AfterDawn: Tech news

Best Buy will price match rival's online prices in-store

Written by Andre Yoskowitz @ 13 Oct 2012 4:38 User comments (31)

Best Buy will price match rival's online prices in-store Best Buy has announced that it will price match online prices of competition for in-store customers to avoid "showrooming."
Showrooming is where customers go in-store to try out a product before going back home to buy it online at places like Amazon for better prices and in some states, no tax.

Most brick-and-mortar retailers, like Best Buy, price match other brick-and-mortar store prices but will not price match online prices, which almost always are lower.

While the new move is certainly an improvement, it is not absolute. The match will be given "on an if asked basis" and is ultimately at the discretion of the staff.

Additionally, the company will not price match special one-off sales. For example, if Amazon is doing a Gold Box sale where they slash prices on an item by 50%, Best Buy will reject the price match. If an item is out of stock, Best Buy will ship it to you for free, as well.

The new policy is in effect until November 17th and then from November 27th to December 24th, carefully avoiding Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

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31 user comments

113.10.2012 16:44

not bad

213.10.2012 17:26

An astonishingly good idea, considering it came from Best Buy.

313.10.2012 17:52

abt freaking time

413.10.2012 18:55

Quote:
The new policy is in effect until November 17th and then from November 27th to December 24th, carefully avoiding Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Clearly everyone else is planning to have better deals than Best Buy...

513.10.2012 21:42

Well you STILL have to pay TAX at a brick and mortar store. Don't forget that.

614.10.2012 08:31

Originally posted by joebloe12:
Well you STILL have to pay TAX at a brick and mortar store. Don't forget that.
BUT...you don't have to pay for s/h. Sounds like it would be worth visiting BB anyway...

714.10.2012 08:44

they will still have some kind of argument about how its not the same product so we cant match that. as a former employee that's company policy, only match if u have absolutely no other choice.

814.10.2012 11:10

I planned on doing some showrooming today at BB. If they accept the online price, we got a deal.

914.10.2012 12:55

Instant gratification has always been my deal. If I can get it in the here & now, all the better. Not to mention, if the item goes 'tits-up' it can be virtually immediately exchanged for a working one. It's the haggle/bitching I really get tired of.

Seriously, I mean match the damned thing. Just because they used red thread lock on some of the screws instead of blue doesn't mean I'm dropping $150 bucks more on a TV because the floor person has an attitude today.

Most of today's stores are set up like warehouses anyway so stocking/shipping items shouldn't be an issue of price any more.

However, I'm put off by the time limitations. It's for the holiday season only. Why couldn't this be policy? Rhetorical, I'm already aware of the possible answers.

1014.10.2012 13:50

Wow... I have been known to window shop at Best Buy to see what an item looks like up close before I buy it online but not actually buy it, take it home, and then return it only to buy it again online. This is why they charge high restocking fees because people abusing the return policies of brick and mortor stores.

That being said I find sometimes Best Buy has online prices very competitive to other online stores and they have matched their own online prices. I recently bought a TV from them that was $400 cheaper online than what they had in the store and actually cheaper than most other online stores selling the same TV. When I went in the store to check out the TV in person they matched the price and maybe I paid a little more with tax than what I would online with shipping charges but I got to take the TV home that night.

1114.10.2012 14:27

Originally posted by joebloe12:
Well you STILL have to pay TAX at a brick and mortar store. Don't forget that.
Yes but shipping is usually more expensive than taxes. The last thing I bought there and then returned was an HD cord supposedly on sale for a descent price. It didn't ring up that way but I was in a hurry my wife was waiting in the car. Our next stop was home depot. I got it for half what the sale price was supposed to be. Home Depot is not bargain city both cords were cheap Chinese cords. I figure they are in the business to rip you off.

1214.10.2012 16:45

Originally posted by LordRuss:
... I'm put off by the time limitations. It's for the holiday season only. Why couldn't this be policy? Rhetorical, I'm already aware of the possible answers.
When this became a Every Day store policy, I will buy from them. Thx.

Verbatim 100 DVD-R = $24 same as Amazon.
This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 14 Oct 2012 @ 5:06

1314.10.2012 22:28

Originally posted by LordRuss:
Instant gratification has always been my deal. If I can get it in the here & now, all the better. Not to mention, if the item goes 'tits-up' it can be virtually immediately exchanged for a working one. It's the haggle/bitching I really get tired of.

I agree with you on the "instant gratification" part, especially when making a major purchase. I almost bought a new laptop today, at BB. I found one I liked, and wanted to pay and go. I talked to one of their floor people, and was told that there was a ten minute waiting list. I just wanted to pay and go. I didn't need tech support, or a discussion of features. I wasn't interested in any additions to my purchase. I was making a major purchase, not buying a pizza. Needless to say, a major purchase was not made today, and I walked out the door.
This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 14 Oct 2012 @ 10:30

1415.10.2012 00:34

Originally posted by Mez:
Originally posted by joebloe12:
Well you STILL have to pay TAX at a brick and mortar store. Don't forget that.
Yes but shipping is usually more expensive than taxes. The last thing I bought there and then returned was an HD cord supposedly on sale for a descent price. It didn't ring up that way but I was in a hurry my wife was waiting in the car. Our next stop was home depot. I got it for half what the sale price was supposed to be. Home Depot is not bargain city both cords were cheap Chinese cords. I figure they are in the business to rip you off.
It all depends on where you live as far as shipping vs taxes.

1515.10.2012 16:00

Originally posted by phobet:
Originally posted by LordRuss:
Instant gratification has always been my deal. If I can get it in the here & now, all the better. Not to mention, if the item goes 'tits-up' it can be virtually immediately exchanged for a working one. It's the haggle/bitching I really get tired of.

I agree with you on the "instant gratification" part, especially when making a major purchase. I almost bought a new laptop today, at BB. I found one I liked, and wanted to pay and go. I talked to one of their floor people, and was told that there was a ten minute waiting list. I just wanted to pay and go. I didn't need tech support, or a discussion of features. I wasn't interested in any additions to my purchase. I was making a major purchase, not buying a pizza. Needless to say, a major purchase was not made today, and I walked out the door.
That's because of the attachment rate of buying a computer or laptop. They want to sell you all of the cords, discs, printer (and paper and ink) bag, mouse, surge protector... then they take you to the geek counter and try to sell you more stuff. And a warranty. And their loyalty program.

Oh and I used to work there for 4 years while in college. Employees are like a cult and live in fear of not "doing their job" and selling you the juiced up accessories (the juice is in the price, as with the cord mentioned above.) Making a dollar or a sale is fine and dandy, but typically "no" isn't taken for an answer and though many employees from my era are still working there, I'd avoid the place like the plague.

Similar note is their process of picking up online orders, of which, they'll still try to upsell you on stuff. If you do order online, it's worth shipping it to avoid the store altogether IMO.

1615.10.2012 16:10

Originally posted by SProdigy:
Originally posted by phobet:
Originally posted by LordRuss:
Instant gratification has always been my deal. If I can get it in the here & now, all the better. Not to mention, if the item goes 'tits-up' it can be virtually immediately exchanged for a working one. It's the haggle/bitching I really get tired of.

I agree with you on the "instant gratification" part, especially when making a major purchase. I almost bought a new laptop today, at BB. I found one I liked, and wanted to pay and go. I talked to one of their floor people, and was told that there was a ten minute waiting list. I just wanted to pay and go. I didn't need tech support, or a discussion of features. I wasn't interested in any additions to my purchase. I was making a major purchase, not buying a pizza. Needless to say, a major purchase was not made today, and I walked out the door.
That's because of the attachment rate of buying a computer or laptop. They want to sell you all of the cords, discs, printer (and paper and ink) bag, mouse, surge protector... then they take you to the geek counter and try to sell you more stuff. And a warranty. And their loyalty program.

Oh and I used to work there for 4 years while in college. Employees are like a cult and live in fear of not "doing their job" and selling you the juiced up accessories (the juice is in the price, as with the cord mentioned above.) Making a dollar or a sale is fine and dandy, but typically "no" isn't taken for an answer and though many employees from my era are still working there, I'd avoid the place like the plague.

Similar note is their process of picking up online orders, of which, they'll still try to upsell you on stuff. If you do order online, it's worth shipping it to avoid the store altogether IMO.
I also worked at Best Buy back in 90's and the management would write you up if you did not sell enough service plans or accessories. Now when I do shop there I tell them I used to work for BestBuy so I know all about the PSPs or whatever they call them now. When I bought my TV recently there recently I had the salesman argue with me when I told them I have a plan through DirecTV that covers my TVs and any other electronics that can be used to stream direcTV all for $20 a month. He said that didn't exist but I had him look it up on the website.

I did not buy any cables or accessories because I am not dishing out $40+ for an HDMI cable.


1715.10.2012 16:20

Originally posted by bobiroc:
Originally posted by SProdigy:
Originally posted by phobet:
Originally posted by LordRuss:
Instant gratification has always been my deal. If I can get it in the here & now, all the better. Not to mention, if the item goes 'tits-up' it can be virtually immediately exchanged for a working one. It's the haggle/bitching I really get tired of.

I agree with you on the "instant gratification" part, especially when making a major purchase. I almost bought a new laptop today, at BB. I found one I liked, and wanted to pay and go. I talked to one of their floor people, and was told that there was a ten minute waiting list. I just wanted to pay and go. I didn't need tech support, or a discussion of features. I wasn't interested in any additions to my purchase. I was making a major purchase, not buying a pizza. Needless to say, a major purchase was not made today, and I walked out the door.
That's because of the attachment rate of buying a computer or laptop. They want to sell you all of the cords, discs, printer (and paper and ink) bag, mouse, surge protector... then they take you to the geek counter and try to sell you more stuff. And a warranty. And their loyalty program.

Oh and I used to work there for 4 years while in college. Employees are like a cult and live in fear of not "doing their job" and selling you the juiced up accessories (the juice is in the price, as with the cord mentioned above.) Making a dollar or a sale is fine and dandy, but typically "no" isn't taken for an answer and though many employees from my era are still working there, I'd avoid the place like the plague.

Similar note is their process of picking up online orders, of which, they'll still try to upsell you on stuff. If you do order online, it's worth shipping it to avoid the store altogether IMO.
I also worked at Best Buy back in 90's and the management would write you up if you did not sell enough service plans or accessories. Now when I do shop there I tell them I used to work for BestBuy so I know all about the PSPs or whatever they call them now. When I bought my TV recently there recently I had the salesman argue with me when I told them I have a plan through DirecTV that covers my TVs and any other electronics that can be used to stream direcTV all for $20 a month. He said that didn't exist but I had him look it up on the website.

I did not buy any cables or accessories because I am not dishing out $40+ for an HDMI cable.


It was pretty bad when employees wouldn't even use their discount on stuff there, like USB cables for example, because you could buy them online far cheaper.

1815.10.2012 16:52

Originally posted by SProdigy:
It was pretty bad when employees wouldn't even use their discount on stuff there, like USB cables for example, because you could buy them online far cheaper.
A sad day indeed when an employee has no perks from their job. What's the motivation to better the company if nothing more than to keep your job? Seems to me that's more of a recipe for destruction from within.

1915.10.2012 18:47

Originally posted by LordRuss:
Originally posted by SProdigy:
It was pretty bad when employees wouldn't even use their discount on stuff there, like USB cables for example, because you could buy them online far cheaper.
A sad day indeed when an employee has no perks from their job. What's the motivation to better the company if nothing more than to keep your job? Seems to me that's more of a recipe for destruction from within.
Capitalism & Corporations Agenda Fuc**** employees, customers & everybody in between, now on days; in the name of GREED.
Welcome to the post 2010 #CitizensUnited :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citizens_United
This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 16 Oct 2012 @ 4:31

2016.10.2012 00:40

Wow I didn't even know "showrooming" was even a term. I do this all the time, why not.

2116.10.2012 03:15

the old sell them everything trick.they want a tv or a computer and you sell them $300 worth of accessories they dont actually need.We dont have best buy where i live not even sure if we have them in australia but we have dicksmiths electronics and they try to sell you every accessory in the store with a simple purchased.alot of places do.best thing to do know what you want and how much your willing to pay for it.

i went in eb games for a hdmi cable for my ps3 and it was $38 i think.went in supermarket and checked out there electronics and got 1 for $6.99.could of possibly got it cheaper had i spent time looking around or shoppped online but the quality on this 1 looked good and $6.99 isnt that bad of a price.

2218.10.2012 11:07

This should've been this way all along -- now that it is, it still won't get me in a Worst Buy store. I'm a member of Amazon Prime, which gives me free two-day shipping and their products are almost always cheaper than Worst Buy and their return policy is night and day better. Even when Worst Buy advertises a sale, every time I go there (even at opening on the first day of the sale), the sale item is always out of stock. Coincidentally, they have a similar model in stock that's not on sale though...classic bait and switch.

I can't believe they're still in business. I really don't know how they are. I have a house full of electronics and I've never made a major purchase at Best Buy. I can't remember the last time I bought anything from there -- it's been at least two years since I stepped foot into the store.

2318.10.2012 11:14

GernBlan I agree with you. I have many minor accessories and electronics I purchased during my time there, but I also have 4 HDTV's of various sizes that were not bought there. I have one laptop I bought open item when I was there and that's it. (Not even usuable anymore!) I build my own computers, so I would never overpay for that either. Heck, even when iPods were the rage, I went directly to Apple for it. They're not the least bit interested in selling you stuff they don't make much money on (music, video games, etc.) but if you try to get any big purchase item, they will try to mug you right in the store. It's sickening.

2421.10.2012 11:34

Originally posted by Mrguss:
Capitalism & Corporations Agenda Fuc**** employees, customers & everybody in between, now on days; in the name of GREED.
Welcome to the post 2010 #CitizensUnited :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citizens_United
I don't even think you can call it Capitalism any more. What i grew up with back in the late 60s-70s was the tail end of true Capitalism. Like the death of muscle cars & the invention of bad pornos, it reared it's "Basket Case" head somewhere in the early 80s.

What we have today is a complete mutation/bastardization of capitalism. So much so I haven't the slightest idea what to name it. But being an educated man, it should start with a proper 4 letter slur that would make a sailor blush.

2521.10.2012 17:17

It's generally referred to as "corporatism".

2622.10.2012 15:16

Originally posted by GernBlan:
This should've been this way all along -- now that it is, it still won't get me in a Worst Buy store. I'm a member of Amazon Prime, which gives me free two-day shipping and their products are almost always cheaper than Worst Buy and their return policy is night and day better.
While I don't disagree with your assessment and comparison, I'm wondering how you manage or navigate Amazon's return policies. I also have Amazon Prime and love it. But how do you return things without incurring a shipping cost back and restock fees?


2722.10.2012 21:55

Originally posted by hohum:
Originally posted by GernBlan:
This should've been this way all along -- now that it is, it still won't get me in a Worst Buy store. I'm a member of A-mazon Prime, which gives me free two-day shipping and their products are almost always cheaper than Worst Buy and their return policy is night and day better.
While I don't disagree with your assessment and comparison, I'm wondering how you manage or navigate Amazon's return policies. I also have SPAM and love it. But how do you return things without incurring a shipping cost back and restock fees?


A poorly disguised attempt at spamming, and I fixed the quotes, in my reply, so the link is dead.

Reported
This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 22 Oct 2012 @ 9:56

2822.10.2012 22:15

..? I noticed no active links in either referenced post. o.O'

2922.10.2012 23:56

Originally posted by GrandpaBW:
Originally posted by hohum:
Originally posted by GernBlan:
This should've been this way all along -- now that it is, it still won't get me in a Worst Buy store. I'm a member of A-mazon Prime, which gives me free two-day shipping and their products are almost always cheaper than Worst Buy and their return policy is night and day better.
While I don't disagree with your assessment and comparison, I'm wondering how you manage or navigate Amazon's return policies. I also have SPAM and love it. But how do you return things without incurring a shipping cost back and restock fees?


A poorly disguised attempt at spamming, and I fixed the quotes, in my reply, so the link is dead.

Reported
Err, I didn't put any links into my post... I was asking a genuine question, sir.

More than likely, AfterDawn advertising plan now includes SkimWords, which is an in-text advertising solution.

3023.10.2012 04:29

Originally posted by hohum:
Originally posted by GrandpaBW:
Originally posted by hohum:
Originally posted by GernBlan:
This should've been this way all along -- now that it is, it still won't get me in a Worst Buy store. I'm a member of A-mazon Prime, which gives me free two-day shipping and their products are almost always cheaper than Worst Buy and their return policy is night and day better.
While I don't disagree with your assessment and comparison, I'm wondering how you manage or navigate Amazon's return policies. I also have SPAM and love it. But how do you return things without incurring a shipping cost back and restock fees?


A poorly disguised attempt at spamming, and I fixed the quotes, in my reply, so the link is dead.

Reported
Err, I didn't put any links into my post... I was asking a genuine question, sir.

More than likely, AfterDawn advertising plan now includes SkimWords, which is an in-text advertising solution.

Yes, AD does do this. Many keywords bring up context-sensitive ad links.

3123.10.2012 05:54

In Canada, Best Buy's main rival is 'Future Shop'.
'Future Shop' is a wholly owned subsidiary of, ta-ra, Best Buy!

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