 purchase a year. We shall see what happens then!!!!!
Comment by craig — July 4, 2006 @ 2:51 pm PST
Reward Zone email certificates have been slow lately, but they’re still coming. I’ve earned $235 in rewards since joining, but I used to spend A LOT.
As for the price guarantee, it’s kind of funny… If you bring an ad to the register, they will only price-match it. However, if you buy the item first, then take the receipt and the ad to Customer Service, they will price-match it AND give you the extra 10% of the difference.
I once asked the girl at Customer Service about it and asked her to verify that I had to purchase them item first, then come back to Customer Service. Then I asked if there was anything preventing me from going to the register, paying for the item, then immediately coming to Customer Service for the extra 10% refund. She said there was nothing wrong with that. So that’s what I did a few times. Hey, it’s 10%, the few dollars add up, and I’m okay with the 50-foot walk and extra few minutes at Customer Service.
Seems they’re changing the program over slowly to “nearly every dollar” to supposedly make it easier to earn rewards, but I think the new method actually gets you *fewer* rewards, but they’re also removing the yearly fee, though I never paid it - got my card (which has now been lost for a number of months) for free via coupon, then they renewed me for free too.
Comment by Brandon — July 26, 2006 @ 10:09 pm PST
Most of you are absolutely nuts. My father and I have been Reward Zone members for over 2 years and have never had a problem. Recently purchased a $4000 TV and the points were online pending within a week. Always get my certificates and bonus points (Double point days, 15k bonus point days, etc). I got my membership for $10 bucks, but with 15,000 instant points, which is $5. I paid $5 over 2 years ago and it has been renewed for free since. Great program.
Comment by Ryan — August 27, 2006 @ 8:52 pm PST
BAD BUY I PURCHASED OVER 2500.00 I WAS TOLD BY THE SALESMAN THAT IF I BUY THIS REWARD ZONE THING I WOULD RECEIVE 70.00 IN CASH IN THE MAIL. NOW I FIND OUT THAT IT IS CERTIFICATES THAT I CANT EVEN GET ACCESS TO.I NEED TO PRINT THEM CANT DO THAT EITHER.WHAT A RIP OFF
Comment by Murllin — September 9, 2006 @ 2:48 pm PST
I have been a reward zone member for at least three years now. It has most certinly been worth it. I have 1.5million points on my card and have recived somthing like $500 back. Now if i hadnt gotten the card like so many of you say. Then id be out 500 bucks. If you spend more than 500 dollars a year at best buy there is no reason not to get a card.
Comment by Alex — September 10, 2006 @ 2:01 pm PST
I have had mostly good results with this program and have received about $250 in rewards over 2-3 years. The program is not without glitches. I’ve had to have certs reissued in the past due to their system changing my preferences. Now they’ve switched to log-on/print em’ yourself method. Last week I get an email explaining I have certs for the big screen I bought. I log in but no certs. So I call and am on hold for 30 minutes. Finally, the rep explains that I must wait 7-10 biznis daze for them to be printable. System does not explain this and it looks like my certs are already taken, just no by me. So we’ll see in 7-10 days is they are smokin’ something or for real. So far so good but I wish they would just lower their prices and do away with this extra step which has cost me personal time and trouble in the past and now this.
Some things at BestBuy are a deal - usually big ticket stuff if you do a price match and consider the points - but many other smaller items are cheaper elsewhere - i.e. Panasonic 5.8ghz phones were $100 cheaper at Sams Club. On-line retailers usually beat them by a mile. I have yet to price a computer system at BestBuy that could come anywhere close what I can get through Dell. I have bought many systems for myself and kids over the years and I never get as much as I can from Dell compared to Bestbuy or any other retailer.
Comment by Whitey — October 2, 2006 @ 8:55 am PST
THIS PROGRAM IS A SHAM AND BEST BUY KNOWS IT.
POOR SERVICE BOTH IN THE STORE AND ON THE PHONE.
MISSING POINTS FROM COMPLETELY VALID AND ELIGIBLE TRANSACTIONS.
ONLINE SYSTEMS ISSUES.
I will personally be going into the local store where I made my original purchase and letting the Store Manager have it if they don’t appropriately address my grievance.
Disgusted!
Comment by Disgusted — October 6, 2006 @ 5:06 am PST
update: waited 10 business days and logged in to myrewardzone to check certificates. Now they are available for me to print. However, they are flagged as “reprint” which makes me wonder if the system was messed up to begin with otherwise it would not show “reprint”. Perhaps my call and email were effective although the call center only said “oh those don’t come up for 7-10 days” but then why does the system generate an email saying they are available prior to that? Have to wait and see the next time I earn another cert.
Sorry to those who flat out got or feel ripped off. I think part of the problem is poor system programming. Inconveniences aside, in fairness I will say that so far I’ve managed to claim every last cent promised to me.
Comment by Whitey — October 10, 2006 @ 11:06 am PST
Since this actually talks about the old rewards program, if are reading this looking for answers, you should know that it has changed. It now takes $250 worth of purchases instead of $150 to get a $5 certificate. They have dropped the annual fee. And they’ve introduced a reward zone mastercard that gets you 4% back on your purchases in reward zone certificates. Here’s from the site:
Reward Zone® program members enjoy a wide variety of exclusive rewards and benefits:
Free membership
Points earned at over 800 Best Buy stores and on BestBuy.com
Free paper with purchase of 2 ink cartridges See details.
Free download of each quarterly issue of Best magazine (coming soon)
Special bonus point offers
MyRewardZone.com - for tracking points, seeing special offers and enjoying member exclusives
Choice of receiving reward certificates via U.S. mail or online at MyRewardZone.com
Choice of reward threshold at $5, $10 or $20
Reward Zone MasterCard (new) See details.
And more
Here’s How It Works:
Get points.
As a Reward Zone program member, you’ll earn 1 point for nearly every $1 you spend at Best Buy™ or BestBuy.com®. Reach 250 points and you’ll receive a $5 reward certificate. You can use your reward certificates on virtually anything you purchase at a Best Buy store. (Redemption is not available at BestBuy.com.)
How easy is it to earn? See for yourself. ELIGIBLE PURCHASE POINTS REWARD CERTIFICATES
$250 250 $5
$500 500 $10
$1000 1000 $20
Get more.
The Reward Zone program is more than just points. As a member, you can take advantage of exclusive everyday benefits, special offers, sweepstakes and in-store events.
Get into it.™
It’s easy to join the Reward Zone program. There’s no fee to join and no ongoing membership fee. Just make one purchase per calendar year to continue your membership. Sign up now at any Best Buy store.
Comment by jamesr — October 13, 2006 @ 12:55 am PST
This has to be the most pathetic rewards program I have ever been involved in. I pay them $ 10.00 to be a member to be told when I can use my points and they could expire (TOTAL BS). I never paid Delta to join the frequent flier miles and still have sky miles left over from 1993. My account shows I have $ 140.00 available but can only print $ 55.00. After 4 phone calls to Mohamed and his Camel I still get no where. I’m cashing in my $ 55.00 and getting the heck out this program. There needs to be a class action lawsuit over this. They are completely ripping people off.
Comment by Steve — November 22, 2006 @ 1:18 pm PST
Hey I just sent over 3000. and they did not credit me at the store for my rewards, they told me to go online and do it GUESS WHAT? I can not even find the site after typing in All the fields what a SCAM.
Comment by Bradyj — November 27, 2006 @ 5:47 pm PST
I made a purchase that cost roughly 3k and received a $10 certificate, which I used to make purchase. A couple of months later I received my remaining certs, which were expiring that day. I went to Best Buy the following day and told them what had happened and they basically said tough crap. So, a month ago, against my instincts, I purchased a plasma tv for $1500 from Best Buy. Before I made the purchase, I asked if my Reward Zone card had expired. The representative said it was okay and that they would take care of “attaching” my purchase. They didn’t. I complained today and Best Buy basically called me a liar and said tough crap. I am planning to sue.
Comment by Kurt Overmeyre — December 7, 2006 @ 3:07 pm PST
What kinda crack are you guys smoking? I signed up for the Reward Zone program shortly after it became free. I don’t shop that much at BB, but with Xmas I bought a lot of presents for friends and family there. I mean A LOT. And the gifts I got from my g/f I put those receipts into my account too! In the end, I had extra spending certificates that I used to buy a camera and a DVD box set. The Reward Zone porgram may not be the best one out there, but if you’re gonna shop there at BB you might as well collect the points. It ain’t that hard ppl, come on.
Comment by WakeUPguys — January 8, 2007 @ 5:48 pm PST
WakeUPguys- you’re an ass. Just because you received your certificates doesn’t mean that there are no problems.
Comment by BB — January 8, 2007 @ 7:47 pm PST
[…] I’ve written about the BBRZ a couple times before and received dozens of comments, predominantly negative, about the service. People saying they aren’t receiving their Best Buy reward coupons, bad customer experiences and worse. Even a post about an alleged class action lawsuit against them (not sure whether or not that’s true). I offer that as counter perspective to what we’ve experienced as customers. […]
Pingback by Buy The Police reunion concert tickets if you are a Best Buy Reward Zone member » Make You Go Hmm — February 13, 2007 @ 9:48 am PST
I don’t understand what the problem is. I am a Best Buy employee and the Reward Zone is an awesome thing. I wish that I could have it (employees are not allowed). It really is a lot simpler than you people make it sound. When signing up for Reward Zone…you are prompted to verify your information on the signature pad. If you push correct, but your information was not correctly entered, then that is your own fault for not reviewing it. Also, some of you may not be receiving your certificates because you are not getting your points. You are not getting your points because you are not getting your cards scanned at the time of your purchase. If the cashier has not scanned your Reward Zone card when you’re checking out…then you did not get your points!!! Make sure it’s scanned!! If you just do what you are supposed to do then everything would work out fine. Best Buy is not perfect…we make mistakes too…but it is the Best Buy. If our prices are higher than an advertised price of a competitor then we’ll match it. Our rewards program is FREE and it’s NOT tied to a credit card!! Our credit card has the option of having 6 months interest free on purchases over $299. Our staff is friendly and focused on the needs of our customers. We do NOT make commission so we’re not just after your money…we really just want to help you. I love my job. It is the best environment possible to work in. I think people just like to complain. Hope I was able to shed some light. Thanks for your time.
Comment by Alex — February 24, 2007 @ 10:19 pm PST
Alex, I understand your loyalty. You are completely wrong about RZ. I am currently owed over $200 from reward zone. I spent 100 extra dollars on my flat screen because I was expecting 130 in rewards that never were received. I also purchased a whole kitchen worth of appliances. As a result, I will NEVER shop at Best Buy again and I will tell that to everybody I know. I hope you can soon find employment with an honest company.
Comment by Kurt Overmeyer — February 24, 2007 @ 10:40 pm PST
[…] Although I’ve stuck up for the Best Buy Reward Zone program before, we visit there at least once per week doing hundreds of dollars a month on average over the last couple years and I know they don’t always have the best prices, I could take or leave them tomorrow. If some other retail electronics chain opened up in the general area that had comparable selection and prices I’d shop there too or maybe even instead. My loyalty to Best Buy as a customer is weak at best. […]
Pingback by Getting harder to defend shopping at Best Buy » Make You Go Hmm — March 5, 2007 @ 4:02 pm PST
First of all, let me say that I work at Best Buy, and have been a customer for long before I did. Reward Zone has its problems, like any other customer loyalty program. And yes, it is now free, so there is no longer any price to join. Customers get to choose when they sign up whether to receive certificates via e-mail or U.S. mail, and e-mail is faster. The Certificates are also issued every fiscal quarter, so you may not get them for several months. If you have major issues like certain people have had in the past, then contact corporate at 1-888-BEST-BUY or contact the reward zone administrative office in order to resolve disputes. The majority of people forget that people working at the store are representing themselves, not necessarily the whole company. I work at a store in Northern Virginia, and I know people that could care less, but there are also people that care about customers. Upon visiting another store in another state, I could tell the difference. Some of the employees were very indignant towards me, while there, again, were others that cared. If you have a poor experience in a store, ask to speak to a manager. Some times you will again get a terrible manager and they are asses too, but most of the time they are much more helpful. The majority of employees that get continued negative comments from customers are let go, so it helps improve future experiences in the store. The point is, that just because you may speak to one person who is a dick, or you have one bad experience with Reward Zone, don’t hold it against the company, hold it against the person that was rude to you, contact corporate, and something will get done about it. Everyone here has a job, and everyone knows someone that they think refelcts poorly on the company. How would you feel if someone spoke to that one person, had a bad experience, and then never went there again and told people how terrible it was? It doesn’t accurately reflect on the company. Remember, people that have very good experiences in a store or from a business generally do not go online and post comments about how amazing it was. The people, like some of you, that got screwed are the ones that post and complain. Remember, most of the time something can be done. Im not saying anyone here is like this, but customers hardly ever have multiple issues with the store, and the ones that have multiple issues usually aren’t being rational or understanding. So, please keep this in mind when deciding where to shop next time. We all have bad experiences, but how we respond to them shows what kind of person we really are
Comment by Taylor — March 7, 2007 @ 11:27 am PST
I would love to tell you of our experience my wife and I add with the Big Blue Box (Best Buy) in Green Bay Wisconsin. Trust me if I would have know of your Web site I would have heeded the warnings and advice of others that have had just horrible experience with Best Buy.
Well here goes:
My wife and I decided to take some of our Tax Return to buy us a new Washer, and Dryer. Well as usual we went to BB as we have done for in the last (9) years to buy all of our Big Price appliance items, as we have bought our (3) Desktop Computers, (2) Refrigerator, (1) Dishwasher, (2) TV’s (3) DVD Player’s, (2) VCR’s, (3) Surround Sound Systems…. etc…well you get the picture, close to $10,000.00 over those (9) years.
Things seem to go smoothly with the purchase of both of them till the arraigning of the FREE delivery that was with the package deal. But the sales person worked out the glitches an made the delivery on Wed’s the 14th of February in the late afternoon. I informed the sales person that we had some serious plans made, and could they arraign it before or after the 14th. “No” was the reply that it was the only day they could make the delivery. Well ok I said, “but let’s make sure it happens”. No problem was the reply; a they would call us the night before to confirm the time in the afternoon. “Great”, I said, let’s do it.
The night of the 13th we waited till around 9pm for their call. Nothing, no call. So I called the store a talked to the sale person that sold us the Washer/Dryer, and asked when they would be delivered. I waited on hold for over 20 minutes. Finally I called back and asked for the Manager on Duty. Waited other 10 minutes till he came on the line. I explained the situation to him; he stated he would check into this. After other 10 minutes he game back on the line. He stated that the Order for delivery was CANCELLED and that there was not going to be a delivery. Well my jaw dropped to the floor. “What the Hell was going on”, I asked, I know we didn’t cancel the order for delivery. I informed him of this and said this was not acceptable and that they would need to make the delivery as promised and that we would not be available for any other day. And why the Hell had this had happen. After waiting for other 15 minutes on the phone he finally came back on with “ it will be delivered tomorrow between 4pm an 6pm” OK I said great. As I was about to thank him he hung up, without an apology of any kind, or any explanation of what was going on? Well this should have clued me into Best Buy’s customer service policy of SCREW’EM AN LOSES’EM. Well as promise they did deliver the machines on time, but not with out some hassles there too.
Where comes the good part:
The following week my wife an I decided to buy a new laptop computer, and of course BB was having a Package Deal on a Toshiba laptop with Windows Vista installed and also with Mini mouse, and carrying case. This sounded great, and in our price arrange too. So we went into the Store and as usual we had to hunt down someone in the computer department to help us with the purchase. After finding a fresh Snot Nose Narcissistic Kid barely out of high school to help us, we decided to ask a few questions about the New Windows Vista system. We wanted to know if this laptop would be able to communicate with the other (3) computers we have in our home running Windows XP? And would it work with our Linksys Network Router System? And will we be able to share files, and to use our Lexmark Printer with this new Windows Vista, and our Network? “ Well of course it would…was his reply, with no problems. “ Well with that, and the blind trust I put in people we bought the laptop, and the extended service plan. And back home with our new toy.
Well we got it home and started to set it up, and everything was going as smooth as silk till we tried to set up the Network to share files/folders with the other computers, and the printer. Now I am not illiterate when it comes to computers, nor am I an expert, but I knew something was a miss, and something was not right. Well it was late and we decided to wait till the morning to finish the setup.
The following day was the Worst Frkin Nightmare I have had in 35 years (showing my age of 55) of dealing with any big business, and of course the worst day I ever had with Best Buy.
I kept trying to make the Laptop communicate with the Network, and my other (3) computers. I would keep getting a Microsoft Windows Error of “not finding a Network”. After spending an hour on their web site I could find nothing, so I called them. I spent over 45 minutes waiting; finally I spoke to someone about the problem (because I thought since it was a Windows Error the would be able to help) no such luck. They said I would need to contact Toshiba about this since this was an OEM (original equipment manufacture) problem, and not theirs. “Great” Called Toshiba, nothing, this were their service person informs me that the new Windows Vista program will not work with the network, router, a printer if my other (3) computers are running Windows XP. “HOLY COW POOP”. This was Frkin Peachy. Toshiba suggested to call Best Buy to see what they can do for me, buy asking someone there if they could help set up the network to communicate with the other computers. Sounded like sense. So I did.
So I called the Big Blue Box (BB) and spoke to same manager I had dealt with on the delivery problem. Wow that was the most stupid mistake I ever made. This manager was the biggest “DICK” I ever spoke to. I calmly explained the problem to him, an how I was led to believe that there would be no problem with this Laptop running Windows Vista to work with my computers, network, and printer. He told me point blank told me that his sales person would have “never would have told me such a thing”. God I was outraged, not only was He calling me a Lair but also it was quite clear that this worthless manager was not going to help me at all. I asked to speak to his Boss, (the store manager) SHE was not there. Then I asked how to get in contact with his District manager…. guess what…that’s right, he refused to give me that info also stating he did not know how, an even if he did he would not give me that info, because all customer concerns, and problems are handled at the store level, and that this problem did not warrant any further attention. What a worthless piece of human waste. I asked what was the name of his store manager, at first he was very hesent, and then he gave me her name.
Well for the next (4) days I spent calling the Best Buy customer service line, (what a gdamn joke this is), calling their Corp Office, calling their District office, trying to get someone to listen and care about my problem. Again No-one gave a Royal flying Rats Ass about what was going on. Only to inform me that all the customer relation problems needs are handle at the Store Level. “My God, don’t they understand that here in lies the problem the Store Management and the rotten little peckerhead that sold me the Laptop. “NO>>>HELL NO”. So after nearly going to the Hospital because on my Blood Pressure I decided to give it up. Knowing that Best Buy had SCREWED ME IN THE ASS AN NEVER USED ANY TYPE OF LUB TO EASE THE PAIN. Then out of the Blue the lousy Store Manager called an gave me the lamest apology I ever heard but still would not help me with my problem only offering to send out the GEEK Squad to make my Laptop work with my other computers, an network. But of course this would cost me other $200.00 for their service. God what kind of sick joke these folks live under, what kind of CON-Game they are playing on the costumer, what kind of people believe they would have me come back an waste my money in their store after this kind of Bull Sh___t.
God I pray, and beg anyone reading this not to buy your need’s at Best Buy, they will Lie, Cheat, an screw you up the behind so hard, that you will see stars. If any one reading this and still believes they will get good service from BB, all you will get is a Stroke.
BEST BUY GO TO HELL YOU ROTTEN MOTHERF___KERS.
Comment by Ric — March 26, 2007 @ 4:46 pm PST
I have had more problems with Reward Zone than I even care to go into. I was talked into buying it while buying a new computer and printer, the guy made it sound so good, so I bit. Then I never got my points. I spent literally hours on the phone, just to get them to post my points for that purchase, and it was almost 1 year to the day before I got my certs. They wouldn’t mail or e-mail them to me. I probably spent 30 hours on the phone over the course of that year to get it straightened out. Then I made some more big purchases, and was expecting to get some more certs, and when I logged on to my account at myrewardzone.com I had no points, and all of my information was incorrect. It turns out they mailed or e-mailed my certs to some guy in Georgia, or so they said. It took 6 months to get that straightened out. Just today I decided to look at my points since I’ve bought a digital camera and a HD Television several months ago, once again they show I have no points, and now it looks like they’ve given my points to somebody in Detroit. The thing is, they hassle you to get one of these cards, but when it comes time for them to give you what you have coming, they try to give you the runaround and make it as difficult as possible.
Comment by Jason — September 25, 2007 @ 7:40 am PST
The fact is that best buy has better service and better products than other stores. You can always find a better deal online if you are willing to wait for the product to be shipped. I know I’m going to pay more at a store such as best buy so I don’t complain about a few pennies here and there. I wouldn’t buy anything from walmart, no matter what the price difference may be.
Comment by GTM — February 11, 2008 @ 7:31 pm PST
Reward zone is garbage. I’ve gone thru three “cards” without one working, ever. They still send me useless coupons in the mail, but refuse to help me get my card working via customer service. The workers at their store are usually either fooling around with each other, gawking at some girl (I’m a guy, but this is still rude to people that frequent the store), or talking to customers in a sarcastic, condescending manner. And let me not forget about the geek squad. They had some lady arrested when she tried to get her laptop repaired, with a warranty, and wouldn’t do it. So in response she started screaming, and yeah, they had to call the cops, but they should’ve just honored her contract. They almost never have the best prices if you shop around, many times they do not stock advertised goods, and for the longest time until just recently they wouldn’t even honor online (note - not online only, just prices they had online) advertised prices in store. This company has gotten so cocky and full of false pride, they will eventually go thru the same thing The Wiz went through.
Comment by Ryan — February 17, 2008 @ 9:23 am PST