Best Buy — Local services in Missoula

Disappointed, and irritating, best describes my recent visit to Best Buy. Here was the situation: I had purchased my HP Envy Laptop ( in 2013 it turned out ) there, and an absurd hardware problem had developed with my unit which I mistakenly assumed would be an 'easy' repair/replacement job. One of the two hinges which open to support the monitor had failed, and was now forcing apart the bottom of the computer itself. This was not good. Turns out, I was not alone with this issue on this HP model, as I quickly discovered online that discovered hundreds and hundreds of user's complaints detailing the precise same issue: defective hinges. In other words, a manufacturer's defect, an engineering screw-up, which to this day HP refuses to acknowledge. A class-action lawsuit was begun over the failure of HP to own up to this defect, and as far as I can tell, continues to this day. So, back to Best Buy, and the 'help' I received from their legendary Geek Squad. When the young man assisting me determined my laptop was "over five years old" ( in this case, it was six years old ), he stopped the pricess of forwarding it to HP to have a new hinge installed, and told me flat out that he would not be able to help me further. ????? I had to ask why, explaining that I knew this issue was a widespread ( probably universal ) defect which was built into each and every pricey HP Envy, and that I could expect to pay around $300 for having HP install a 'new' defective hinge, which I was willing to do because I needed my laptop for processing? His response: "It's corporate policy; HP will not accept nor work on PC's over five years old...". He suggested I find some 'local' computer repair shop which might take on the task.

So just to assure we are all on the same page here, let me summarize: when I purchased this DEFECTIVE model through Best Buy in 2013, at no point did Best Buy's sales agents disclose that after 5 years time, one's product would become a door stop, and as a customer/client, you would become a persona non grata. If I had realized that the clock was running and had a built-in self-destruct mechanism at the five year point, I might not have acquired this product. In fact, to have this pivotal detail revealed only after the 'time limit' had elapsed seems to me calculated & deceptive, and analogous to the ''moving the goal posts" common fallacy. The store explains away this time constraint by explaining they can only maintain an inventory control of parts dating back five years. The Geek Squad drone who "waited" on me seemed visibly relieved to be able to reject my repair job, and literally tell me to go elsewhere. But not to worry: I received the same treatment from the reticent and timorous 'manager' I spoke to, before leaving.

Moral of the story: (1). HP does not stand behind their products. A manufacturing defect should be addressed by a recall, but HP's response has been abject denial of THEIR problem, and rejection of the customer base. A bad business model, which i sures I shall never purchase another HP product,---of which I have owned many over the years ( scanners, printers, and computers ). (2). Best Buy's unflinching adherence to 'corporate policy' is not unlike something out of Catch 22. The customer policy they employ which fails to disclose little things like how in five years time your new product will not even be eligible for repairs, is simply dishonest.

I have read elsewhere that this box store chain may be floundering, and I hope that is true. I shall never return to Best Buy, nor purchase another HP product, and I very much hope Best Buy in Missoula will soon have to close their doors, and all those smarmy little wage-serfs who work there can join the...

Word of warning . . . if you use reward certificates to pay for even part of your item - THAT portion of the purchase is only refundable for 90 days. I learned this the hard way. I purchased an item for $149.99 and got the warranty as part of the "my Best Buy Total" membership (used to be totaltech - it's about $180 a year). The item stopped working after about 14 months and I took it back to my local Best Buy after making the required appointment with their Geek Squad. I drove 75 miles to the store at which point they offered me a credit of $29.99 because I had used $120 in rewards certificates when I bought it. On their end that showed as a discount (suggesting that someone at the store offered me an 80% discount apparently) and they could only offer me what I actually paid for the item. I got pretty irate and explained that it was NOT a discount but rather reward certificates. Sadly, none of mattered. At the Missoula store at least, it shows as a discount and that's all they care about. Personally, I have always treated the reward certificates like cash - and when I have them I use them because they expire - but not after today. DO NOT USE REWARD CERTIFICATES TO BUY ITEMS IF YOU WANT THE WARRANTY TO APPLY. The Missoula store could not fix it or replace it so the best they could do was 20 cents on the dollar as a store credit. The warranty might still be OK if you only pay with cash or a card but most people use these certificates as they are awarded and if you are like me and buy big ticket items like appliances, high end computers, or TVs - the rewards can often pay for your entire order. Well today I learned you should NEVER do that. In fact, at this point I would only suggest buying consumables with reward certificates because it essentially voids the warranty by reducing the coverage to what you were out of pocket when you bought it only....

Your One-Stop Shop for Electronics and Appliance Needs. it isn't just another electronics store; it's a well-equipped destination for everything tech-related,

Extensive Product Selection: From cutting-edge TVs and laptops to the latest gaming consoles and smart home devices, Best Buy Missoula offers a vast array of electronics to suit all needs and budgets.

Knowledgeable Staff: The staff consistently receives praise for their product knowledge and helpfulness. They can answer your questions, guide you towards the right product for your needs, and ensure a smooth buying experience.

Gaming Enthusiast Corner: Gamers rejoice! Best Buy Missoula dedicates a section specifically to all things gaming. Browse the latest consoles, games, and accessories, or pre-order upcoming releases to be among the first to play.

Beyond the Basics:

Large Appliance Selection: Looking for a new refrigerator, washing machine, or other major appliance? Best Buy offers a comprehensive selection of appliances for your home, with various brands and features to choose from.

In-Store Pickup and Delivery: Shop online and pick up your purchases in-store for added convenience. They might also offer delivery services for appliances or larger electronics, making it easier to get your new tech home.

Price Matching and Competitive Offers: Best Buy strives to offer competitive pricing. They might have price-matching policies or special promotions to ensure you get a good deal.

Best Buy Missoula delivers a great experience for tech and appliance shoppers. With their extensive product selection, knowledgeable staff, convenient services, and competitive offers, they cater to a wide range of needs. So, whether you're a tech enthusiast, a gamer on a quest for the latest gear, or simply someone looking for a new appliance, Best Buy Missoula has...