McDonalds Monopoly Game: Best Buy Bucks

[mbs]

It is obviously too late to send more entries in, but this thread can be used to report back on returns and discussion of what we are looking to purchase with our Best Buy Bucks.

Today I received (via my GF's address) 22 envelopes postmarked 10/31 that contained all Best Buy Bucks (including five $3 pieces)! This echos many reports on Fatwallet and Slickdeals that people are getting Best Buy Bucks returned the past couple days. Based on my markings, these 22 were from a lot I sent on 10/13.

My best guess is that sometime on 10/26 the distribution center thought they had run out and started returning rules. Somehow, however, they seem to have found more and are sending them out. I've gotten 4 total "rules" back and they were all postmarked on 10/27.

What have you all been getting back the past couple days? Anyone get anything other than BB$ that was postmarked 10/28 or later?

Brief FAQ:

- BB$ may be used in-store up to $300 at a time and 40 codes may be used at one time online.
- No more than $3 in BB$ may be applied to one DVD/CD in-store (however there is no limit on purchasing DVDs online).

[pilot]

Please, keep this thread civil. I don't want to close it like the last one, but if you force me, I will.

[Y2K Falcon]

I'm envisioning a station wagon with suitcases tied to the roof pulling over... :lol:



All my BB$ were earned the hard way. $2.91 lunches of a double-cheese and large fry (hold the salt) to go.

I have like $26 or so.

Sounds perfect for an in-store pickup of the Office Space SE Giftset for the wife for Christmas. I'm looking for a cheap DVD player to replace my (original 1999 and very expensive) Toshiba player to buy in store.

Any suggestions would be appreciated (or should I just get a video game and get the low end player at Amazon.com).

[kenbenobi]

Interesting news. Guess the ones I sent in were just "bad timing." Sent em earlier or later, and I woulda got my bucks. Instead, I got a bunch of letters. Darn it!

[kenbenobi]

Today I received 22 envelopes postmarked 10/31 that contained all Best Buy Bucks (including five $3 pieces)! That's actually a terrible ratio! Only 22.7% instead of the 1/3 chance. Still, beats getting a letter!

[maxfisher]

I'll just say, if your local Best Buy gives you troubles and the manager is of no help, call the customer service 800# on the rules while you're at the store and hand the phone over to the manager. I had an situation I posted about in the other thread where they were trying to limit me to $3 on a video game. Yesterday, I also ran into them not allowing me to use $3 towards Star Wars Ep. 3, because 'Best Buy bucks can't be used on new releases.' In both of these instances, talking to supervisors/managers did no good and I had to call the customer service number while in-store to get the problem resolved. And yeah, I realize that's a hassle for a small amount of savings. I probably wouldn't have bothered with Star Wars if they hadn't been such assholes over the video game, but that ordeal pissed me off enough to go to through the extra effort of making sure I got my $3 off on Star Wars.

[Bob330i]

I probably wouldn't have bothered with Star Wars if they hadn't been such assholes over the video game, but that ordeal pissed me off enough to go to through the extra effort of making sure I got my $3 off on Star Wars.

Try the order on line w/in store pickup. I've done SW:ROTS and a HDD w/o problems so far.

BTW, I haven't seen anything for a week or so but I'm expecting another batch this week.....hopefully w/o rules. I sent out about a 100 a week for the past three weeks (last batch was early last week).

[spyd3rgt]

I have sent in 50 envelopes (around the 12th I think). I received one on Saturday with a BBBuck. I then received 6 on Monday. 5 of those were postmarked the 27th, and came with the rules. The other one had no postmark date, but was a significantly different postmark, leading me to believe it went out earlier. That one came with BBBucks. So, 7/50 received so far, 2 with BBucks.

[Bob_F1]

The tip about using more than $3 in BBB via an online DVD order is a good one. I was able to apply $6 in BBB to SW Episode III for a $8.99 + tax total. I opted for in-store pickup and nothing was questioned. Others have reported "free" DVDs using the online system.

And it's probably bettter to order sooner as opposed to later since Best Buy might adjust their online system to incorporate the $3 limit.

Bob

[htfdwhal]

I used all $13.00 of my Best Buy Bucks on SW3 online with instore pickup. I couldn't believe that I couldn't pick up the DVD without turning in my original Best Buy Bucks. I was hoping to use them twice but failed. Luckly I had them with me when I picked the DVD up.

[Bob_F1]

That's interesting. I did take along my Best Buy Bucks for my in-store pickup but they never asked for them.

Bob

I used all $13.00 of my Best Buy Bucks on SW3 online with instore pickup. I couldn't believe that I couldn't pick up the DVD without turning in my original Best Buy Bucks. I was hoping to use them twice but failed. Luckly I had them with me when I picked the DVD up.

[dvd-fanman]

I used all $13.00 of my Best Buy Bucks on SW3 online with instore pickup. I couldn't believe that I couldn't pick up the DVD without turning in my original Best Buy Bucks. I was hoping to use them twice but failed. Luckly I had them with me when I picked the DVD up.

I never had to turn mine in.

[ScottsDvds]

I used $120.00 towards Sex and the City online, the only thing they said when I picked it up was "wow that's a great deal."

[mbs]

More good news! Just got to my apartment and have 38 envelopes (postmarked 10/31) with all Best Buy Bucks. Was so excited to see no rules in there!

Hopefully they will not "run out" again before we all get our pieces.

These were sent 10/13.

EDIT - Ratio - 18 $3 and 20 $1. Sweet!

[misterchimpy]

Yes, I have yet to receive a single copy of the rules, I have now received 250 out of 300 sent, all with best buy bucks, and I also got $3 ones in the last shipment, the last 50 were sent 10/17 or so, so we'll see what happens.

BTW, this suggestion was somewhere in the prior thread, but if you stop by McDonald's it might be a good idea to grab a copy of the game board/rules if you don't have them, it may prove to be handy if you have problems redeeming them in-store.

[achau9598]

I received 19 back today - all containing BB bucks! And to make it even sweeter .. almost 50% were $3 (10/$1 9/$3). Hopefully everyone will receive their remaining SASE's back with them as well.

[petroc]

So has any one had any luck using their best buy bucks twice? I ordered mine online, and they never asked for them.

[kenbenobi]

I used all $13.00 of my Best Buy Bucks on SW3 online with instore pickup. I couldn't believe that I couldn't pick up the DVD without turning in my original Best Buy Bucks. I was hoping to use them twice but failed. Luckly I had them with me when I picked the DVD up.
That sucks. How can they possibly enforce that? If you had it shipped to your house, would they have come pick them up from you? That's just nuts.

[dcprules]

Yay!!! I finally got 16 of my envelopes back today, all postmarked on Oct. 31st. I mailed in 100, and I sent about half of them out on Oct. 15 and the rest on Oct. 18.

I got 8-$1 and 8-$3, plus some food coupons, so that's a nice start. Hope to get some more tomorrow!

[illini420]

So has any one had any luck using their best buy bucks twice? I ordered mine online, and they never asked for them.


The computer screens the clerks get when you do the online pickup say nothing about Best Buy Bucks. It'll just indicate the price you have to pay upon pickup. If you used alot of BBB it'll say 0.00 otherwise it'll just be the difference. I bought $111.57 worth of DVDs today online w/ instore pickup, used $109 BBB and when I picked them up, the girl thought something was wrong cause it came up so cheap. Just said that I used a gift card and she was like "oh, that's why then." Very easy.

The only hassle I've had redeeming them instore was when I used $50 BBB on the new tony hawk PS2 game. the mgr told me $3 max on games, i said no, show me the rules. Once I pointed out the rules, he told the clerk to get my ID, I said why, I'm not using more than $75 of BBB and he said that's the policy. I told the manager to please not lie to me and that I knew the rules required ID only over $75. He left me alone after that.


Of the 900 or so SASE I've sent out, still only got back around 250, all w/ BBB, guess I've missed the rules so far. The postmarks on the few I got today were Oct 31.

Thanks for reopening this thread, it sucked having to get my info at FW.

[spyd3rgt]

I received one more envelope yesterday, with rules, postmarked the 28th. I still have about 42 out there, and it is sounding like I may luck out and get BBBucks in them ;)

[Y2K Falcon]

What are people's thoughts on using BBB on a pre-order placed today for an item that won't come out until after the BBB expire?

What would happen if the price would change before release date (or do they hold off on the "sales" until after they ship the preorders...

Can I price-adjust when I pick up in store?

Would I want to do a store pickup right before Christmas (Serenity DVD - release date 12/20/05)? Or might that be faster than waiting in the cash register queue?

I wish I wasn't a cheap ass, and just blew my BBB on something I only marginally want... ;)

[dvd-fanman]

What are people's thoughts on using BBB on a pre-order placed today for an item that won't come out until after the BBB expire?

What would happen if the price would change before release date (or do they hold off on the "sales" until after they ship the preorders...

Can I price-adjust when I pick up in store?

Would I want to do a store pickup right before Christmas (Serenity DVD - release date 12/20/05)? Or might that be faster than waiting in the cash register queue?

I wish I wasn't a cheap ass, and just blew my BBB on something I only marginally want... ;)

I'd be careful on using them on something that won't come out until the codes expire, knowing BestBuy they'd try to pull something on you if they had to modify the order in anyway or adjust the price afterwards and say that the promotional codes expired. I'd try to use them on stuff you want now.

If an item is less in the store when you do go to pick it up the computer should automatically credit you the difference when you pick up the item.

The line at CS Desk shouldn't be that bad BEFORE X-Mas, but for the 2 weeks AFTER X-Mas forget it unless you go right when the store opens into the 2nd week after X-Mas.

[achau9598]

4 more back today .. 1 with rules / 3 with BBB (1/$3 2/$1). Very happy to get some of these back with the bucks. I think I may have 50+ left out there.

[mbs]

I only got one today (with BB$, 1$). Not postmarked (at least not visibly). Still have around 350 out, hopefully I'll have a full mailbox tomorrow (and not with the think rule-filled envelopes).

[illini420]

Got back 11 today, all with BBB, all postmarked Nov. 1.

Still haven't received any rules yet :fc:

Its so fun redeeming them instore and buying a $60 item and having to pay in change (as long as the manager knows the rules and doesn't hassle you of course).

[misterchimpy]

I got 12 more in the mail today(postmarked 11/1, sent 10/17 i think), 5 $1, 7 $3, now have received 254 out of 300. On a cumulative basis, I have received 92 $3 bucks, 162 $1, 36% hit ratio, still haven't received a copy of the rules.

[jmstipe]

I used some of mine to buy one of the 60 gig video ipods. just bought it online used 50 dollars off, walked right in and picked it up. felt pretty sweet.

[NatrlBornThrllr]

A question: can I select something for in-store pickup if it's not in stock at any stores? I was thinking they shipped the item to the store, and I picked it up there...not that the item had to be in stock at the store. If that's the case, I can still use the Best Buy bucks to have these discs (a couple of Criterions; 6 WC Fields Shorts, and That Obscure Object of Desire) shipped to my house, right?

-JP

[mbs]

A question: can I select something for in-store pickup if it's not in stock at any stores?

No, their web site will not let you. You can only order for in-store pickup if the item is in-stock according to the web site (no matter how you pay, this is the case).

One caveat on this subject: if you place an online order for in-store pickup using Best Buy Bucks and the item turns out to not be in store, BB will cancel your order and you'll lose the BB$. Thus, I would advise to pay the shipping cost (using BB$) and have it shipped to your home if you are spending near the limit online. Just too risky otherwise, IMO.

[NatrlBornThrllr]

Alright, thanks. I'll bite the bullet and pay the shipping costs, then.

-JP

[mbs]

Well, I hit the jackpot today. My apartment's mailbox was overflowing. I got 258 envelopes. All had BB$ (no rules), however, three were empty (?). Pretty sweet opening the mailbox to see it stuffed full.

I'm still waiting on around another 100, but it looks like no more rules. Hopefully everyone here will have similiar success.

Tomorrow I am going to redeem $300 toward a new LCD HDTV. Hopefully they will not give me a hard time, afterall the BB$ is a somewhat small fraction of the cost, even being $300.

EDIT - I left out some information. All were postmarked on 11/1 and I sent these on 10/17 (mostly, some were from 10/15).

[misterchimpy]

MBS, I just redeemed $300 in Best Buy bucks tonight without any problem for a new LCD monitor, it was 399.99, so it was 99.99 out the door(plus $70 in mail in rebates, lol). They did ask for id, and call the manager to approve it, but otherwise there were no complications. My advice is that if you are going to redeem them in bulk, lol, that you sort them into $1 and $3 piles and keep them in separate envelopes, if you haven't already done so. You will save a lot of squinting and sorting at the store and it makes it easier to avoid mistakes.

EDIT: And bring a copy of the rules just in case, though I didn't need them.

[illini420]

No, their web site will not let you. You can only order for in-store pickup if the item is in-stock according to the web site (no matter how you pay, this is the case).

One caveat on this subject: if you place an online order for in-store pickup using Best Buy Bucks and the item turns out to not be in store, BB will cancel your order and you'll lose the BB$. Thus, I would advise to pay the shipping cost (using BB$) and have it shipped to your home if you are spending near the limit online. Just too risky otherwise, IMO.

Very good point about making sure the item is really instore. For DVD purchase though, since can't just buy them instore w/ BBB, I check the store first, then order online for instore pickup. Last time I still almost got burned cause the employee said they couldn't find it and said they would just charge my credit card back. That wasn't really an option for me since my purchase total was $0. So, I just said let me go look for it before trying that. 30 seconds later I was bringing the DVD to the checkout.

But for items other than DVDs, may pay just to have them shipped or buy them instore to avoid losing the BBB. Alternatively, if you use them online and your order is cancelled, then just use the BBB instore, since I wouldn't consider that double dipping. But that is a decision for you anyways.

[illini420]

I hit a jackpot today too, malibox stuffed with 103 envelopes, and 1 SASE from someone in Maryland. All w/ BBB, postmarked either 11/1 or 11/2.

Used 83 $3 BBB instore today to buy a Logitech 880 remote that was $249.99. Was a very fast transaction, clerk didn't scan each one, just counted and multiplied. Clerk also didn't ask for any ID, just had to fill out my name and address on the receipt. Paid $1.08 since they wouldn't let me use a $1 BBB to cover the last .99, I didn't argue.

I have also redeemed instore for other items, every store seems to have their own unique policy. Some scan every BBB, some just count them and put in a manager's credit. Others scan them all, staple them to the receipt (funny watching them try to staple 60 or so) and complain while doing it. Most clerks ask me how I got so may BBB, sometimes the manager will too. I've told the truth and explaind the rules everytime but once, all seemed like they were hearing the info for the first time. The one time i didn't tell the truth was when i was redeeming about 60 BBB and the clerk asked how I got so many. I was tired of the long explaination, so I just said i'm a fat bastard and i like fries.

[blucadet3]

Just so you know, I found out with my order that just because it says its available for instore pick up, does not mean that its actually available for instore pick up. I ordered the mr show box for instore pick up. I then got an email saying to call customer service to cancel the order because instore pick up was not available. While talking to customer service I asked why it was not available for instore pick up, because I knew it was in stock in the store. She said that there are three different inventories. There is an inventory of stock for the store to sell, one for the store to give to online orders for instore pick up, and then another for online orders to ship. I ended up just telling her to ship it to me. Sounds like a pretty messed up system, or she was full of crap. Either way its safest to ship it...the shipping cost is worth saving the phone call to customer service.

[illini420]

Just so you know, I found out with my order that just because it says its available for instore pick up, does not mean that its actually available for instore pick up. I ordered the mr show box for instore pick up. I then got an email saying to call customer service to cancel the order because instore pick up was not available. While talking to customer service I asked why it was not available for instore pick up, because I knew it was in stock in the store. She said that there are three different inventories. There is an inventory of stock for the store to sell, one for the store to give to online orders for instore pick up, and then another for online orders to ship. I ended up just telling her to ship it to me. Sounds like a pretty messed up system, or she was full of crap. Either way its safest to ship it...the shipping cost is worth saving the phone call to customer service.

Not necessarily sure it's safest to just ship it like you say. Technically, we're not supposed to use more than $3 BBB for DVD orders. So, at any moment BB can cancel any DVD orders and just not ship them, and we lose the BBB. I've been doing instore pickup to decrease the amount of time my order's in the system before I get the DVDs.

[kenbenobi]

I'm starting to get bitter. I got 2 more envelopes today, both with letters. My terrible tally, out of 20 sent:
6 - $1 BB
0 - $3 BB
11 - Letters
3 - MIA
Hopefully my remaining 3 will arrive with BB, and one of them for $3. Then I'll at least have 11 BB, which I can use twice, to get the 20 minimum I was expecting...

[mbs]

I got 2 more envelopes today, both with letters.

You got rules today? That sucks, sorry to hear it.

What was the postmark date on those? You are the first report I've read of someone getting rules after they started shipping out BB$ again. Hopefully (while unfortunate for you), it is an isolated incident and not a forecast of more rules to come.

[spyd3rgt]

I receive one more postmarked the 31st, BBucks included.

[spyd3rgt]

One caveat on this subject: if you place an online order for in-store pickup using Best Buy Bucks and the item turns out to not be in store, BB will cancel your order and you'll lose the BB$. Thus, I would advise to pay the shipping cost (using BB$) and have it shipped to your home if you are spending near the limit online. Just too risky otherwise, IMO.
I recently did order something for in-store pickup, using BBucks, and it turned out they did not have the item available in store. They sent me an e-mail saying I could contact them to either get the item at another store nearby, or have it shipped to me for free. I chose the latter, and everything worked out just fine.

[IDrinkMolson]

I sent out 2 mailings of 50. Rec'd 42/50 (all with BBB), postmarked 11/3. Not exactly sure when I sent them, but it was just before and just after 10/24.


EDIT: Rec'd 16 $3; 26 $1. 38% were $3's. 17 Food prizes, 10 were soft drinks and McFlurries.

[abrg923]

I sent out 2 mailings of 50. Rec'd 42/50 (all with BBB), postmarked 11/3. Not exactly sure when I sent them, but it was just before and just after 10/24.

Cool, that's the day I sent out my 17. Hopefully I'll get mine soon.

[illini420]

Received another 93 SASE back today, all w/ BBB and all postmarked 11/2.

Also, FYI, I've been placing several orders through BB's website using BBB lately and twice over the past 2 days, after placing the order, I do immediately receive a confirmation email. 90% of the time, the email is immediate. These 2 occasions, no confirmation email, and the order does not appear in my Order Status or purchase history on BB.com. This worried me at first as I thought the order just didn't go through, even though I did receive an order number upon checkout. Both times this has happened, I finally did receive the order confirmation email the day after my order. Maybe just a glitch in the system? Anyways, if you do your order, always write down your order number after checkout as you may not immediately receive your confirmation email. But don't panic if you don't get that email immediately, give it a day or so.

[mbs]

I was able to redeem $300 toward my new TV without any problem at all. I had them counted in two baggies (96 x $3 and 12 x $1) and they didn't even check my count (I was honest). On top of that, I got another $300 off a different model because they were completely out of stock on the TV I originally wanted. Very sweet.

And finally, I got another 96 envies today. All postmarked 10/3.

Today has been a sweet day, off to setup my new tellie.

[illini420]

And finally, I got another 96 envies today. All postmarked 10/3.




Wow, 10/3???? And I thought the mail to socal was slow. They must still be delivering by horse and buggy to Madison. haha, i'm sure you meant 11/3.

[illini420]

Ran into a little trouble today redeeming $300 on a new laptop. Needed one anyways as the one I currently have is 4+ years old and still running Windows ME.

First, they hassled me about using so many and couldn't decide whether there was a limit. Told them there was a limit and that $300 was the limit, otherwise I would have brought more. Then I had to explain how I got so many BBB. Not too big of a deal. The clerk then scanned all of the BBB, even though all the bar codes are the same and even though scanning them does nothing to reduce the total price (took forever to scan 120-$1 and 60-$3). The real problem occurred when they had to apply the $300 to the price. Instead of reducing the price of the computer by $300, which would have reduced my tax by $300*.0725, the manager applied a $300 paid credit, which was applied after tax. After waiting in line for around an hour, I didn't even argue it, wasn't worth fighting over $20 or so at that point. The new laptop looks pretty sweet though.

Also, this is funny. The laptop comes with a $150 rebate. So, when the rebate receipt printed it was very very long because of all the BBB entered. I measured the receipt when I got home and it is a little over 9 feet long!! Hope that doesn't give me any trouble in redeeming the rebate.

[DiscGuy]

Nine foot receipt! That breaks my record. Longest receipt I ever received was 7 ft, 2 in from Target.

Congrats to you!

[ResIpsa]

You guys are funny :)

[AllHallowsEve]

Ran into a little trouble today redeeming $300 on a new laptop. Needed one anyways as the one I currently have is 4+ years old and still running Windows ME.

First, they hassled me about using so many and couldn't decide whether there was a limit. Told them there was a limit and that $300 was the limit, otherwise I would have brought more. Then I had to explain how I got so many BBB. Not too big of a deal. The clerk then scanned all of the BBB, even though all the bar codes are the same and even though scanning them does nothing to reduce the total price (took forever to scan 120-$1 and 60-$3). The real problem occurred when they had to apply the $300 to the price. Instead of reducing the price of the computer by $300, which would have reduced my tax by $300*.0725, the manager applied a $300 paid credit, which was applied after tax. After waiting in line for around an hour, I didn't even argue it, wasn't worth fighting over $20 or so at that point. The new laptop looks pretty sweet though.

Also, this is funny. The laptop comes with a $150 rebate. So, when the rebate receipt printed it was very very long because of all the BBB entered. I measured the receipt when I got home and it is a little over 9 feet long!! Hope that doesn't give me any trouble in redeeming the rebate.

I have no patience for hassels like these. I would have gotten pretty irritated. I also hate as if people are questioning if these are stolen or not when it's completely legal to obtain them by mail. My feelings on this are if Best Buy has such problems with this promotion and following the rules, then they shouldn't have agreed to do it. I know the intention is that people eat at McDonald's which gives them advertising. Most people peal off a dollar or so and never use it. But, that's not the way it will always work. Some actually will want to use them. Also, I hate some of these moronic dullards who act as if the SASE is some kind of conspiracy when it's perfectly legal. It's called they were too lazy to fill anything out and spite us who did.

On to my store experience.

I know that the managers aren't really notified of promotion rules the way they should be, but it's still a hassel all the same.

I would just keep the "official rules" on me and call the 800 number if there was any problems. But, I have no patience for hassels like these, so I just chose in store pickup for what I wanted. I went to pick up my item and had a conflict with the big nasty store manager. She wanted to know exactly how I got this credit and the item so cheaply. I informed her that if she promised not to rat me out, I would secretly place a dozen Krispy Kremes in her office the next morning. She walked away and that was the end of the hassel.

[spyd3rgt]

Well, received one more, postmarked 11/2, with BBBucks. Growing sort of tired of these trickling-in returns, hehe.

As for the problems with managers and whatnot, I wish this stuff would happen to me now and then. I actually look forward to arguing with the workers. I get some sort of sick pleasure out of proving them wrong, or something, hehe.

[mbs]

If anyone is looking for things to buy online, this deal looks promising (Animation sale): http://dvdtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6524850#post6524850. Valid until 11/26. Looks like a good way to get the most out of BB$ online.

[IDrinkMolson]

Got another load in today. Received 45: 16 - $3's; 29 - $1's. 16 food prizes.
Waiting on 13 more.
Total breakdown so far: 55 - 1's; 32 - 3's. (36.8%) $151.00.
Most of these were postmarked 11/4, a few were 11/3 and a few more were not post marked at all.
No big prizes.

[abrg923]

Got 14 out of the 17 I sent back today, all postmarked 11/4. I'll reply back when I've counted, but the first one was a $3. :) No rules, btw.

[abrg923]

Of my 14, I ended up with 3 $3 (18%), and 11 $1 for a total of $20.

[illini420]

Speaking of getting the motherload in today... luckily I have a really big mailbox.

Got back 413 SASE today, all w/ BBB. It'll take hours just to open them, and hours to peel them I'm sure. Fun fun fun! Just waiting on about another 150 or so. I also sent out 1 on Oct 31, even after people were reporting getting the rules, just to see if I got it back. So far I've gotten around 800 back, all with BBB, none with rules.

[sman113]

Speaking of getting the motherload in today... luckily I have a really big mailbox.

Got back 413 SASE today, all w/ BBB. It'll take hours just to open them, and hours to peel them I'm sure. Fun fun fun! Just waiting on about another 150 or so. I also sent out 1 on Oct 31, even after people were reporting getting the rules, just to see if I got it back. So far I've gotten around 800 back, all with BBB, none with rules.

I'd like to see a picture of all those game pieces, just to see it for myself. Filling out 1000+ envelopes sounds like a lot of work...

[Drylnn]

So what does the limit end up being? I'm about to use some of mine (although I didn't get anywhere near the number that some of you sent out... lol... those have been great stories) to try and do instore pickup on dvds (which have a limit) and PSP games (which I don't see a limit for). Will the online just let you type in the stickers, or how does it all work? I haven't tried yet, since the items I want aren't out till next week.

[NatrlBornThrllr]

So what does the limit end up being? I'm about to use some of mine (although I didn't get anywhere near the number that some of you sent out... lol... those have been great stories) to try and do instore pickup on dvds (which have a limit) and PSP games (which I don't see a limit for). Will the online just let you type in the stickers, or how does it all work? I haven't tried yet, since the items I want aren't out till next week.

In-store, you can use up to $300 per person, per visit. You can use up to $3 on CD's and DVD's. Lastly, you can't use the bucks toward video game systems, or a handful of other restricted items. Online, there is no limit for how many BBB you can use toward DVD's and CD's (though you may be questioned when you go to pick the item up...best response is to say that you just used a giftcard). However, you can only enter 40 codes on any one order, so the limit for one online order is $120 (40 x $3 BBB). If you intend to make online purchases to get around the $3 limit on DVD's and such, this shouldn't be an issue...since I don't know of too many DVD sets that retail for more than $120, and you can just separate any purchases that exceed that $120, 40-code limit into a separate transaction.

Hope that answers your questions.

-JP

[IDrinkMolson]

Got 3 more in today. All $1's. Waiting on 10 more, out of 100.

[AllHallowsEve]

Video Games are another touchy subject with this promotion and many of the stores.

You can use them towards video games. At least you are suppose to. This has been validated several times by those involved with the promotion. But, you will most likely have to call the 800 number in the store to get them to bitch at the managers. Many Best Buy Stores have been violating the rules of this promotion. Some more than others. This entire promotion has turned out for many to be a complete headache when it comes to actually using the Best Buy Bucks.

I really can't see Best Buy doing it again next year. It's not like they need the advertising anyways. I really don't even know why they decided to do it to begin with. They don't even want to follow the rules they agreed to themselves before the promotion began.

I won't be involved with this again even it they do bring it back next year. The small savings wasn't worth all the aggervation. Not shopping at Best Buy at all saves me more money anyways. Funny thing is outside of this promotion, I don't even go to Best Buy. So, no big loss.

[Heat]

I bought a $49.99 video game with $50 in best buy bucks (owed $0.00 since they don't charge tax on best buy bucks), but I did an in-store pickup. No problems with that whatsoever. Then again, I haven't tried to buy a video game in-store with best buy bucks.

When I was using $3 for a DVD last week the manager commented that "somebody came in here with $72 in best buy bucks!" I'd have loved to have seen his face if some of you guys went in with $300.

Seriously, if I had realized how advantageous it was to mail in for pieces, I would have sent out for a couple hundred, easy. Obviously it's too late now. I ended up eating at McDonalds pretty much every week day, sometimes twice a day, in October. Ended up with ~ $100 in best buy bucks. But I was using a "buy-one, get-one free" card for the sandwhiches, so every day I was getting two sandwhiches and a large fry for ~ $5.35 and then got three best buy chances.

[IDrinkMolson]

I received 9 more today. Only 1 left (out of 100). Got one $3, and eigth $1's.
Most were postmarked 11/7.

Total so far:

33 $3's; 66 $1's.

27 food prizes. 17 are sm. softdrinks.

[illini420]

Got a few envelopes back today, around 10.

Had some fun redeeming some BBB instore yesterday and today. Redeemed $159 on a 200GB external hard drive that was on sale yesterday. I also tried to buy a few video games, but the manager wouldn't let me use more than $3 on each, even after looking at the rules. He said they can make their own rules. Whatever, I call BB corporate on him today and they got him one the line with me and corporate and we had a nice littel conference call where they told him that the limit is $300 on video games and for him not to jerk me around when I come back. nice.

Today, I stopped at one BB on the way home from work, redeemed $200 on a copy of Frontpage 2003. Then stopped at another BB when I got closer to home and redeemed $300 on a Roomba Scheduler remote vacuum. No hassles at either store and they didn't even ask for ID when redeeming.

[illini420]

I'd like to see a picture of all those game pieces, just to see it for myself. Filling out 1000+ envelopes sounds like a lot of work...


Well, I don't have all of them, threw most out. But I have saved all of the envelopes in case I'm ever questioned as to the source of the BBB. Maybe when I get them all back I'll post a picture. So far it's an overflowing paper grocery bag full of envelopes.

Filling them out really wasn't that big of a deal for what I've gotten back. I probably did 50-75 each day for about 2 weeks. Mostly while watching TV. It's much more of a pain opening up all of them and peeling the pieces. Not to mention trying to redeeming them. For awhile I was contemplating double dipping, when it looked like i was going to get tons of the rules, but there's no way I'd take the time to enter all of these codes anyways.

[Pwman]

I only sent out a dozen but I was pleased to have 50% of them be 3 $ bucks. The weird thing was the first six I opened were 1 dollar bucks and I was thinking how I was gonna be getting the short end of the stick. I laughed myself silly when the last six were all 3$.

[NatrlBornThrllr]

Video Games are another touchy subject with this promotion and many of the stores.

You can use them towards video games. At least you are suppose to. This has been validated several times by those involved with the promotion. But, you will most likely have to call the 800 number in the store to get them to bitch at the managers. Many Best Buy Stores have been violating the rules of this promotion. Some more than others. This entire promotion has turned out for many to be a complete headache when it comes to actually using the Best Buy Bucks.

Earlier tonight, I got the run-around at my local Best Buy...and ended up tearing every manager in the store a new asshole because of it. I walked in, chose three video game titles that totaled $39.97. I had $35 in BBB. I was about to checkout when I was told that there was a $3 limit in Best Buy Bucks on video game titles. I told the clerk that no, that's only on CDs and DVDs.

She walked over and got her supervisor. I explained to him that the rules stated nothing about a limit of $3 on video games. He went and pulled his manager out of a meeting. She walked up with the rules. Highlighted was the section stating "Limit 3 CD, DVD, or Video Game titles per customer, per visit."

I left the store, went home, and got my copy of the rules. I went back and asked to speak to the manager again. A different guy came over with the rules, and pointed to that section. I began to read what it said to him, pointing out that it's not talking about the Best Buy bucks. He said, "I can read." I said, "apparently not, so let me read it for you. Limit three TITLES per customer per visit. It says nothing at all about the Best Buy bucks. The rule you've highlighted is in my copy of the rules as well, right under the stipulation limiting us to $3 in BBB on any one CD or DVD." I then asked to speak to his supervisor.

Meanwhile, I called Best Buy's corporate offices. The lady on the other end told me that it says in the terms and conditions on Best Buy and McDonalds' websites that a video game falls under the category of "DVD and CD." I said, "so, a video game is a CD?" She said yes. I was confused, so I hung up. Then I told the Best Buy employee that she agreed with me...that nowhere in the rules did it say that video games were limit $3.

He went and talked to the district manager. He returned, telling me that the manager agreed that it was open to interpretation, and that he'd meet me halfway and give me $6 off each video game title. I told him, no, it's not open for interpretation. It's written there in plain English, and that I'd like to speak with this district manager. I was told that he was in a meeting, to which I responded, "Okay. I'll wait." "We close at 10 (it was around 8:30)." "That's fine, I'll wait." After a couple of minutes, realizing that I wasn't kidding about waiting until closing time, he walked off to get the head honcho.

This guy, a chap by the name of Cesar Carrillo, came out and echoed what his employee told me. I then asked him to point out what section of the rules he felt was open for interpretation. He pointed to the same "limit three copies of any one title" section. I, for the third time, pointed out the fact that it wasn't referring to Best Buy bucks. He told me that he didn't care...it would be unfair to other customers if he offered me anymore than $6 off each video game title. I politely told him that it was unfair to limit me or anybody else in the first goddamn place, since it isn't written in the motherfucking rules. He said something that I'll never forget: "I'm the owner/operator of this location. Regardless of what the rules say, we can do as we please. It's up to me, and I say you get a maximum of $6 off any video game title. Will you be making the transaction?" I responded, "no, but I'll be filing a complaint with the better business bureau...so I'll need your name and the store number." After taking down the information, I went home.

Still pissed about the whole ordeal, I called their corporate offices again. This time, the lady seemed to agree with me on every point. I asked for a case number, and made my third drive to Best Buy. I walked in, and saw mister Cesar Carrillo immediately. He walked up to me, asking if he could help me. I told him that I'd talked to corporate, and that I'd appreciate it if he'd make a phone call and refer to my case number. His response, again a classic: "No matter what they say, it's still up to me. I'm the owner and operator of this location, so it's up to me. I don't care what they say, you're not getting anymore than $6 off any one title. I think I've already agreed to go above and beyond what's required of the store." I simply smiled and said, "just call the corporate office. Thanks."

He left, off to the back to make the phone call. I was aggravated the entire time, because I knew that he would just return and give me the run-around again. After all, I wasn't even there to talk to the corporate people as he did. However, after nearly 20 minutes, he returned with a goofy, apologetic grin on his face. "Boy, it took them a while to figure that out. It's still kind of uncertain, but I'll give you the deal, after all...you're a good customer, right?" To this, I responded, "Yeah, I used to be. Where do you want to ring me up?"

Livid, I'd already updated my roomie on the situation prior to my third trip out. As such, I was really proud of myself as I walked in the door with a bag full of merchandise. All I can say is this; if your store tries to get one over on you...don't let them. The management at my store was about as stubborn as I can imagine any management being, but in the end, I still got my way. Don't settle for anything less. And most important: don't shop at Best Buy unless you absolutely need to.

Best Buy store number 828, and all of it's employees, can kiss me square on my ass. And there's not a chance in hell that I'll feel the least bit guilty about double-dipping on these Best Buy Bucks.

-JP

[achau9598]

received 47 envelopes back yesterday - all with BBB. Sadly, only 4 had $3 tickets, the other 43 were $1 (total of $55). Still, glad to have gotten the majority of envelopes back with BBB and not the rules. I think I may still have 20 or so out there.

[DiscGuy]

Earlier tonight, I got the run-around at my local Best Buy... All I can say is this; if your store tries to get one over on you...don't let them.

Thank you so much for taking the time and effort to share your story. I assure you that like you, I will not let Best Buy alter the rules in any way when I redeem my BB$ later this weekend.

By the way, what are the telephone numbers that everyone calls when they start having difficulties with in-store management?

[Lunatikk]

seems like a lot more trouble than it's worth

[Bob330i]

Before I go an run off and buy an MP3 player and video games in store, has anyone had any problem redeeming BBBs with the stores in the San Jose area, specifically Santana Row, new Sunnyvale and Milpitas stores?

Just want to be aware of any issues in any of those stores so I can avoid them if possible pending stock.

[NatrlBornThrllr]

Thank you so much for taking the time and effort to share your story. I assure you that like you, I will not let Best Buy alter the rules in any way when I redeem my BB$ later this weekend.

By the way, what are the telephone numbers that everyone calls when they start having difficulties with in-store management?

My pleasure, and good luck. Be sure not to make the same mistake I did...take your copy of the rules with you the first time you leave the house, just incase. The number, if you do have any problems, is 1-888-Best-Buy.

seems like a lot more trouble than it's worth

Oh, after the first 5 minutes or so, my plight no longer had anything at all to do with the savings. It had everything to do with the principle. No matter how many trips to the store or phone calls it took...I wasn't going to let some stubborn, snotty Best Buy manager tell me that fact is fiction. Had things not ended up the way they did, I seriously would've filed a lengthy, formal, and very detailed complaint with the Better Business Bureau.

I don't really agree with the notion that the customer is always right. However, to tell the customer that they're wrong whenever they're clearly not is just plain unacceptable...and is something that I'll fight no matter how little the payoff is in relation to the effort.

-JP

[illini420]

Those that are having problems redeeming at one store are probably best just to take their BBB to another store if possible. I live in L.A. so we have plenty of store, I've been to at least 8 different in the past week or two with BBB. Two stores in particular gave me a big time hassle w/ the BBB, two others just took forever and insisted on scanning every BBB, but the 4 others take them w/o question, usually w/o ID and make for a very easy transaction.

Of course, all stores should be accepting them equal. The manager that said he was the owner is full of BS. Best Buy is not a franchise and all the stores are run by corporate. The rules ("contract") are clear and a call to corporate will usually take care of things. The only exception is that one call to corporate had them telling me there has been fraud w/ BBB in SoCal and that the new policy is now a $75 limit. I said put it in writing and I'll believe it. They said I could go to this specific store where I was having a problem to get a copy of the policy change. Whatever, I just went to another store and had no trouble redeeming and no mention of this made-up new policy.

So, in my experience it's not worth the headache of arguing if you can just drive 15 minutes or so to the next store.

[mbs]

I used another $300 BB$ today with no problem at all (showed ID, that is it). Once again, they didn't count them (I was honest because who knows, maybe they will count them later)...

[foobball]

illini420, I live in the LA area too. Which two stores gave you a hassle and which two scanned every BBB? I haven't spent any of my BBB yet and you can save me some time and frustration by avoiding those locations. Thanks in advance.

[illini420]

illini420, I live in the LA area too. Which two stores gave you a hassle and which two scanned every BBB? I haven't spent any of my BBB yet and you can save me some time and frustration by avoiding those locations. Thanks in advance.


The store in Woodland Hills (on Victory) is a real pain. The manager there was a flat out liar and was very disrespectful. Also the store in Thousand Oaks can be problematic if using on video games, but on other items i've used 300, they just scan them all in. I was up in Oxnard last weekend and redeemed 300 there, and it took about 90 minutes, major hassle. Simi Valley is pretty good, but they too scan each and every one of the BBB. Also the one in Westwood near UCLA isn't bad (on Weyburn), but I only redeemed about 70 BBB there, i think they scanned them all in too, don't remember. The best so far is the one on Pico near the 405. Very easy time there, they just counted the BBB, no scanning them all. Also the one on Washington in Culver City treated me well. Good luck!

[Bob_F1]

Excellent post illini420! First hand reports on seven Los Angeles area stores!

Without your permission I have summarized your findings: ;)

Bob

1) Woodland Hills on Victory : A real pain. The manager there was a flat out liar and was very disrespectful.

2) Thousand Oaks: Problematic if using on video games, but on other items i've used 300, they just scan them all in.

3) Oxnard: Major hassle, took about 90 minutes to redeem 300 BBB.

4) Simi Valley: Pretty good, but they too scan each and every one of the BBB.

5) Westwood near UCLA on Weyburn: Not bad (only redeemed 70 BBB)

6) Pico near the 405: The best so far. Very easy time, they just counted the BBB, no scanning them all.

7) Culver City on Washington: Treated me well.

[sotra]

Thinking about doubledipping since I got about 30-35 out of the 100 I sent out for back with letters. Just to test things out I redeemed in store twice using $3 and $6 BBB on DVD purchases and both times I had to sign a receipt (letter size yellow paper) even though I paid cash. Is this normal? I was under the assumption it was only when you use $75 or more in store you have to ID yourself?
So, the best, and only, route to go is use them online for in store pickup first and then redeem in store later on? There's no way of them tracking you down when you do an in store pickup and then use them a 2nd time in store paying with cash even though you sign a receipt? They also ask me for home telephone no., but I just say I don't have one or I am in the process of moving. So, I guess the only way they can "track" me down is by my name, which unfortunately is quite unique (only one in the whole world since I come from a fairly small family where everybody knows everybody with our family name)?
I wrote down the online codes on the BBB I already used in store, would it be wise to use them online too or just leave them?
Thanks for any input.

[Lunatikk]

did they make you show ID when signing the receipt? couldnt you just put a bogus name if no ID was required?

[sotra]

did they make you show ID when signing the receipt? couldnt you just put a bogus name if no ID was required?

1st time I put my real name (when I used $3). 2nd time I used a bogus name when I used $6.

[spyd3rgt]

I have pretty much stopped receiving these. Still have 42 out there, and last one I received was postmarked 11/2...

[eau]

sotra, the letter size yellow paper they made you sign was pretty standard whenever they had to manually overwrite prices. I think they are more for accounting purpose instead of letting cashiers to discount prices for friends.

[Shonn]

Had the same problem as everyone else tonight at the Rockford, IL store with them only allowing $3 for video games. I insisted they were wrong and asked for a copy of the rules that state this, I left my copy of the rules at home, and they said they didn't have any. They then said they would call corporate to which I agreed, they called and after hanging up told me corporate agreed with them on the $3 limit. I told the manager I'd be back with the rules and they said they didn't care that they would only allow $3 on a game. I left quite pissed off and called corporate myself as soon as I got home, they agreed with me that I could use more than $3 on a game. I then called the store and eventually got to the store manager after talking to two other managers. While I was waiting for the store manager I called corporate back on my cell phone, when the store manager got on I told him the situation and he agreed with his managers that I could only use $3. I told him I had corporate on my cell phone so he told me to have them call him. I gave the info to the person at corparate and they put me on hold while they called the store manager. After waiting quite a while she came back and told me that I would only be allowed to buy that one game with the BBB. I asked why as the rules state I'm allowed to use $300 a day, she said it's up to the store manager and that they can deny the use of the BBB and that corporate would back them. She told me it was because the sales at McDs didn't match the amount of BBB being used. I explained to her that you could send in SASE and that probably wouldn't count towards McDs sales. She then said that they are worried about fradulent BBB that people got out of the garbage. Of course they couldn't prove you did or didn't get them out of the garbage and I don't believe it says in the rules that you can't plus the game says there is no purchase necessary to play. Best Buy agreed to put out so many BBB in this promotion and now that a higher number of the BBB are being used than they originally planned for they have decided to change the rules in the middle of the game, which I believe in itself is illegal. Any lawyers on here that would know whether they are allowed to change the rules like this in the middle of the game? I would seriously be interested in a class action lawsuit as I have never been treated the way I was tonight in a store, BB will certainly not be getting my business anymore.

[illini420]

I'm pretty sure I got the last of my BBB in the mail today. I sent out one SASE on 10/31 (the last day) just to see if it would come back. Got it back today w/ $1 BBB. Got back around $1500 total from this deal for around $700 in postage/envelopes.

[SoonerDoc]

Any lawyers on here that would know whether they are allowed to change the rules like this in the middle of the game? I would seriously be interested in a class action lawsuit


good god...ENOUGH WITH THE LEGAL THREATS !!!!!!!!!!!! all these people threatening to sue is just stupid....nobody is going to sue best buy over a few hundred dollars in best buy bucks...people get over yourselves !!!!

do what i do and everyone else does when they don't like the business practices of a certain business....DON"T SHOP THERE!!! make a statement by taking your business elsewhere...sheesh

[Shonn]

good god...ENOUGH WITH THE LEGAL THREATS !!!!!!!!!!!! all these people threatening to sue is just stupid....nobody is going to sue best buy over a few hundred dollars in best buy bucks...people get over yourselves !!!!

do what i do and everyone else does when they don't like the business practices of a certain business....DON"T SHOP THERE!!! make a statement by taking your business elsewhere...sheesh



It's not over the money, it's the way they treat their customers. It's that they are changing the rules of the game. They need to be told they can't do these things, me not going there won't change a damn thing. A class action suit against them will be all over the news and hurt there reputation and hopefully get them to change their ways. I honestly can't understand people that would rather let this huge corporation get away with something like this. I knew as soon as I wrote that sentence there would be someone to say pretty much exactly that, we don't need this thread to get closed like the last one.

[achau9598]

She told me it was because the sales at McDs didn't match the amount of BBB being used. She then said that they are worried about fradulent BBB that people got out of the garbage.

This is what I don't understand - it was also said to me at my local Worst Buy.

Regardless of if McD sales=BBB, there were only "X" number of BBB pieces made, right? So, either through store or SASE, there would still only be a limited number of BBB in existence. If someone goes to McD, buys a meal, tosses the box and someone else comes along and takes the BBB off of it, it still was obtained legally, as the original meal was purchased.

It would be no different if a co-worker ate at McD and game you the bucks off of the meals. You didn't buy the meal, but someone did.

Now, I understand that some McD employees may have taken large numbers of these. But I don't see how that is my problem, nor do I see how they can accuse me of fraudlently receiving the ones I have.

With that said, I am off to try to use my $143 BBB on a new car stereo. Wish me luck.

[Lunatikk]

they are probably pissed because people have been using the same BBB online & in store

[spyd3rgt]

Bit long, I know:

Okay, ran into my first problem using BBB at the Maplewood, MN store. I've been waiting for this to happen, and was quite thrilled to finally get to argue with a manager ;)

Basically, I went in there looking to purchase two Platinum Hits Xbox games, as they are 2 for $30 this week (SW:BF1 and Fable: Lost Chapters, fyi), and I had $17 in BBB to use. As has been known for a while now, there is a problem with their register system where anything that is on sale or discounted can't be used with BBB, unless a manager comes over and manually gives the discount. Well, that is the problem I ran into here.

The second the cashier noticed this was a special 2 for $30 deal, she said I wouldn't be able to use BBB. I said that wasn't right (I ususally open by saying, "Yeaaaah, I don't think that's right."), and so she called over the manager. The manager then preceded to tell me that the system won't allow it, and that BBB can't be used with ANYTHING on sale. She had no problem with using more than $3 on video games, btw, it sounded like she had already had a discussion with corporate about that issue. She argued that the rules said BBB can't be used with any other discount or coupon. I said that no, they can't be used in conjunction with other COUPONS, it does not say anything about sales/discounts. I get out my Monopoly game board, and go to show her this, and she says they have a more complete rules listing (she proceeds to get her website printout, with various items highlighted on it). I say fine, I've seen that as well, it does not say anything about sales there, either.

She points out to me that it says, "Best Buy Bucks may be combined and the cumulative total will be subtracted from total purchase amount of merchandise before the calculation of sales and similar taxes." I point out that that says BBB are taken off BEFORE the sale price is taken of, not that they CAN'T be used with sales.

She says that their store has decided that BBB can't be used with any sale items, and that is the way they've been doing it. They have interpreted coupons to mean sales in general, and that is their decision. I point out that I have had managers come over and do an override in the past at that store and at other stores without a problem. I could go to any other store and do this without a problem, or I could use them online (I didn't purchase online just because I couldn't find Fable: Lost Chapters online). So, I tell her to call corporate, which she did. She sat on the phone with them for a while, and kept getting transferred around. She kept "leading the witness", saying that she just needed confirmation that BBB cannot be used on sales, just like how they can't be used on coupons. The CSR is saying that she can't find anything about sales, and that it only says BBB can't be used with coupons. After a while, the manager gives up with the CSR, and declares that the rules say it is up to the store's discretion.

I say no, it is not, rules are rules, where do the rules say it is up to the store's discretion? She tells me to get out my rules again, and I say no, you said they were incomplete. So, she gets a Monopoly game board from somewhere and starts reading through it. She can't find anything there, so she and the cashier then spend about 15 minutes scanning the full Internet rules, finding nothing. Then I say, listen, it is obvious the rules say nothing about sales. Just because you decided it does, does not mean it is right. (I'd said that a few times before, as well). I don't care what you've done with previous customers. I've been a loyal customer here, the holidays are coming up, and you are jeopardizing $1000s in sales from me. I'm here on my 30 minute lunch break, and it has now become a 1 1/2 hour lunch break.

And finally, the manager says, I'm tired of arguing, let him have it. So, I get my two games for $13.85, and thank the manager (they never reply, just storm off in these situations). I also thank the cashier for always having been so nice to me in the past, and being so nice today, and she says I've always been nice as well, and that she's sorry for the dust-up today. I apologize for having to be a jerk today, and am then on my way.

Ahhh, I love it, really gets you pumping afterwards. The adrenaline just flows, makes you want to go out and get into a brawl, hehe.

[dsa_shea]

And finally, the manager says, I'm tired of arguing, let him have it. So, I get my two games for $13.85, and thank the manager (they never reply, just storm off in these situations). I also thank the cashier for always having been so nice to me in the past, and being so nice today, and she says I've always been nice as well, and that she's sorry for the dust-up today. I apologize for having to be a jerk today, and am then on my way.



So the game probably cost you a lot more than 13 dollars after your half hour lunch break went an hour over.

[SoonerDoc]

It's not over the money, it's the way they treat their customers. They need to be told they can't do these things, me not going there won't change a damn thing.


they can do these things....it is their FREAKIN business....they can treat customers in their store however they want...if you don't like how you are treated...GO SOMEWHERE ELSE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

if you don't want to get this thread closed, stop with the retarded i'm gonna sue comments...you aren't going to sue best buy, class action or otherwise

[Shonn]

Why are you so obsessed with telling someone they aren't going to sue? Of everything I write the only thing you pick out is that part. Stop trolling.



oh and for the record, where did I ever state "I'm gonna sue"?

[Heat]

Had the same problem as everyone else tonight at the Rockford, IL store with them only allowing $3 for video games…

Well, OK, they’re being dicks and making up rules. And lying to you (about calling corporate). Just order it online for in-store pickup, I’ve done that with a video game and had no problems whatsoever (haven’t tried using BBB for buying it in-store, so I don’t know if they allow it or claim it’s against the rules).

…She then said that they are worried about fradulent BBB that people got out of the garbage…How’s that fraudulent? They are legitimate BBB. Personally, I found $7 in BBB on the ground one day when walking through a McDonalds parking lot next to my work (the trash was next to the trashcan in the parking lot, I was picking it up to throw away).

… BB will certainly not be getting my business anymore.Oh, let’s not lie to your fellow DVDTalkers. You know you’ll be back. As for your situation, order them online for instore pickup (or have them mail them to you).

[Shonn]

I would have bought it online but it's an xbox360 game that you can't do instore pick up for yet.

You're right I'll probably be back, but only for items I know they won't be making a profit on. In the meantime though, I'll be purchasing the laptop and dvds that I was originally going to camp out front of BB for at CC.

[illini420]

I redeemed another $400 or so today in various southern california stores. I've noticed that the Thousand Oaks store is much easier to redeem in now. They no longer scan the BBB, they just count them, do the override on the computer and they staple them all to their copy of the receipt (funny watching the clerk staple $300 BBB to a sheet of paper, haha).

With all the reports of different stores having different "rules" or policies regarding BBB, which they are not allowed to do under the Official Rules as all stores are company owned and at the direction of corporate, I have found a good "violation" of the rules. For some reason, the Thousand Oaks store was told that BBB expired on 11/15. After some complaints (since it says 12/3 on every BBB), the store "modified" the rules and posted at every register are instructions for clerks to accept BBB until 12/11/2005!!!! Very nice, won't be calling corporate about that one.

Finally, SoonerDoc, your comments here are not constructive at all. Comments like your are the reason the last thread was closed. There are remedies listed in the Offical Rules (arbitration) for those that feel they are harmed by BB or McD not following the rules. Also, small claims courts are an available option and people sue major companies every day over very small claims, usually just to make their point, the money doesn't always matter.

[mbs]

Anyone else tired of finding things to spend BB$ on? I'm not complaining in any way, but wow, placing all these $40 orders online sure takes a lot of time.

I've now spent almost all my BB$ (about $1200 worth thus far). I'm saving some for Tuesday's new releases and some for Black Friday. Then I'll be done.

BB.com has their $4.99 DVDs online starting today (in store as well). A few "okay" titles in the bunch and a good way to spend BB$ for people still looking...

I'd say this was a successful bargain for sure. :up:

[NatrlBornThrllr]

good god...ENOUGH WITH THE LEGAL THREATS !!!!!!!!!!!! all these people threatening to sue is just stupid....nobody is going to sue best buy over a few hundred dollars in best buy bucks...people get over yourselves !!!!

do what i do and everyone else does when they don't like the business practices of a certain business....DON"T SHOP THERE!!! make a statement by taking your business elsewhere...sheesh
they can do these things....it is their FREAKIN business....they can treat customers in their store however they want...if you don't like how you are treated...GO SOMEWHERE ELSE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

if you don't want to get this thread closed, stop with the retarded i'm gonna sue comments...you aren't going to sue best buy, class action or otherwise

Five things, guy.

A) Use a few more exclamation marks, we can't understand how serious you are otherwise.

B) Be sure to capitalize at least one or two words in every sentence. It's just easier for me that way. I have a hard time reading those silly little non-capitalized words.

C) Best Buy can't "do these things," whether it's their "FREAKIN business" or not. For this promotion, they have put rules into print. In refusing to hold true to these rules, they open themselves up for civil action. They don't have free reign to do whatever they please simply because "it's their business."

D) Stop telling people what they will and won't do. Many people have taken large corporations to court for unethical business practices. Who's to say that nobody here will do the same? You? Don't flatter yourself.

E) Don't tell somebody else, "if you don't wanna get this thread closed, don't (...)" when you're the one putting the thread in jeopardy with your off-base, nonconstructive, and horribly uninformed comments.

-JP

[SoonerDoc]

you guys are priceless...

you get so mad that BB is making it difficult for you to screw them over...

i understand the rules are what they are and you can send in SASE to request game pieces, but seriously, in your heart of hearts, do you think that they do this so people can send in 1200 requests?? i understand it is not against the law to do so...i just think it is crappy, when people try to find loopholes in a system to take advantage for their own personal gain, and then those same people get angry and threaten to sue, when said company tries to stop you from screwing them over...so if the manager of the store wants to call you a stupid idiot, it isn't against the law for him to do so, and you should TAKE YOUR BUSINESS ELSEWHERE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (that was just for you NatrlBornThrllr)

i realize that they shouldn't be able to change the rules mid-game, but come on folks, are you gonna sue because he wouldn't let you use $30 worth of best buy bucks? i am not telling anyone they can't sue over this, i am telling you that i don't think in a million years you are going to....

in the vast majority of the class action suits, the lawyers make most of the money and the company getting sued does lose some, but the individual customers get jack squat...

i am not sticking up for BB in any way, shape or form....i think that as a coroporation and business they are more or less the devil incarnate

(besides...it's kinda fun getting you guys all riled up !!!)

[mbs]

in your heart of hearts, do you think that they do this so people can send in 1200 requests??


Yes, otherwise they would not have explicitly specificed to send as many as you would like. Of course they expect some people to send 10,000, some to send 100 and some to send 1.

Furthermore, this has happened every year of this promotion, it would be incredibly stupid for them to think anything else would happen.

i just think it is crappy, when people try to find loopholes in a system to take advantage for their own personal gain

What loophole is it, exactly? When they tell you to submit as many as you'd like, how is doing exactly that a loophole?

You are obviously misinformed about this promotion, and from the sounds of it simply jealous you didn't get in this year. But don't worry, it'll be offered next year in the same manner (yet likely a $4 piece offered in 1 out of 4 game pieces). :)

[SoonerDoc]

You are obviously misinformed about this promotion, and from the sounds of it simply jealous you didn't get in this year. But don't worry, it'll be offered next year in the same manner (yet likely a $4 piece offered in 1 out of 4 game pieces). :)

yes anytime anybody disagrees with any of you it is because they are jealous...because i didn't want to spend hours upon hours filling out SASE and recruiting my wife and others to help me...

trust me mbs it is NOT because i am jealous...i'm not sure how long it took some people to do what they did for what they received, but i am certain i make more per hour doing what i do for a living than i could have by sending in for best buy bucks!!!

i am not misinformed about the promotion....i stated that i know it is not against the rules to send in for multiple requests, i just think it is cheesy to do so and then bitch about it for weeks after

[pilot]

please don't argue and piss off each other or I'll close this thread, again.

[NatrlBornThrllr]

A message to the guy who's attempting to ride his high horse through the thread; I got all $40 of my Best Buy bucks by eating McDonalds' food. I didn't, as you say, take advantage of the promotion. I went out and spent my money on McDonalds' food solely because I knew that I'd be able to get a few free video games by doing so. Yet I was still given the run-around by Best Buy employees. Not everybody here sent in five-hundred SASE's (though it doesn't matter if they did). Changing the rules mid-contest is an unethical business practice, regardless of how the person came into possession of the Best Buy bucks.

...and don't make like you're not trying to defend Best Buy. That's all you've done here.

-JP

[Rockmjd23]

Earlier tonight, I got the run-around at my local Best Buy...and ended up tearing every manager in the store a new asshole because of it. I walked in, chose three video game titles that totaled $39.97. I had $35 in BBB. I was about to checkout when I was told that there was a $3 limit in Best Buy Bucks on video game titles. I told the clerk that no, that's only on CDs and DVDs.

She walked over and got her supervisor. I explained to him that the rules stated nothing about a limit of $3 on video games. He went and pulled his manager out of a meeting. She walked up with the rules. Highlighted was the section stating "Limit 3 CD, DVD, or Video Game titles per customer, per visit."

I left the store, went home, and got my copy of the rules. I went back and asked to speak to the manager again. A different guy came over with the rules, and pointed to that section. I began to read what it said to him, pointing out that it's not talking about the Best Buy bucks. He said, "I can read." I said, "apparently not, so let me read it for you. Limit three TITLES per customer per visit. It says nothing at all about the Best Buy bucks. The rule you've highlighted is in my copy of the rules as well, right under the stipulation limiting us to $3 in BBB on any one CD or DVD." I then asked to speak to his supervisor.

Meanwhile, I called Best Buy's corporate offices. The lady on the other end told me that it says in the terms and conditions on Best Buy and McDonalds' websites that a video game falls under the category of "DVD and CD." I said, "so, a video game is a CD?" She said yes. I was confused, so I hung up. Then I told the Best Buy employee that she agreed with me...that nowhere in the rules did it say that video games were limit $3.

He went and talked to the district manager. He returned, telling me that the manager agreed that it was open to interpretation, and that he'd meet me halfway and give me $6 off each video game title. I told him, no, it's not open for interpretation. It's written there in plain English, and that I'd like to speak with this district manager. I was told that he was in a meeting, to which I responded, "Okay. I'll wait." "We close at 10 (it was around 8:30)." "That's fine, I'll wait." After a couple of minutes, realizing that I wasn't kidding about waiting until closing time, he walked off to get the head honcho.

This guy, a chap by the name of Cesar Carrillo, came out and echoed what his employee told me. I then asked him to point out what section of the rules he felt was open for interpretation. He pointed to the same "limit three copies of any one title" section. I, for the third time, pointed out the fact that it wasn't referring to Best Buy bucks. He told me that he didn't care...it would be unfair to other customers if he offered me anymore than $6 off each video game title. I politely told him that it was unfair to limit me or anybody else in the first goddamn place, since it isn't written in the motherfucking rules. He said something that I'll never forget: "I'm the owner/operator of this location. Regardless of what the rules say, we can do as we please. It's up to me, and I say you get a maximum of $6 off any video game title. Will you be making the transaction?" I responded, "no, but I'll be filing a complaint with the better business bureau...so I'll need your name and the store number." After taking down the information, I went home.

Still pissed about the whole ordeal, I called their corporate offices again. This time, the lady seemed to agree with me on every point. I asked for a case number, and made my third drive to Best Buy. I walked in, and saw mister Cesar Carrillo immediately. He walked up to me, asking if he could help me. I told him that I'd talked to corporate, and that I'd appreciate it if he'd make a phone call and refer to my case number. His response, again a classic: "No matter what they say, it's still up to me. I'm the owner and operator of this location, so it's up to me. I don't care what they say, you're not getting anymore than $6 off any one title. I think I've already agreed to go above and beyond what's required of the store." I simply smiled and said, "just call the corporate office. Thanks."

He left, off to the back to make the phone call. I was aggravated the entire time, because I knew that he would just return and give me the run-around again. After all, I wasn't even there to talk to the corporate people as he did. However, after nearly 20 minutes, he returned with a goofy, apologetic grin on his face. "Boy, it took them a while to figure that out. It's still kind of uncertain, but I'll give you the deal, after all...you're a good customer, right?" To this, I responded, "Yeah, I used to be. Where do you want to ring me up?"

Livid, I'd already updated my roomie on the situation prior to my third trip out. As such, I was really proud of myself as I walked in the door with a bag full of merchandise. All I can say is this; if your store tries to get one over on you...don't let them. The management at my store was about as stubborn as I can imagine any management being, but in the end, I still got my way. Don't settle for anything less. And most important: don't shop at Best Buy unless you absolutely need to.

Best Buy store number 828, and all of it's employees, can kiss me square on my ass. And there's not a chance in hell that I'll feel the least bit guilty about double-dipping on these Best Buy Bucks.

-JP
:jawdrop: Holy shit. More power to you. I used to work at Best Buy, but I would never let any situation get as ridiculously out of control like that manager did. I always let people use multiple coupons, best buy bucks, etc etc. just to avoid any argument. It's not like I, personally, was losing money. I never understood why csr's and managers had to put on this whole 'im king' act when dealing with customer issues. Unless it was clear that the company was getting royally ripped off, I wouldnt mind slightly bending the rules to make the customer happy.

[Pwman]

yes anytime anybody disagrees with any of you it is because they are jealous...because i didn't want to spend hours upon hours filling out SASE and recruiting my wife and others to help me...

trust me mbs it is NOT because i am jealous...i'm not sure how long it took some people to do what they did for what they received, but i am certain i make more per hour doing what i do for a living than i could have by sending in for best buy bucks!!!

i am not misinformed about the promotion....i stated that i know it is not against the rules to send in for multiple requests, i just think it is cheesy to do so and then bitch about it for weeks after

Im glad you make more money per hour then by sending in for BB Bucks. The point of these DVD Bargain Threads is not about how much people make at their jobs, but how to use the dollars they earn wisely getting bargains. Personally if I could make the 50% return on all my investments that I earned on the BB Bucks promo I would be a very happy man. We consumers have to use every tool we can to stretch our purchasing power. I didn't go nuts on the Best Buy Bucks but I'll be buying my wife a nice digital camera at BB and taking off 25$ in BB Bucks.

[spyd3rgt]

So the game probably cost you a lot more than 13 dollars after your half hour lunch break went an hour over.
Well, no, since it's not like there is any sort of penalty for having an extended lunch break. 30 minutes is just a suggested standard, free to do as one likes. Heck, no one is keeping track or even cares, hehe. And, I work about 55-60 hours per week, no one will be filing any complaints about my lunch habits ;)

[spyd3rgt]

I'm still saddened that someone sent in an SASE on the 10/31 and got it back, while I still have 42 out there that I sent on 10/12, probably lost in the mail, LOL.

[stonecountry]

I was told whenever I wanted to use BBB that you could only take up to $3 off any single item...........so can I legitimately dispute that? I've had so many problems dealing with employees at Best Buy just to try to get the deals they supposedly advertise. God forbid they put out those 20% Off Coupons they won't actually let you use again. I made a couple of managers mad with that one....but still got my deals...it's just not worth the fuss sometimes though.

[mbs]

I was told whenever I wanted to use BBB that you could only take up to $3 off any single item...........so can I legitimately dispute that?

That is true for only DVDs and CDs (and a few specifically mentioned items). But you should be able to get up to $300 off anything else. Bring a copy of the rules with you and discuss them with the manager. If that does work, you have a couple options: a) call corporate while in the store and have them talk to the manager, b) order the item you want online, c) go to another BestBuy and hope for a better outcome.

[SoonerDoc]

That is true for only DVDs and CDs (and a few specifically mentioned items). But you should be able to get up to $300 off anything else. Bring a copy of the rules with you and discuss them with the manager. If that does work, you have a couple options: a) call corporate while in the store and have them talk to the manager, b) order the item you want online, c) go to another BestBuy and hope for a better outcome.


guys i'm ready to let this go....
these are all just opinions....i don't think it is worth my time to send in SASE for BB bucks....i think (again my own opinion) that it is silly to get so bunged up about them not letting you use more than $3 on a video game....

i had a DS game i was gonna use about $20 BB bucks on (that i got from eating a TON of fries) and they wouldn't let me so i didn't put up a big fight about it...maybe i should have to make a point, but it just isn't that big a deal to me....

again these are only opinions....and trust me when i tell you i am absolutely not sticking up for that company (several past posts at best buy sucks website thank you very much)

[Heat]

...i had a DS game i was gonna use about $20 BB bucks on (that i got from eating a TON of fries) and they wouldn't let me so i didn't put up a big fight about it...If you still have your BBB, use them online for the game, use instore pickup to avoid shipping. And I have $100 in BBB, all earned the old fashioned way (though I did have a "buy one - get one free" card for the chicken sandwiches), I literally ate two sandwhiches and about a third of the large fries pretty much every weekday lunch in October as well as some dinners. Let's just say that I won't be eating them again for a while.

A little off topic, but if you get the Chicken sandwhich without maynoise and with onions, pickle, and mustard (and a little ketchup if you want), it kind of tastes like a pork fritter (plus you avoid the fat / calories that the maynoise has).

[mbs]

(though I did have a "buy one - get one free" card for the chicken sandwiches)

Where did you get this card? Would be handy for next year...

[Heat]

Where did you get this card? Would be handy for next year...
It was through a local school, one of those laminated cards with 20 local business' / specials, cost was $10 but I more than got that back in sandwiches and BBB. Try calling your local schools, they are the ones normally selling them for fundraisers.

Every card is different and will be good only for your local community, thus even if you had the card I have you couldn't use it (unless you were here). This one expires in October '06 and includes:

McDonalds: Buy 1 get 1 free any large sandwich excluding value meals.
Pizza Hut: Free personal pan pizza w/purchase of same
Arby's: Buy 1 get 1 free regular roast beef
Hardees: Buy 1 get 1 free any thickburger
Dominos (and Papa Johns): buy one large pizza at regular price, get one free
Burger King: Buy 1 get 1 free croisandwich
Midas: $10 off lube oil & filter (yeah, like I'm going to trust Midas with my car)
Baskin Robbins: 10% off any regularly priced items

A card I had last year had a Pizza Hut - buy one get one free lunch buffet; my friend and I used to go there once or twice a week for lunch, ~ $3.00 after tax / tip for a pizza buffet. That card expired this past spring though.

[mbs]

It was through a local school, one of those laminated cards with 20 local business' / specials, cost was $10 but I more than got that back in sandwiches and BBB. Try calling your local schools, they are the ones normally selling them for fundraisers.

Cool. Thanks for the info.

[guppie]

got a bunch of laughs from reading this thread... You guys are hilarious! I just don't understand why some of you feel the need to bust their balls (BB managers). In all honesty, some of you guys need to ease up a bit.

Afterall, McD's and BB are basically giving you $$$ to shop with, yet some of you guys feel the need to bust someone's balls over $40 video game?

Some of you guys have no shame (or no money)... hehehe

Still got a good laugh at this thread, tho.

[achau9598]

got a bunch of laughs from reading this thread... You guys are hilarious! I just don't understand why some of you feel the need to bust their balls (BB managers). In all honesty, some of you guys need to ease up a bit.

Afterall, McD's and BB are basically giving you $$$ to shop with, yet some of you guys feel the need to bust someone's balls over $40 video game?

Some of you guys have no shame (or no money)... hehehe

Still got a good laugh at this thread, tho.

So, if you had a gift certificate for your favorite store, and when you went to use it you were told that you could not "just because they felt like it" - you would just be okay with that?

People are busting balls because those balls deserve to be busted. No business has the right to change established rules on a whim because they want to. That may not be illegal, but it is quite unethical. THAT is why people are reacting the way they are.

[Qui Gon Jim]

I agree. There are a great number of BB managers with superiority complexes. These managers get their rocks off busting the cutomers' balls. The guy who mentioned that he doesn't understand why they do it is right. When I was a retail manager, unless the customer was blatently wrong, then I let things slide. A happy customer is a repeat customer. Why risk all future sales from a customer over a $40 video game which your store will be re-imbursed for? Ridiculous.

I had an extremely bad experience at BBwith a car stereo, and as a result, they are the bottom level retailer for me. I had even more trouble with them over the digital coupons given as an extra for theLost S1 online purchase.

The whole reason they have to give game pieces for free through the mail is otherwise these contests are gambling. If these halfwit managers had any sense they should know there is a certain number of people that will take advantage of openings like this. They like the extra traffic the BBB give them then this is a by-product. Suck it up and deal. Bravo to all those who stick up for themselves.

[blucadet3]

I agree with Qui Gon Jim. Just remember when dealing with stores that "a clerk is a jerk". They are only there to uphold the rules as they see them regardless of what is right or fair. They have no real power besides what they wield in thier retail kingdom. When you challenge that authirtah (say it like cartman) they get all puffy, but that just makes it more fun to prove them wrong to thier face and in front of the other workers they think they have control over.

Maybe some people went overboard with the best buy bucks, but I've not read of anyone breaking any of the rules McD's and BB set up. No one bought bucks or got a buddy at McD's to hook them up. They wrote out SASE's in long hand following all the rules and jumping through the hoops required. They deserve the deals they are getting and its not fair that they have to jump through more hoops once they get in store.

I was too lazy to fill out all those SASE's and just ate at McD's a couple times a week and got about 26 dollars in BB$. I had no resistance using them, but I honestly only used a few at a time to make some dvd's and things a little cheaper.

I'd like to thank everyone for posting, these threads have been very entertaining. Also, thanks to the mods for letting the thread come back after they closed it the first time.

[illini420]

Redeemed another $278 BBB instore today.

Bought a $129.99 Sirius Radio (which has a $50 mail in rebate) and 3 $50 Sirius prepaid cards. So, I got a nice Sirius Radio, just a little over a year of service and they're going to mail me $50. Out of pocket cash cost was $2 and change. Well, not including the stamps, envelopes and time i spent of course.

They gave me no problems using the BBB in store (Thousand Oaks, CA) even though according to the rules they probably shouldn't allow BBB for the Sirius prepaid cards. Whatever.

[maxinquaye]

i've got about $140 BBB to spend and i was wondering if anyone can anticipate possible problems/limitations about using them on black friday deals?

i may just bite the bullet and pay for shipping to avoid any in-store issues, but some of the deals you have to actually show up...

also, if i use these BBB on items with a rebate, will there be any problems with that?

and if i use them towards a black friday deal *with* a rebate, will best buy have me shot? ;)

[Rockmjd23]

I Just remember when dealing with stores that "a clerk is a jerk".
Yes because all retail employees are jerks... :rolleyes:

[blucadet3]

Yes because all retail employees are jerks... :rolleyes:

I did not say that.

I think you know what I meant.

[Cusm]

Anyone know if they are considering game accessories (their classification) as game hardware?

[John*D]

Anyone know if they are considering game accessories (their classification) as game hardware?

I used BBB for a xbox 360 plug and charge kit and s-video cable. No problems.

[Cusm]

I used BBB for a xbox 360 plug and charge kit and s-video cable. No problems.

Cool, I have about $130 and I wanted to get the wireless adapter and maybe another 360 controller, but did not want to wait in line for an hour to be told no dice.

[Heat]

I used BBB for a xbox 360 plug and charge kit and s-video cable. No problems.
Sounds good, though I can see some manager's saying it was video game hardware. I've got $14 left and could use a new gamecube memory card (filled up the 256 "slot" one that we have).

And remember, Dec. 3 is fast approaching, that's just next Saturday.

[misterchimpy]

Yes, although when I was buying some stuff online the other day, and entered the Best Buy bucks, the online expiration date showed up at 12/4/05.

[Cusm]

Sounds good, though I can see some manager's saying it was video game hardware.

That is my fear with all the problems some people have had. I worked at BB years ago and know that in their system Game Hardware is only considered the actual consoles and accessories are in another accessory class. But others here have had some problems with BB management following their own printed rules.

[dollfins1]

used the last of my bestbuy bucks to get $39 off the darth vader force fx lightsaber. here''s hoping they have the promotion again next year!

[Cusm]

Can we use reward zone with these if our purchase is 100% BB bucks?

[mbs]

Can we use reward zone with these if our purchase is 100% BB bucks?

You only get the points for the amount you paid in cash (or credit).

[AllHallowsEve]

I used some of these that were never used. But, they showed up as $0 when they scanned them at the register?

Is this suppose to happen?

[eau]

I used some of these that were never used. But, they showed up as $0 when they scanned them at the register?
Yeah. Instead the cashier was supposed to manually discount the prices in the register.

[AllHallowsEve]

Yeah. Instead the cashier was supposed to manually discount the prices in the register.

Oh, because the dopey cashier told me that these were used already (I only used $6 and they were never used either way) and handed them back to me.

[suomynona]

this has already been asked i'm sure, but i was unable to see if anyone has done this yet...

if i have redeemed the codes online, can i still use the physical best buy bucks at a store? i only have $9 and would like to use them towards 3 dvds...

i'm looking for a response from someone that has done this. thanks :)

[StayFly]

Yea, so i went ahead and used my best bucks online then later in the store by mistake . Online they got my address and visa info then in store i gave them no info. Is it possible that best buy will do something to me?

Need help, now....thanks...

[Heat]

I used some of these that were never used. But, they showed up as $0 when they scanned them at the register?

Is this suppose to happen?No, it shouldn't have happened. All $1 BBB have the same UPCs, and all $3 BBB have the same UPCs. They all have unique codes, but those aren't in the UPC. There is no way that she could have told whether or not they had been used simply by scanning them; she would have had to manually enter the codes but even then I don't know if they have that capability at the registers.

If this happens again, ask for a manager.

[dcloye]

Yea, so i went ahead and used my best bucks online then later in the store by mistake . Online they got my address and visa info then in store i gave them no info. Is it possible that best buy will do something to me?

Need help, now....thanks...

Be frightened! Be very VERY Fightened!

Soon dozens of "Geek Squad" VW Bugs will be air-dropped into yuor neighborhood. They will find you, throw you on a table, attach an anti-static cable to you and then ...
THEY WILL REMOVE YOUR RAM CHIPS AND REPLACE THEM WITH INFERIOR THIRD_PARTY MEMORY!!!!
Bwaa-Ha-Ha-Ha-HA!

Actually, just call Best Buy Online, explain the situation and have them charge you the difference.

If you don't and Best Buy does contact you, plead ignorance and offer immediate reembursement and there shouldn't be a problem

(...That is, unless the GEEK SQUAD is monitoring this forum!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
BWAAAAA-HA-HA-HA-HA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Shonn]

So my brother went to use the rest of my BBB on another 360 game today, this time he went to a different store and they let him use them without a question. Unfortunately they only had one of the games so he just used 60 of the 66 BBB and drove to the other store that gave me a hard time. Of course they wouldn't let him use the 6 he had left, this time they even had their own made up rules and told him they were the official rules which they of course were not. Time to call up corporate and bitch some more tonight after work.

[StayFly]

Be frightened! Be very VERY Fightened!

Soon dozens of "Geek Squad" VW Bugs will be air-dropped into yuor neighborhood. They will find you, throw you on a table, attach an anti-static cable to you and then ...
THEY WILL REMOVE YOUR RAM CHIPS AND REPLACE THEM WITH INFERIOR THIRD_PARTY MEMORY!!!!
Bwaa-Ha-Ha-Ha-HA!

Actually, just call Best Buy Online, explain the situation and have them charge you the difference.

If you don't and Best Buy does contact you, plead ignorance and offer immediate reembursement and there shouldn't be a problem

(...That is, unless the GEEK SQUAD is monitoring this forum!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
BWAAAAA-HA-HA-HA-HA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for ur input, but i was wondering if "pleading ignorace" will really work. Also, the real question is what do they do with the Best Bucks and the redemtion center? Cause when they scaned my best buy again in the store after being used online, what does the redemtion center really know that the stores system didn't know instantly when they scaned the best bucks for the second time.

[Qui Gon Jim]

I wouldn't sweat it. Worst case scenario is that they realize you double used them and ask you to pay. They can't accuse you of anything because as others have said it could have been just an oversight on your part. I am sure the number of double uses is very low so I would be surprised if they even care.

[Heat]

Just a reminder, they expire in a couple of days.

[Cusm]

Can you use these with a coupon for $X.XX off of X product?

[eau]

Can you use these with a coupon for $X.XX off of X product?
I used 3 BB Bucks and a $3 manufacturer coupon on Cinderella Platinum Edition, while I priced matched it to Circuit City at the same time with no problem.

[blucadet3]

I went with a friend last night and we hit every best buy in our area spending off his bucks. He ordered several dvds and videogames for instore pickup: Aeon Flux DVD, Mummy 3 disk DTS, and Call of Duty 2 SE. They screwed up and gave him the old 2 disk mummy collection with no DTS so now he has to try and exchange that. He tried to get Fear SE at two different Best Buys and they both pulled the no videogames crap. He did not feel like fighting it so he let me get a usb bluetooth adapter and he picked up some sweet earbuds. I think he is glad he got rid of the bucks, I'm not sure why he waited until the last minute. He is already looking forward to next year! LOL.

[Cusm]

Wll I have $1 left. I had $30 left and was going to get 360 charge and play adapter, but they were out. I instead got the remote, I might exchange it later, for $29.99 but the CSR would only allow me to use $29, she gave me a BS story of she would be fired if she did it again (I worked a combined 7 years at BB so I know this is BS) I did not fight. I ended up getting AD season 1 & 2, Scrubs Season 1 & 2, Misfits Box Set, 360 wireless adapter and 360 remote. Not too bad and I only ate at McD's about 4 times.

[Heat]

When I went in with my last $12 in BBB and I had a $20 purchase. They would only let me use $10 at first because "best buy bucks can only add up to half of the total purchase". I pointed out that I had used best buy bucks for the entire purchase before and was told that they had recently received a rules clarification and that they may have let me use BBB for entire purchases before, but that was a mistake.

I was so close that I just picked up another item to make my purchase over $24 and used all of the BBB. Yeah, I know I could have fought it but it wasn't worth the fight in my opinion (this was the last purchase I was making with BBB and there really was something else I was wanting).

[maxinquaye]

online the codes said to expire on 12/04, so i of course wait until the last possible moment...and was rejected. just lost $46. that's like 3 dvds! argh, i'm so angry at myself right now! :(

[eau]

BB digital coupons actually expire the day before the said expiration. When they are said to expire on 12/04, the last day you could use it is actually 12/03.

[illini420]

Those w/ any BBB left...

Thousand Oaks, CA Best Buy has instructed all cashiers and have posted signs at all registers that BBB will be accepted until 12/11/2005.

[AllHallowsEve]

Thank god this hellish experience is over. I truly do not know how some of you did it multiple times. One time with those ignorant, nose in the air bastards was enough to kill me.

My short, second, but last story on the subject. Went to pick up a strategy guide. Had $6 BBB left (Never used mind you). The brusk, nasty store manager walks out eating an ice cream cone (I am serious) and states that only $3 can be used on strategy guides. I ask huh? I figured maybe she was confused due to sugar rush. I had $6 to use. She states that a strategy guide is considered a video game and only $3 can be used. I began to question this when she then rushes out of site back into the double doors back to storage. I as well as the cashier (who also questioned this made up policy by the way which shocked me) were in complete disbelief. No offense, but if legally allowed to do so, I would have bitch slapped this creature of the night back into the HDTV department. I could have truly brought HDTV into the 3rd dimension when I rammed that HDTV spiked antenna (on sale for $99) right up her ass.

I did purchase the strategy guide because I was in need of help for Mario & Luigi's later battles. After I was done, I immediately returned it. Unethical? I guess that would fall into that category. It's not something I would usually do. But, with the stress these people have caused me with their own kind of unethical behavior, I can't say I felt too bad about it.

Never Again.

[Bob330i]

but the CSR would only allow me to use $29, she gave me a BS story of she would be fired if she did it again (I worked a combined 7 years at BB so I know this is BS) I did not fight.

Interesting and yes, not worth fighting over. For the past 3 years, in my experience, they won't mark down the item to $0 so they have to leave the .99 cents on each item. So you end up paying 99 cents plus tax ($1.07 for me in CA) for each item.

If you wanted to use that last $1, you could have bought a soda at $1.25ish or you could have done an online for instore pickup with will allow you to over pay by a penny.

Anyhow, I had the opposite: good fortune with my last $301 BBBs. For my last run, I was able to slip in a Nintendo DS Mario Kart system. The rest of the stuff was fairly mundane (video games, printer carts, earbuds, crock pot, etc.).

[Y2K Falcon]

If you wanted to use that last $1, you could have bought a soda at $1.25ish...
Within hours of closing on the last day, I was told that I:

- couldn't use more than $3 on video games (they are the same as "movies", as they are all "media". Makes me wonder if I could use a GGC coupon on a DVD)
- Could not combine a GGC $5 coupon with said $3 off of a videogame (any price, not just the $19.99 titles)
- could not use BB$ on "consumables" (i.e. candy and soda)

To add insult to injury, I was gonna blow my last $15 on a "UV filter" for my kid's camera, and of the 4 sizes they carried, the one I need was the ONE they were sold out of. :mad2:

[STEVEIGNORANT]

Within hours of closing on the last day, I was told that I:

- couldn't use more than $3 on video games (they are the same as "movies", as they are all "media". Makes me wonder if I could use a GGC coupon on a DVD)
- Could not combine a GGC $5 coupon with said $3 off of a videogame (any price, not just the $19.99 titles)
- could not use BB$ on "consumables" (i.e. candy and soda)

To add insult to injury, I was gonna blow my last $15 on a "UV filter" for my kid's camera, and of the 4 sizes they carried, the one I need was the ONE they were sold out of. :mad2:


Which location?

The Round Rock one gave me the BS about the game one day. Went back the next day to customer service and I was able to use more than 3 on a Resident Evil 4 game. The Research location I had to fight to use more than 3 on games but after explaining the fine print, I was able to use unlimited.

Never tried more than 3 at the Brodie location.

Never used any at Cedar Park location.

[Y2K Falcon]

Which location?

The Round Rock one gave me the BS about the game one day. Went back the next day to customer service and I was able to use more than 3 on a Resident Evil 4 game. The Research location I had to fight to use more than 3 on games but after explaining the fine print, I was able to use unlimited.

Never tried more than 3 at the Brodie location.

Never used any at Cedar Park location.
Round Rock. I live about 3 minutes from it.

Man, that "we close at 11pm on Saturday for the holiday rush" is kind of ludicrous. I left about 10:05 and I swear there were like 8 cars in the parking lot, including the Geek Squad VW. :lol:

[eau]

On black Friday, I was able to price match Cinderella DVD to CC's $8.99 price, AND used a $3 BBB AND a $3 manufacturer coupon from the Parents mag. It must be the cashier being very nice or they simply relaxed their rules on that day due to the traffic volume.

[Bob_F1]

I'm reminded of a quote from the old film Operation Petticoat: "In confusion there is profit" :)

Bob

On black Friday, I was able to price match Cinderella DVD to CC's $8.99 price, AND used a $3 BBB AND a $3 manufacturer coupon from the Parents mag. It must be the cashier being very nice or they simply relaxed their rules on that day due to the traffic volume.

[Cusm]

I guess I got lucky, I only had the $1 problem on my last purchase. Earlier in the week I got the 360 wireless adapter ($99.99) and the cashier offered to count them out and counted out 100 and I left without paying a dime, without filling out any paper work, id or signing anything - I even offered, but she said no need.

[spyd3rgt]

On black Friday, I was able to price match Cinderella DVD to CC's $8.99 price, AND used a $3 BBB AND a $3 manufacturer coupon from the Parents mag. It must be the cashier being very nice or they simply relaxed their rules on that day due to the traffic volume.
Yes, the hectic nature of BF can only help one in such quests.

But, man, it would be soooo fun if they tried to pull some fake BBB rule out on BF. Imagine sitting there arguing with a manager for 30 minutes on the (second?) busiest shopping day of the year. Not likely to happen I guess, they need to keep the line moving. It's sad, I know, but it makes me giddy thinking about it, LOL.

[Cameron]

forgot to burn off the rest of mine in store

[SkyDog]

On the day after Black Friday, I was able to price match Half-Life 2 GOTY Edition (Reg Price $49.99) to the $29.99 sale at CompUSA, then use $24.00 in BBB to knock the price down to $5.99+tax. Not too bad.

[Heat]

It is interesting to see the different rules that store managers came up with. Mine came up with two: (1) You couldn't use BBB for more than the purchase, and (2) (later in the month) you could only use BBB for half of the purchase.

The lesson to be learned in my opinion was that it was much better to order online when possible.

I wonder what changes they'll make next year, or if they'll even do it again? And for those of you who haven't had your fill of the Chicken sandwiches, they now come with an arch card (gift card) with $1 on it.

[illini420]

If anyone forgot to burn off their BBB instore and would be interested in sending them to me next day air, email me and I'll take them to the Thousand Oaks, CA location which is taking them until 12/11. We can work out some arrangement like you pay the shipping costs and I get to buy something for myself with some of the BBB too. or something like that. I'll only do this for someone with lots of BBB left, I won't do it for a $10 or $20 item, just not worth the hassle.

[maxinquaye]

the Thousand Oaks, CA location which is taking them until 12/11

i plan to make a trek up there, but i'd rather not have to as it involves the dreaded 405...anyone else in LA find a bestbuy that has extended the expiration date?

[illini420]

i plan to make a trek up there, but i'd rather not have to as it involves the dreaded 405...anyone else in LA find a bestbuy that has extended the expiration date?


Try PCH to Malibu Canyon or Kanan Rd. much less traffic and a much better view.