Best Buy — Local services in Benton Charter Township

I normally don't like giving bad reviews, but if this store could get a 0-star, it would... :)

I purchased a laptop for my wife in 2014. Best Buy, Benton Harbor, MI had a deal (I don't remember the details, but for a Dell Inspiron 3135 for ~$350 with a free upgrade of RAM 4GB-8GB, it seemed to be good.). The machine was sold to us as new, and performed quite well for the 3 years we have owned it thus far.

When we decided that the spinning platter hard drive was too slow to run well, we purchased an SSD drive to replace it with. Then, 3 years after purchase, with the machine having never been internally opened, and the warranty long gone, I performed the upgrade. I unscrewed the screws to the back cover (something that voids warranties if you do), and noticed immediately that 2 screws were not in their proper place. They were lodged between the motherboard and the Li-Po battery pack, when they should have been holding down the right side bracket holding the hard drive to the laptop. Either the threads were completely stripped, or the screws used were too small.

Not so great, but not the end of the world. I upgraded the drive, and then commenced to replace the back cover when I noticed something VERY WRONG.

Examining the Ethernet controller integrated circuit, I noticed about 1/8th of the IC's cover had been ripped off. The laptop had never had any form of exterior damage, or drops from high surfaces, nor had it ever been opened since it was 'upgraded' by Best Buy's team at Benton Harbor, MI.

I initially contacted Dell, and filed a complaint against them with the BBB. But, Dell worked with me (I like Dell), and we were able to fairly well determine that Best Buy of Benton Harbor, MI damaged the laptop in their upgrade (probably not intentional, they just did).

I'm an IT professional of 20 years. I have been a network administrator at two large organizations, developed fundamental software language support for a Southeast Asian language, and even at the age of 13 was working in hex editors. I'm familiar with computers, big and small. I've been responsible for hundreds and hundreds of machines (~350 at one job alone). I've seen many things... But, I have never seen this.

This speaks of poor quality control processes (think buddy check), poor understanding of hardware physical interfacing (think proper screw driver use), poor training (friends don't let friends work drunk), and sloppiness (unless you think a window into your circuit's 'guts' is somehow a feature).

That's pretty bad, but when I called Best Buy's Benton Harbor staff - the lady there wasn't quite understanding the issue here...

If you open a new laptop you buy - you void the warranty. If you wait until after the warranty to do upgrades, that's when you get to see the internals. If you see a problem that the manufacturer or after-market technician created inside the machine, you either void your warranty, or your warranty has already expired. So... Best Buy really should be resolving this with some form of reconciliation (replacement Ethernet controller board from Dell, a free item, or a partial refund). That's good business, and is trustworthy. Sadly, Best Buy Benton Harbor isn't willing to help.

So, I encourage you: Don't buy 'upgraded' items there, don't use their repair services, and generally stay away from Best Buy Benton Harbor. Or else your machine might come to...

Store 376 has just became the biggest disappointment, and waste of time when it comes down to their vehicle installations in store. Bought a remote start on black friday and after 2 weeks noticed I was charged an install fee when no install was requested...nor did the cashier mention a word regarding setting up an appointment. Called into the store to investigate and the supervisor (Justin) explained they should have mentioned this as its part of the purchase. Ok, he sets us up with an appointment for the next week. Came in on the date of service (Dec4?) and the tech informed me that Justin double booked him for that time. Fine, note time lost at work. Next we set an appointment for the following week. Fastforwad, as I arrive at the store to get the starter installed im informed that the tech had an unseen family emergency and wasn't going to be in the next couple of days....So why wasn't I contacted!? I gave my condolences and I fully understand the situation but where was the follow up on customer service? This is the second time I've lost time at work. I'm frustrated and not wanting to lose any more time I decide to return my purchase entirely, but the GM steps in (Tim) and says he'll get me in at 4 p.m. on 12/19/2017 even though it's a three hour job they'll take care of me...wonderful!? Sadly again no, here I am today, walked into the store reported to the tech and he states there is no way he can install that today, "It's a three hour job which won't be done until 7 p.m. and Im out at 6p.m." "Fine," I said, "I'm done with this none sense." I returned everything and now I warn everybody not to buy any remote starters or have any installations done at Best Buy 376. Buy them on Amazon so 1) You're not getting charged a mandatory install fee they don't tell you about and 2) You have the freedom of choice over your mechanic/store that can actually balance a schedule and communicate with...

A beacon of technology and friendly, helpful staff in the otherwise boring SW Michigan. It's a smaller store that manages to usually have what you need.. or want 😝. The selection is smaller than South Bend or Kalamazoo, but not excessively. I've been surprised to find the e-bikes, decent pre-built PCs, quality hi-fi equipment and the occasional excellent deal. I go here so often I think I may have a reputation 😆. The staff are great; even the store manager can be seen running around helping people, and they all have a chill demeanor.

The store layout is straightforward with shelves at the right height to be able to see side to side - not the maze you often see in retail stores. Best Buy used to have a reputation for not being the best value, but that isn't the case anymore it seems - they do a great job keeping their prices in line with Amazon. Additionally, the total tech memberships provide worry-free accidental damage coverage for most purchases, and their return policy is outstanding. I should know - I've been trying to find the perfect earbuds for months, buying and returning enough to feel weird about it but the staff have assured me all is well - as they said, you can't test earbuds without buying them! I did finally find the near-unicorn earbuds: the JBL Tour Pro 3 - amazing sound, low latency, outstanding ANC and more features than you can shake a stick at 😆. Since the latest remodel, even though checkout and customer service have been combined, I rarely have to wait long, and again, I can't stress how cool the folk working there are.

This might be the best retail establishment in the Benton Harbor / St Joseph area. Definitely...