Best Buy — Local services in Irvine

Edit: This review was a 1-star review, but thanks to the great customer service provided by the store manager (Ricki M.), I'm changing my review to 5 stars. Soon after I left the store, I received a text from Ricki. He told me he was recovering from surgery and apologized for not being at the store. We texted back and forth for a few pages. Ricki asked me to give him time to look into it. Without me having to go back to the store, he was able to price match the item and refund the difference back to my credit card. He also talked to his managers and supervisors and explained what he did so if something like this happens again, they would be able to help out the customer. After all was done, I went back to the store to meet him face to face and thank him in person for everything he did to make things right.

Original Review: I bought a router from Best Buy's site Saturday and it was scheduled to be delivered Tuesday. On Tuesday I received a text message saying that my order was delayed. There was no information about when it was going to ship or when I would get it. I went to this store to see if I could buy one and cancel the online order. The sale had ended on Sunday, but surely Best Buy would honor the price since the delay was caused by them, right? WRONG.

I spoke with a couple of 'managers', but they're only managers in title. Neither was empowered to match their own price. I tried to call the general manager, but the call was transferred to best buy's corporate office. Again, the rep was not able to fix the price. He suggested I buy the router at the retail price and return it when I get my own. With their logic, it's better piss off a customer and take a hit on an open box return. I needed a router so that's what I did.

I called the cell phone number listed on the general manager's business card, but it went to a full voicemail.

People lament the loss of retail stores as Amazon takes their lunch, but there is a reason for that. Every single time I call Amazon, I've had my issue resolved. Every single time.

At Best Buy, it's...

Once hailed as a sanctuary for tech enthusiasts, the BestBuy located off Lake Forest / Irvine now resembles more of a barren wasteland than the bustling hub it used to be. My recent visits have been met with disappointment due to the starkly reduced inventory. The aisles, which once held an almost magical promise of endless tech discoveries, now feel empty and neglected.

The shortage of products isn't the only issue; finding assistance within the store feels like a quest of its own. The staff, though helpful, are few and far between, making it challenging to receive guidance or answers to queries. This starkly contrasts with the abundance of knowledgeable employees that used to roam the floor, ready to share their expertise and enthusiasm for the latest gadgets.

For those in a pinch, BestBuy might still serve as a last resort — assuming the product you need is in stock. However, the convenience of immediate gratification is overshadowed by the frustration of limited choices. In an era where Amazon offers vast selections alongside the convenience of next-day (or even same-day) delivery, it's hard to justify a trip to BestBuy, except for the most urgent of needs.

It's a sad reflection on what used to be a haven for technology lovers. The decline in product variety and the lack of sufficient staff to foster an engaging shopping experience has significantly diminished the appeal of the physical retail experience. BestBuy, once a cornerstone for tech purchases, seems to have lost its way, struggling to compete with the efficiency and vastness of online shopping.

In conclusion, while BestBuy off Lake Forest / Irvine may occasionally serve as a convenient stop for immediate tech needs, its dwindling stock and sparse staffing make it a shadow of the vibrant retail experience it once was. It's a poignant reminder of the evolving retail landscape, where even giants must adapt or risk fading...

I would give them 100 stars, but the limit is five. Had an amazing experience at this Best Buy today. I live in Texas, but I was traveling on business in California and my laptop died yesterday right before a very important meeting. I bought another one. Then I asked Tech Support geek squad member to help me retrieve the data from the hard drive of the old laptop, which died. Technician’s name was Sam. He was extremely professional, polite, kind, and super intelligent. I have a company of my own and I deal with a lot of people, but I cannot tell you how good it felt to deal with real professionals who were so kind, welcoming, and positive. I was really overwhelmed by my positive experience, and I personally thanked the general manager Ricki Medina. Many companies have a lot to learn from this gentleman, how he runs this store, how he interacts with his employees and how he treated me. When I first went into the store, a very young lady said welcome, and she was very nice and asked if I needed any help and she directed me to the right spot. I did not catch her name, but she had the Muslim head cover. She was extremely polite and kind. And then, after that, Ricki approached me and was extremely helpful. I was honestly surprised to find out that he was the GM. Before I left, I thanked him and shared my experience with Sam and the team overall Best Buy will be in business for a very long time and they will be winning just like Amazon does because they understand something very important, how you treat people is essential. Many businesses have forgotten about this. Thank you everyone for amazing technical support, for your kindness, and for making it all look very easy. I am a...