Best Buy Encinitas

Best Buy is consistently staffed with smart, knowledgeable and friendly staff. I wish all retail was held to this standard.

I want to start by saying that I never write reviews. I’ve worked in customer service and retail before, so I completely understand how tough those jobs can be. Because of that, I always make an effort to be patient and kind — I’m not the type to make anyone’s day harder. That said, I had a truly frustrating experience at the Encinitas Best Buy. I ordered a TV online that unfortunately arrived damaged — a bummer, but these things happen. I took it to the Encinitas store to return it, only to be told they don’t do online returns and that I’d need to call customer service, especially for damaged items. That felt odd, but I called customer service anyway. Customer service assured me I could return it in-store and just needed to show my barcode. So I came back (carrying a 50-inch TV) and an employee said he could help. But then the manager came over and told me they would not accept the return and to call customer service again. I explained that customer service had specifically told me to return it in-store, and he still refused — insisting no Best Buy would take an online damaged return and that it was up to the manager’s discretion. I calmly asked what I should do if customer service again directed me to come back, and he flatly said he still wouldn’t take it. This all happened in front of other customers, and as a young woman, his tone and demeanor made me feel incredibly uncomfortable, disrespected, and honestly unsafe. I even said, “Sir, I’m really not trying to cause a scene; I’m just trying to understand why you won’t take the return.” Again, I worked in retail, I fully understand sales of the day and making LY (this was literally only a $200 TV). Feeling defeated, I decided to try another store — Carmel Mountain Best Buy — and what a difference. The manager, Chris S, was kind, professional, and understanding. He processed the return without issue and even confirmed that there’s no such policy preventing stores from taking online damaged returns. To my Encinitas friends — skip that location. Drive to Carmel Mountain instead. It’s absolutely worth it for the professionalism and kindness you’ll receive there

Diego! I know this location is smaller than most, but our experience was an A+ because of our sales rep, Diego. He was so knowledgeable and friendly and helpful! I wish every sales rep could take a lesson from Diego. We purchased an Oura ring and a tv mount. We will definitely go back to this Best Buy and hopefully, Diego will be available to help us again. They happen to have precisely the espresso machine I want for Christmas!

My favorite store.