HardOCP News
[H] News
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You know things aren't going well when Forbes and the Wall Street Journal have you on death watch. The reason for the company's decline? I think this says it all:
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Why Best Buy is Going out of Business...Gradually
- Thread starter HardOCP News
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collegeboy69us
Supreme [H]ardness
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good - I won't be sad. The only time I spend any money in a best buy is when I have a free gift card, or when I need a very common part right that very instant to fix something (and even then I take said item back and get my money back after my order comes in from amazon or newegg)
When you mark dumb crap up 1000% and stop trying to help the customer then it's only a matter of time before consumers realize you are a relic in todays digital world. I can't walk around in the store to browse because of the 10 companies who have setup kiosks in the store trying to get me to buy a cell phone. And the 19 year old "geek" you hired doesn't know jack.
Good riddance. If I want brick and mortar nerd fun I go to Fry's (the associates that work there are still retarded, but at least they leave you alone)
When you mark dumb crap up 1000% and stop trying to help the customer then it's only a matter of time before consumers realize you are a relic in todays digital world. I can't walk around in the store to browse because of the 10 companies who have setup kiosks in the store trying to get me to buy a cell phone. And the 19 year old "geek" you hired doesn't know jack.
Good riddance. If I want brick and mortar nerd fun I go to Fry's (the associates that work there are still retarded, but at least they leave you alone)
bigdogchris
Fully [H]
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Best Buy can't go out of business fast enough for me. Their shady practices over the years is enough to sour me to them forever.
Broad, but not deep. Case in point, I looked at their headphone selection (out of curiosity) and they had.. Bose, Skullcandy, Beats, Sony and a handful of others--pretty much all overpriced junk compared to what I've been able to find online at cheaper prices.
True, I can't listen to a pair of headphones that Amazon sells, but I sure as hell can read reviews and ask questions in communities dedicated to audio--in other words, the *real* experts.
As more people use and find out about places like monoprice and newegg, and their incredible shipping speeds, along with the savings of shopping online there really is no need to walk into a store these days.
it use to be a convenience thing to walk into a store and pick something up when you need it fast, but now its the opposite. It's so much more of a hassle for me to drive and deal with bestbuy than to find what I need on the cheap from monoprice.
it use to be a convenience thing to walk into a store and pick something up when you need it fast, but now its the opposite. It's so much more of a hassle for me to drive and deal with bestbuy than to find what I need on the cheap from monoprice.
Best Buy, they're still in business???
Seriously though, Best Buy is the K-Mart of consumer electronics. They once carried a moderate selection computer components and accessories. Now, they carry just a bit more than the average Radio Shack. Factoring in their poor selection, overpricing, huge amounts of overhead and over staffing and you have a recipe for disaster...
Seriously though, Best Buy is the K-Mart of consumer electronics. They once carried a moderate selection computer components and accessories. Now, they carry just a bit more than the average Radio Shack. Factoring in their poor selection, overpricing, huge amounts of overhead and over staffing and you have a recipe for disaster...
AaronP
[H]F Junkie
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I can attest to this. I went into Best Buy the other day to pick up a Logitech Universal remote. I found it and then went to the check out. I waited 15 minutes and watched 2 people check out (out of 6 in front of me) the 2 people weren't being troublesome or had a lot of stuff the cashier was just dog ass slow. When it got to 20 minutes I put the remote on a random kiosk and walked out.
There was no shortage of staff and 10+ people were waiting in line at this point and they didn't even attempt to open another register.
There was no shortage of staff and 10+ people were waiting in line at this point and they didn't even attempt to open another register.
BigJayDogg3
[H]ard|Gawd
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Does anyone honestly think Best Buy as a company is going to fail as a company any time in the near future?
There are way too many consumers too stupid to attempt shopping online.
Anyway, Best Buy has one of the best return policies I've ever seen.
There are way too many consumers too stupid to attempt shopping online.
Anyway, Best Buy has one of the best return policies I've ever seen.
That isn't the only downside. It would also put nearly 200,000 people (180,000 employees in 2010 according to Wiki) out of work.
FranklyShankly
[H]ard|Gawd
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They haven't really competed with anyone on price in years. It's not going to affect competition when they consistently charge 20-30% more than Microcenter, CompUSA (TigerDirect), Fry's and of course online.
people have to realize that many times people like seeing a product in person. Who wants to buy a laptop or cell phone without ever trying it out. There were many laptops that i was interested in but after is played with the keyboard i was not interested anymore..
Team Obi Juan
Your Local Postmaster
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1) Steam
2) Newegg
3) Newegg
4) Who cares if you're smart?
None of these are Best Buy's fault.
nerdydesi
[H]ard|Gawd
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Best Buy may be dead to us geeks, but we are but a minority.
Its going to stay around for the "regular" people who are the majority who aren't even close to being tech-saavy like us.
Its going to stay around for the "regular" people who are the majority who aren't even close to being tech-saavy like us.
ShadowSoldier89
Limp Gawd
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after working for 2 years in geek squad, I can only hope BB dies faster
in 2 years we went from a knowledgeable support desk to a bunch of idiots that knew how to hook a computer up and talk, I did all the fixing in the back, when I left I think maybe one guy was left on that team who could actually do repairs
the prices were stupid high, employee discount was 5% over BB acquisition cost, amazing incentive for employees Ill give them that, but it gave employees a better eye towards the overpricing, 60 dollar HDMI cable, employee price of 2 dollars and 50 cents
in 2 years we went from a knowledgeable support desk to a bunch of idiots that knew how to hook a computer up and talk, I did all the fixing in the back, when I left I think maybe one guy was left on that team who could actually do repairs
the prices were stupid high, employee discount was 5% over BB acquisition cost, amazing incentive for employees Ill give them that, but it gave employees a better eye towards the overpricing, 60 dollar HDMI cable, employee price of 2 dollars and 50 cents
How is it not there fault? Giving us a limited selection and on top on that overpricing it. Service at BB is not only non-existence buy most employees there are clueless.
I pretty much stopped shopping there when Circuit City went out of business. Once Circuit City went under, I notices that Best Buy's prices went up, and they stopped having the ocasional sale that would get me in the store to buy something.
Metrocall
Gawd
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Having worked at three separate Best Buys as a teenager and seeing/dealing with the mangers that run them, 9 out of 10 are complete egotistical idiots that excel at frustrating employees and customer's alike. An article like this does not surprise me in the least and unless they do a massive overhaul, I don't see Best Buy lasting for much longer.
Easy to say IF you have a Fry's or Microcenter. Here in Wisconsin, unfortunately, if we lose Best Buy, we're out of luck for B&M electronics.
FranklyShankly
[H]ard|Gawd
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Yeah I don't have either of those here in FL. But I do have a CompUSA (basically Tigerdirect B&M now). But even in that store, the actual hardware is becoming less and less of the store, and it's 90% laptops and TVs.
Depending on what part of Wisconsin you're in, just hop over the Mississippi to Minneapolis and there is a Micro there, somewhere.
prominentlecturer
Limp Gawd
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This is going to make me seem like an awful person but with the population of the United States being (according to census.gov at this moment) 312,804,318, 200,000 works out to 0.06% of the population.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the US working age population is 237,830,000, so 200,000 works out to 0.085% of that group. The most recent unemployment rate is from November 2011 and that was 8.6%.
In other words, a total, complete, immediate shutdown of Best Buy would be a statistical drop in the bucket for the greater economy. In fact, it would probably stimulate (on a very minor scale) the economy (consumer spending) in the short term because you can be assured they'd have a huge inventory liquidation sale.
I disagree. Best Buy has been bleeding for years. It's only a matter of time...
Around here, when you walk into a Best Buy on any "normal" day, the lines are empty and sales associates are standing around trying to look busy. Average Joe consumers would rather pay less for electronics from Wal-Mart. Those educated enough to know exactly what they want will order it online for much less.
When you can get high quality 3D rotation displays of new phones and electronics online, this is changing. When all you got online was some dinky highly compressed stock image, hell yea I want to see what I'm buying. But things have changed since the early days of buying electronics online.
I hate to be the one to tell you this, but I cant stand Micro Center. The employees are jsut as clueless. If you walk up to one to ask a question and he sees you have something in your hand, he will ask to put his 'sticker' on it. Apparently they track associates sales numbers by annoying the customer with stickers on their product. I will say this about Micro Center they do have good sales, they stock refurbs and open-boxes. I only go when its a deal i jsut cant beat.
Haha. You noticed that too? It's like "I got this from the other side of the store by myself and now you're putting YOUR sticker on it as if you helped me find it?"
wiseoracle
2[H]4U
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mostly true! those stickersBTW is because they make comission! I do like there cpu prices though. my problem with most of these is both microcenter and fry's are 50+miles away. I never by computer stuff at BB EVER! but i do hit there Blu-Ray section alot! Sometimes they have better BR prices than amazon.
Modred189
Can't Read the OP
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I know I am in the minority, but I really like Best Buy. If I pay attention to prices, and do my shopping, their prices for most things (i.e. not computer components) are very close to etailers'. I have never had an issue with customer support that could not be fixed with a quick phone call, and the fact that they cover the manufacturer's warranty means I can get things swapped out without having to deal with someone overseas. This was fantastic when my old BFG GTX260 dies a few times. All I had to do was walk in, say "this is broken" and I got a new one. No waiting for 2 weeks and paying for shipping etc.
Besides, what's the alternative? The walmart family of stores? GREAT. Though most of the employees at Best Buy are slightly dim, they aren't the drooling rocks that work at Sam's and Wally world.
I suppose my song might change if I have a bad experience, but so far, after shopping regularly at 4 different stores over the years, I have been very satisfied.
I would be sad to see them go.
Besides, what's the alternative? The walmart family of stores? GREAT. Though most of the employees at Best Buy are slightly dim, they aren't the drooling rocks that work at Sam's and Wally world.
I suppose my song might change if I have a bad experience, but so far, after shopping regularly at 4 different stores over the years, I have been very satisfied.
I would be sad to see them go.
Here's the problem with BB going out of business: They don't care. "They" as in upper management at corporate. They get paid either way. The people in charge will just get a big compensation package and move on while everyone else is punished.
This happens time and time again.
This happens time and time again.
My local BB used to hire only babes. It was a pretty impressive place to be lecherous.
I have only emergency shopped there for years... Prices are far too high and selection is terrible. The only real plus is their recycling policy. Its an awesome way to get rid of junk when you live in a city with crap electronics recycling and pickup.
Customer service at BB is still better than my local Apple Store.
I have only emergency shopped there for years... Prices are far too high and selection is terrible. The only real plus is their recycling policy. Its an awesome way to get rid of junk when you live in a city with crap electronics recycling and pickup.
Customer service at BB is still better than my local Apple Store.
Whatever, they can find new jobs.... Progress is great for society but also means some people will have to find new jobs. Surely you don't want the telephone companies to go back to switchboards so all the operators that were laid off can have their jobs back?
+1
Life is a chain of events so why should we assume that if someone is laid off that person will be out of work permanently?