Best Buy & Geek Squad Policies

[jshaase]

Pretty upset with this very limited return window.  Probably the most limiting return policy I have ever seen.  Now I'm stuck with a camera bag I don't want. 

[Mbrguy Emerging Expert]

It took you a MONTH to realize all the sudden "Oh wait, I don't want that" ?

30 days is a very generous return policy, but of course those who find themselves outside that window will almost ALWAYS think otherwise.

[jshaase]

I was traveling and couldn't get to the store. But if look around, you will very rarely find a store with such a strict policy. Especially for this type of product.

[Rrrrrrr]

Lets see.

B&H is 30 days

Adorama is 30 days

Calumet photo is 14 days

Wolf/Ritz is 30 days for most things 14 for others.

And this took a whole 5 min to find out of the major camera stores.  My local store is 14 days period.

[countrygamer]

Walmart actually has a longer return policy as long as item isn't opened. I know this first hand

[Yellowsubmarine]

There will always be people unhappy with the return policy, no matter how long it is. You cant please everyone and I personally feel 30 days is quite reasonable, and the norm.

[jshaase]

not sure why this person is taking such an interest - i assume employed by best buy.  your examples are all shops that won't be lasting long with competitors like best buy and the internet. even with 30 day return policies, there is usually an option for credit, which is fine.  very simple, I consider buying these types of products at 3 stores and will do so in the future.

Target: 90 days

Costco: 90 days

REI: Indefinite

[CrimsonRain]

Everyone is entitled to their opinion.

[Rrrrrrr]

Please do tell B&H that they wont last long. Considering they are the HOLY GRAIL for photographers buying gear ONLINE. 

[deusexmachina Valued Contributor]

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jshaase wrote:

not sure why this person is taking such an interest - i assume employed by best buy.  your examples are all shops that won't be lasting long with competitors like best buy and the internet. even with 30 day return policies, there is usually an option for credit, which is fine.  very simple, I consider buying these types of products at 3 stores and will do so in the future.

Target: 90 days

Costco: 90 days

REI: Indefinite

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Find a store that sells a majority of electronics with a 90 day return period...  A Justin Bieber shirt from Target will still be a Justin Bieber shirt 90 days from now worth the same amount of money (hopefully less because people realize he is horrible).  However, an $800 laptop will be worth $400 in 90 days. That is why Target offers a 45 day return period on electronics vs. other products.

As soon as stores like Target start selling more electronics, they will lower their return period for those products to cut the erosion costs of taking back old and out dated products. Right now, they can get away with such a lax 45 day return period because of how much money they make on clothing, food, and other high margin products. It's the same way with every store that sells mainly "X"... but also sells some electronics.