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I've bought stuff at Best Buy on Cox Creek Parkway ever since they opened up....even buy a lot of my office equipment and supplies from there. Met a lot of helpful employees....most knew their stuff, but even if they didn't, they did their best to help me with my purchases.

So I was really suprised today. I went to Best Buy becaue my several years old DVD player had finally rolled over and died. When I get to the DVD/VCR player part of the store, there are two couples already there shopping. Waiting on one couple was a store employee. As I approached, the first couple made their decision and took a product and left. The employee asked me if I was finding everything. I replied that I was shopping for a DVD player, and was just starting to shop, and that I would appreciate some help. "I'll be back to you as soon as I help these other customers", the employee told me. In about three or four minutes, I saw that couple head towards the door, but the employee hasn't shown back up. After a few more minutes, still not back. I walked over to where the high dollar tv's were, and there was the employee...fine tuning the picture on a big TV...So, I stepped back around the corner, and watched him for the next eight or ten minutes, playing with the controls and adjusting the color and speakers.

To make a long story short, I told him and the on duty manager that I didn't appreciate the service I didn't get....and that it would affect my shopping preferences in the future.

And I stopped at Wal-Mart on the way home and bought myself a replacement DVD player.

I'm considering a written complaint. What say the forum?
"The belief in a supernatural source of evil is not necessary; men alone are quite capable of every wickedness"-Joseph Conrad
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Oh, the customer service there is just awful! I tried to buy car stereos for my kids and got so disgusted after three attempts that I just gave up. The people who work there seem to actively hide from customers. I try to avoid this place at all costs. Most of what they sell can be gotten elsewhere (online, if nothing else) with a lot less hassle.
This problem isn't just a Best Buy issue. Too many people in non-skilled jobs, like retail or restaraunts, just seem to take no pride in their jobs. {And by 'non-skilled' I mean those jobs that do not require degrees or technical training or any sort of so-called 'higher learning')

The last job I held before becoming disabled was convenience store clerk where I did make much over minimum wage. Low status job, right? But I was NOT my job, I was a PERSON performing services for the PUBLIC and darn it all, I took pride in doing the best darn job I could. EVERY customr was greeted whent they came in the store with a quip, a joke or just a cheering 'how ya doing'.

My philosophy is simple - I don't care if all you do is flip burgers at Mickey Dee's, be the best darn burger flipper they've ever seen!. Be on time, be clean, be cheerfulbe efficient and BE HELPFUL. Not for the boss, your fellow employees or for the customers but for your own self image!
It seems to me that the CD/DVD player consumer is bit hard to please. Having been in sales for quite a while (yes, even retail at one point), I can attest to the fact that one can lose track of "I'll-be-back-when-I-get-through-with-these-customers" quite easily. Perhaps you should have politely walked up to him and asked for help instead of standing like a lump around the corner staring at him like a crazed stalker about to give a piece of that deranged mind.

Do you know why most people hate retail? The customers. People like you who think that when they leave their house they should be waited on hand and foot as if they're royalty. I've seen people like you do it in stores and restaurants, and I've been one of the many who stood nearby sympathetically looking at your family or spouse or friends like I'm sorry they have to live with you.

I had to pull a Christmas season at a retail store in Nashville several years ago, and the scenario was the same. However, when the idiots came to me they found they couldn't get away with the same "scare" and initimidation tactics that I saw them try to throw on the other employees (and like you employed at BB). The proudest moment of my early sales career came at that Nashville store when a customer decided to be a belligerent fool and smarted off. I tongue whipped the man the same as I would anyone on the street; the same as I would have with you. I stood even taller when my manager backed me up, which, by the way, they typically do, they're just too busy playing pacifier to the raving customer to show it.

Consumers need to remember that these employees are people--not slaves.

Be decent.

We're Southerners, not the dreaded alternative.

If you want to continue acting like this, I'm afraid you'll have to be banished to a life of unsweet tea and "soda pop."
I had a bad experience with BB as well,in fact almost to the letter of yours alacharger. i was purchasing a new monitor for my puter just before Christmas. I have a computer cabinet,so i have x amount of spact for a monitor. I explained this to the salesperson and that i wanted only a 15in or 17in monitor. I could have sworn the young man was deaf, he took me STRAIGHT to the larger ones and began his sales pitch. I reminded him AGAIN why I needed a smaller monitor. He excused himself to "go check" if the one I liked (of the larger ones of course) could be found in my needed size,,,never to return!
I spotted him on my way out with another customer buying a complete computer set up.He got interupted, and he got reported before i left the store.
I went on to Office Depot to get my monitor,probably paid more but the service and assistence was worth every penny!
one who posts, a 5 min or 10 min,heck even 15 to 20 min wait most people can deal with easily. But to be put on hold and assist higher "catch" customers is not an acceptible way to treat the public .The public is what allows those sales people to even have a job.
I have seen this sort of behavior many times,but the monitor ordeal was my first time to have to experience such rude treatment firsthanded.
quote:
Originally posted by one who posts:
It seems to me that the CD/DVD player consumer is bit hard to please. Having been in sales for quite a while (yes, even retail at one point), I can attest to the fact that one can lose track of "I'll-be-back-when-I-get-through-with-these-customers" quite easily. Perhaps you should have politely walked up to him and asked for help instead of standing like a lump around the corner staring at him like a crazed stalker about to give a piece of that deranged mind.

Do you know why most people hate retail? The customers. People like you who think that when they leave their house they should be waited on hand and foot as if they're royalty. I've seen people like you do it in stores and restaurants, and I've been one of the many who stood nearby sympathetically looking at your family or spouse or friends like I'm sorry they have to live with you.

I had to pull a Christmas season at a retail store in Nashville several years ago, and the scenario was the same. However, when the idiots came to me they found they couldn't get away with the same "scare" and initimidation tactics that I saw them try to throw on the other employees (and like you employed at BB). The proudest moment of my early sales career came at that Nashville store when a customer decided to be a belligerent fool and smarted off. I tongue whipped the man the same as I would anyone on the street; the same as I would have with you. I stood even taller when my manager backed me up, which, by the way, they typically do, they're just too busy playing pacifier to the raving customer to show it.

Consumers need to remember that these employees are people--not slaves.

Be decent.

We're Southerners, not the dreaded alternative.

If you want to continue acting like this, I'm afraid you'll have to be banished to a life of unsweet tea and "soda pop."


Let me start off my reply to you by telling you another shopping story that I intend to post a little later today.......I was at Lowes on Cox Creek Parkway Saturday...I was in the tool section, looking for a 7/16" drill bit. Somehow, I've acquired a number of 7/16" dowell rods, and to use them up, I needed a bit. Well, none of the sets of bits had a 7/16" bit in them, and a single high speed bit was $8.00...more than I've got invested in the dowell rods themselves, and more than I cared to put into a singe drill bit. Along comes a Lowes employee...he asks if I'm finding what I need. I mentioned essentially what is posted above. This employee then begins reviewing the stock on the shelves, and talking shop with me...how he does woodworking himself, and how the high price of materials and tools has slowed his hobby down too. Then, he asks a couple of other questions....and then finds an acceptable alternative bit (wood boring paddle bit instead of a high speed bit)that costs me $3.00 plus small change.

This employee went out of his way to make my shopping experience at Lowes enjoyable. I intend to contact the store management and complement him. Employees like him make me want to return and do business with them again.

Maybe you misunderstood my beginning post. The BB employee wasn't away from me for more than a couple of minutes before he was engrossed with a high dollar toy. He was sitting in one of two leather recliners in front of the TV, adjusting the picture and sound levels. If my business means so little to them that I'm forgotten after just a couple or three minutes, then they don't need my business. As for your comment about "politely asking for help", I had already done that, had been acknowledged, and was dismissed as not worthy of his time. If an employee of a consumer driven store doesn't want to be service driven, they need to get another job....something where they can work by themselves, and not be around customers.

I used NO scare or intimidation tactics, although I am capable of such. I just advised both the employee and the manager that the employee's failure to assist me with a purchase in a timely manner would affect my decisions as to where to shop in the future.

Finally, I don't appreciate your comments about "crazed stalker", "deranged mind", or "raving customer". You were not there....you heard none of the exchange of words, or saw any of my actions. You have no right to judge me and I deny any attempt of you to do so.

Comment on my post if you will, but you have no right or reason to attack me personally.
I guess you and I have had comepletely different experiences. Lowe's is where I tend to have most of my trouble (with products and service) and BB is where I get most of my help.

Good call on the ad hominem tinge I used. Sorry about that. I do stand by my stance, though. If people would walk into a store and realize that they're dealing with people--their equals--then a lot would be solved.
We bought a computer for my son for christmas. i thought it did not have wireless adapter so went to best-buy to get one. The salesperson said that i need a wireless adapter and a modem with a hub. they had a mail in rebate if you bought all three you could save money. when i finally got it all hooked up i did not need the wireless adapter. i carried it back to the store they told me that because i had applied for the rebate i could not return it, and because it did not have the upc on the box. I explaines to the manager that they were the ones who had told me to apply for the rebate and that i just wanted my money back less rebate. i was told that was not possible. i emailed best buy and was told the same thing. this is not the first time but one of many my wife will not go in the store. but with 2 teenagers it is hard not too. they don't care about you!
So, you went to the salesperson, told him you needed a wireless adapter, he sold it to you, you found out you were wrong, and you got mad at BB?

I know that sounds like I'm being mean and I don't mean to sound that way at all--I promise. If the salesman saw your computer, or at least had all the info' about your computer, and then did that, then BRAVO to you. BB sucks for treating you so poorly.

I think the real issue with BB (and so many other places) is REBATES. What a hideous waste of time and paper!
quote:
Originally posted by one who posts:
It seems to me that the CD/DVD player consumer is bit hard to please. Having been in sales for quite a while (yes, even retail at one point), I can attest to the fact that one can lose track of "I'll-be-back-when-I-get-through-with-these-customers" quite easily. Perhaps you should have politely walked up to him and asked for help instead of standing like a lump around the corner staring at him like a crazed stalker about to give a piece of that deranged mind.

Do you know why most people hate retail? The customers. People like you who think that when they leave their house they should be waited on hand and foot as if they're royalty. I've seen people like you do it in stores and restaurants, and I've been one of the many who stood nearby sympathetically looking at your family or spouse or friends like I'm sorry they have to live with you.

I had to pull a Christmas season at a retail store in Nashville several years ago, and the scenario was the same. However, when the idiots came to me they found they couldn't get away with the same "scare" and initimidation tactics that I saw them try to throw on the other employees (and like you employed at BB). The proudest moment of my early sales career came at that Nashville store when a customer decided to be a belligerent fool and smarted off. I tongue whipped the man the same as I would anyone on the street; the same as I would have with you. I stood even taller when my manager backed me up, which, by the way, they typically do, they're just too busy playing pacifier to the raving customer to show it.

Consumers need to remember that these employees are people--not slaves.

Be decent.

We're Southerners, not the dreaded alternative.

If you want to continue acting like this, I'm afraid you'll have to be banished to a life of unsweet tea and "soda pop."


Now THIS caught me laughing... BE DECENT you say... hmmmmmmmmm, why cannot YOU do that here?

The jury of my opinion is still 'out'...
quote:
Originally posted by one who posts:
I guess you and I have had comepletely different experiences. Lowe's is where I tend to have most of my trouble (with products and service) and BB is where I get most of my help.

Good call on the ad hominem tinge I used. Sorry about that. I do stand by my stance, though. If people would walk into a store and realize that they're dealing with people--their equals--then a lot would be solved.


Good post...thanks. I do see where you are coming from. Everybody should be considered as people, not servants. But when you hire out to do a job (sales), you should do that job to the absolute best of your ability. That doesn't include forgetting a customer, or not checking your sales area.

I don't know your age, but I can still remember when service station attendants ran out to greet a customer, checked his oil and tires, then cleaned the windshield while the gas was pumping. Now, I don't advocate that all retail sales person in today's age adhere to the service station level of service, but if you tell a customer you'll be "right back", then be "right back". If a customer is in your assigned area, it's a shame that he would stand in front of a selection of goods for 15 minutes without being approached by someone to see if they need assistance. And taking a break without making sure your customers are taken care of, or that someone else is available to help the customers is bad business.

BTW, part of my difference in perception of service between BB and Lowes may be because I know how just about everything in Lowes works...the salesman I posted about above just pointed out a more economical alternative to me (in an extremely friendly and curteous manner). In BB, a lot of the time, I need some technical assistance on how to best make my purchases.

I do demand accountability from myself and those I associate with. I expect honesty and hard work from those who I do business with, because my purchases are paying their salary. I'm the kind of guy who leaves a $5.00 tip for a $7.00 lunch, if you made my meal an enjoyable experience, or sends a letter of commendation for you to your employer if you go out of your way to help me make a purchase. I'm also the guy that won't leave a tip, and will tell you and your manager why on the way out if I didn't get the service I should have.
quote:
Originally posted by one who posts:
I guess you and I have had comepletely different experiences. Lowe's is where I tend to have most of my trouble (with products and service) and BB is where I get most of my help.

Good call on the ad hominem tinge I used. Sorry about that. I do stand by my stance, though. If people would walk into a store and realize that they're dealing with people--their equals--then a lot would be solved.


Kindred, I've included my earlier quote ("Good call on the ad hominem tinge I used. Sorry about that") in this string so you'll see that your reproval has worked. I appreciate it.
quote:
Originally posted by alacharger:
I've bought stuff at Best Buy on Cox Creek Parkway ever since they opened up....even buy a lot of my office equipment and supplies from there. Met a lot of helpful employees....most knew their stuff, but even if they didn't, they did their best to help me with my purchases.

So I was really suprised today. I went to Best Buy becaue my several years old DVD player had finally rolled over and died. When I get to the DVD/VCR player part of the store, there are two couples already there shopping. Waiting on one couple was a store employee. As I approached, the first couple made their decision and took a product and left. The employee asked me if I was finding everything. I replied that I was shopping for a DVD player, and was just starting to shop, and that I would appreciate some help. "I'll be back to you as soon as I help these other customers", the employee told me. In about three or four minutes, I saw that couple head towards the door, but the employee hasn't shown back up. After a few more minutes, still not back. I walked over to where the high dollar tv's were, and there was the employee...fine tuning the picture on a big TV...So, I stepped back around the corner, and watched him for the next eight or ten minutes, playing with the controls and adjusting the color and speakers.

To make a long story short, I told him and the on duty manager that I didn't appreciate the service I didn't get....and that it would affect my shopping preferences in the future.

And I stopped at Wal-Mart on the way home and bought myself a replacement DVD player.

I'm considering a written complaint. What say the forum?


Man, just let it go, is it worth your time?
quote:
Originally posted by alacharger:
quote:
Originally posted by one who posts:
I guess you and I have had comepletely different experiences. Lowe's is where I tend to have most of my trouble (with products and service) and BB is where I get most of my help.

Good call on the ad hominem tinge I used. Sorry about that. I do stand by my stance, though. If people would walk into a store and realize that they're dealing with people--their equals--then a lot would be solved.


Good post...thanks. I do see where you are coming from. Everybody should be considered as people, not servants. But when you hire out to do a job (sales), you should do that job to the absolute best of your ability. That doesn't include forgetting a customer, or not checking your sales area.

I don't know your age, but I can still remember when service station attendants ran out to greet a customer, checked his oil and tires, then cleaned the windshield while the gas was pumping. Now, I don't advocate that all retail sales person in today's age adhere to the service station level of service, but if you tell a customer you'll be "right back", then be "right back". If a customer is in your assigned area, it's a shame that he would stand in front of a selection of goods for 15 minutes without being approached by someone to see if they need assistance. And taking a break without making sure your customers are taken care of, or that someone else is available to help the customers is bad business.

BTW, part of my difference in perception of service between BB and Lowes may be because I know how just about everything in Lowes works...the salesman I posted about above just pointed out a more economical alternative to me (in an extremely friendly and curteous manner). In BB, a lot of the time, I need some technical assistance on how to best make my purchases.

I do demand accountability from myself and those I associate with. I expect honesty and hard work from those who I do business with, because my purchases are paying their salary. I'm the kind of guy who leaves a $5.00 tip for a $7.00 lunch, if you made my meal an enjoyable experience, or sends a letter of commendation for you to your employer if you go out of your way to help me make a purchase. I'm also the guy that won't leave a tip, and will tell you and your manager why on the way out if I didn't get the service I should have.


I'm with you. All things to the best of one's abilities. I do think it's funny, though, that there is a high probability that many of the people who also agree on this forum are at work typing away on forum discussions instead of doing the very thing they agree with in this post.

Bottom line (for me, at least): we all need to take just about everything a little less seriously--especially ourselves. So the guy didn't get to you when you wanted--who cares? Just be thankful you have a better attitude about your job and go on. That salesperson may be having an off day. Or maybe he's worthless. Either way, it's no big deal. It would be a wonderful world if people could learn to let things go, be more merciful. God only knows how I don't want Him (God) taking consumer mentality against my forgetfulness, or my off days, or the times when I don't take Him as seriously as He thinks, or don't get back to him when I said I would. It seems like we are choking the guy who owes us a couple bucks when we've been forgiven of several trillion.
quote:
Originally posted by Reflecting One of the voices i:
I have had many bad experiences there. The employees seem more interested in their private conversatinos than helping customers. Seem like a great place to work...pure social no actual dealing with a customer's needs. I love it when they brag they're not on commission...gimme someone who gets paid to help me anyday.



Just think of the friendly service we see at our local grocery and other retail stores and such where people are over worked and under paid. And if you have a complaint you can call our menu and talk to a computer or a representative in India.
Why does this "lack of service" surprise us......"service " went the way of the mom and pop stores....these "salespeople" have no investment....consequently the only people you find who are truly helpful are the ones who have self-motivation in other things they do....by the way, it has always been an observation of mine that "you can tell a great deal about a person by how they treat a waitress or waitor"...
Yes, I had bone to pick with best buy. The last puter I bought was there, so yes it's but I have dialup any.
The young man assisting me when I asked about the operating system, he left and bought windows xp. I laughed to myself and asked if I had to buy that seperately. lol
I think a nation chain would at least send kids to classes on what they are selling. Roll Eyes
quote:
Originally posted by themax:
Yes, I had bone to pick with best buy. The last puter I bought was there, so yes it's but I have dialup any.
The young man assisting me when I asked about the operating system, he left and bought windows xp. I laughed to myself and asked if I had to buy that seperately. lol
I think a nation chain would at least send kids to classes on what they are selling. Roll Eyes


Friend, I'm having a hard time understanding your last post. I think you're keyboard may have been sticking.
As one who has both worked at BB, and had bad experiences there, I figured I'd give my thoughts. I was hired as a service tech (before the days of "Geek Squad") in a Dallas metro store. I have never been, nor have I ever desired to be, a "salesperson." I was a computer geek, plain and simple. And I certainly didn't want to work on commission. But I figured I could learn the retail end of things fairly quickly. Needless to say, in the service dept., we generally dealt with folks who were already in a bad mood when they arrived. Something was broken and they wanted it fixed. Occasionally we had to tell them what they didn't want to hear. Warranty expired, doesn't cover this damage, etc. But I digress.

Anyway, even working in the service dept. we were frequently called on to help customers in the computer section with purchases (or even with phones, DVD players, etc. if we were short-handed, areas which I had absolutely no expertise). I am one of those types mentioned in previous posts that tries to do the best job I can, no matter what my job happens to be. I was almost 40 years old working at BB. I had training as a network administrator, but just couldn't find a job at the time. Anyhow, I know we had a lot of folks that were younger and simply didn't have the dedication to do a good job. They were more interested in school and going out with their friends. The job was just a place to make some spending money. There were of course exceptions, but most of the crew lacked motivation (as well as experience).

Management and corporate of course created other problems. Just because the sales staff isn't on commission doesn't mean there's no pressure to sell stuff. And yes, the high profit margin stuff (although not always the most expensive). Things like cables, accessories, and "services" are high margin. So they'll try to sell items that will include these (such as a high-end TV as opposed to a $50 DVD player). Is that an excuse for bad service? Of course not. Is it reality that these folks want to please their supervisor and possibly get a raise or bonus if they meet their goals? Sure. Is it possible that it's the kid's first job and he has no concept of dedication to it? Even more likley.

I myself have had bad experiences at BB since I worked there. I agree that I don't want to be sold magazines or whatever at the counter. (Of course, I don't know why I should have to give Radio Shack my address/phone number either if I'm just buying batteries for crying out loud). When I was at BB, we had to push MSN, Netflix, Comcast, service plans, etc. The folks at the registers were responsible for asking every customer about certain items. Same for the service plans (that I admit are ridiculous for many items). I have basically quit shopping there unless I can't find an item elsewhere. But that's because I generally research or know what I want before I get there. I don't need someone to assist me (much like the poster who usually doesn't need help at Lowe's). I can go to Wal-Mart or wherever, pick up the item, and check out. No one will try to sell me something else. But I also don't expect to get any help in a store like that. Amen to the idea that the old service station model of service is dead (unless you want to pay EXTRA for that level of service). Heck, you can still find full service gas stations in some places if you want to pay for it.

I also agree with the post regarding food servers and others in service industries. They are people like the rest of us and deserve respect for the service they provide. My wife is in food service, has been for years. She'll bust her butt to give good service for that whopping $2.13/hr. plus whatever she makes in tips. Good service generally gets repaid in decent tips. But I can guarantee that she isn't going to take a bunch of crap from anyone just so they don't "stiff" her.

Bottom line for me is, I have been there and I understand the frustration for some of these sales folks. But at the same time, that's no excuse for CONSISTENTLY providing bad service. Having an off day is one thing, but it can get to be a widespread and contagious problem. I agree that the BB here does have some service issues.
quote:
Originally posted by one who posts:
quote:
Originally posted by elijah435:
that could be changed to ..one who pontificates.....which is more felicitous..[spelled correctly]


Well, Elijah, if you're lucky, you'll be drawn into Heaven, avoiding death, as did your namesake. Unfortunately, you can't avoid grammatical errors. I'm sure you meant that I'm good at recognizing others' "miscues." Since I'm so good at seeing them, let me also take a moment to direct your attention to your poor treatment of the ellipsis.

Since you have kindly mentioned a possible name change (thanks, again), try Moses instead of Elijah. I'll be your Aaron should you ever feel the need to speak publicly. While functional bidialectalism is great for the front porch, the lower end shouldn't be mixed with malicious retort.

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