# Best Buy Bastards! I don't want a freakin' replacement plan! **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [May 22, 2004, 7:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-buy-bastards-i-dont-want-a-freakin-replacement-plan/246501 "2004-05-22T07:48:06Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 14\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![Sauron](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce7236/32.png) [@Sauron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sauron)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2004, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-buy-bastards-i-dont-want-a-freakin-replacement-plan/246501/81 "2004-05-25T13:57:16Z")
> [@Brainiac4](#): > > Second, whether or not you want to believe it, it really is data tracking. They (like any retailer, especially big ones) want to know about their customers so they can make predictions about them. Part of understanding you is knowing where you live – at least roughly (by zip code) – so they can figure out how far you drive to go to a Best Buy. > > That tells them interesting things. If you shop at a Best Buy that is not the one nearest to you, that might indicate you’re shopping near where you work. Or it might indicate that you have a preference for one over another – not all Best Buys are the same. Also, knowing whether there is a Circuit City or a Target that you could have shopped at instead is a useful piece of information. I’m in marketing, so I understand the basis of what you’re saying. However, ZIP code information gathered at the store is essentially worthless. Why? Well, look at the variables you just threw out in your post. The store has my home ZIP code. Great. But I’m shopping at the store across town. Why? Well, as you said, maybe this store is close to my workplace. Maybe I was in that area of town when I remembered that I’d promised my child a video game, and I popped in the closest store to buy it. Maybe my butt was on fire, and while using the hydrant outside the store to douse the flames I suddenly decided to buy a computer. The point is, the company has NO EARTHLY WAY of knowing why I went into that particular store, and without that knowledge the ZIP code info is about as useful as a broken fire hydrant when your buttocks are smoldering. If Best Buy (and other retailers) want meaingful demographic data on customers, there are multitudes of ways to gather it. Pissing off actual customers who want to give the company money is among the single most ineffective ways to do it. The only reason Best Buy uses this tactic is its monetary cost, which is zero. What they don’t understand is the cost in customer goodwill, which is considerable. ---
**Author:** ![MsWhatsit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eb8c5e/32.png) [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2004, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-buy-bastards-i-dont-want-a-freakin-replacement-plan/246501/82 "2004-05-25T14:30:29Z")
> [@Sauron](#): > > Maybe my butt was on fire, and while using the hydrant outside the store to douse the flames I suddenly decided to buy a computer. This is, hands-down, the funniest thing I’ve read in weeks. I am going to attempt to relate it to MrWhatsit when he gets home, but suspect that snorts of laughter may hinder my progress. On topic: I hate Best Buy for reasons already gone to in detail in this thread, and will not shop there for pretty much any reason, whether my butt happens to be on fire near one of their stores, or not. ---
**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2004, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-buy-bastards-i-dont-want-a-freakin-replacement-plan/246501/83 "2004-05-25T15:16:58Z")
> [@Sauron](#): > > If Best Buy (and other retailers) want meaingful demographic data on customers, there are multitudes of ways to gather it. Pissing off actual customers who want to give the company money is among the single most ineffective ways to do it. The only reason Best Buy uses this tactic is its monetary cost, which is zero. What they don’t understand is the cost in customer goodwill, which is considerable. This is a fair point, and I won’t argue with you about it, since marketing is your bag, not mine. OTOH, people here are not upset that their time is being wasted for a largely ineffective marketing survey. They are upset that their “privacy is being violated”, and insult people who willingly participate in said survey by calling them “slave” and a “corporate dream come true”. If it was just a time wasting thing, they (like I) would most likely just fire off a zip code (real or imaginary) and be done with it. Instead, they prefer to argue with the minimum wage clerk and waste even more time. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2004, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-buy-bastards-i-dont-want-a-freakin-replacement-plan/246501/84 "2004-05-25T15:31:37Z")
> [@Cheesesteak](#): > > OTOH, people here are not upset that their time is being wasted for a largely ineffective marketing survey. They are upset that their “privacy is being violated”, and insult people who willingly participate in said survey by calling them “slave” and a “corporate dream come true”. Since the latter quote is from me, it would be helpful if you read the entire post that inspired it, notably _“I’d let them install cameras in every room of my house if they thought that such research could better my living experience.”_ That goes a wee bit beyond filling out a survey\*. > [@](#): > > If it was just a time wasting thing, they (like I) would most likely just fire off a zip code (real or imaginary) and be done with it. Instead, they prefer to argue with the minimum wage clerk and waste even more time. Saying “No” takes even less time than reeling off a zip code. I would rather go elsewhere to shop than argue, but I also recognize that passivity just means more of these annoyances will proliferate. \*this and remarks by **caphis** about having a chip implanted and the like are probably designed more to fetch a response than a reflection of actual beliefs. ---
**Author:** ![Sauron](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce7236/32.png) [@Sauron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sauron)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2004, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-buy-bastards-i-dont-want-a-freakin-replacement-plan/246501/85 "2004-05-25T15:59:54Z")
> [@Cheesesteak](#): > > This is a fair point, and I won’t argue with you about it, since marketing is your bag, not mine. OTOH, people here are not upset that their time is being wasted for a largely ineffective marketing survey. They are upset that their “privacy is being violated”, and insult people who willingly participate in said survey by calling them “slave” and a “corporate dream come true”. If it was just a time wasting thing, they (like I) would most likely just fire off a zip code (real or imaginary) and be done with it. Instead, they prefer to argue with the minimum wage clerk and waste even more time. You’re correct that no real personal data is being gathered when a ZIP code is provided. I also agree that it’s not a privacy violation. My problem with gathering this data is it’s stupid. I would honestly be interested to see what sort of tactical and/or logistical changes are being made by Best Buy corporate (or any other retailer) based solely on ZIP code data gathered by clerks at checkout stands. I would be willing to wager considerable sums of money that any such decision would be wrong. For one thing, we know that many customers will give incorrect ZIP code information, either intentionally or not. But even if the information is correct, what exactly do we gain from knowing it? I seriously doubt that Best Buy is going to stock a store differently based solely on ZIP code data. It would also be foolish of them to open a new location solely based on ZIP codes of current customers, as I mentioned earlier. So, we (in our role as Best Buy Marketing VP) have a data-gathering process that serves no purpose. We know that this process upsets a percentage of our actual, in-the-store customer base, because we get letters about it. We know that each letter actually written represents a higher percentage of people who don’t like the process, but aren’t hacked off enough to write. So, the obvious decision in this scenario is to incent our managers to push the ZIP-code gathering process as much as possible, right? If you can’t spot the logical disconnect in the previous paragraph, please send me your ZIP code. I’m creating a geographical representation of ignorance in the U.S. I’m guessing the concentration will be highest around the corporate HQ of Best Buy. ---
**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2004, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-buy-bastards-i-dont-want-a-freakin-replacement-plan/246501/86 "2004-05-25T16:22:36Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > Great God Almighty - I can’t _believe_ what I am reading here. > > Get the book _1984_ by George Orwell and read it. > > Or just consider the US citizen who was arrested, publically linked to the Madrid bombings, his reputation ruined, his family subjected to death threats - _all because the FBI made a mistake about fingerprints!_ “Uh, like, sorry dude, we’re sorry we fucked up and now your reputation is mud and everyone who watches CNN thinks your a terrorist. We’re sorry. Hope no one turns vigilante in your neighborhood. Buh-bye”. > > The people installing the surveillance cameras and taking down your personal information do not have YOUR interests in mind. Believe it, **Broomstick**. **Caphis** is the _ **perfect** _ slave. He doesn’t even put up a fight. Quite the opposite; he _ **wants** _ to be a slave. He’s the quintessential pod person. There are many robots that live among us. They Do As They’re Told[sup]TM[/sup] according to dictates handed down from their government and corporate Gods. **Caphis** is just one of them. ---
**Author:** ![Hampshire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hampshire/32/4887_2.png) [@Hampshire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hampshire)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2004, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-buy-bastards-i-dont-want-a-freakin-replacement-plan/246501/87 "2004-05-25T17:55:47Z")
I don’t give out my zip code! Know why? Because then they’ll know all about you, then they’ll start to follow you. They’re watching you know. Those evil corporations! First it’s a zip code, what’s next, will they want to know who i’ve slept with over the past 10 years! When I don’t give my zip code I know they’re watching me on their hidden cameras going “Bah! The rebels have foiled us again! Until I can get their precious zip code we will never achieve earth domination!” But seriously. If you don’t want to give your zip code then don’t. The cashier will give you a big :o and the company will give you a big :o while you leave thinking you really stuck it to the man. Find a real cause you paranoid losers. ---
**Author:** ![Ms2001](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ms2001/32/18463_2.png) [@Ms2001](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ms2001)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2004, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-buy-bastards-i-dont-want-a-freakin-replacement-plan/246501/88 "2004-05-25T21:10:44Z")
> [@Hampshire](#): > > But seriously. If you don’t want to give your zip code then don’t. The cashier will give you a big :o and the company will give you a big :o Shit, they’re giving out oral sex at Best Buy now? Guess I know where I’m stopping before work. ---
**Author:** ![vetbridge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b5e925/32.png) [@vetbridge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vetbridge)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2004, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-buy-bastards-i-dont-want-a-freakin-replacement-plan/246501/89 "2004-05-25T22:02:16Z")
> [@Hampshire](#): > > I don’t give out my zip code! I do, however the zip code I give is “12345”. I usually get a strange look, but that is about it. I guess they are not gonna accuse me of supplying false info. Is there a 12345 zipcode? ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Blue\_Sky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d26b3c/32.png) [@Mr.Blue\_Sky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Blue_Sky)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2004, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-buy-bastards-i-dont-want-a-freakin-replacement-plan/246501/90 "2004-05-25T22:33:02Z")
> [@vetbridge](#): > > I do, however the zip code I give is “12345”. I usually get a strange look, but that is about it. I guess they are not gonna accuse me of supplying false info. > > Is there a 12345 zipcode? [Yes](http://www.downloadzipcode.com/NY/12345/) ---
**Author:** ![Green\_Cymbeline](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/green_cymbeline/32/9244_2.png) [@Green\_Cymbeline](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Green_Cymbeline)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2004, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-buy-bastards-i-dont-want-a-freakin-replacement-plan/246501/91 "2004-05-25T22:36:50Z")
Speak of the devil. From today’s Washington Post: [**Consummate Consumer: Unwarranted Warranties**](http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A53168-2004May24.html) > [@](#): > > When Carole Sargent bought a $300 Hewlett-Packard All in One printer/fax machine/copier last year from Best Buy at Potomac Yard, the salesman pitched a $99 three-year “performance service plan,” and she bit. > > “Three more years seemed generous for only a hundred bucks,” says Sargent, who had concerns the combo office machine for her Alexandria publishing agency, A Word in Time, might be prone to problems. And it was. After a year, it didn’t align ink cartridges properly and wouldn’t make photo-quality prints. > > But her extended warranty covers such things, right? > > Sargent thought so. She took the printer back to Best Buy in March for repair. After three weeks, a service manager told her they couldn’t find anything wrong. Oh . . . and she owed $24.95. > > “Best Buy has a nifty way to make $25 without actually doing anything for it,” Sargent says. “If they can’t figure out what’s wrong with your printer or copier, zap! You owe $25 . . . [and] your equipment will still be broken.” > > Best Buy spokesman Jay Musolf says that when technicians can’t find the problem, the warranty does not cover the service cost. It’s in the fine print section along with repairs the plan doesn’t cover, such as damage due to spilled liquids, insect infestation, misuse or abuse, and unauthorized fixes. > > “We do not cover ‘no fault found’ diagnosis. That means that a customer is charged a $24.95 fee to cover standard costs for shipping and diagnosing products,” Musolf says, explaining that the policy discourages unnecessary repairs. “Frankly, it’s not a common occurrence, because the vast majority of items brought in as defective can be diagnosed as such.” > > … > > Robert Krughoff, president of the Consumers’ Checkbook, a nonprofit magazine that rates products and services in this and other metropolitan areas, says there are reasons other than the fine-print gotchas not to buy extended warranties. “It is almost always a bad idea,” he says. ---
**Author:** ![Bongmaster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Bongmaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bongmaster)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2004, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-buy-bastards-i-dont-want-a-freakin-replacement-plan/246501/92 "2004-05-28T19:57:46Z")
> [@caphis](#): > > The zip code thing is harmless, to begin with, because it’s just data tracking. Who comes how far for what, and where new stores should be put. The end. > > As far as your phone number, address, etc… I’d really recommend just giving it to them. So we are to believe that Best Buy in all its benevolent gratitude to its loyal customers would NEVER sell or use our personal data for financial gain? PLLLLEEEAASSSSEEEEE! ---
**Author:** ![5que](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/5/3bc359/32.png) [@5que](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/5que)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2004, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-buy-bastards-i-dont-want-a-freakin-replacement-plan/246501/93 "2004-05-28T20:25:54Z")
> [@Mr2001](#): > > Shit, they’re giving out oral sex at Best Buy now? Guess I know where I’m stopping before work. Even if my butt _isn’t_ on fire!! ---
**Author:** ![Early\_Out](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Early\_Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Early_Out)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2004, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-buy-bastards-i-dont-want-a-freakin-replacement-plan/246501/94 "2004-05-29T00:38:21Z")
> [@Bongmaster](#): > > So we are to believe that Best Buy in all its benevolent gratitude to its loyal customers would NEVER sell or use our personal data for financial gain? > > PLLLLEEEAASSSSEEEEE! Yeah, I hear that bootleg zipcodes are fetching as much as $5 apiece on the black market. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-buy-bastards-i-dont-want-a-freakin-replacement-plan/246501.md?page=4)