I went into best buy store at bailey road, monroe, ny today to purchase the Hp laptop (219dx sku: 2660188). The listed price both in the circular and at the store said $299.99. After spending 30 minutes comparing various low priced laptops, I decided upon the Hp brand. I went to pay for the computer and was told that there was an additional $70 installation charge for the set up. I explained that I was uninterested in setup because, we have purchased numerous laptops and self installed the setup/software. The clerk indicated that if I could find one that wasn't set up, I could have it. Well, as you could imagine, there was none. It seemed most low priced computers seemed to be "pre-set up" thus causing one to pay an additional 70. I requested that based on my long term relationship with best buy and the fact that you did not advertise this additional fee, could you please waive the $70 fee. She checked with the mgr. Who stated that they could reduce it to half or they could order it and have it shipped to store. I insisted that I spent over 1/2 hour price comparing and am a loyal customer, I really feel it should be waived.
I feel this is an example of misrepresentation and price switch and bait by not publicly displaying the $70 set up fee in either the circular or anywhere near the computer display. I said it is unethical to wait until a customer is about to purchase the computer and hit them with this fee. It is also unethical not to have any computers available without the setup. I am extremely disappointed by their unfair business practices.
It seems that all their low cost laptops that are immediately available have been "pre-set up". I didn't have to ride into the store and waste my time to purchase the "advertised computer". I could have ordered it directly online. This is a misrepresentation of the both the circular price and the price advertised on the display case where the computer is. I intend to follow through with BBB and NYS Atty General Office.
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