Best Buy Logo

Best Buy

star star star star star_half

Author: Kalicia Bateman

LAST UPDATED: April 12th, 2022

Founded in 1966, Best Buy rebranded in 1983 to become the company we know today, the now international consumer electronics store. It has locations and subsidiaries throughout North America including Mexico and Canada. It is also now not just a retailer but a family of brands and partnerships that includes brands such as Audiovisions, Future Shop, Geek Squad, Jiangsu Five Star, Magnolia Audio Video, Pacific Sales, and Cowboom. 

Best Buy sells consumer electronics such as televisions, computers, tablets, wearables, cameras, video game systems and more. It also sells accompanying products such as software, video games, music, cell phones, car stereos and home appliances. Under its Geek Squad brand, Best Buy offers customers hardware repair and replacement, warranty services, accidental service plans, tech support, and installations and setups. Purchasing Geek Squad Protection enhances your manufacturer warranty and gives you extended coverage when the warranty ends.

Need help setting up your Wi-Fi network or mounting your new TV? Best Buy can assist with these types of services as well. This array of tech and installation services combined with its massive product selection makes Best Buy an impressive force in the computer and electronics retail space.

thumb_up

The Good

  • Excellent Customer Service 
  • Product Replacement Policy
  • Wide Variety of Products
  • Easy Shipping and Pickup Options
  • Price Match Policy

Excellent Customer Service

We liked the Geek Squad approach to customer service. In this medium, we found one of the most robust customer service platforms in the industry. Geek Squad is an owned subsidiary of Best Buy. In addition to providing customer service at every Best Buy store, customers can also get support 24/7 online or over the phone. Best Buy sells support packages with each item that is sold in a store. 

Product Replacement Policy

Geek Squad has a "lemon" policy. If your product requires three repairs during the life of your service plan, the Geek Squad will turn your lemons into lemonade by replacing the product with a similar model if your model is no longer manufactured. 

Wide Variety of Products

Best Buy offers customers a vast selection of electronic, home entertainment, gaming, and appliance products. This is very convenient and outpaces many competitors. We were impressed with its selection of Apple products and that the company offers sales on these items.  

Best Buy also had a wide variety of "wearable technology" available. These included sports training aids, sports watches, and activity monitors and pedometers. Some of the companies in the industry lacked the number of items from Best Buy. Best Buy also carried home assistive technology, items ranging from phones to computers that helped those in need live easier at home. 

There were more than enough accessories to make your computer user-friendly and ergonomic. When we looked at the keyboards and mice available through Best Buy, we found more than 164 pages of items, 97 items in total. We found a lot of good wireless mouse and keyboard combos, great for the person who wanted an ergonomic work center or specialized accessories for gaming. 

In addition to the consumer electronics products, Best Buy offers customers a huge selection of products for home: appliances, cardio equipment, sustainable living products for home, smart home products, home and office furniture, and more. 

We also liked the website's functionality, especially how it let customers sort through items. Customers could sort through items by brand, price, and other characteristics. Also, each item included a high-quality picture of the item.

Easy Shipping and Pickup Options

Best Buy goes above and beyond its competitors with its excellent shipping and pick up options. Thousands of items on its website are eligible for free, next-day shipping on a $35 minimum purchase. Next-day delivery is based on product availability and on the time of day the order is placed. The company also offers free standard shipping on orders $35 and up on qualifying items. 

And if you’d like your order even faster, Best Buy stores offer the convenience of in-store pickup and curbside pickup for free. 

Price Match Policy

Best Buy won’t be beat on price. It matches the product prices of key online and local competitors for immediately available products. At the time of sale, Best Buy will price match local retail competitors (including their online prices) as well as these major online retailers: Amazon.com, Crutchfield.com, Dell.com, HP.com, and TigerDirect.com. It will also match its own lower in-store, online or app prices during the return and exchange period upon request.

Visit Site

thumb_down

The Bad

  • Poor Customer Experience
  • Customer Complaints

Poor Customer Experience

The in-store experience with Best Buy often leaves something to be desired. Some reviews online, as well as a recent Forbes article, listed this as one of the reasons Best Buy often struggles to keep customers in the store. The Forbes article commented on the typical customer experience at Best Buy. Often, a customer walking into a store for self-service (to purchase the items they know they need) will receive an experience pressuring them to buy more things. This was a trend in some of the reviews we read about Best Buy online.

Customer Complaints

Best Buy has received mixed reviews online. One customer complaint involved the purchase of an Apple MacBook Pro from a store. The customer found the 2012 model sticker on the inside of their computer, contacted Apple, and was told that they had purchased an "old-stock" computer. The inventories of some brands in stores are often older models that Best Buy has purchased in stock.

Another customer had purchased a $450 computer, according to a complaint, and it was not working after the 15-day Return and Exchange Promise. The customer was advised to go to the manufacturer or purchase a Geek Squad plan. Electronics are expensive investments, and consumers should have access to the best products available.

gavel

The Bottom Line

Best Buy is a leading consumer electronics and home technology store in North America for a reason. You will find it has an incredible selection of home and personal technology products to offer and that its price match policy makes its prices highly competitive. You should check out its daily deals section for even better pricing on rotating items. 

If you are looking for help with installation or protection for your technology items beyond the limited 15-day return and exchange window Geek Squad is a great option. You will be able to see its services broken down by technology type and it even includes pricing for various services. We also were impressed with Geek Squad’s lemon policy. You should be aware of Best Buy’s return and exchange policy as it is fairly strict and limited without purchasing one of its plans for Elite members and Elite Plus members. 

View Best Computer and Electronic Stores Companies

Was this content helpful?
thumb_up Yes thumb_down No

Star Rating

info

4.4

star star star star star_half

368 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

54%

4 grade

32%

3 grade

10%

2 grade

2%

1 grade

2%

Sentiment Criteria

Value

star star star star star_half

Quality

star star star star star_half

Service

star star star star star_half

Trustworthiness

star star star star star_half
cancel
info
star star star star star_border

Brittney Mac Gregor Louisville, KY

I consider Best Buy a big box store, but I do shop there frequently, both in person and online. They generally have a small selection in store but a pretty wide selection online. They do not offer any macbooks or apple products, aside from phones, so that is a downside. The prices are pretty good and there always seems to be a decent deal going on. Almost all my household appliances have come from Bestbuy. They also have a great deal when you use your card, either 5% off your order or a year 0% intrest. The only con, is when your in the store, the staff pretend to be knowledgeable about the products they are selling, but as a computer scientist, I called BS on them when they attempted to describe computers to me. Don't trust the sales people, they are just ordinary people trying to make sales for the store, they have no clue about what they are selling.

5 years ago

star star star star star_border

Mario Martin Montgomery, TX

After "hurricane Ike", my home was devastated and I had to replace most of my electronics. If things weren't stressful enough the thought of replacing TV's and audio equipment had added to my anxiety. I went to Best Buy, met with a knowledgeable service representative and a manager and was able to replace all of my electronics with an upgrade and an unbelievable price and timely installation service too without any heightened anxiety, no stress from pressure sales personal, and a unbelievable life-changing experience!

4 years ago

star star star star star_border

MM Largo, FL

This is a great store for all kinds of electronics. I have bought a few TV's and a couple computers from best buy. However, they are a bit overpriced and everything is super expensive there's for things that could be found elsewhere for a better price. They do have a very good selection of products though. They also carry cell phones and service, but also quite expensive as well.

4 years ago

star star star star star_border

Leonard Leo Potomac, MD

As one of the remaining B&M stores left, Best Buy continues to offer reasonably priced products competing with online stores. With price matching abilities, the consumer is fairly well protected. Best Buys wide selection of products is impressive in today's market ranging from music/videos, electronics, cell phones, computers, appliances and gaming.

5 years ago

star star star star star_border

Carlee Toone Provo, UT

I've always found what I needed at Best Buy. I like their credit card and I also like that they offer "open box" products. I bought an ipad from Best Buy once and I was having trouble with it. They wanted me to pay $90 to have it looked at when I could just take it to the apple store for free. Their geek squad services are unreasonably priced in my opinion.

8 years ago

star star star star star_border

Kyler Ashby Phoenix, AZ

It makes me sad when I hear about stores like Best Buy are more or less losing business due to the growing popularity of online shopping. While I will not ignore the convenience of online shopping, stores like Best Buy are the best! You can find almost anything you want or need when it comes to technology in that place. Plus, if you any kind of question about a product you wish to purchase the employees I've found are always incredibly helpful. If you have a Best Buy near you I would highly recommend that you pay a visit if you're in the market for any sort of technology.

9 years ago

star star star star star_border

Noa Ranoa Vista, CA

If you purchase, you're going to get a good price, but if your warranty is one day over.... you're stuck with a piece of technology that doesn't work. I bought a Hisense junk HD tv and it lasted 62 days. BestBuy just looked at me and said..."sorry".

4 years ago

star star star star star_border

Wayne Young Little Rock, AR

Best Buy is a great store with knowledgeable staff for everything related to home electronics. They made the process of buying a TV and sound bar very easy and fast. Their prices are competitive with any online retailer plus you can get their warranties.

6 years ago

star star star star star_border

Michelle Rios Ogden, UT

I love that when I walk into Best Buy I am going to be greeted with a friendly, knowledgeable staff that will help me find whatever it is I am looking for. I think that they have a good selection of electronics and that they offer quality brands at reasonable prices. The stores are clean and well organized.

6 years ago

star star star star star_border

Thomas Hullinger Pleasant Grove, UT

I have bought tv's and computers, and printers, and many other electronic items from Best Buy. They have a great selection of products in all price categories and have helpful salesmen that can help answer my questions and guide me to the right product. Also I like their financing options and warranties.

8 years ago

star star star star star_border

Lesa Burgess Pleasant Grove, UT

Customer service at Best Buy is always friendly, knowledgable and very accommodating. The Geek Squad is very helpful & the salesperson at Best Buy told me I would get a pride reduction on the purchase price if I got the Geek Squad plan. Huge bonus!

8 years ago

star star star star star_border

Kaylee West Jordan, UT

The employees are very educated on products and are helpful. They have a wide variety of items so you are bound to find what is right for you. However, the products here are often more money than other stores. I have found the exact same products at other stores for much cheaper.

8 years ago

star star star star star_border

Cindy H Gilbert, AZ

Mixed emotions. When i went with my husband to get a TV I was very impressed with the knowledge of the salesperson. However, i returned months later to look at a tv for my child and i asked for help and stood around for 15 minutes, even after all the other customers left i was ignored. The salesman left the area without even checking back with me. I left and bought a tv elsewhere.

5 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Eliza Jane Arledge Smithfield, UT

I have always been pleased with Best Buy, whether is be in store or on line. Best Buy's in store customer service has always great and all their employees are very helpful and know what they are talking about when answering questions. I think that their online store is good too, it has everything that they have in store and more. My in store and online experience has always amazing and I am always pleased.

5 years ago

star star star star star_border

Andrea Smith Idaho Falls, ID

We will choose to go to Best Buy over other stores because they always have what we need and someone who knows how to answer our questions. The only complaint I have is that we sometimes have to wait a while for someone to help us because they are so busy. We have had a good track record with the products we have bought at Best Buy and they stand by their warranties.

8 years ago

star star star star star_border

Luke Swierczynski Troy, MI

I think best buy has done a lot recently to increase my receptiveness of them, or rather introducing price match so I can get their convenience and others prices. The store associates are helpful and quick to greet you/

4 years ago

star star star star star_border

Katlyn Hockman Houston, TX

Best buy, especially their geek squad, is incredible. I feel like their stores could be a little more organized but other than that they have a fantastic selection of electronics.

6 years ago

star star star star star_border

OwenE. Hattiesburg, MS

Every time I have shopped at Best Buy, their customer service has been great. They make difficult decisions regarding expensive items much easier, and they make my shopping experience very enjoyable

6 years ago

star star star star star_border

Nicholas Genes Los Angeles, CA

I love going into this store and checking everything out. I usually talk to the staff and see what they recommend and compare the items there. Not a bad place to pick up electronics

6 years ago

star star star star star_border

Randal hyde Springfield, MO

I dont think I have gone anywhere else to get my electronic supplies. I really like the environment of the store, i even go there to to look around even if i dont get anything.

7 years ago

star star star star star_border

Patrick Orem, UT

I bought a chromebook one day from here. The experience was good and really simple. Nothing crazy or disastrous. I just went in, grabbed the laptop, bought it and came home. Thumb ups.

8 years ago

star star star star star_border

Kenneth Okerlund

I have never had any issues with Best Buy, although I don't use their online customer support, the in store employees have always been able to answer and fix and questions or issues I may have with their products.

9 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Brenda Nakhon Sawan, 60

Best Buy is a a fun store to browse in. The layout of each store is frequently very fluid and appealing. I bought my favorite Bluetooth speaker from Best Buy as well as an underwater camera that has been reliable for over 3 years.

5 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Olivia Hardy Olney, MD

I purchased a Sony TV 4 days ago. Everything was great including the gentleman who helped me. Angel at the Pleasant Hill store helped me pick out a Sony 65” tv, set up delivery the next day and even talked me into extra coverage in case anything happened to it. He said it included any issues that came up, including accidental damage

5 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

peter harmatuk Poolesville, MD

Best buy has been our "go to" store to purchase most electronic products. Their selection is very extensive and they seem to always have what I need in stock whether it be a small component or a large system. Their selection of major appliances meets or, in many cases, exceeds the selection of other stores in other locations.

5 years ago

star star star star star_border

Eban Beltran Arlington, TX

Occasional good deals but they always try to get you with the accessories and cables. For best value do some online price comparison before you step foot inside and get swayed by the in-person appeal of a purchase. Friendly staff and good products but not always the best on price.

5 years ago

star star star star star_border

Preston Jackson Lehi, UT

My last experience in Best Buy was great. I went in looking for a tech product. I had done homework beforehand, but also wanted input from the rep who was there. They gave me valuable and unbiased feedback without pushing me to buy the most expensive product in the lineup.

5 years ago

star star star star star_border

murfday College Station, TX

If you spend enough and sign up for their loyalty program, you can get free shipping and surprise coupons (for at least $5 off.) I like that they offer curbside pickup. Over the years, their pricing has become more competitive.

5 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Samantha Fayetteville, AR

I purchased my laptop from Best Buy and they were extremely helpful and informative on which laptop would be the easiest transition for me as a Mac user to a PC user. I am very happy with my product and I owe it to the employees that helped me!

5 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Tyler Strieby Lehi, UT

I have purchase major appliances as well as computers and other electronics from Best Buy. Their staff is always friendly. I really appreciate their financing program as well and found it easy to become approved and easy to make regular payments.

6 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Dan Whiting American Fork, UT

I purchased a video game at my local Best Buy for my nephew's birthday. They had a wide selection in the store, and I was able to find the one he had been wanting. The employees were helpful and cheerful as they helped me find what I was looking for. The price was a little bit higher than if I were to get it online, but I needed it that day.

6 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Lindsay Ploeger Salt Lake City, UT

Frequently Best Buy is one of our go-to sources for technology purchases. It is our point of reference for pricing when comparing to other places. Tho, we frequently go with Best Buy in the end because we trust them with our purchases.

6 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Danny Reeder Ogden, UT

I've been a Best Buy fan for many many years. Being able to go to a brick and mortar shop make the buying experience much more enjoyable. To be able to see the products in person before making the purchase, in my opinion, is much better than online shopping.

6 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Easton Fowler Pleasant Grove, UT

Best buy has provided my electronic needs for the past couple years. Their products are quality and provide me with what I need. The customer service is amazing and the staff is great. I wouldn't shop anywhere else for my electronics.

8 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

J Crawley Provo, UT

Best Buy works to provide excellent customer service and that's what I've experienced each time I shop at BB. Staff members proactively offer assistance and seek to understand what product(s) will best suit your needs within your price range.

8 years ago

star star star star star_border

chris Francom Saratoga Springs, UT

They do a great job price matching online sites and have a good selection of electronics. Sometimes it’s hard to find someone to help you in the store.

6 years ago

star star star star star_border

Dale Ash Sandy, UT

Nice place to shop! The Geek Squad is very helpful when you need to try to fix a problem with one of their products. The sales staff are friendly and helpful.

8 years ago

star star star star star_border

Megan Rigby

Purchase our cell phones & laptops from Best Buy and have had positive experiences. The staff seem to know the products well and provide efficient customer service.

8 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Madisen Cluff Nakhon Sawan, 60

BestBuy has a great clean atmosphere. Their products are a little pricy for me but the laptop I got from there works great and hasn’t had any problems in the three years that I’ve had it.

5 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Msdaisy70 Clarksburg, MD

Always has the latest technology and the staff is knowledgeable about the items in their respective departments. i just wish i could find someone to help me during busy season (during the holidays).

5 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

A E B Frederick, MD

Best But has a great selection of electronics! They have understandable prices, and give warranty’s. They even are understanding if you have a damaged purchase. And they deliver.

5 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Lukaah Marlowe American Fork, UT

Best Buy is a good store for all my tech needs, and has the stuff I need. Sometimes for online shopping, it will just take things out of my cart, but other than that it is great.

5 years ago

star star star star star_border

Chandler Beaman Wilmington, NC

Such a great store. Every tech you need. Sometimes my husband and I just walk around for fun (pre-covid). The store is very masculine, like not cozy or warm, which is probably their vibe.

5 years ago

star star star star star_border

Jaron Thorley Orem, UT

I’ve purchased several different electronics through Best Buy and always had a good experience, particularly that they often have inventory of products that are sold out every where else.

5 years ago

star star star star star_border

RB Park City, UT

When we moved into our new home, we purchased a washer, dryer, TV, and other tech from Best Buy. Installation was smooth and the Geek Squad nice to have on call for our follow up questions.

5 years ago

star star star star star_border

Mike Curtis Guyton, GA

I like the service, expertise, selection and ability to put hands on in a brick and mortar. Best Buy has always been good at all. Computers, accessories, televisions, and appliances under one roof. They’re great.

5 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Colby Victoria, TX

I like best buy because you can get most things you need and there's one in most towns my least favorite thing is that I can't really find some of the more specialized parts that I need

5 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Vikti Mehta Frisco, TX

Best Buy has great sales representatives who helped me learn about the different types of MacBooks and other tech products I have bought. They have great prices for high quality electronics.

5 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Merrick Carter Blackfoot, ID

Best buy is great because you can actually go to the store, talk to a real person and find what you are looking for that will fit your needs. Their in store selection is great!

5 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Christian Parry Logan, UT

I love Best Buy. Their refurbished products are awesome. I bought a pair of headphones that were practically brand new. And customer service was extremely helpful with everything I’ve ever needed.

5 years ago