I recently visited Best Buy to look at a camera I was interested in purchasing. The model I wanted wasn’t available brand new at that location, but the associate informed me there was an open-box version available in the store for an $800 discount. When I asked if I could see it, he flat out told me there was “no way” he would let me view it because it was a $3,000 item.
When I asked if he was insinuating that I might steal it, he said he had “seen items stolen before.” This response was not only unprofessional but deeply offensive. I felt singled out and unfairly judged, especially since Best Buy’s own policy encourages customers to visit stores and inspect open-box items prior to purchase. Being denied the chance to view a product that was sitting in the same location, under the guise of “security concerns,” felt discriminatory and unacceptable.
This experience left me feeling disrespected and unwelcome. For a company that emphasizes customer trust and experience, this interaction was the opposite. I truly hope Best Buy takes this matter seriously and ensures customers are treated fairly, with respect and without bias.