Problem with Best Buy

[luannie]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?
New York

I ordered a laptop from Best Buy and shortly after getting the confirmation letter, I received an email stating that the item was available for pickup. I drove a hour to the store that had one available and when I arrived, their representative told me that they did not have any in stock and couldn't give me a substitute as in a replacement. Disappointed, I drove back.

Today I received another email stating it was available for pickup again. It was a good thing that I called beforehand since they didn't have in stock again!! The customer service lady said that they won't even have it in stock this week!! According to the email I have only 6 days to pick up the laptop before the order is canceled. I called the contact us number and they all said that I had to wait for one to be available and they can't do anything about it or prolong the pickup date.

Is there anything I can do to assure that I will be able to receive the laptop? I'm extremely frustrated as I wasted so much time, energy and gas money already!!!

edit: The laptop is not a price mistake, as it is still listed on the website at the same price but is sold out.

 

[TheGeekess]

Cancel the order with Best Buy and find another laptop.

 

[luannie]

Cancel the order with Best Buy and find another laptop.

as much as I would love to, but it was a VERY good deal.

 

[divona2000]

as much as I would love to, but it was a VERY good deal.

Not if you can't get it.

This is referred to as a "loss-leader". A cheaply priced item, which the store doesn't make much, if any, profit on, but it gets folks into the stores.

Will the store will let you pay in person/online, then ship the laptop to you?

(If they ever get it in stock that is. I once went to buy a featured jewelry item from a big-name store, went in minutes after sale started...it was 'sold out'. A clerk admitted each store only gets one of each such item).

 

[luannie]

Not if you can't get it.

This is referred to as a "loss-leader". A cheaply priced item, which the store doesn't make much, if any, profit on, but it gets folks into the stores.

Will the store will let you pay in person/online, then ship the laptop to you?

(If they ever get it in stock that is. I once went to buy a featured jewelry item from a big-name store, went in minutes after sale started...it was 'sold out'. A clerk admitted each store only gets one of each such item).

No, but I actually bought the item. I have the receipt or email confirmation. I just need to pick it up whenever they have it.

 

[cyjeff]

Call the store. Talk to the manager.

Ask when the truck arrives. Tell him/her that you will be there within an hour of the truck arriving with a laptop.

Would they please hold it for you?

I want you to use the term "bait and switch" when they tell you no.

You have paid for the laptop. You should be assured of it's availability at the store.

Tell the manager that if your paid for laptop is not available, your next call with be to the state attorney general.