A Good Buy -- You Bet
Written: Oct 12 '01 (Updated Jul 01 '03)
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The Bottom Line
It is easy to set up an account and use the "think about it" feature for future purchases.
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| Full Review |
THE SEARCH IS ON
At the end of April of this year I had decided to shop around to purchase my first DVD player and as luck would have it, my first choice was not a good one. I purchased a model that was on sale at another retailer and since it was a used model, it did not work correctly. After much frustration, I decided to take it back to the store and go out on the hunt again. My adventures at one point took me to a local Best Buy store but I did not find the particular model I was looking for (Toshiba Dual Tray, Model SD-2150). As I was surfing online, I decided to take a look at Best Buy.com as I had not investigated the site previously.
THE SITE
In taking a look at the Best Buy.com website, you could choose to view items in many categories, including Computers, Telephones, Music, Movies, Software, Video Games and of course Home Audio and Video. I do want to point out that I recently have taken a look at the site and have noticed that an Appliance category has been added for washers, dryers, refrigerators and freezers. In speaking with other friends that have looked at the site, one commented that he could not find microwaves and I don't believe that vacuum cleaners are also offered.
THERE IT IS
In taking a look at the various models offered, you were able to view the different models, pictures of the items and also see whether or not rebates are available (the rebate feature seems fairly new as it was not there at the time I ordered). Upon viewing the selection of DVD players, I came across the exact model I was looking for. The best part was that the item was on sale ($199.99 from a price of $229.99). Had I not settled on a particular DVD model, I know that I would have enough information to make a decision on an alternate model. What I did find interesting was the "Think About It" folder where you can put items in the folder that will remain there for 30 days so that you can "think" about making a purchase in the future in case you did not purchase on that day. That would make it easier to earmark items of interest.
THE REBATE
I did find that there was a special rebate offered for ten free DVD video rentals from Hollywood Video as long as the purchase was made between March 18 through December 31, 2001. When viewing the item I was looking for, there was an indicator to let you know that a rebate was offered. In order to take advantage of the rebate, I had to submit a copy of the rebate form (printable from the internet) and a copy of a receipt of purchase (also available via internet) when you are viewing your order. Normally the rental coupons are set to come within eight weeks of sending the needed documentation in, but I did receive it in about three and a half weeks.
SETTING THE ACCOUNT
I placed the order by setting up an account online and it only took a few minutes to enter all the necessary data. After choosing the item that I wanted, I entered the method of payment and shipping information. As the item was in stock, the DVD player could be shipped to a nearby Best Buy location (with no shipping costs added to the total) or you could have it shipped to your mailing address (with the appropriate shipping charge). On other sites that I have seen (example: JC Penney.com), I know that there is a shipping charge even to one of the local stores which I still have a difficult time understanding. I personally don¡¦t like that very much. I then chose a local Best Buy location and completed the order.
THE CONFIRMATION
A confirmation email was then sent to my address and within that email was the item, purchase price and a link to take you to your account in order to determine the status of your order. The typical turnaround time in order to have BestBuy.com confirm that the merchandise is transferred to the pick-up location is about a day or two. But, to my surprise my order was ready to pick-up within a few hours! (I ordered the item around 1:30 p.m and it was available about 3:30 p.m.). Another confirmation email was then sent out letting me know that the order was in, but I knew well before the email came out.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
After work I made the trip to Best Buy and waited in line. The transaction only took a few minutes. I needed to provide the confirmation letter, a picture ID and the credit card used for the purchase. I was then issued a receipt and off I went. I took the DVD home and was so happy when I finally got it up and running so that I could play my DVD.
OVERALL
My experience with Best Buy.com was a good one and I plan to continue to use the service in the future and maybe even earmark items in the "Think About It" folder for future purchases.
Thanks for reading.
Cathy :)
ICASPIKE
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
icaspike
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Location: Maryland
Reviews written: 64
Trusted by: 35 members
About Me:
Knowledge is power.
Hey I made it over 60,000.
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