I like millions of others decided to take part in Black Friday. I was suprised yet delighted my local Best Buy advertised laptop computers as low as $399. Other price points advertised were $499, $599 and up to $1999. Knowing full well, there would be no $399 at the store when I got there, I still felt confident I could purchase a decent laptop for under $1000.
Sure enough, the store was packed and the sales associate informed me the store only had a couple $399 units which went early and he thought they were out of the $499's as well. However, if I decided now and went directly to the check-out area I could still get the $599 laptop. I decided on the $599 unit and the associate scribbled the stock number on an order sheet handed the paper to me and I was off.
After waiting in line, it was finally my turn. The cashier brought out an opened box containing my laptop and began to sell the warranty plan. After refusing, she began to ring up my order. $599 for the laptop, then proceeded to add in a series of dollar figures. My grand total was now $739 and change. As you may guess, I was stunned. First about the open box, then about the final total. When questioned, the cashier, explained the added costs were anti-virus software, spy hunter software and a host of other products I never knew I needed. The box was opened, because all this software was pre-loaded at the store so I could just pay and go.
I asked if I could opt out of the software. At first she was hesitant and attempted again to sell the benefits. I stood firm, she saw the line growing and began crediting back the unwanted software. Up to this point I was annoyed, but still a customer. Then came the deal breaker. When she rang the laptop sans extras, my new total was $846. How could this be I asked. She calmly explained the price advertised was a promotional price if I purchased the software. You pay full price if just buy the laptop. Oh, and I would have to come back tomorrow to pick up my purchase as they would need to uninstall the software.
Digusted, I left the laptop and the store vowing never to return and tell everyone I know. At home, I scanned my newspaper circular and gave it to a friend to read. Neither of us could find any fine print noting this software deal. Seems a little deceptive to me. Even if both my friend and I overlooked the information in the advertisement, I don't see why I should pay full price for an open box laptop which already had software installed, then uninstalled.
On a happier note, I found a better laptop for $599 at &. The only thing that made me happier was finding this website.
Scott
Miami, Florida
U.S.A.
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