Best Buy & Geek Squad Policies

[tlutes]

My "Sony A700" was sent in for repairs, but they cannot fix it because the parts needed are not available.  So, I go to the store to see about the "junk-out/ exchange" and the only option is a Pentax (the only comparable model so they say) or a store credit for the same amount.  The price for the Pentax they say is comparable is lower then then the price of any Sony they sell.  Now, it will be up to me to come up with the difference if I want to buy 1 of the only 2 Sony Alpha cameras to be able to use my lenses.   Problem is, both cameras they sell for Sony in store are beginner cameras.  They do sell the new A65 online which would be a better option, but since it's only a store credit I was told that I can't use it for online purchases.  

The warranty may make sense with a point and shoot camera, but when it comes to a DSLR that is not just stand alone and requires proprietary parts it is a waste.  So, don't let the salesman talk you into something that they will end up short changing you on.  

Lesson from all this: "Well, guess I should have been smarter and bought the manufacturer warranty".... unless you don't mind having to fork over extra money when they can't honor their warranty as an ethical business would.

[CrystalWoW Valued Expert]

Yes you can use the store credit online that is incorrect of the store to say that. They should not be offering you a model that won't work with your lenses.How much are they offering you and how much did you pay originally on your receipt for the a700. Which pentax are they offering you.

[Ryan-BBY Community Connector]

Hello tlutes-

Allan from our Social Media team, will be reaching out to you regarding your concern. Thank you for your continued patience!

[tlutes]

I bought it (A700) for $1179 plus tax (original cost was $1329 for the body only), had a coupon at the time to get to that price.  They gave me $565 plus tax for the Pentax K-r.   The cheapest Sony Alpha camera that I can buy from them is $750 plus tax A580 (discontinued) or the A33. Both of which are more of an entry level camera,  not a beginner pro as the A700.  But still would be a lot better then no camera at all.

[Allan-BBY Community Connector]

Hi tlutes,

I truly am sorry that after having repairs performed on your Sony A700 you are not being told that we would replace your DSLR with some Pentax model. The store should be replacing your camera with the most comparable model camera as determined by us, but we should be trying to replace a DSLR with a camera of the same brand at the very least.

I have sent an email to the General Manager of this store asking him if they could re-visit their assessment of what camera we carry is most comparable to your Sony A700, and asking him what they can offer in this matter. Once I hear back from this manager I will post back to this thread.

Thanks for posting,

[Allan-BBY Community Connector]

Hi tlutes,

I did hear back from Rick the General Manager of this store stating his store will be in contact with you to see if there is a better resolution they might be able to offer you. Let me know how this goes.

Thanks,

[tlutes]

I'm not sure what is taking so long for the Store Manager to contact me.  Is it Best Buy's policy to take it's time and hope the problem goes away?  Wish I would have bought my camera & warranty directly from Sony, thought buying it from a local store would make things easier.

[Allan-BBY Community Connector]

Hi tlutes,

I have no idea why Rick hasn't contacted you yet, and in lieu of this post I have sent him another email asking him to contact you as soon as possible. I can promise you that we do not just take our time hoping concerns go away.

Thanks,

[Allan-BBY Community Connector]

Hi tlutes,

I did hear back from Rick the GM of this store again stating he did leave you a message on this already, and that he would call you again to see what can be done to resolve this for you.

Thanks,

[tlutes]

That would be false, I have no such message or missed call.  Seems like he's pulling an excuse from the old playbook of forgetfullness.  Hopefully this time he actually calls.