Military Experiences

[RDolphin]

I have been shopping a my local best buy for years now, and it is located within close proximity to a very large military base.  I recently learned that a store location near another local base offers a storewide military discount, while my local store does not.  When I called to inquire I was told that it is up to the discretion of the individual store manager.

I can understand this policy if you were franchised, but being that all stores are corporate owned, I am quite offended by this policy.  Basically you are saying that if a manager "doesnt feel like it" he doesnt have to do it. 

Either your company supports the military or you don't.  I am not saying I deserve the discount over others - my point is that the policies should be consistent throughout.

Between this and the new change to the expiration of reward zone points at the end of each year, I really am rethinking if I want to shop in your stores anymore.  It seems as if you have lost touch with those of us who make little purchases here and keep coming back to your stores - I can't speak for everyone, but in my opinion i feel as if you are alienating your loyal customers bit by bit.

[Nokia]

As a company, BB does not offer discounts for any demographic. If a store chooses to, they can give a discount to whomever they want, but they are not obligated to.

[RDolphin]

While I appreciate your input, Nokia, you are missing my point. Something like this that takes place in a military community should be "across the board", not just dependent upon whether the manager of the store likes or dislikes the military.

[Nokia]

So if they don't offer a discount, that means they dislike the military? Is a store adjacent to a hospital required to offer discounts to healthcare employees? Or one near a police station forced to offer incentives to cops?

If the BB location doesn't want to offer a discount to the military, they shouldn't be forced to just because they're located near a base.

[RDolphin]

You are correct - using the words "like" and "dislike" was a poor choice. I am not here to have an argument about this - I just wanted to voice my opinion about something that I personally feel is unfair. After all, this IS a community forum and that is what it is here for.

If you disagree with my opinion, you are certainly entitled to it. I am fully aware of what the BB "policy" is as I have already spoken to the people I need to. I do not need an education on the policy. I am simply expressing my opinion and dissatisfaction with the policy.

My personal opinion is that stores that lie within the same district should honor the same policies, as any other chain would do.

[Nokia]

BB operates like a franchise. The GM of each store essentially owns that store, and is empowered to make decisions such as this. You should send an email to the GM of the store in question.

[RDolphin]

You are absolutely correct, Nokia - thank you for your input.

[RDolphin]

Update:

I did call the corporate office, and was told that it would be looked into, and that I should get a response back - or at least a phone call from the General Manager of my local store regarding my concerns.

Needless to say, neither one ever happened.  Once again, it seems Best Buy Corporate doesnt really care about its customers and following up on issues that we have taken the time to bring to there attention....

[Aaron-GS Community Connector]

Hi RDolphin,

I’m not sure why you wouldn’t have received a return phone call if one was promised, but I certainly apologize if this was the case!  I’ve had the chance to speak with Jon, the General Manager at the store in question, and he has offered to contact you this afternoon to discuss the situation.  If you have any questions in the meantime, please do not hesitate to let me know.