Best Buy & Geek Squad Policies

[Jomoney]

I bought an ipad3 from my local Best Buy. After reading about the discounted Geek Squad Black Tie protection plan when buying a tablet, PC or Mac I decided to insure my ipad with Black Tie protection. The charge on the website stated Black Tie Protection for up to 3 devices was $99.99. When I got home and looked at my receipt, I was charged $119.99. When I returned to the store to inquire of the added $20 I was told that to get that price I would need to buy 3 devices for Best Buy at the time. I think the verbiage should be changed to reflect 3 devices needing to be bought from Best Buy in order for the charge to be $99.99. I believe that i was scammed!!! Now I see why Best Buy is in the dire straits that I am reading in the news. I have not purchased anything from Best Buy recently until this purchase and I will be extra careful and ask for clarification on verbiage on website before making another purchchase. ):

[Mbrguy Emerging Expert]

The only Service Plan that I'm aware of that covers 3 devices is the Geek Squad Tech Support not the Black Tie Protection Plan.  When purchasing Tech Support with a computer/tablet/device, the price is $99.  $119.99 sounds like a charge for Black Tie which would NOT cover 2 additional devices.  

Can you please link the page on the website stating that Black Tie Protection covers up to 3 devices please?

[metalgoalie · Accepted solution]

It appears that you may be confused as to what service you actually purchased.  On bestbuy.com, the "Protection for up to 3 devices" is referring to a service called Geek Squad Tech Support.  Geek Squad Tech Support, as explained on bestbuy.com:

Around-the-clock expertise

Help is just a click away. Geek Squad® Agents are available 24/7 to consult with you via online chat on a wide range of common computer problems:*

• Virus removal
• Troubleshooting assistance for all computer-related issues
• Hardware installation
• Operating system installation & repairs
• Software installation & repairs
• Password resets

You can also call to speak directly to a Geek Squad® Agent 24/7 or bring your covered device(s) into your local store during business hours for immediate, hands-on attention. (Note: Some included services may require you to physically bring covered products to the store). Plus, your Geek Squad® Tech Support membership entitles you to an additional 15% discount on all Geek Squad® services.**

A small price to pay

A 1-year membership covering up to three devices is $99.99 with your purchase of any PC, Mac or tablet at Best Buy. Or, get Geek Squad® Tech Support for a year on up to three existing devices — no matter where you bought them — for $199.99. Sorry, we are unable to offer Geek Squad® Tech Support on refurbished and Marketplace products.

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In your post, you mention that Geek Squad Black Tie Protection (GSBTP) covers up to 3 devices.  Unfortunately, GSBTP covers only the device it is purchased for and it covers a wide variety of hardware issues (including possible protection for accidental damage from handling if the correct GSBTP is purchased).  It would appear that you have purchased a form of GSBTP, and not Geek Squad Tech Support, tohugh I am unfamiliar with the pricing of GSBTP for iPads.

As far as associates from the store telling you that you must purchase multiple units to receive a "discounted" (or however you choose to understand how that works)  price... I couldn't even begin to help you understand why it was explained to you in such a manner.

I hope this clears the air a bit.  For what it's worth, the GSBTP is probably a wiser investment for the iPad itself; however, if you have a computer or two and would like diagnostic and software coverage, the Geek Squad Tech Support may be a better option.  Keep in mind, you can purchase both plans at the same time (one for hardware, the other for software).