BestBuy not forcing bundle

Fo0l · 11-12-2005, 03:42 PM

Proof:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....cat66900050001

And they're letter to the public:

TO: Open Letter to Customers
FROM: Brian Dunn, President - Retail, North America
RE: Launch of Xbox 360
CC: Best Buy Store, District and Territory Employees
DATE: December 6, 2005

I'm writing to apologize.

While all of us at Best Buy were thrilled to be part of the recent launch of Microsoft's Xbox 360 video game system — one of the most anticipated events in the history of electronic gaming — the launch did not go as we had hoped. We sold out of Xbox 360s nationwide in less than two hours, and most of our stores did an outstanding job of serving our gaming customers. I'd like to thank the majority of our employees, who provided a terrific experience for customers at the launch date. However, our promotional activities in certain cases failed to follow company guidelines. As a result, some of our valued gaming customers had an experience in our stores that was inconsistent with what you've come to expect from us, as a leader in the consumer electronics industry.

Specifically, customers in some Best Buy stores were told that they were required to buy additional Xbox accessories or services if they wanted one of the sought-after Xbox 360 consoles, even though we advertised the Xbox 360 console alone. I want to be very clear that Best Buy does not condone pressuring customers to purchase items they may not want or that may not fit their lifestyle. In fact, these behaviors are in direct conflict with our desire to serve customers' needs better than anyone else, and our values of honesty and integrity.

We are currently investigating all leads about promotional practices that may have violated the company's guidelines, and we will take disciplinary actions as appropriate. We have also reminded all of our stores about our policies with respect to launches of hot products. Meanwhile, on behalf of Best Buy, I'd like to offer a sincere apology to any customers who felt pressured to buy items they did not want.

Customers who are unhappy with Xbox 360-related purchases made in November 2005 may return unwanted items for a full refund at any Best Buy store. In addition, if your Xbox 360 purchasing experience did not meet your expectations for any reason, please e-mail us at xbox360@bestbuy.com. (Employees with information pertinent to our investigation are encouraged to call our Ethics Hot Line instead.)

Lastly, I would like to invite you back to our stores, particularly later this month, when Best Buy will receive more shipments of Xbox 360s. While supplies continue to be very limited, we are truly excited about this new gaming platform, and we'd like to deliver the best of that experience to you. We promise an in-store experience that is focused on your needs and the needs of everyone on your holiday gift list.

Brian Dunn

jayd1k · 11-12-2005, 03:45 PM

i saw that on the web site! that's because the got their hands spanked! lol

BigCat76 · 11-12-2005, 04:15 PM

Well atleast they admitted to the gauging. They better not do that on the 18th.

Justin Buser · 11-12-2005, 04:33 PM

Microsoft should also be coming down hard on stores that were involved in thsi bad practices.

cskeller07 · 11-12-2005, 08:18 PM

well i work at best buy and at our best buy no such thing hapened. we recomeneded it and tryed to sell as many accesorices as possible but we did not force people to. there was no need for it they all sold out on their own anyway

Morder · 11-12-2005, 08:31 PM

I'm sure M$ isn't too happy, they're decreasing the sales. That is until the 18th rolls around.

Fo0l · 11-12-2005, 09:24 PM

Sorry i messed up on this post. scroll down...

Fo0l · 11-12-2005, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigCat76

Well atleast they admitted to the gauging. They better not do that on the 18th.

Well, if you click the link under where i wrote "Proof:", you will see that the core and premium 360's are for sale(or coming soon), by themselves. And of course, after all thats happend, Bestbuy wont change that for the 18th.

cskeller07 · 12-12-2005, 12:18 PM

the forcing to buy the bundle was a rare incident and the employees who were part of it are being disiplened as stated in the letter and possibly fired

Wickedone82 · 12-12-2005, 01:45 PM

Is everyone 100% sure that best buy is selling 360 consoles this sun the 18th ? If i call best buy now will they tell me that this is a true statement

ChiTownPlayer · 12-12-2005, 02:17 PM

Well Microsoft should have told the retail stores that if the consumer wants to ONLY by the system then that is what they get. The bundles help in generating the revenue for the month and for the Xmas season. I find this very UNLIKE BestBuy but then again it is a business and every business wants to generate $$$ during this slow holiday season.

I have talked with several Bestbuy people and I have heard this weekend (16th, 17th and 18th). Today I was in the BestBuy at open and looked for the system and was told not this week. Before Xmas for sure....I then called another BestBuy and was told the 18th. I also know taht Sam's Club is figuring the 16th to get some. I am not sure how they will work it since Business Members get in earlier than regular members.

18th is not far away...Steer me there--->

Fo0l · 12-12-2005, 03:50 PM

Im pretty sure stores will get it this week. Though some stores might not admit it for whatever reason. You should go at 6pm<(may change) saturday with chairs like me just in case.

BigCat76 · 12-12-2005, 03:58 PM

Me and a couple of buddies (I have to talk into) are going to camp out sat night but we havent discussed when we will get there. I'm assuming if you get there before midnight you should be alright but who knows with this one. I wish they would do another midnight launch so I dont have to wait that long(its pretty cold in michigan) but i will be there nevertheless. But one thing we ALL have to converge on is this: Are they going to hand out vouchers the night before? or are they going to let the hardcore guys suck it up and freeze. Now im down either way but if anyone can answer that, i would be much appreciated.

Fo0l · 12-12-2005, 04:34 PM

Well that night im gonna make a thread about people getting the 2nd shipment. im gonna start it before i leave then after i get early in the morning or w/e time itll be.

QuantuM · 12-12-2005, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigCat76

Me and a couple of buddies (I have to talk into) are going to camp out sat night but we havent discussed when we will get there. I'm assuming if you get there before midnight you should be alright but who knows with this one. I wish they would do another midnight launch so I dont have to wait that long(its pretty cold in michigan) but i will be there nevertheless. But one thing we ALL have to converge on is this: Are they going to hand out vouchers the night before? or are they going to let the hardcore guys suck it up and freeze. Now im down either way but if anyone can answer that, i would be much appreciated.

Usually what they do is they wait until about 2 hours before they open to hand out the vouchers. But on some occations when the line is about twice as long as xboxes to give out, they hand them out much earlier to avoid a lot of angry people sleeping over for nothing. So my advise is to get there really early and expect to sleep over but hope for a really long line.

ElderScroller27 · 17-12-2005, 02:49 PM

I wish we could put together a map of the USA and Mark the locations of the people that were "Pressured" and see if it happened in a specific region or was it random. I have some small experience with the way retail works and I have a suspicion that there was some Regional Manager with a hot idea to increase sales to make himself look smarter that dropped out a fax to the stores under his control in his region at the very last minute with his big plan to turn a $300-$400 purchase into a $1100 purchase. Unfortunately for BestBuy it backfired because it's sort of illegal to advertise something and then charge more when people go to the store.....