A Rant - Why Best Buy Sucks

I bought a stereo system when I bought my new car about six months ago. My husband and I were both laid off 5 months ago so I have not been able to pay for the system to be installed.

Fortunately, we got a tax refund that was more than enough to pay for the installation and still have plenty of money left over for bills and food. I had spoken to a Best Buy associate at the time but was unable to get an appointment set up.

A friend of mine thought he could install it for me before he knew what kind it was. When I showed him the system he told me he could only install audio and the one I bought has video also.

Today I called Best Buy to see if I could make an appointment or what would be the best time to come in. Keep in mind the closest Best Buy is over half an hour away. I called the store phone number and listened to the automated parts and waited for it to transfer to a customer service associate because there was no option for the installation department. It rang for over 2 minutes and still no one picked up. It didn't even transfer. So I hung up and tried again. Same thing, no answer. One more time, this time I pressed the option to speak to a sales associate. Still no answer.

I waited about half an hour and tired again. STILL no answer. I called back and pressed the option for the Geek Squad because car installation was listed under them on the Best Buy website. Finally, someone answered. Unfortunately, he was unable to help. He even sounded confused about my question. He transfered me to the car installation desk. No one answered there. I heard it transfer back to the Geek Squad desk who picked up the phone and then, without saying a word, transferred me back to the phone with no one there at the installation desk. Finally a guy named Frank answered. Here is the conversation we had:

Frank: "Thank you for calling Best Buy this is Frank"

Me: "Hello. I have a stereo system that I need installed. Do I make an appointment or what time do you close?"

Frank: "We close at 9pm tonight. You have to come in to make an appointment."

Me: "Well, I live kind of far away, so if I come in, will I be able to have the system installed tonight or will I have to come back?"

Frank: "You will have to come back. (Pause, then quietly) We are kinda booked tonight."

Me: So, I would have to drive all the way down there, make an appointment, leave, then come back for an appointment?"

Frank: "Yes."

Me: (Agitated and a bit sarcastic) Well, thanks! Bye!"

I could not believe it, although this is not the first time something like this has happened to me at Best Buy. I stopped buying things from them long ago, but I do not know anywhere else to go for the installation. I will find somewhere else now.

I guess the lesson here is this is what happens when there is no competition. Ever since Circuit City went out of business, the already poor service of Best Buy has gone way down. I urge everyone to avoid Best Buy and other store like it such as Wal*Mart. Tell your friends.