Products we buy at Best Buy are usually commodities, we can find the same product, in the same box, with the same specifications, at (perhaps) a different price.
But those "rules" seem to change on Amazon's Prime Day. Every store selling similar items bends over backwards to match Amazon's price. Even me, a man who was put out of business by Amazon takes a look to see if something I want or need is on sale. But I hesitate because Amazon has problems.
It’s faced criticism and allegations of these practices:
Product Knockoffs / Business Impact: Amazon has been accused of copying seller’s products and using its platform's analytics to launch competing private-label products. That hurts competitive businesses.
Monopolistic Practices: Federal honchos allege Amazon engages in anti-competitive practices to maintain its super-dominance in e-commerce, such as promoting its own products over competitors in its search results and charging high fees to sellers to show up in the search if they want to.
Workers' Rights Violations: Unsafe working conditions, long hours. I don’t think I have to explain.
Tax Avoidance: Amazon has created complex tax structures to minimize corporate taxes. So, you’re paying taxes Amazon rightfully owes.
Privacy Violations: Some say they harvest and use customer data inappropriately.
Use of Conflict Minerals and Weak Supply Chains: Sourcing practices involving conflict minerals and questionable labor conditions.
Amazon's impact extends far and wide. But hey, we want our stuff in 2 days or less and at the lowest possible price, don’t we?
But I digress. I recently moved to Cleveland so I have a lot of stuff I've got to buy. For example, I left my vacuum cleaner behind (I wonder if it misses me.)
I looked at Amazon and determined the make and model I wanted, then I took a look at Best Buy’s web site. The identical vacuum was offered at the identical price as listed on Amazon. Also, if I ordered it yesterday afternoon I’d have it the next day—TODAY. And I did!
I ordered yesterday afternoon and had it in my hands at 10:43AM!
I think Best Buy subcontracts its local deliveries. I didn’t meet the driver but I think they’re smart enough to use NAS Logistics. The driver texted when he was on the way and then again when he arrived at my apartment complex. This complex is huge and tough to navigate (I'll bet that's why they call it "complex."). He arrived too early to access the package room so he had the good sense to take it to our mail room – and he texted me so I’d know. Smart guy.
I like Best Buy a lot. You can see and hold what you’re considering before you buy it. And you can ask questions knowing you won’t be pitched to buy more, or bigger, or newer. (or have your attention diverted with a popup that reads, "people like you also considered liquidized mouse droppings." What is a person "like me?")
(FYI, it's my understanding if you find something in a Best Buy store and see it advertised for less online, Best Buy will match the advertiser’s price.)
I was looking for a washer and dryer and found a great deal
The supervisors were polite and helpful, but the advisors are in need of serious customer service training.
Fast and easy. Bought Bambu X1C 3d printer. Had all the options I needed unlike a lot slimmed down deals online.