The Best Buy receipt checker

[JudynTX]

I often wondered why they did this. :lol



Hello Consumerists. I am a fan with a minor beef. I work retail, performing practice you revile that I see as necessary, quite apart from my paycheck. I check receipts when you leave.

So here's the deal, with a reasonable degree of transparency. I don't want to reveal my name lest I be fired or otherwise disciplined. I work part time for Best Buy, one of the oft cited offenders on this site. I'm the loss prevention guy. I wear yellow, and check your receipt when you leave. I don't have any special loyalty to the company; I'm part time and in an off year between college and graduate school. I've been there less than six months, and won't be there six months hence. For the record, I am speaking on my own behalf, and do not represent the views of the company, my particular store, my management, or anyone else of note.

To put it simply: checking the receipts makes sense, and it actually is to your benefit. I know most of you are rolling your eyes at this, but please allow me to elaborate.

I wish to forcefully reiterate my commitment to honesty, and am therefore obligated to inform you that receipt checkers are often encouraged to say things such as "I'm checking to make sure we billed you for the right model." That's garbage. Ninety-nine percent of our customers are smart enough to realize it. It's patronizing, and you deserve to feel insulted by statements like that. Unfortunately, in a busy retail environment, we don't often have the time to be honest and to explain the reason we check receipts and why it is good for you, allow a rebuttal, and pass it along to the management. We'd be fired if we did, so vapid platitudes abound.

I cannot emphasize that enough how big a problem theft is for us. I live in a very low crime region of the country, but our store, other Best Buy's in the area, and other retailers in the region have had significant thefts in the past few months and years. There is an implicit assumption that when a greeter asks to see your receipt that he is accusing you of theft. The actuality is that we are using your cooperation as a vaccination. The simple act of asking to see receipts on high valued products stops a huge portion of thieves from even trying brazen thefts at our store. I've never caught anyone trying to walk out with a television that they never paid for by checking receipts. I am sincere in my belief that if I did not check them, people would try it. The model is designed to catch only paying customers and thieves who were too stupid to read up on shoplifting (there are forum posts, really), and the former are few. Frankly, it works. Asking to see your receipt prevents theft, just not the one that you imagine we are suggesting when you are accosted by our burly yellow door guy.

By protecting our products from theft, and therefore our revenue margins, there are so many things we can afford. Sheer profit is one of them, absolutely. I am not going to deny that. It is far from the last of them though, and many other benefit you as a customer. We can keep our prices lower, or keep more employees on the floor for more adequate customer service, or pay for more training to the same end. The benefits really are there. By taking four seconds to stop and show your receipt, we are working together to provide all those things.

Many checkers use their pseudo-authority to intimidate customers because they like the power. That's not okay. I hate the ones that do. They make me look bad by association, and frankly that is a stress that I don't need; really my best days at work are the ones where I can direct customers to what we offer or give them directions around town. However, a sincere and kind request to check your receipt should be tolerated. For one, in the end, it helps you. For two, do you really want to be the guy that causes a minimum wage employee to be fired in this economy for doing what his boss' boss asked? If you are really offended the practice, or about how you were asked, ask to speak to a manager. Better yet, contact the corporate office, as they are the ones that dictate these policies.

http://consumerist.com/2011/01/best-buy-receipt-checker.html

[Drachen]

Do people really get angry about this? Are people really so self-absorbed that they get offended by this? Also, did this have to be typed out, is it not obvious what the purpose of the checker guy is? Sheesh!

[balli]

Do people really get angry about this? Are people really so self-absorbed that they get offended by this? Also, did this have to be typed out, is it not obvious what the purpose of the checker guy is? Sheesh!

Agreed.

They do this at Costco too. Ain't no thing.


We can keep our prices lower, or keep more employees on the floor for more adequate customer service, or pay for more training to the same end.

And this guy is assuming that I've met very few Best Buy employees who didn't make me want to punch them in the face. If anything, I'd prefer a line of barely-functioning, electronic help kiosks to the average fleet of idiot Best Buy employees.

[Drachen]

Agreed.

They do this at Costco too. Ain't no thing.


And this guy is assuming that I've met very few Best Buy employees who didn't make me want to punch them in the face. If anything, I'd prefer a line of barely-functioning, electronic help kiosks to the average fleet of idiot Best Buy employees.

If I am going to buy something at best buy, it is only because I have already thoroughly researched the item, settled on the specific model, and am too impatient to wait for it in the mail. When I walk into the store, the only thing I need from the employee is to point me to the department where the item is located (and most of the time, not even that much). Therefore, i have always had a pleasant shopping experience at BB. (LOL)

[CubanMustGo]

So what about the literally thousands of stores that don't do this? Are they all OK with "brazen theft" or does it just not happen?

I don't think it's any big deal but it seems sort of silly.

[DisAsTerBot]

I often wondered why they did this. :lol



really? ...REALLY??

[ashbeeigh]

The only thing I don't like about Best Buy is when they talk down to me. I only go in there when I know exactly what I want. I research it and I go in to get it. No ifs ands or buts.

A year ago I went in to get a game that came in a Wii and a computer version. I wanted to computer version not the Wii version. The guy was like "Are you sure it's not a Wii game?" I was like "Yes/. I don't even own a Wii. Find me the PC version. I'm not that dumb."

But that happens at all electronic stores, not just Best Buy. And receipt checkers? Really? Why get upset? If you are carrying out something without a bag of course it could be seen as suspicious.

[Drachen]

So what about the literally thousands of stores that don't do this? Are they all OK with "brazen theft" or does it just not happen?

I don't think it's any big deal but it seems sort of silly.

Circuit City didn't do this, Comp USA didn't do this. Sooooo......

[Blake]

as long as they don't try to give me a pat down, I'm cool with it.

[JudynTX]

really? ...REALLY??

Nah, just messing. :lol It makes sense why they do it at Wal-Mart.

[Drachen]

Nah, just messing. :lol It makes sense why they do it at Wal-Mart.

In my first post in this thread I felt a little twinge of guilt calling out people who don't understand this because of what you wrote in your OP. Then I thought, there is no way she is stupid enough to not understand the concept, and if she is that stupid, then she won't understand that I am insulting her. LOL

[mrsmaalox]

I hate Best Buy and like others here, I only go there as a last resort. Now I hate them even more because of that whiny essay. What a crybaby.

[The Reckoning]

no shit

[Soul_Patch]

Other than the completely inept employee's, what is to hate about Best Buy? I dont get it.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

The only thing I don't like about Best Buy is when they talk down to me. I only go in there when I know exactly what I want. I research it and I go in to get it. No ifs ands or buts.

A year ago I went in to get a game that came in a Wii and a computer version. I wanted to computer version not the Wii version. The guy was like "Are you sure it's not a Wii game?" I was like "Yes/. I don't even own a Wii. Find me the PC version. I'm not that dumb."

But that happens at all electronic stores, not just Best Buy. And receipt checkers? Really? Why get upset? If you are carrying out something without a bag of course it could be seen as suspicious.

Super Mario Galaxy 2 isn't made for pc

[Viva Las Espuelas]

Other than the completely inept employee's, what is to hate about Best Buy? I dont get it.

Yeah. I was wondering that myself. I don't bother with any employee there unless I ask if there's more stock in the back if something's out or to help me carry my purchase to my car. I always, politely, tell the employees that ask if I need help to piss off.

[JoeChalupa]

I don't mind it when I get asked if I need help what pisses me off is when they won't help or act like it is a hassle if you ask for help.

[mrsmaalox]

Other than the completely inept employee's, what is to hate about Best Buy? I dont get it.

Well mine is a personal comfort thing. I'm a "browsing" shopper---I've usually researched what I want and know what I'm going to get when I get there, but I still like to look at everything in a store. I walk in and every tv and stereo volume is maxed out, I just can't wait to get the hell out of there. If they only cut down on the number of items they have blaring at once by just 25% or so, I think the shoppers who like that sort of thing could still be satisfied and a shopper like me would be more likely to drop cash on incidentals that catch my eye. It's like escaping the sensory assault becomes even more important than whatever I want to buy :lol

[balli]

As much as I dislike certain aspects of Best Buy, it's only about a million times better than going into a freakin' Gamestop.

[Blake]

Well mine is a personal comfort thing. I'm a "browsing" shopper---I've usually researched what I want and know what I'm going to get when I get there, but I still like to look at everything in a store. I walk in and every tv and stereo volume is maxed out, I just can't wait to get the hell out of there. If they only cut down on the number of items they have blaring at once by just 25% or so, I think the shoppers who like that sort of thing could still be satisfied and a shopper like me would be more likely to drop cash on incidentals that catch my eye. It's like escaping the sensory assault becomes even more important than whatever I want to buy :lol

I bought my last laptop there and it's probably the last bigger purchase that I ever make there.

I just wanted a cheap 2nd laptop, no frills, no geek squad no nothing but the computer in the box.

They kept me there another 20+ minutes giving me a rundown of "are you sure you don't also want....?" questions before they let me purchase the damn thing.

[JudynTX]

I bought my last laptop there and it's probably the last bigger purchase that I ever make there.

I just wanted a cheap 2nd laptop, no frills, no geek squad no nothing but the computer in the box.

They kept me there another 20+ minutes giving me a rundown of "are you sure you don't also want....?" questions before they let me purchase the damn thing.

I bought my last laptop there as well. They didn't try talking me into extended warranties because I told them my husband would fix my computer. :D

What did we do before Best Buy? :lol

[Blake]

I bought my last laptop there as well. They didn't try talking me into extended warranties because I told them my husband would fix my computer. :D

What did we do before Best Buy? :lol

I told them the same thing that I would mess with everything myself and I didnt want any extra customer service fees or warranties or add ons or carrying case and he kept going, saying they make him ask all the questions before purchase can be made.

I guess I just got a jackass for a sales associate.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

I bought my last laptop there and it's probably the last bigger purchase that I ever make there.

I just wanted a cheap 2nd laptop, no frills, no geek squad no nothing but the computer in the box.

They kept me there another 20+ minutes giving me a rundown of "are you sure you don't also want....?" questions before they let me purchase the damn thing.

You need to work on your telling them to piss off a bit more. Kinda like what you do here :toast

[Viva Las Espuelas]

Take your keyboard, if that'll help :lol

[Blake]

You need to work on your telling them to piss off a bit more. Kinda like what you do here :toast

yah, the kid was with me though.

"Daddy I don't think the geek squad can fit up that guy's butt"

[JudynTX]

I told them the same thing that I would mess with everything myself and I didnt want any extra customer service fees or warranties or add ons or carrying case and he kept going, saying they make him ask all the questions before purchase can be made.

I guess I just got a jackass for a sales associate.

Do they work on commission? :lol


Take your keyboard, if that'll help :lol

:lol

The next time I go to BB, I'm going to the computers section and gonna bring up ST's Moon Thread and leave it there. :lmao

[Nathan Explosion]

Whenever I buy something at Best Buy, I always keep my receipt out when walking out, no matter what I buy. Most times I hand the receipt over before they even ask. It's not that big of an issue at all, and takes like 2 seconds.

What I hate is when people ask if we have something in the back, and I know FOR SURE that we don't. I explain that any backstock of certain items will be carried on the top shelf or I know we're out because people have asked already. Sometimes they still ask. I then kindly explain that I actually work in the back as a receiver, and know for a fact that this item won't be in the back as we only carry beer, soda, paper products and ad/promos that belong to displays on the floor.

They'll still ask if I can just go check, so 8/10 times I go in the back and bullshit with the guys before coming back 5 minutes later and telling them we don't have it. The other 2 times, guess what, WE DON'T HAVE IT!!

I understand a customer doesn't trust all employees to be hard working, but if I give you a reasonable explanation about our backstock practices and where any extra product should be located, the customer should be able to tell that I am a knowledgeable, hard working employee and I'm not trying to get out of helping the customer. In fact, I'm actually going the extra mile to educate the customer to make their shopping experience more pleasant and efficient today and in the future.

I sometimes wish I could respond the way I respond to my coworkers when they ask me about something, I answer and then they ask if I'm sure. I usually tell them not to fucking ask me anymore if they don't trust my answer.

It may sound as if customer service people are whiny, but in fact, we go through this many times a day, hundreds (at least) of times throughout the year. We're still human beings, and yes, no matter how tolerant we are, we grow quite tired of this at some point. In the end, I always smile, tell them when the next scheduled delivery is of that product as I do have that information readily available to me, and apologize for the inconvenience. I then go to the back and say, "Fucking waste of time."

[Nathan Explosion]

I bought my last laptop there and it's probably the last bigger purchase that I ever make there.

I just wanted a cheap 2nd laptop, no frills, no geek squad no nothing but the computer in the box.

They kept me there another 20+ minutes giving me a rundown of "are you sure you don't also want....?" questions before they let me purchase the damn thing.

I've never had that problem. When they ask, I just tell them no. Sometimes I'll lie and say that I only have enough for the product I'm buying and if it messes up, I'll just have to buy another one.

The prospect of getting additional patronage shuts them up real quick.

[JoeChalupa]

I told them the same thing that I would mess with everything myself and I didnt want any extra customer service fees or warranties or add ons or carrying case and he kept going, saying they make him ask all the questions before purchase can be made.

I guess I just got a jackass for a sales associate.

They ARE required to ask. I was a diamond shamrock the other day and the young lady had a line and yet she still asked everyone if they wanted to buy candy bar for $1 and she said "yeah, I know you all hate that but at least thank me for doing my job", and I did.

[Nathan Explosion]

They ARE required to ask. I was a diamond shamrock the other day and the young lady had a line and yet she still asked everyone if they wanted to buy candy bar for $1 and she said "yeah, I know you all hate that but at least thank me for doing my job", and I did.

At my store, if you don't offer the sales basket item, the customer gets it for free. When I used to help out up front, I had to ask a bald man if he wanted shampoo. He just looked at me, I smiled and said, "I know, but I don't feel like giving it away for free" (the signs explains what I meant by that). He just nodded and said he understood. Other times, when the same situation would arise, I would say, "Even though I already know the answer to this, I have to ask...". Customers will understand at that point.

[JoeChalupa]

At my store, if you don't offer the sales basket item, the customer gets it for free. When I used to help out up front, I had to ask a bald man if he wanted shampoo. He just looked at me, I smiled and said, "I know, but I don't feel like giving it away for free" (the signs explains what I meant by that). He just nodded and said he understood. Other times, when the same situation would arise, I would say, "Even though I already know the answer to this, I have to ask...". Customers will understand at that point.

:tu

[Spurstro]

I was a diamond shamrock the other day ...

I thought I was the only one who still called it Diamond Shamrock

[baseline bum]

Best Buy keeps their prices low? On what? About the only time they have anything priced at any kind of bargain is on Black Friday, when they occasionally have a hard drive for $5 cheaper than Newegg.

[JudynTX]

:lmao



A Farmington man believed to be creating store receipts on his home computer to steal items from Sam's Club was caught in the act Thursday at the Farmington store.

Lindsey Brown, 38, faces charges of shoplifting and forgery, both fourth-degree felonies, after store employees detained him for attempting to steal nearly $1,500 worth of electronics and merchandise, Farmington Police Sgt. Robert Perez said.

"He loaded his cart with electronics and was walking out with a fraudulent receipt," Perez said.

Store employees, who were attempting to track more than $25,000 in losses in recent months, recognized Brown from a store surveillance camera.



http://www.daily-times.com/ci_17164751

[PM5K]

I missed the point of his post. What was it?

[SourCandy]

Been to best buy several times for various items. Never felt "talked down" to.. or "pressured" or offended to see if I actually payed for something. Some people are so easily offended.

[baseline bum]

Been to best buy several times for various items. Never felt "talked down" to.. or "pressured" or offended to see if I actually payed for something. Some people are so easily offended.

Not even by the cashiers who try to nag you into a service plan if you buy so much as a pack of gum?

[Viva Las Espuelas]

Been to best buy several times for various items. Never felt "talked down" to.. or "pressured" or offended to see if I actually payed for something. Some people are so easily offended.

That

[Mark in Austin]

If I am going to buy something at best buy, it is only because I have already thoroughly researched the item, settled on the specific model, and am too impatient to wait for it in the mail. When I walk into the store, the only thing I need from the employee is to point me to the department where the item is located (and most of the time, not even that much). Therefore, i have always had a pleasant shopping experience at BB. (LOL)

exactly. It's funny though - I can always tell when they are worried about being secret shopped - most of the time they leave me alone but every so often I swear every single employee of the store asks me if they can help me.


The only thing I don't like about Best Buy is when they talk down to me. I only go in there when I know exactly what I want. I research it and I go in to get it. No ifs ands or buts.

A year ago I went in to get a game that came in a Wii and a computer version. I wanted to computer version not the Wii version. The guy was like "Are you sure it's not a Wii game?" I was like "Yes/. I don't even own a Wii. Find me the PC version. I'm not that dumb."


True, but the average customer IS really dumb. Probably 90% of the people looking for that game do want the wii version.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

M question is why was the associate so certain it was a wii game. Why even say "I'm looking for a pc game BUT it's on the wii as well". Makes no sense to me. Too much information just mucks things up. Treat it like a Search.

[cheguevara]

Best Buy is like France, treat them good and they will walk over you, treat them like shit and they will love you

[Viva Las Espuelas]

Nah. Treat them bad and a Facebook status update is born.

[Stringer_Bell]

Best Buy is like France, treat them good and they will walk over you, treat them like shit and they will love you

Sounds more like women in general than France. Unless you're saying France is full of women.

Never had a problem showing my receipt to anyone at any store, they always tell me to have a nice day and that's what I do.

[phyzik]

my friends chic recently bought a laptop from there. There was some adware shit from bestbuy installed on it and she was told by them that it could be removed for an extra $90. I told her to tell them that I would take care of it. Took me 2 minutes to uninstall... They wanted to charge $90 fucking dollars to do that shit. :lol

[spurs_fan_in_exile]

Like others, the receipt checker at Best Buy is pretty much the only employee that I haven't wanted to slap silly at one time or another.

[DarkReign]

Back in the day, we made a living walking out with PS1s, games, Tiger handhelds and N64s.

The hired the people in front because of that very practice. If you had the balls, you just walked in, put a system under your arm and walked out the front doors. Easy $200 when you returned it the next day at another store in the next county over.

This was before the internets, though.

[Bito Corleone]

I often wondered why they did this.

Is that sarcasm, or did you truely never make the connection that it's a theft deterrent?

[JudynTX]

Is that sarcasm, or did you truely never make the connection that it's a theft deterrent?

Yes

[jimo2305]

i don't shop at best buy anyways.. but the receipt checker isn't one of the reasons why.. i dont mind showing them the receipt.. they dont take long to check it anyway.. it's not like they snoop thru every item in my bag haha..

[Creepn]

Back in the day, we made a living walking out with PS1s, games, Tiger handhelds and N64s.

The hired the people in front because of that very practice. If you had the balls, you just walked in, put a system under your arm and walked out the front doors. Easy $200 when you returned it the next day at another store in the next county over.

This was before the internets, though.


lol wtf wow. They don't ask for the reciept at the return section? I mean, i would think even that practice is done before the internet age.

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

Back in the day, we made a living walking out with PS1s, games, Tiger handhelds and N64s.

The hired the people in front because of that very practice. If you had the balls, you just walked in, put a system under your arm and walked out the front doors. Easy $200 when you returned it the next day at another store in the next county over.

This was before the internets, though.

Yep. Kmart was also good for this.

And they gave away perennials/shrubs/trees/whatever you could fit in or on the car Mothers Day weekend around 3 AM.

Good times.

[ploto]

Last time I went to Best Buy I knew exactly what I wanted. All I needed was a low-end DVD recorder. I found the one I wanted online and even printed out the info from Best Buy.com, including the check for in stock at the store. The person tried to tell me that they did not carry it in the store and proceeded to try to convince me to buy one that cost twice as much. I showed her the print out. Loved the look on her face. They (I assume on purpose) had none on display but had them in boxes on the shelf.

[caribbean_spur]

I have not bought anything in Best Buy in ages. You find better prices online . Plus some of the employees are so clueless it is painful. The only reason I go there is to actually see a product and play with it, then go back online to buy it.

[ploto]

At my store, if you don't offer the sales basket item, the customer gets it for free. When I used to help out up front, I had to ask a bald man if he wanted shampoo. He just looked at me, I smiled and said, "I know, but I don't feel like giving it away for free" (the signs explains what I meant by that). He just nodded and said he understood. Other times, when the same situation would arise, I would say, "Even though I already know the answer to this, I have to ask...". Customers will understand at that point.

I love when I am buying bags and bags of holiday candy, but they still ask me if I want to buy the candy in the sales basket! One of the many reasons I like the automatic check-out!

[BlairForceDejuan]

Do you want to buy a best buy warranty for that item?

No.

Are you sure?

Yes.

Would you be interested in a best buy store card?

No.

Are you sure?

FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU UU

[MannyIsGod]

Do you want to buy a best buy warranty for that item?

No.

Are you sure?

Yes.

Would you be interested in a best buy store card?

No.

Are you sure?

FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU UU

:lmao

[baseline bum]

I don't get the point of the door check when an employee walks everything more than $100 up to the register anyways.

[JudynTX]

I don't get the point of the door check when an employee walks everything more than $100 up to the register anyways.

I've walked out many a times without showing my receipt. No one has tried to stop me. :lol

[Das Texan]

The only time I have to show my receipt is when they have to take the security device off one of my items.


There is no receipt checker like Costco at Best Buy, at least none of the ones I have been to in both San Antonio and Fort Worth.