# Is this just a Best Buy thing, or is it universally done? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [May 12, 2010, 2:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-just-a-best-buy-thing-or-is-it-universally-done/539132 "2010-05-12T02:08:53Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 16\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![MTCicero](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a4c791/32.png) [@MTCicero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MTCicero)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2010, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-just-a-best-buy-thing-or-is-it-universally-done/539132/41 "2010-05-12T21:00:06Z")
> [@Wilbo523](#): > > You don’t even have a debit card? How do you exist in this world? 🙂 It was quite an adjustment at the beginning, believe me. ---
**Author:** ![MTCicero](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a4c791/32.png) [@MTCicero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MTCicero)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2010, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-just-a-best-buy-thing-or-is-it-universally-done/539132/42 "2010-05-12T21:05:26Z")
> [@Tastes\_of\_Chocolate](#): > > \ > So now for the real question. How many times did they ask you if you wanted the extended warranty? I think I counted three times. Twice by the guy who pretty much conducted the sale, and once by the guy who had to ring me up because I was paying with cash (😕). All in all, I feel like I got off easy. ---
**Author:** ![MTCicero](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a4c791/32.png) [@MTCicero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MTCicero)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2010, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-just-a-best-buy-thing-or-is-it-universally-done/539132/43 "2010-05-12T21:07:08Z")
> [@Kimmy\_Gibbler](#): > > I seriously doubt they would have forgone the sale if you refused to fill the form out. Best Buy is in the business of making money, not collecting personal information—even if, ideally, they’d like to do both. > > But then you wouldn’t have been able to turn on your heel and leave in a huff, I suppose. :dubious: O-kaay. Where exactly did I state that I left “in a huff”, pray tell? I think my exact words were, “Well, I think we’re gonna just keep looking and see what else is out there. But thanks for the info.” Sorry, though, if that, y’know, doesn’t fit with the narrative that you’ve constructed wherein I play the Asshole Customer. ---
**Author:** ![MTCicero](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a4c791/32.png) [@MTCicero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MTCicero)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2010, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-just-a-best-buy-thing-or-is-it-universally-done/539132/44 "2010-05-12T21:08:15Z")
> [@Hampshire](#): > > Did this mysterious paperwork have any sort of title on the page? > Rebate form? Geeksquad service form? Kapersky antivirus subscription? BestBuy reward zone membership? > My guess would be the reward zone membership which if that is the case he did a piss-poor job of telling you what it was. It’s in no way mandatory but is just a way for them to track what you purchase and where you live for marketing purposes. In return they give you a $5 gift card for every $250 you spend and mail/e-mail you advertising/offers. It sure did. The big, bold header was none other than the Geek Squad logo. (Surprise, surprise.) ---
**Author:** ![Omar\_Little](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omar_little/32/269_2.png) [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2010, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-just-a-best-buy-thing-or-is-it-universally-done/539132/45 "2010-05-12T21:21:59Z")
> [@MTCicero](#): > > 🙂 > > It was quite an adjustment at the beginning, believe me. Why avoid the debit card? Are you one of these people that doesn’t even have a bank account? Cash your paycheck each week at the liquor store and keep the cash you currently don’t need in a cigar box under your mattress? Bank accounts and debit cards don’t lead to debt. ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2010, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-just-a-best-buy-thing-or-is-it-universally-done/539132/46 "2010-05-12T21:37:04Z")
> [@Hampshire](#): > > Did this mysterious paperwork have any sort of title on the page? > Rebate form? Geeksquad service form? Kapersky antivirus subscription? BestBuy reward zone membership? > My guess would be the reward zone membership which if that is the case he did a piss-poor job of telling you what it was. It’s in no way mandatory but is just a way for them to track what you purchase and where you live for marketing purposes. In return they give you a $5 gift card for every $250 you spend and mail/e-mail you advertising/offers. I forgot about that! This sounds exactly right, and he (the clerk) probably has a quota of these he has to snag, and this was his pushy and inartful/stupid way of getting it done, vs doing the work of explaining it and getting shot down. You get a 1 percent of the purchase store credit. If you buy a lot of BB stuff it adds up. I get the occasional $10 and $15 Best Buy store credit voucher in my email and 10-12% off discount coupons every few months. It was explained to me and I readily agreed. ---
**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 12, 2010, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-just-a-best-buy-thing-or-is-it-universally-done/539132/47 "2010-05-12T21:42:43Z")
> [@MTCicero](#): > > It sure did. The big, bold header was none other than the Geek Squad logo. (Surprise, surprise.) Interesting. The only other thing I can think of is that every computer/laptop sold comes with an optional “free” setup by the geeksquad. They may have been doing some creative paperwork to take credit for having done the setup wether they actually performed it or not. ---
**Author:** ![Cardinal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cardinal/32/4000_2.png) [@Cardinal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardinal)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2010, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-just-a-best-buy-thing-or-is-it-universally-done/539132/48 "2010-05-12T22:24:02Z")
> [@Lynn\_Bodoni](#): > > And if I can’t make a purchase without giving my phone number, then I’m not making that purchase. HSBC: And we need to verify your work phone number to activate the credit card. Me: (Shoot, I gave them some jive number on the website that I can’t remember, so that they wouldn’t call me at work.) Um, I don’t know. HSBC: Your work number? Me: It’s just in my phone. I almost never call it. I’m driving. I don’t know it. (And I really don’t.) HSBC: Well, we need it to finish activating the card. Me: I teach school. Don’t call me at work about this stuff. HSBC: We won’t. Me: Then you don’t need the number. HSBC: Yes, we do. Me: Don’t call me at work. HSBC: We won’t, sir. Me: Then you don’t need it. HSBC: I must have it to proceed. Me: Just cancel the card then. And the little script monkey actually did it, instead of backing down or asking around the office if there was an alternative. Another of their call center people told me later that it shouldn’t be required, but forget them. I don’t need two credit cards anyway. ---
**Author:** ![elfkin477](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a9a28c/32.png) [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2010, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-just-a-best-buy-thing-or-is-it-universally-done/539132/49 "2010-05-12T22:30:04Z")
> [@MTCicero](#): > > Good idea, sir. ☹ Maybe I ought to send in a picture to the picture gallery. No one calls me sir in real life. ---
**Author:** ![Cardinal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cardinal/32/4000_2.png) [@Cardinal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardinal)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2010, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-just-a-best-buy-thing-or-is-it-universally-done/539132/50 "2010-05-12T22:30:51Z")
> [@Wilbo523](#): > > Why avoid the debit card? Are you one of these people that doesn’t even have a bank account? Cash your paycheck each week at the liquor store and keep the cash you currently don’t need in a cigar box under your mattress? It doesn’t need to be like that. Open a checking account, deposit the paycheck yourself or get automatic deposit, and cut up the debit card when it comes in the mail. Withdraw your week’s spending money on Monday by standing in line and filling out the withdrawal slip. I think the person indicated that it was a better reminder that money was leaving, to have to hand over paper and metal. It also means you can’t get charged for overdrafts. Those are major pain I’ve had before. I’ve even seen an article charging that old Washington Mutual was giving out free checking to draw in poorer customers, because they were likely to incur multiple $20 overdraft fees a year. ---
**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2010, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-just-a-best-buy-thing-or-is-it-universally-done/539132/51 "2010-05-13T00:55:01Z")
> [@StinkyBurrito](#): > > :dubious: So… just use your debit card. They accept those online too. > > I’d also look at [tigerdirect.com](http://tigerdirect.com) and [newegg.com](http://newegg.com) for some deals before you buy. Never buy online with a debit card. It does not have the same protections as a credit card. ---
**Author:** ![Superhal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b4bc9f/32.png) [@Superhal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superhal)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2010, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-just-a-best-buy-thing-or-is-it-universally-done/539132/52 "2010-05-13T03:10:28Z")
BestBuy is the 2nd most evil company in the world next to Walmart. ---
**Author:** ![handsomeharry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e9c0ed/32.png) [@handsomeharry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/handsomeharry)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2010, 3:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-just-a-best-buy-thing-or-is-it-universally-done/539132/53 "2010-05-13T03:54:06Z")
> [@Satchmo](#): > > That’s pretty unethical, isn’t it? Not even close. Walmart is about 90 percent uniform in their products. So, if you buy a purple clock from them at one store, the other store will have it. Next, if you go to CS and tell them that you bought a product at another store, and may you return it there, they will look at you like you are a retard, and nod their heads as one would to a not too bright child, and say 'Sure, we do that all of the time." Well, they won’t say that, but, they will think it. They won’t say anything at all, just wonder what planet you are from. Best wishes, hh ---
**Author:** ![AClockworkMelon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aclockworkmelon/32/10803_2.png) [@AClockworkMelon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AClockworkMelon)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2010, 5:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-just-a-best-buy-thing-or-is-it-universally-done/539132/54 "2010-05-13T05:46:48Z")
> [@handsomeharry](#): > > Not even close. > > Walmart is about 90 percent uniform in their products. > So, if you buy a purple clock from them at one store, the other store will have it. > > Next, if you go to CS and tell them that you bought a product at another store, and may you return it there, they will look at you like you are a retard, and nod their heads as one would to a not too bright child, and say 'Sure, we do that all of the time." Well, they won’t say that, but, they will think it. They won’t say anything at all, just wonder what planet you are from. > > Best wishes, > hh No, I didn’t mean I’ve returned items between different Wal-Marts. I’ve bought items at Gamestop, Best Buy, etc, and returned them at Wal-Mart. ---
**Author:** ![Tastes\_of\_Chocolate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tastes_of_chocolate/32/3232_2.png) [@Tastes\_of\_Chocolate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tastes_of_Chocolate)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2010, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-just-a-best-buy-thing-or-is-it-universally-done/539132/55 "2010-05-13T23:27:44Z")
> [@AClockworkMelon](#): > > No, I didn’t mean I’ve returned items between different Wal-Marts. I’ve bought items at Gamestop, Best Buy, etc, and returned them at Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart is very demanding of their suppliers. They have the size to do it. I don’t know about now, but 15 years ago, when you returned something to Wal-Mart, they turned around and returned it to their supplier. Since that left Wal-Mart with no liability, they were happy to take your return. It gave them a happy customer, without costing them much. That doesn’t have anything to do with the ethics of it, just an explaination of why Wal-Mart has had such a lenient return policy. ---
**Author:** ![AClockworkMelon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aclockworkmelon/32/10803_2.png) [@AClockworkMelon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AClockworkMelon)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2010, 5:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-just-a-best-buy-thing-or-is-it-universally-done/539132/56 "2010-05-14T05:51:11Z")
> [@Tastes\_of\_Chocolate](#): > > Wal-Mart is very demanding of their suppliers. They have the size to do it. I don’t know about now, but 15 years ago, when you returned something to Wal-Mart, they turned around and returned it to their supplier. Since that left Wal-Mart with no liability, they were happy to take your return. It gave them a happy customer, without costing them much. > > That doesn’t have anything to do with the ethics of it, just an explaination of why Wal-Mart has had such a lenient return policy. Oh, I’m sure they don’t take much of a hit at all. I have no problem admitting that it’s unethical, but it’s so small of a dot of unethical-ness that it doesn’t bother me at all. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-just-a-best-buy-thing-or-is-it-universally-done/539132.md?page=2)