DirecTivo Purchase

[PusOozes]

I wanted to purchase another directivo...was passing best buy today, stopped in (long story...I'm stuck with a sizable best buy credit...scummiest retailer around...I'll use the credit and then never go into one of their cesspools again)...So the guy is ringing me up...needs my phone number, address, etc...he claims that directv makes them do it...sounds plausible, but I really don't want best buy to have my contact information....I think that they have one of my phone numbers anyway...I give them that one, and an altered version of my address...then he needs my work number...I ask him why...and he still claims that directv requires it. This doesn't sound right...becaause I purchased my equipment and package from directv , and recently activated...and they never asked for this....so I just tell him 555-5555...he says that "the system will kick it out" and he "won't be able to sell it" to me. I know that it's best buy corporate policy to have their employees lie. I just leave, go across the street to circuit city, and purchase the same thing with less aggravation. They asked for a phone number and I just give them the same fictitious one that I use for retailers. Didn't ask for my address, work number or underwear color. I wasn't "kicked out" of any system.

So my question is...just what does directv require the retailers to find out for a (full price) sale to an existing customer? And what horrible things might happen if the information that the retailer collects does not match your account info? Thanks.

[bonscott87]

DirecTV subsidises the boxes, thus making them cheap. When you buy a box in a store (Best Buy, etc.) you are signing a contract that you must activate it within 30 days or whatnot or else pay a penalty. It's to combat piracy amoung other things. Typically your phone number and address are required. Circuit City also requires this, doesn't matter where you buy it. They may have already had you in the computer system, thus didn't ask you.

[geneb11]

I think it's different if you are paying full price as to a promo deal.I think they just ask for your info anyway. Although if it's an anti piracy thing they may want to know if your a subscriber or not.

[Bill D]

I can't stand Best Buy, soo many reasons, starting with their lame 30 day return policy.

[JulienPDX]

30 days is not long enough? c'mon people..get real...most retailers dont get jack if they dont return defective merchandise within that time frame. It shouldnt' take a customer that long to figure out that something doesnt work.

i'm just all for the closure of most electronic stores anyway...buying online is 10 times cheaper..if i have a problem..i just call the mfr.

[Bill D]

I'm not talking about a broken unit, I mean sealed as new, with receipt, 31 days, you get nothing. Why not give a store credit that guarantees I'm going to spend money and possibly more money in that store. Ever return something at Home Depot, they have a good setup..

[jpoklop]

I guess I am confused why you would buy something and then not open it for over a month. I think 30 days is pretty generous. I had difficulty returning a scanner to Best Buy because it was an open box unit when I bought it, but eventually they did take it back.

If you want really good return policies, try Sam's Club and Costco. They take thing back even a year later.

[mini1]

try Home Depot, take it back anytime, 5,10,15 years later.

[Bill D]

Latest example, I got a Billy Joel SACD for christmas, I thought I had it already, we recently moved and by the time I got around to digging around I found I did indeed have this SCAD already. Then by the time I got around to going best buy, it was like 45 days or something. I didn't know they had a policy like this, otherwise you can bet I would have probably gotten my act together quicker, but such is life with 4 kids in a new house, things like SACD's get knocked down a few levels..
Your example of Sam's Club and Costco is an example of what I am talking about. Give them store credit, how often have you had store credit and used that to go towards a larger purchase.

I called Best Buy consumer affairs and asked them what business sense does this make. They had no answer except because thats what management says. I asked the CSR if that made sense to her, she agreed that most other stores have easier return policies..

I have had three bad experiences at Best Buy in about 6 tries, I'm through with them. The worst problem was the first time I stepped foot in a best buy. I should have made it my last. My Dad and I went in to pick up a 19 or 25" TV. We already picked it out, they had the best price. Went to the store, they had no others in an easy to reach area (the stock was on shelves next to the TV's) We went upfront told someone we needed a TV that was up high on a shelf (20 feet or something). Two people said they would be right back and disapeared. Another didn't know how to operator the lift. Left to fins someone. Lastly we found someone to wheel a steel set of stairs over. She was about 5'2" and couldn't rach the set. At this point we were at 30 minutes later, I climbed up, grabbed the TV and handed it to my Dad. Ugghhhh.

[JulienPDX]

hiring too many flippin kids to work there and not paying them enough

[Dish Notwork]

I wanted to purchase another directivo...was passing best buy today, stopped in (long story...I'm stuck with a sizable best buy credit...scummiest retailer around...I'll use the credit and then never go into one of their cesspools again)...So the guy is ringing me up...needs my phone number, address, etc...he claims that directv makes them do it...sounds plausible, but I really don't want best buy to have my contact information....I think that they have one of my phone numbers anyway...I give them that one, and an altered version of my address...then he needs my work number...I ask him why...and he still claims that directv requires it. This doesn't sound right...becaause I purchased my equipment and package from directv , and recently activated...and they never asked for this....so I just tell him 555-5555...he says that "the system will kick it out" and he "won't be able to sell it" to me. I know that it's best buy corporate policy to have their employees lie. I just leave, go across the street to circuit city, and purchase the same thing with less aggravation. They asked for a phone number and I just give them the same fictitious one that I use for retailers. Didn't ask for my address, work number or underwear color. I wasn't "kicked out" of any system.

So my question is...just what does directv require the retailers to find out for a (full price) sale to an existing customer? And what horrible things might happen if the information that the retailer collects does not match your account info? Thanks.

They do require name and address.