Good prices on out of box appliances. New condition for the most part.
I am a long time Best Buy customer who has purchased all of my appliances from Best Buy and helped family and friends do so as well. I had always had a great experience until 04/05/2025 at the Best Buy Outlet in Bowie Maryland.
A young man helped us when we arrived and I narrowed down the models based on features, taking a photo in order to keep track of contenders. I selected a model, however the rep stated that he needed to go to the restroom and left. After a while another rep approached and said he would help. I pointed out the model we selected, however I noticed the electronic display called it a "side by side" yet it was a "french door" model. The cost was $1199. He confirmed this and tried to look up the cost and update the frame. He told me the cost was $1686 because the condition was excellent with no marks. I pointed out the gashes and scratches on the side and door. I looked up the price using the Best Buy website, by model number, and open box price and found that in this condition it was $1584 in "good condition", which matched the sticker assessment inside the door frame. He called another employee over who set the price to be $1884 and destroyed the other stickers.
Despite looking up the model number on the Best Buy website, they would not accept the price shown. There were numerous stickers that were in conflict, not to mention the price frame. They would not look up the model number.
The price on the unit started at $1199, was quoted $1584 and it ended up at $1884, despite the website price, all before adding GeekSquad services that I always purchase. What's more, the "regular" price on the electronic price board does not reflect the regular price on the website.
I don't know how pricing is set in an outlet, however such variability that does not match the website and changed at whim after accepting to purchase creates a confusing used car sales type vibe that is a huge turnoff.
I ended up leaving and am so disturbed by how poorly this reflects on Best Buy. I don't know if I can shop at Best Buy again.
UPDATE:
I was contacted by Best Buy Customer Service when they replied to this review, so I followed up with complete details, including my personal details so they could verify what I told them.
What did they do? They said we will make notes about my concerns. I asked about purchasing at the advertised price without runaround and was told to just go to another store. No attempt to offer the price or any kind of discount.
It took a lot of effort to document and provide all of the details to attempt to stop a potential theft ring in their store, not to mention poor customer service. They did nothing to make this right.
I have decided to use Home Depot or Lowes who have at least equal pricing, but they dont dollar you to death for delivery, setup, haul away and a significantly lower price for a 5 year add on service contract.
Response from Best Buy Outlet
April 21, 2025
Hello there,
Visiting the outlet and seeing inconstance pricing on the appliance is upsetting. Please reach out through social media private links. To further discus the interaction and pricing issue that occurred in the store.
When you are reaching out mention "Google Review 65061711", provide details about your review, along with your full name, email, and phone number.
Facebook (http://facebook.com/BestBuy)
Twitter/X (http://twitter.com/BestBuySupport)
Instagram (http://instagram.com/BestBuy)
Here to assist,
^Jay