Best Buy Reward Zone
Best Buy RewardZone Program Review -- Updated, 9/07
Who Can Participate:
U.S. residents only, age 13 years or older.
How It Works:
Sign up in-store at any BestBuy or online here. Membership is free. For every dollar you spend online or in-store (excluding shipping and tax), you earn 1 point. Beginning 12/2/07, gift card purchases are also eligible to earn points. 250 points is worth a gift certificate good for $5 off a future in-store purchase. You can choose to have the GC sent to you by postal mail or by email. Either way, the certificate can be re-printed using a link on the Reward Zone website at http://www.MyRewardZone.com. The discount certificate must be used within 90 days.
Membership in the program entitles you to a few extra benefits, including free paper with the purchase of two ink cartridges, and occasional RewardZone members-only promotions (such as double points, or most recently, access to presale concert tickets to The Police).
Is It Worth It?
Why not? The program is free and you'll get the equivalent of a 2% rebate on your purchases. You don't have to carry the card around with you -- you can just give your phone number to the cashier at checkout, and if you forget to do that, you can log into the MyRewardZone website and provide some information on your receipt and you'll still get credit for the purchase.
Most complaints I've seen have been about not knowing the certificates expire (remember, you have 90 days in which to use them) or about people not receiving them in postal mail (you can print it from your MyRewardZone account instead).
The URL For More Info
http://www.MyRewardZone.com
Date: April 19, 2004 10:10 AM
My wife and I got our first year membership for free through some special deal, but I will definitely be renewing. We've earned at least $25 or $30 in certificates so far. There are frequently "bonus point" earning oppoortunities. Plus, the $10 certificates are good off any purchase of $10 or more (before tax) and you can use multiple certificates on a single purchase. This one is actually better than it sounds on paper if you shop at Best Buy on a regular basis.
Date: May 1, 2004 9:52 PM
thats true ......i whole heartedly agree
Date: May 2, 2004 7:10 AM
The Best Buy Rewards program is a scam.
The membership is good for one year.
You get bonus points toward purchases with a coupon 6 to 8 weeks after the purchase. The bonus coupon has a 90 day expiration date. If you don't use it, you cannot get a a replacement or your money back for the membership.
Any basis for a class action law suit?
Date: May 16, 2004 9:33 AM
Sure, you only have a very limited time to use the coupons. But if you buy at least 1 big ticket item when you have this card, it is definitely worth it. I spent $10 and bought a tv and now I have $75 worth of coupons. Good thing you can use more than one coupon per item!
Date: May 26, 2004 8:10 AM
I have profited from the Best Buy Reward Zone program. If you are a frequent shopper at Best Buy, and the 90 expiration date on the Reward Zone coupon is too short of a timeframe for you, swap the coupon for a Best Buy gift card by purchasing an item that costs more than the coupon and adding a gift card for the value of the coupon to your purchase.
Since there is no sales tax on gift card purchases and the coupon is reducing the subtotal, you will pay less sales tax and still be able to use that coupon's amount (in the form of a gift card) beyond the 90 day expiration period.
Date: June 4, 2004 11:26 AM
Is it worth it?? Depends. It's great if you make any big-ticket purchases. Or if you shop at BB a lot.
I recently bought a laptop computer. By joining the "Rewards" program (at the time of the purchase) for $10, I got $45 worth of coupons. They came considerably sooner than the 6-8 weeks quoted (probably about 4 weeks). That's a nice discount towards some software.
Date: June 10, 2004 12:19 PM
how can i get a catalog of things i can get with my points?
362 miami st park forest il 60466
Date: June 13, 2004 10:41 AM
I certainly feel that this whole program cost way more in my time that it was worth. I received one set of certificates, but the other 2 that I have coming never showed up. Upon investigation, I was called a liar. I have wasted way too much time and anger to ever deal with this program again.
I agree - Better Business Bureau?
Date: June 14, 2004 5:38 PM
The Reward Zone was a marginal deal at best when it was free. I just found out now that they will be CHARGING to be a member now.
While it is true that a very large purchase CAN make the program worthwhile, the fact that the reward expires 90 days after you get it really lessens its value.
Plus, most savvy shoppers know that BestBuy is NOT the Best Buy when it comes to big ticket items. Amazon beats it about 90% of the time, and all of Amazon's big ticket items usually have no shipping or tax. Costco and Sam's beat BB about 99% of the time, but have a smaller selection. The only really good deals on big ticket items are Open Box items, which can't be applied toward the Reward Zone in the first place.
Just consider how much easier it would have been to add the reward dollars to your member card (as if it were a gift card). Imagine the smile on yur face when you find out you had an enexpected credit when they swiped your card.
When I'm not paying membership dues, I don't mind if the rewards expire. When I AM paying for the membership, though, they better not expire.
Date: June 18, 2004 9:14 AM
LPL- You're a moron, You can't purchase anything with Points. You gain points, and once you get to a certain amount, you get a $5 gift certificate. Pay Attention, Eyes up front.
/asshat
Date: June 23, 2004 9:56 PM
Hi,
I'm a rep with the Rewards Zone customer service line. The program is actually great, but DONT, I repeat DONT let those certificates expire. If they do, when you call, say that you never recieved them. Mail is stolen, so in this case, we can reissue them. Keep this in mind, PLEASE!!!!
Date: June 23, 2004 11:06 PM
The Rewards Zone program is full of bugs. I bought a computer last August and I have yet to receive my certificates. They had my address wrong and after 2 emails and 5 phone calls it appears they finally have the right address. So maybe I will get my certificates soon.
Date: June 29, 2004 2:24 PM
It's a scam! I bought a computer in Nov. 03 and still don't have my cert.'s. I have called 6 times now and asked to speek to a manager who never offers any solutions.
The first few call, the computer were down
The re-issued certs are suposed to be expidited but now I'm finding out that's a lie. still need to wait 4 to 6 weeks.
Initial after the 1st purchase, you need to wait 6 to 8 weeks to get your certs. Stats show that this is about the time it takes most people to just forget it and probally throw away what looks like junk mail when it shows up.
Then when you call, the computers are down!
How many people will give up at that point?
Then when you do get the re issue, it takes 4 to 6 weeks for them to show up.
Where in the U.S. are these comming from?
I can see some fat cat now, How many points rewarded will never get used. Here's how we will do it.
I am initiating a class action law suit. Who wants in?
email jbona44444@aol.com
Date: June 29, 2004 4:42 PM
My certificates finally arrived.
Date: July 30, 2004 12:00 PM
I RENEWED MY REWARD CARD ON 7/28/04 AT THE SEEKONK MA STORE #806 AND RECEIVED A SLIP THAT SYS THAT IF I GO TO www.MyRewardZone.com and give them my e-mail address i would receive a one-time 2500 bonus points. please e-mail a reply to me at MAXINE@ACOHENLAW.COM. WHEN I MADE THE ATTEMPT, THE RESULT CAME UP NEGATIVE. NO SUCH ADDRESS. PLEASE FORWARD THIS MESSAGE TO THE REWARD ZONE PEOPLE SO THAT SOMEONE WILL GET BACK TO ME. THANK YOU!
Date: August 12, 2004 11:33 AM
i think its a good incentive program this rewards zone program. ihave started to enjoy the rewards and rebates that bestbuy has to offer
Date: August 12, 2004 6:53 PM
I have been very with the sales associates at my local store.
Date: August 12, 2004 6:55 PM
I have been very happy with he sales associatges at my local Best Buy Store.
Date: August 14, 2004 6:43 PM
Here is my email adress, now I want my free rewards points, one time 2500 points
Date: August 14, 2004 6:59 PM
We think "Best Buy" is the best. Everyone is very helpful and friendly.
Date: August 15, 2004 7:32 AM
I CAN'T FIND OUT HOW MANEY POINTS I HAVE.
Date: August 15, 2004 10:50 AM
looking for my 2500 bonus points soon. i hope that comments that i have been reading are not true.
Date: August 16, 2004 9:17 PM
I was told to buy the rewaeds card when I bought a LAPTOP AND WOULD RECEIVWE $55.00 WITH a check!
What is this about getting points? I never would have bought the card if this is the deal.
Date: August 20, 2004 1:46 PM
we just bought a rz card and were not sure how to do this reward zone thing can you help thanks jessie.
Date: August 20, 2004 3:46 PM
Here's my E-MAIL address, so sign me up for
the news letter and,please,don't forget my
2,500 BONUS POINTS!!
Date: August 22, 2004 9:27 AM
I can not find where to enter the 16-digit number or the questions for the survey
Date: August 24, 2004 10:31 AM
on my sales receipt(8-24-04),it states for being a member for reward zone I would get 2500 bonus points. I can't find it on your web site. please reficity same.
thank you
Robert Williams
Date: August 24, 2004 9:03 PM
Best Buy is one of my hot spots. Great , great prices and merchandise. Thanks for all the good customer Service. Thanks for my extra 2500 bonus points. Can't wait to find out how to use all of my reward points!
Date: August 25, 2004 3:18 PM
I can't find where to enter my e-mail address for the 2500 bonus points for a purchase I made on 8/21/04. I am thinking maybe this is just a scam. The receipt says, "Thanks for being a member of the Reward Zone program! Get a one-time 2500 bonus points when you give us your email address at www.MyRewardZone.com." Will someone check this out!!!!!!
Date: August 25, 2004 3:48 PM
I RECENTLY BECAME A REWARDZONE MEMBER. I RECEIVED MY MEMBER NUMBER, EXPIRATION DATE, ONLINE PASSWORD, BUT NO CARD. A PS WAS INCLUDED " WANT TO EARN 2500 BONUS POINTS RIGHT AWAY? ".
YES I DO, BUT HOW? I DID GO TO WWW.MYREWARDZONE.COM, BUT THERE IS NO PLACE SET UP FOR MY E-MAIL ADDRESS TO BE RECORDED TO GET THIS REWARD. WHAT DO I DO NOW???
Date: August 25, 2004 8:44 PM
Folks -- if you read at the very TOP of this page, I am not BestBuy and I can't get anyone any points. This is simply a review of their program - how it works, the pros and cons, etc. I've gone to http://www.MyRewardZone.com several times today -- once I got the site just fine, once there was no response, and once I got an Error 404 on the page. It would appear they're doing some kind of site maintenance.
Here is an alternate url you might try: http://rewardzoneonline.bestbuy.com/index.jsp - I was able to log in fine there even when MyRewardZone.com didn't respond.
Also, you can try contacting them at 1-888-BEST-BUY.
Date: August 26, 2004 3:42 PM
Please send our 2500 bonus points.
We love to shop at Best Buy; have spent alot of money there and always been pleased with their staff. Very helpful and knowledgeable.
Date: August 26, 2004 7:04 PM
above is my member I D pleasecredit my 2500 bonus points
Date: August 27, 2004 4:55 AM
Here's my E-Mail Address, so sign me up for the news letter and PLEASE don't forget my 2,500 BONUS POINTS!
Date: August 27, 2004 10:44 PM
This is my email address for the 2500 bonus points.
thank you.
Date: August 27, 2004 11:42 PM
Here's my e-mail address for my one time 2500 bonus points for the Reward Zone Program
Date: August 28, 2004 9:20 AM
The first year's free membership convinced me it was worth paying for when time for renewal came around. And that's exactly what I did.
Date: August 28, 2004 8:42 PM
Please send my 2500 bonus points. I have guven my e-mail address.
Date: August 28, 2004 10:08 PM
I signed up for my reward zone to recieve the 2500
bonus point and would like to confirm if you
recieved the information
thank you
Date: August 30, 2004 3:48 PM
LOL
THESE PEOPLE ASKING FOR THERE 2,500 BONUS POINTS, DONT REALIZE THERE AT THE WRONG SITE!!!!
GET A CLUE PEOPLE.
BY THE WAY GOOD SITE, FUNNY AND INFORMATIVE.
Date: September 16, 2004 8:27 PM
My mom signed up when she bought a computer and used those rewards on a fridge and range. We used those rewards towards a PS2 for my brothers birthday. Even buying DVD's and music adds up. No complaints here so far.
Date: October 17, 2004 5:57 PM
Best Buy gave me my reactivation of my membership at no cost! I must say they have kept me very HAPPY!
Date: October 22, 2004 10:34 AM
Thank you for the 5,000 bonus points and when you say you take care of your customers you do .And I will be using them for the buyiny of gifts. Thank You Harold Smith
Date: October 22, 2004 2:18 PM
Thank you for the free reactivation of my Reward
Zone membership. How do I sign up to receive my bonus reward certificates by e.mail?
Date: October 25, 2004 9:22 PM
THANK YOU FOR MY 5,000 BONUS POINTS
Date: October 27, 2004 11:17 AM
I do not like the way the rewards status is used.
I do not like the fact after spending my hard earned money at your store,you give me time limits on when to use my certificates.I believe as long as you use the Best Buy credit card there
should be No Experation date.
Date: October 28, 2004 2:04 AM
I think that the Best Buy reward scheme is a complete scam. They charge you for something which should be free in the first place.
Also they have a policy which does not allow any cancellations or refund after the first 30 days. This is simply crazy as there should be no problem for them to cancel memberships and refund the $$. There is no loss of merchandise or misuse thereof.
And their customer service representatives, specifically one by the name of Tasha, is absolutely difficult to talk with and is rigid. In another store, this kind of CSR would not have lasted for even a month.
So stay away from Best Buy and their reward zone under all circumstances.
Date: November 6, 2004 2:59 PM
I signed up for the RZ scam back in August when I purchased over 2k in audio/video products. Of course, I was told that for ever 100 bucks, I was going to get $10, so that's what I get for listening to the 17 yr old checker. Wait, scratch that. It's MY FAULT for not halting the long lines at my local store to read the fine print. What? I can't read the fine print until after they pull the card out from under the checkout desk and hand me the card? Oh. My bad.
Back to the story. August 2004. $2000. 6-8 weeks pass. I receive a letter in the mail stating that the email address I supplied doesn't work, although I've used this email address for a while now. To my surprise, when I open up Outlook, I have 1 $5 certificate. HMMMMM. My email address works. I call to discuss this, and they have to "cancel and resubmit", thus adding 2-3 weeks. It's been 2-3 weeks, and no emails. I call, and they say "you're not signed up for email certificates, we mailed them." What?? I say I received one via email, and they say "we don't know how, because you're not signed up for email". Well, considering that I haven't received my certificates, and they don't have my email setup, they have to now set up my email. 7 days. Then, I must call back to have them resubmit the certificates. 2-3 weeks.
Let's see.
6-8 week waiting period.
2-3 week resubmital period.
1 week email setup period.
2-3 week resubmital period.
11 to 15 weeks... and that's on the hopeful side.
The program lasts 1 year, and it's been a quarter of that, and I have yet to receive 95% of the certificates I was to receive from my very first purchase!!!
Date: November 22, 2004 7:49 AM
GO TO THE STORE AND DO BUSINESS IN PERSON!
We have been members of BB for years, no
complaints, happy with service and products.
As far as the myrewardzone certificates, our
experience has been very good, if they expire
just go to the store, they will renew them or
apply them to a gift card. Gosh, really can't
see the big hubbub, they aren't out to screw
you. Be nice to the people in the store and
they will be nice to you.
We like doing business in person and
don't use the customer service phone line
for that reason.
Please give the store a chance,
remember you can order products online!
In our business we even provide many services
online and our customers have NO problems!
Happy Trails!
Stormynites
Date: November 23, 2004 9:57 PM
I would like to receive reward certificates by email and also receive 5000 bonus points for signing up.
Date: November 26, 2004 2:04 PM
The RZ program blows. I still haven't got full credit for something purchased mid Sept. The worst thing is that once I joined, I stopped getting the 10% off coupons. I know this because I have friends that are not members and they still get them. It needs to be discontinued.
Date: December 2, 2004 11:03 PM
How to Resolve Best Buy Reward Zone Issues
This is a long post, but it is worth reading. Trust me.
I used to run the legal department for a fraudulent corporation. I have perfected a technique that is virtually guaranteed to solve any problem with any corporation. I use this technique all the time, and I used it today to resolve my Reward Zone issue with Best Buy.
FIRST, understand that almost all corporate “Customer Care” inbound call centers are not run by the actual corporation. They are third-party service providers that contract with the corporation to basically answer their incoming telephone calls. Best Buy is no exception to this rule. Often, a company’s 800-number will even re-route your incoming call to a call center located overseas (Dell has call centers in Argentina. Intellisync has then in India. This alone is grounds not to do business with these companies.) Whether located overseas or in the United States, the people you will talk to are typically poor minorities who sit at a desk and answer telephones all day for poverty-level wages. Because they are rated on how quickly they handle calls and not on how efficiently they resolve problems, THEY DO NOT CARE ABOUT YOUR PROBLEM. Their goal is to get you off the line as quickly as possible (for this reason, whenever you are placed on “perpetual hold,” never hang-up. Computer monitoring programs will disclose that this particular customer service agent had a call on hold for a long time which the agent may have to explain to their superiors).
LESSON #1: Do not waste your time with inbound call centers. They will almost always prove futile (unless, of course, you simply want to yell at someone about your problem which sometimes has cathartic value and a therapeutic effect). :-)
SECOND, the only people who REALLY care about a company’s problems are those in the legal department. Why? Because if a problem that escalates to the point of litigation, especially a class action lawsuit, it increases the legal department’s work load and can create substantial expense for the company. Being the lazy, greedy people that they are, those employed in the legal profession go to great lengths to avoid unnecessary work and to avoid unnecessary expenses.
LESSON #2: The people who you should be interested in talking to about your problem are those employed in the company’s legal department. Sometimes a legal department may refer you to a corporate level employee to resolve your problem. This is okay because anytime a corporate level employee is told to do something by the legal department, they listen.
THIRD, with that said, here is my secret. Go online and find where the company’s corporate headquarters is located. There are several methods of doing this. First, simply read the company’s product packaging or visit their website. Product packaging often provides at least the city and state where the corporate headquarters is located. Websites usually have a “Contact Us” page. For example, the Best Buy Contact Us page at http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?j=1&id=cat12104&type=page
Indicates that the company is headquartered at 7601 Penn Avenue South, Richfield, MN 55423. It further indicates that the corporate headquarter’s telephone number is (612) 291-1000. Bingo! You’re halfway there.
NOTE: If the previous method did not work, it is usually an indication that the company engages in questionable business practices (why else would it avoid contact with its own customers?). In those cases, you may have to resort to Hoover’s Online at http://www.hoovers.com/free/, or a Google search at http://www.google.com (you may need to familiarize yourself with Google’s advanced search tips at http://www.google.com/help/refinesearch.html). If the company has engaged in fraudulent-like activity, you may find information if you search the Better Business Bureau at http://www.bbb.org/ or the Federal Trade Commission website at http://www.ftc.gov/ (be sure to also search any other relevant regulatory web site such as the FDA, State Attorney General, etc. You might also want to lodge a complaint while you’re there). If the company is traded on a public stock exchange, you can also search the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commissions EDGAR database system at http://www.sec.gov/edgar/searchedgar/webusers.htm (you may wish to read the EDGAR tutorial at http://www.sec.gov/edgar/quickedgar.htm and you should at least familiarize yourself with the different types of filings in the EDGAR database at http://www.sec.gov/info/edgar/forms/edgform.htm). If it is a nonprofit corporation, search Guidestar’s National Database of nonprofit corporations at http://www.guidestar.org/ (be sure to sign up – it is free and provides much more detailed information that the free search).
LESSON #3: You can find anything you want on web if you look hard enough.
FOURTH, find out the name of the company’s General Counsel. You can often do this by searching the company’s web site or doing as Google Search on “Company Name” “General Counsel.” For example, by Googling “Best Buy” “General Counsel” we learn that Best Buy’s General Counsel is Joseph M. Joyce, is 48-years-old, and is also Senior Vice President. See, http://www.google.com/search?as_q=%E2%80%9CBest+Buy%E2%80%9D+%E2%80%9CGeneral+Counsel%E2%80%9D+++&num=10&hl=en&btnG=Google+Search&as_epq=&as_oq=&as_eq=&lr=&as_ft=i&as_filetype=&as_qdr=all&as_nlo=&as_nhi=&as_occt=any&as_dt=i&as_sitesearch=&safe=images. In our case, the Best Buy website generously provides that as “[a] native of Minneapolis, Minn., Joyce graduated from University of Minnesota and attained a law degree from William Mitchell College of Law.” Googling “Joseph M. Joyce” would almost invariably reveal the same information.
LESSON #4: You can find anything you want on web if you look hard enough.
FIFTH, try to find the direct telephone number for the General Counsel or the legal department. This is easier than you might think. First, try the Martindale-Hubble nationwide attorney directory at http://www.martindale.com/xp/Martindale/home.xml. In our case, the Martindale-Hubble directory lists Mr. Joyce but does not provide his direct dial telephone number. See, http://www.martindale.com/xp/Martindale/Lawyer_Locator/Search_Lawyer_Locator/search_detail.xml?pos=2&CP=1&FNAME=Joseph&LNAME=joyce&LSCH=&FN=&CN=&CTY=&ft=1&lid=92C9FD306598CD&attid=92C9FD306599C9&STS=&CRY=1&hp=1&RR=3&PRV=LL2&STYPE=N&MTY=&ratind=N&searchid=200412022341207095759. Knowing that Mr. Joyce lives, went to law school, and now works in Minnesota, you can pretty much rest assured that he is a member of the Minnesota Bar. Thus, next stop is the Minnesota Bar member directory. Unfortunately, this directory does not list Mr. Joyce. See, http://mail.statebar.gen.mn.us/search/search.asp. So, we’ll just stick with the main corporate headquarters telephone number.
LESSON #5: Although you can find anything you want on web if you look hard enough, always adhere to the rule of following the path of least resistance. It is easier to simply ask the corporate switchboard for the legal department or get General Counsel’s direct dial number from a spell-by-name directory (if available) rather than spend an inordinate amount of time researching for the number (unless of course you have no life).
SIXTH, whether you get General Counsel’s direct dial telephone number or only the company’s general headquarters telephone number, call them. (If your state law permits you to tape the phone call, by al means do so.) Ask for Joseph Joyce’s assistant (both Nancy Krolick (I do no know if this last name is spelled correctly) and Tony Mason work in the Best Buy legal department). When they answer, adhere to proper business protocol by identifying yourself by first and last name. Immediately thereafter, always ask “With whom am I speaking?” ALWAYS ASK THE PERSON HIS OR HER NAME (PREFERRABLY FIRST AND LAST) AT THE OUTSET OF THE CONVERSATION BECAUSE THEY MOST LIKELY WILL NOT GIVE IT TO YOU IF THE CONVERSATION TURNS SOUR. Tell them your problem. Speak courteously but with authority. DO NOT ACT IRATELY. These people are not call center material, and they will resolve the problem. Treat them with respect. If they express reluctance, NICELY explain that you would rather resolve the matter amiably than have to litigate it. If this does not work, reiterate that litigation would be expensive for both parties and therefore it would be a shame if you and Best Buy were forced to spend thousands of dollars in legal fees simply because you could not get a relatively trivial problem resolved. If all else fails, explain that if Best Buy is going to inconvenience you by compelling you to file a lawsuit in order to resolve a relatively simple matter then you will have to inconvenience Best Buy by making your lawsuit a class action. Mention key phrases (e.g., Misrepresentation, Fraud, Unjust Enrichment, Consumer Protection Act, etc) in the course of your conversation. IF YOU HAVE MADE NO PROGRESS AT THIS POINT, GET IRATE. As a last ditch effort, repeat the employee’s name and let them know that when Best Buy has to pay millions of dollars to settle an otherwise avoidable class action, you are going to make sure that they know that it was because he or she would not help you (e.g., “If we have to litigate this matter, rest assured that I will let everyone involved know that Best But had to spend millions to settle a class action because John Doe refused to do his job and help me resolve an otherwise trivial problem”). If the employee is adamant on not helping you, try calling back and getting another employee in the legal department and trying this approach again (this rarely works because people in offices usually talk amongst themselves so they might recognize when “the jerk” calls again).
If this does not work, then go online and consult with a class action attorney. After all, once 20 or so of you reading this try this approach, Best Buy will catch on, and the threat of litigation, even class action litigation, will have no currency (they will probably start screening their telephone calls to the legal department too). I do not care what you think about class actions and the attorneys who profit from them, CLASS ACTIONS HIT THE CORPROATE POCKETBOOK HARD AND THEREFORE ARE THE ONLY DETERRENT TO CORPORATE SCAMS. USE THE CLASS ACTION DEVICE LIBERALLY! IT IS YOUR FRIEND AND ONLY DEFENDER AGAINST CORPORATE THUGS GETTING FAT OFF YOUR HARD-EARNED DOLARS.
Remember, I speak from experience. I have used this approach countless times and it only failed once. What happened to my former fraudulent corporate employer, you ask. It has since been sued in bankruptcy, which is the closest thing to a victory for the many victims of its rampant fraud that costs consumers millions of dollars.
Good luck.
Date: December 3, 2004 7:24 AM
What an excellent post! WONDERFUL and detailed advice applicable to resolving issues not only with BestBuy but also other rewards programs. Thank you so much for the information!
p.s. Would love to talk to you privately and off the record, Law Firm Employee -- if you're interested, I'm at comparerewards@yahoo.com
Date: December 6, 2004 6:28 PM
I have 189,292. total points and $75.00 in Certificates.My reward certificates exspiration is 1-08-05. I would like to here how to redeem these reward points the best way.What is this really worth? Perplexed.
Date: December 14, 2004 9:39 PM
BestBuy just made one HUGE improvement to the RewardZone program -- you can now earn points for purchases made ONLINE! You can't use the certificates online yet, but they say they are working on that. I'm now in my second year of membership and I am thrilled with the RZ program.
Also, you can now choose whether you want to receive your certificates at $5, $10, or $20 (for those who didn't like getting $5 off a $10 purchase), and you can choose to have them delivered by mail or e-mail.
There are also opportunities to earn bonus points for purchases and other activities. I've earned 1200 points so far for playing FREE fantasy football sponsored by Best Buy.
To "Perplexed"... you certainly are perplexed because your post made no sense at all! You don't "redeem" reward points, they are automatically redeemed in the form of discount coupons in $5, $10, or $20 amounts. From your post it sounds like you have already earned (and presumably received) $75 in certificates. What are they worth? $75 is worth $75! And if they expire on 1/8/05 then you'd better use them quickly! Or do you mean that your RewardZone membership expires on 1/8/05? In that case, you just need to decide whether you renew or not.
I'm also surprised at the people who say this isn't a worthwhile program, or those who say BB isn't the cheapest place to shop. They constantly have great sales and I have found them to frequently have the best prices on CDs, DVDs, computer gadgets, etc. They also have some of the best prices on appliances, computers, camcorders, etc. I just bought a JVC camcorder that is $329 at Amazon and also $329 at BB, but then I got 12% off AND I earned RZ points too! Now I LOVE shopping online but for a single CD or DVD it's cheaper to buy at a BB store and save shipping. Plus, now that you can earn RZ points online you can shop online and pick up at the store for free!
-- Marc
p.s. Becky, why do all these people think that this website is affiliated with the Best Buy Rewards Zone website? What a riot!
Date: December 17, 2004 8:16 AM
i still have not gotten my reward .what seems to be the problem with these people?
Date: December 17, 2004 10:16 AM
Where do I find my reward zone points. I cannot read the left side of the screen.What is the URL? Where can I find it?
Date: December 17, 2004 8:17 PM
What is wrong with you peeps. This site is in NO way affiliated with Best Buy or Reward Zone. It is a site that some joe blow created to find out what people think about the program. READ PEOPLE!!! If you want assistance with the Reward Zone program, then call Reward Zone at 1-888- Best Buy. Geesshhhh!!
Date: December 28, 2004 9:37 PM
What a bunch of morons! Those of you who are asking the creator of this thread will probably never see your reward points because you think that this is the place to sign up for them. Most of you asking for the extra points are probably not even reward zone members. You obviously can't read so how do you know what you did and didn't sign up for?
The reward zone works and if you can do some basic math it's not a hard program to figure out. You earn points, those points in turn have a monetary value, you get your certificates depending on how much you spend and then you spend the certificates. If you haven't received your certificates than call the reward zone center and they will give you your account ID and password. Go to www.myrewardzone.com, enter your information and it will tell you the amount of points you've racked up and gives you a very detailed transaciton history. If you haven't received your certificates than that can also be handled through the website. You people are making this out to be harder than it actually is. I received almost $200.00 in certificates last year alone so for my $10.00 investment, it was worth it. The other option would be to not be a member and I would have lost out on the extra $190.00 they sent me.
For those of you talking about a class action lawsuit, I'll bunch you up with the other group of morons that want the guy who has this site to send him their points. Best Buy has this program as an incentive for spending money at their stores and you want to sue them for giving you moeny back? What a bunch of idiots. It may not be the most lucrative incentive program in the world but it does give you money back on something you were going to buy anyway. Use a credit or debit card that pays you cash back and you'll get even more in return. Want to sue your credit card company for giving you cash back on your purchases also?
I highly suggest you go to www.myrewardzone.com and READ. Don't just look at the pictures. It is a very easy program that requires no extra action on anyones part and you get money back. How hard is that? I can't beleive the trouble some of you are having with this program. The only way to make something fool proof is to keep the fools away from it.
Date: January 6, 2005 8:59 AM
I think the Best Buy rewards program is the best thing anyone has come up with. Last year I earned over $600.00 in certificates. I think it's a great to keep someones business.
Date: January 12, 2005 9:07 AM
September 22, 2004 - Made $1,800.30 purchase at Best Buy.
October 24, 2004 - After waiting 4 weeks for my "Welcome Kit," contacted Best Buy only to be told that my original purchase had not been registered; returned to store to have points replaced on Reward Zone card; given credit for only $1,589.99 of my original $1,800.30 purchase.
December 2, 2004 - After waiting another 4 weeks for my "Welcome Kit," contacted Best Buy legal Department; was told that due to some complication my Reward Zone certificates would be delayed a couple of weeks; made longwinded post about how I had resolved my problem (see above, "How to Resolve Best Buy Reward Zone Issues")
December 14, 2004 - After waiting another 2 weeks for my "Welcome Kit," logged on to www.myrewardzone.com and saw that I had received points; contacted Best Buy to ascertain where certificates were; was told that I would receive certificates in the mail soon.
January 11, 2005 – Almost 4 months since I made my original September 22, 2004 purchase and yet no sign of any "Welcome Kit" or Reward Zone Certificates.
Anyone who has experienced similar difficulties and who would like to participate in a class action lawsuit against Best Buy, please email me as soon as possible.
Thank you.
smackey@plymouthlegalgroup.com
Date: January 12, 2005 4:09 PM
I used the rewards card for the first year and thought it was great...UNTIL...my membership expired. Well, I continuously shopped at Best Buy not knowing this. Each purchase my card was scanned and not one of the employees informed me of this. Until finally, one did over 4 months later and hundreds of dollars later (christmas time). I immediatly renewed when the manager of the store said that if I called the number for the rewards program they would reinstate all my purchases and count them. Well, they will NOT! This has made me furious! I deserve them and was expecting to have those purchases count. You decide...I am banning Best Buy for not standing behind their rewards program.
Date: January 24, 2005 12:56 PM
I have some reward cards but can't find them.
Can you help me out?
Thanks
Ken. Schwab
Date: February 3, 2005 1:24 PM
Calling does not help, nor does email. The website for rewardzone is completely half-a$$ed. They send certificates to the wrong address and when they are used, they will not fix their mistake. Best not to use this $hit service, as it is poorly thought, run, and managed.
Date: February 11, 2005 5:15 PM
I enjoy shopping at best buy, and the service is great. The people working in the Port richey store, are knowlegeable about the products there.
Date: February 12, 2005 10:52 AM
Reward Zone just screwed me out of $95....it sucks sooooo bad....never shop there again!
Would have ripped their eyes out if I could have been with the asshole on the phone!
Have to kiss some serious ass to get certificates......down with Best Buy!
Date: February 13, 2005 2:16 PM
I bought a $900.00 T.V. about a month and a half ago, sent my wife to pick it out along with the rewards card. Ofcourse, when reviewing the receipt, nothing was applied to the rewards card. We called Best Buy the following day and they said they couldnt do anything about it and we had to do it online. yet until this day we have no clue how to redeem our rewards points. This may have been our last time shopping at Best Buy...
Sincerely,
A very angry Rewards Of Nothing Cardholder!!!!!
Gene Loughren
Date: February 13, 2005 4:08 PM
Horrible Program....Recommendation ...Don't get
involved or pay for something that you may never get. Have been trying to get a $40 certificate for some 3 months. When they sent it...I took it to the store to redeem, and guess what.. it was no good.
Had to go back to web site to try to reissue, Have spend some 3 to 4 hours, let alone time spent at store with manager. Guess what...after 3 months still no certificate. Its what I call a "true" rip
off...
Date: February 14, 2005 8:43 AM
i like doing busness with BESTBUY
Date: February 14, 2005 10:07 PM
The Reward Zoneis a wonderful program. It gives me an opportunity to buy things at a discount.
Date: February 15, 2005 1:29 PM
I have been very happy with the program. Thank You.Joe
Date: February 15, 2005 1:45 PM
Ihave purchase software ,dvd, cd, Telphones,pc. &Laundry,DVD Player.very happy with the services& the the products. Joseph Knapp
Date: February 15, 2005 7:19 PM
today is 02/15/2005 .I got and offer if i give you my email i get 10,000. ok there you are.
Date: February 15, 2005 7:38 PM
PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT Best Buy's website! PLEASE do not leave your email address here thinking you've signed up for your bonus points. You need to go to http://www.MyRewardZone.com and enter the membership number on your card and your zipcode to create an account. Call 1-888-BESTBUY if you have any difficulties with this!
The website you're on right now is CompareRewards.com -- I review rewards programs like Best Buy's Reward Zone, but I AM NOT BEST BUY AND CAN'T GET YOU YOUR POINTS!
Date: February 17, 2005 4:22 PM
I am a regular Best Buy customer. They have the most up to date merchandise available ANYWHERE
Date: February 17, 2005 4:27 PM
We shop regulary at Best Buy because the have the most uo to date merchandise available ANYWHERE
Date: February 19, 2005 6:38 PM
i am happy with all the service and items i have bought from best buy
Date: February 20, 2005 1:29 PM
i think best buy is the best where there is a thousand of possibilities
Date: February 20, 2005 4:57 PM
It finally arrived today.
Date: February 20, 2005 5:32 PM
We received over $260.00 in gift certificate thru rewadzone ... I love it
Date: February 22, 2005 2:46 AM
My children and I spend hours at Best Buy each time we visit. In every department, there's so many items to explore. The sales personnel are always helpful, and very pleasant.
Date: February 22, 2005 1:38 PM
Rewardzone site has some bugs in it. I supplied them with an email address that I've had for 10 years. I had opted to have certificates emailed to me. Apparently, there was a problem with it. I changed it with a fully qualified domain name and I still didn't get my certificates because they had a problem with the email address. I just switched it to MAIL certs to me. What a pain. Are they blacklisted or something? I don't understand what problem would be encountered with my email address.
Date: February 22, 2005 4:19 PM
I bought a personal computer about the end of January and got the rewards card with that purchase. The salesman told me that in about 6 weeks I would receive a check for about 60.00 in the mail. I got a letter today about receiving certs. in the mail, I went to my reward zone.com and checked for the total points that I have earned to date and it states that my points are pending. first of all I am livid due to the fact that I receive certs instead of a check like I was told, and after reading some of the stuff on here, I feel that it is nothing but a scam.
Date: February 22, 2005 6:29 PM
How is a company charging $10.00 for the oppertunity to receive hundreds if not thousands of dollars in discounts and in store credit a scam?
Bought a 60" Sony Grand Wega LCD Television and a 4 year extended warranty. that was over 4k right there which means I turned about a 130-140 dollar profit on my first purchase using this program.
I'm sure some errors do occur do to Best Buy hiring pretty much anyone who is not a felon and paying them crap dollars an hour, however, to try and claim the whole program is a scam due to a few folks running into issues or due to people being upset that the certificates are not instantly mailed to you even before the 30 day exchange/return policies have expired is ridiculous.
My advice : Chill out, be patient, and contact the customer support. I have twice now and found them to be civil, friendly, helpful and prompt.
Hardly anything like what I am reading here.
Date: March 3, 2005 7:14 PM
We are another set of victims of Best Buy. Last year we spent $5000 last year at BB and were due about 200 in certificates.
But....BB can't seem to keep the records straight. They confused us with another customer and insisted that we get a different RZ account to straghten it out. Well after following that advice we were told that ALL our RZ certificates were no lpnger valid because we closed the account.
We did what they said to do. Of course Customer no service refused to help. We spent over 2000 a year at BB and will never shop there again.
Add to that our private informaqtion was being handed out to someone else.
It easy easy to say you give customer service when everything runs smoothly. When things get mildly complex you are kicked out the door by BB
Class action.....not a bad idea.
Anybody want in?
Date: March 8, 2005 5:14 PM
I found the site but where do I get information about me? I spent 917.96 on 1/29/05 and 59.00 on repairs on 3/1/05. I should have something coming from you. Please send indormation be email to me.
Date: March 9, 2005 11:13 AM
I have been a Best Buy purchaser for many years anmd I have spent many thousands of dollars for my business, my children, grand children and applaincess for houses I buy and rehab, I purchased computers, tvs, dishwashers, refrigerators, vcrs, remotes,scanners, printers, software, videos, dvds, cds, many gift certificates and many other items too numerous to mention. Until now I had no serious problems with Best Buy. Then I joined Rewardzone. I finally got 40 dollars worth of reward coupons and tried to purchase One hundred dollars with my Best Buy Card and my forty dollars wort of certificates and was told they could not be used for gift certificates. There are no such limitations on my reward card. I am so angered by this that I will purchase elsewhere from now on and I will tell my son, daughter and grandsons to boycott Best Buy unless they decide to correct this situation.
Ernest J. Cole
Date: March 9, 2005 11:42 AM
Where can I join the class action suit. The MyRewardZone is a scam....
Date: March 11, 2005 8:36 PM
This is my second year with reward zone. My first year I received $125 worth of certs. This year I have received all my certs in my e-mail! Just print and off to the store. I have never had a problem using my certs.
The only problem I have with the program is it is very slow to apply points to purchase. I was skeptical at first but if you follow the rules this is the best incentive program out there.
I recently considered buying a tv from amazon.com which was $400 cheaper than Best Buy. I waited 2 weeks and bought the tv on sale at best buy.com. I got a $200 DVD player, 12 months same as cash, a digital coupon, and a big fat bonus in the rewards program in the tune of $150.00! After adding up the perks I saved money over Amazon and had it delivered from the local warehouse to my living room! How anyone could have anything negative to say about this program is beyond me. Keep up the good work Best Buy, you have a customer for life.
Date: March 14, 2005 7:05 PM
best buy rocks all the time keep up the good work
Date: March 21, 2005 9:19 PM
I wanted a lap top wireless . best buy told me i could have it where i live . I said i didn't think so . he looked it up on the computer and said yes i can it shows my address that i can have wireless. so i bought the lap top. i get it home to find out i couldn't have wirless that comcast did not service where i live. so i took the lap top back to best buy to return it because i couldn't do what they told me i could. best buy wouldn't take it back unless i paid them 150.00 because the box was opened. it was not my fault i had to open it to try to have it hooked up to wireless. now they tell me i have to pay them to return it.well it ended up i could exchange it for a desk computer. they didn't have what i really wanted but to not loose my 150.00 i took what they had. . to top it off they got me to buy the reward zone card . when i got it . and went to purchase something i was told i had to pay cash and that they would send me my money in the mail . what a rip off. i should have taken the lost of $150.00 and went else where. . it is a shame because i really did like best buy. but now because of this . it makes me go else where.
Date: March 23, 2005 9:27 AM
Reward Zone is a major scam. Tried on line to find out when I would receive the certificates for the $900.00 I spent 5 months earlier. There was no record of the transaction online, but the website indicated that $40.00 in certs were issued to me (no other references, date, location, etc.). Changed my profile to have certs issued via email. Two months later, still no certs so I called. There is no option at BB to talk to a real person, but I found out that if you wait on the phone long enough (5 min.)that you will be connected. The person I talked to informed me that the certs were sent to my address 7 months earlier, and that he could reissue them since I never received them, but their computer was down so I would have to call back. When I called back I was informed that 6 months had expired and therefore there was nothing they could do. I asked where the document was that would have informed me of this policy. No such document, and by the way I could not review my account online again because their computer was updating files. I talked to a supervisor and got the same result. She said that the document I got when I signed up made it clear that the certs are issued 6-8 weeks and that I should have looked for them. They only keep a 90 day transaction history online, so it was my fault for not looking at the rewardzone website in time to view my transaction, assuming that their systems would have been up. I was informed that I could send my complaint to the Reward Zone Group at BB Inc. in Minnesota, which I am sure is a shredder hooked up to post office box. I received my Email notifying me that I am up for renewal, fool me once shame on me, fool me twice,.... you get the picture
Date: April 2, 2005 9:41 AM
Rewardzone sucks! I purchased a large ticked item Jan 1st 2005, as stated on my contract I signed and on the website, I am to be emailed the rebated amount in 6 to 8 weeks. It is now April and I have called numurous times to hear them say ” it should be sent to you next week, we have been having computer problems” I have heard plenty of there excuses, lies, and lack of service. I agree with all the other postes that you can do better shopping around. I plan to hit ever blog, complaint site, or any other place on the web that will let me tell experiance and let others know what poor service they have.
*** MAKE A CUSTOMER HAPPY, THEY WILL TELL A FEW PEOPLE **** ***** MAKE A CUSTOMER UNHAPPY, THEY WILL TELL EVERYONE THEY MEET ****
Date: June 8, 2005 9:20 AM
comparerewards.com is a great site. Thank you.
Best Buy rewards is a super easy program to use. I signed up. I buy stuff and they send me coupons for $5, $10, etc off my next purchase. This is an excellent program if you are a semi-regular shopper at Best Buy.
If you are looking at getting the is Best Buy rewards program do it.
Please note that most (not all) of the complainers here aren't even paying attention that they aren't at a best buy web site or don't understand they can't redeem points for anything or are looking for the redemption catalog (it's called a store); so you've really got to take their information with a grain of salt.
Date: July 26, 2005 1:12 PM
Reward Zone members beware!!! Because of a "glitch" in their computer system your Reward Zone membership can be merged with someone else who shares your name. It happened to me and I have been struggling with Best Buy to get my points since May 10 (it is now July 26). Everytime I call I get a different story. Best Buy has even gone so far as to ignore a Better Business Bureau complaint I have filed.
Date: July 26, 2005 1:56 PM
My BestBuy rewards zone has been a positive experience minus one complaint. I have been a member for three years and have never once paid for the membership. My initial membership was from a free promo that I got after getting a BestBuy card. I buy many large ticket items anually at bestbuy so I have always gotten it renewed free of charge (although I have never seen any requirements for this nor do I know why exactly).
While I have gotten all my rewards certs in 4 weeks or less there have been three exceptions all purchases in excess of $1000:
The first was a washer/dryer set I bought, those took 6 weeks.
Next was a Nikon DSLR, those took a full 8 weeks.
Last was a Sharp Aquos LCD TV, and those took 8 weeks.
I talked to customer service and was told that they want to insure that the large ticket purchases will not be returned so that BestBuyu doesn't get scammed for the rewards.
My only complaint is one time I could not get the tickets to print on a network printer and I was limited in my attempts to 2 tries as a result I "lost" them and sacraficing $30 in rewards. They should honestly better track the rewards so that they are not just lost and then denied replacement.
Date: August 11, 2005 6:00 PM
I TOOK THE REWARDS SURVEY ENOUGH TIME TO GET OVER 6 MILLION POINTS. WHICH IS WORTH OVER 2200.00 THEY SENT ME ONLY 835.00 IN REWARDS CERTIFICATES, THEN CANCELLED MY MEMBERSHIP. THE REWARDS SURVEY KEPT POPPING UP WHICH WAS A GLITCH ON THEIR SIDE. I WAS TOLD I'D GET ALL 2200, BUT I DIDN'T AND PROBABLY WON'T AT LEAST THE $835.00 I DID GET I GOT A COMPUTER SOME GAMES, AND MOVIES OUT OF, BUT UPON THE NEXT DAY OF MY RETURN TO GET MORE I WAS APPROACHED BY THE MANAGER AND TOLD I COULDN'T USE ANY MORE OF MY COUPONS. HE SAID I'D HAVE TO SPEND OVER 60,000 TO GET THE $835. HE WAS VERY RUDE. HE TOLD ME I WALKED OUT WITH OVER $1000.00 WORTH OF MDSE (DUE TO INSTANT REBATES) HE TREATED ME LIKE A DOG, GAVE ME HIS CARD, AND WALKED ME TO THE DOOR WITH MY LAST REWARDS POINTS PURCHASE. HE MADE ME FEEL GUILTY, BUT ONLY A LITTLE. AFTER ALL IT WAS BEST BUYS MISTAKE NOT MINE. AT LEAST I GOT A WONDERFUL COMPTUER OUT OF IT! I HAVE CONTACTED THE BBB. I MAY NOT SEE ANY MORE $ BUT AT LEAST I REGISTERED A COMPLAINT!!!!! I'M NOT EVER GOING BACK TO BEST BUY AGAIN.
Date: September 12, 2005 4:04 PM
Why go to best buy and pay $22 dollars for a dvd that costs $18 or $19 at most somewhere else. This is only a good deal if you purchase big ticketed items. I will admit from time to time they do give special discounts on certan items for reward zone members. If you like buying dvd's the day they come out then do some comparing and take your pick. Best Buy $16.99, Target $15.99, Circuit City $14.99, Frys $13.99. Why not go somewhere where you can get your discount or rewards at the time of purchase. Over time the money you save is your reward without paying a $10 dollar annual membership fee, and without running to your mail to see if your rewards certificates finally arrived.
Date: September 13, 2005 3:19 PM
I've never had a problem with Best Buy. What a lot of people fail to understand is that the rewards program is only good for those of you who shop there a lot. I'm there every week either getting a DVD at sales price, misc. electronics, etc. I don't disagree that Best Buy isn't the "best buy" in a lot of cases, but they do have things where they have the best sales (i.e. blank dvds, etc). I personally recommend the program to anyone who shops there on a REGULAR Basis. I've actually accumulated over $50 in rewards in the last 6 months. The certificates do take a while to get to your home, but it's still worth it. Especially when what u want costs 14.99 and you have a 5 buck gift certificate to use.
Date: September 18, 2005 6:28 PM
I have spent a lot of money at Best Buy for our business and we look for ways to save money. Best Buy was a store where we usually could get the best deal and get what we need. When we signed up for their "Rewards" card we felt it made sense and was a legit deal. Here it is 8 months later from signing up and still no certificates for the money we have spent there. I have requested them several times and when I ask where my rewards are I am told they're in the mail. The only people I see getting any rewards are the CEO's of this company who are collecting our $10.00 for a bogus program. I no longer spend my money at Best Buy because I don't want to shop at a store that scams the consumer out of their money with offers such as the "Rewards Zone" program! Once again the consumer gets bit in the ass by big buisness' like Best Buy!
Date: September 22, 2005 2:30 PM
If you are interested in helping in our investigation of the reward zone program, Email: sklarlaw@aol.com or go to http://www.lorisklar.com/bbad.htm. Please include your full contact information, including email.
Date: September 23, 2005 7:49 PM
i never would have purchased the myrewardzone card if i had known that it was impossible to get on to the web page
Date: October 6, 2005 10:05 PM
This sucks....myrewardzone number dose not exist ??? $9.99 for WHAT ???...OR WHOS POCKET
Date: October 14, 2005 9:26 PM
In my opinion, this program is a waste of money at best and possibly a fraud. I still have not received over $50 in certificates after months of attempting to get them. After being lured by false promises, I joined this program and spent thousands at Best Buy that I would never have spent at the store if not for the promise of reward certificates. The customer service at RewardZone is a joke. Someone at Best Buy reward zone keeps changing my mailing address without my permission so that I never receive the certificates. They tell me that they cannot track who is making these changes without my authorization. The customer service is non-responsive to my requests for an investigation of who at their company is changing my address without authorization.
Date: October 17, 2005 11:16 PM
I had a BAD TIME AT STORE #55 IN HURST TEXAS.
I BOUGHT A COMPUTER FROM BEST BUY AND I WILL GO
TO FRY'S OR CONN'S NOW. THEY LET THERE COUSTMER
STAND IN LINE'S TOO LONG IN BEST BUY.
I HAVE NOT SEEN ANY REWARD ZONE MONEY BACK YET!!!! DON'T BUY AT BEST BUY..........
POOR SERVICE ALL THE TIME...
NORTHEAST MALL HURST TEXAS
Date: October 19, 2005 11:51 AM
Tried to print my certificates. 2 times. Emailed the rewardzone using many different variations (address inside email was wrong). Reply says to call the 1-888 number. 30 minutes on hold. Told my problem. They say only Windows with Internet Explorer are supported. They SELL mac notebooks! Now they say they have to mail them by USPS. WAIT 4 WEEKS and contact again if not received.
Date: October 22, 2005 8:39 PM
I BOUGHT A COMPUTER FROM BEST BUY. THEY HAD TO EXCHANGE IT AND CHANGE THE NORTON AND SPYSWEEPER
OVER TO ANOTHER COMPUTER. WHEN THEY DID IT THEY ALSO DID NOT PUT THE DATE'S RIGHT ON BOTH OF THEM. THE NORTON EXPIRE ON 9-24-2006 AND THE
SPYSWEEPER EXPIER ON 8-2-2006 WHEN THEY SHOULD
BE ON THE SAME DAY. I DON'T LIKE BEST BUY STORE
#55 HURST TEXAS NORTHEAST MALL. I HAD TO CALL MN
AND TALK TO ROBERT FEIVOR WITH BEST BUY IN MN.
THEY ALSO ON MY EXCHANGE OF MY COMPUTER-THE OTHER
MONEY I PAY MORE ON WAS NO PUT ON MY REWARDZONE
CARD. THE BBB KNOW ABOUT 5 COMPLANTS AGAINST
THERE COMPANY. DON'T BUY AT BEST BUY!!!!
THERE SALE'S ARE DOWN....WHY BECAUSE THEY DON'T
CARE IF THE COUSTOMER'S COME BACK!!! THEY RUN YOU AROUND AND AROUND...
STORE #55 NORTHEAST MALL I WILL NOT TELL ANYONE
TO BUY AT YOUR STORE!!!!!! BOB SANDMANN
Date: October 29, 2005 9:19 AM
It's a scam. They use it to influence people to return to their store instead of going to others. I paid for the card, did not receive any info for 5 weeks. I called and they had a completely different address and zip for the data on the account. I spent an hour on the phone confirming each purchase for 4 months, and they said they have to mail a new card, 4-5 weeks. It's been almost a year now and I have no real account, but a nice plastic card for 9.99. The entire account errors are too suspicious.
Date: November 4, 2005 6:35 PM
I want to check my account.
Date: November 19, 2005 10:10 AM
I am really unhappy with the reward zone. To date [11/19/2005] I have $140 in reward zone certificates. I have used a lot of them already but the last $60 I decided to spend on a 2-way radio from Midway (good radios BTW, but this was my first pair ever so what do I know). With my luck the radios went on sale 2 days later ($59.99 instead of $64.99) and also they were giving away a free ear piece (selling for $15 alone). I tried to get a price adjustement. Well - there is no way. You have to return the product - they will return the RZ points to your account and you can have them back again in 30 days. But of course by then the radios will not be on sale. If you want them while on sale - pay with regular money now,
For being such a good customer there (I would guess I have spent more than $4,000 there this year alone!) I think they can do better.
Almost forgot - they seem to be changing the program - instead of spending $150 for a $5 reward you will need to spend $250. The membership will be free though. I think this is going to happen - I recently received a letter from them saying that I am a valued customer and got a free 1 year renewal.
Date: November 23, 2005 1:23 AM
I joined the Reward Zone program on 9-29-05 with an offer for 30,000 bonus points if I signed up by 10-1-05. These were supposed to be added to my account in 30 days. It has been almost two months and no bonus points. I have called 4 times & e-mailed twice. No satisfaction yet. If I knew there would be this type of deception, I wouldn't have joined. By the way, I also bought a $4000 TV on the same date & haven't received any certificates for that either. I am going to file a complaint with the BBB, but I doubt it will do any good. I just won't shop at Best Buy anymore.
Date: November 30, 2005 7:28 PM
Over the past few years I have bought hundreds if not thousands of dollars worth of products from Best Buy. I have earned many, many points but I have only been able to use a very little amount of them due to short time limits and distants to stores. Is there anyway that I can redeem all the points to put towards another large purchase?
Date: December 7, 2005 2:28 PM
Best Buy's Reward Zone is a giant rip-off. Just look at the complaints filed on Complaints.com. There were so many they had to limit them after June!
I don't know what happened to those that claimed to benefit from the program but my experience is so bad it leads me to believe these are "plants". My membership expired on September 30, 2005. After an entire year of trying to get coupons in my hands, I have yet to derive 1 cent from them. I paid $9.99 for the membership and shopped at Best Buy when I could have gone elsewhere.
My contacts with "customer service" have all been negative. Even the supervisors (Dave, Sherry) are more interested in arguing then in helping me. They are more frustrating than the Federal Government!
DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME WITH THIS WORTHLESS PROGRAM! YOU WILL REGRET IT!
Phil Yenovkian
Date: December 7, 2005 4:20 PM
If there is any doubt about the integrity of the Reward Zone program, read this from the Better Business Bureau:
In May 2005, the Attorney General of Wisconsin filed a lawsuit against Best Buy Company. The lawsuit alleges that Best Buy engaged in a pattern of unfair and deceptive acts and practices including: Representations related to promised rebates, extended service plans, supplement magazine subscriptions, the return and exchange policies and restocking fees, gift cards and "Reward Zone Points". The matter is currently pending. Consumers can read the formal complaint at: www.doj.state.wi.us
In May 2004, Best Buy entered into an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance with the New Jersey Attorney General. The agreement alleged that the company engaged in deceptive advertising, failed to have advertised merchandise available for sale, and failed to honor rebates and warranties. The company has not admitted any wrongdoing. However, the company has agreed to comply with the State's advertising laws in the future. More information can be obtained by contacting the New Jersey Attorney General' office or by accessing their Web site at: www.state.nj.us.
In August 2004, the Attorney General of Ohio filed a lawsuit against Best Buy Company. The lawsuit alleges that Best Buy engaged in a pattern of unfair and deceptive acts and practices including: Failure to honor implied warranties of merchantability, substandard and/or inadequate customer service, and making false and misleading statements to consumers. The matter is currently pending. Consumers can see the formal complaint at: www.ag.state.oh.us.
Date: December 14, 2005 4:32 PM
In November of this year my purchases at Best Buy amounted to well over $300. I have not been given credit for this purchase on my rewards zone summary.
I went to the store today and I was asked to renew my membership in Rewards Zone, after reading all of the above, this evening, am I supposed to assume that I will not get a suitable response? In my summary I get a $5 off a purchase but I did not have that form with me today, can I still use it?
Would you please respond to this request favorably?
I plan to purchase other items in the near future and would like to know when I can receive any additional coupons so I may take advantage of the so called Rewards Zone program. Thanks.
Date: December 21, 2005 8:03 PM
Made purchase at Best Buy Store #261 0n 12/21/05
for 232.23. The reference # assigned to the transaction is: 026100805430. Please up[date my account.
Thanks
Clarence Adams
Date: December 29, 2005 9:30 AM
hello all
I to had aproblem getting 100.00 worth of coupons, so i sent this leter to susan.hoff@bestbuy.com and she forward it to correct person and I recieved a $100.00 dollor gift card in the mail, UPS overnight!!! good luck...
made a 3000.00 dollar purches in july 26,05 and still have not recieved my 100.00 dollar coupon!!! have had them reisued twice and been given the run around by reward zone customer service, I feel i have been taken advantaged of and an very angry!!! I am also cosidering contacting a lawyer. I want my money ASAP!
I have been more than patient, here is my account history for the past 90 days.., also lots of other customers are having the same problem.
Date: February 1, 2006 8:42 PM
I would like to respond to the people who were happy about the helpful people at best buy. I bought big ticket items... I couldn't get help in in the appliance dept.. so I drug a floor model refrigerator half way to check out to make a statement. I left it in the record dept.. not one of the snot-nosed kids even offered to help. They shove there reward...
Date: March 22, 2006 9:32 PM
I work for Best Buy Reward Zone as a csr at a call centre. And I tell you one thing, people are very inconsiderate and disrespective when I am trying to tell them that they must be a "responsible consumer" to read their Terms & Conditions of the program. Tell you the truth, on an average day, I do more than 100 calls per day and I receive approximately, 1 out of every 10 calls, the members are dissatisfied. The truth is, its absolutely on their part not being a "responsible consumer". Actually, I really enjoy serving our more than 3 million members.
Date: June 6, 2006 2:31 PM
I WISH I HAD NEVER bought this program this program is a complete RIP OFF
1.) it takes 6-8 weeks to the rebates to the customer, and I'm OK with it, but you guys would ever mail it to me the first time i called best-buy customer services and they promised me they would mail it to me, never got it, so another 6-8 weeks pass by then i called them again telling them i never got the rebates, then i finally i reserved the rebates after a total of 4 months later....
2.) i had a warranty of my MP3, after a year it stopped working so i returned for an exchange of the product they said that so that i bought the product on reward-zone points and you said that i will not be able to get my product replaced, a portion of payment came from the reward zone program i will have to wait till i get these points back in the mail or email 2-3 weeks.....never got them so i called them again, 2-3 weeks.... pass again and nothing, finally another i received them after them i tried to print them it didn't work, i did it about two-three time and it didn't work so i called the customer service dept.... with the problem and they told me that it will not work again if you try to print it more than twice.....I HAVE BEEN VERY PATIENT WITH COMPANY, but I'm at the end of my ropes i hope this message will get to a manager or corporate..
I'm a very dissatisfied customer i have never been so anger at a company before, i am a very technical person and am very knowledgeable in the area, so a lot of people ask me where they should buy there product....i used to include best-buy but after this experience i will never let any of my friends or customers buy any items from your corporation.....
Date: June 21, 2006 7:33 PM
Best Buy just sent out a letter to members noting changes to the program. According to BB, its now "easier than ever." Easier to stick it to us. For the second time in the program's existance, BB is raising the threshold. It now takes $250 in purchases to earn $5 bucks. Oh, BB is waiving the annual fee, which it should have done from the get go, but this goodwill is destroyed by the raising of the spend rate.
BB has the opportunity to jump out in front of Fry's, Circuit City, etc., with a meaningful loyalty program, but they shoot themselves in the foot with every "enhancement." The 90 use or lose window is bogus and a way for BB to sell low cost CD's and DVD where the margins are better. Unless you have a boatload to spend, you can't save up a meaningful amount to use towards a camera, computer, etc.
I've been a member since the beginning of the program, but I'm done.
Date: June 22, 2006 8:48 AM
I got the letter yesterday and laughed when I read it. "It's less complicated for everyone and you can join for free! Oh yeah, the threshold has been raised and now for $250 spent you get $5...Ummm...But you won't get confused!"
Whatever.
Date: July 11, 2006 6:08 PM
Reward Zone is a total scam. I recently bought a 50" plasma TV at Best Buy which including the service plan was about $3800 bucks. I had joined Reward Zone back when I bought my prior TV a couple of years ago so I asked the rep if I still had a RZ account. Instead of informing me my account expired (which it had), he told me he found the account, everything was fine, and he took my money/processed the sale. We even discussed how I should use my Reward Zone points that I should earn from this large purchase to buy a high end surge protection component to protect my investment.
The reality is, I received NO POINTS for my purchase and Best Buy will do absolutely nothing for me. They say that since my purchase was applied to an expired or suspended account number, there is no way that I can ever get the points!
Well that is interesting isn't it? Did the sales rep mislead me? Did I do something wrong? Let's see...
I asked about my Rewards Zone account. Is it still in the system? Does it still work?
I mentioned I had one from a couple of years ago. Should the rep have mentioned they expire after one year?
I was very specific that I was interested in getting the points. Perhaps the rep could have talked to me about opening a NEW account!?
Interestingly, my "suspended" RZ number is prominently displayed on my receiptand looks very official, active, and in force, etc. Why is it on the receipt if it isn't active or eligible for accruing points?
How is this possible? Very cleverly...
I called reward zone customer service and they admitted to me that the sales reps in the stores have NO WAY OF KNOWING if your RZ account has expired or is suspended! No way of knowing!? So basically, they have a system in place that will intentionally 'trap' large purchases by their customers who have ever had RZ memberships in the past but whose memberships might be currently expired.
The worst part is, their poor salespeople are unwittingly complicit in this scam because the Best Buy system doesn't give them what seems to be a very logical 'red flag' when they enter an expired or suspended RZ number. It leads their salespeople to believe that everything is fine with the RZ account which then ultimately leads their customer to believe the same thing whcih of course then leads to the customer making a purchase and then FOREVER losing out on these reward points because they have gone into a 'suspended account' that is in the system, associated with my name, phone number, address, etc but remains ineligible for accruing points!!!
Best Buy obviously knows that if given the option to renew my suspended membership at the point of sale, even if it costs $10.00, i would have clearly taken it because I was spending so much money in their store. It's probably not a stretch to assume that with the $65 in rewards I would have been eligible for (after theoretically subtracting the $10 for renewing my membership before I made the purchase and using each $250 spent for $5 in rewards) I probably would have bought something else, like that expensive surge protector the sales rep pointed out. I also probably would have felt pretty good about my experience at Best Buy and likely told a couple of people about it. Like my father who is looking at an HDTV or my buddy who is doing the same...
Now I will never buy ANYTHING at Best Buy ever again and I will make sure that every person I know who is considering such a purchase goes to Circuit City, Fry's, CompUSA, Apple, Costco or wherever.
F BBY
PS - To the customer service rep who posted (in addition to the two on the phone) that claim it is up to the customer to read the agreement and understand their membership expires in a year, please think about what you are saying for a minute. I can accept that this is in the agreement but what did I do wrong in this instance? I asked about my old RZ account and the sales rep told me it was fine and that I will get the points! What else am I supposed to do but ask the representative of the company who has the program!?
The problem here is a system that is intentionally set up to deceive both the sales rep and the customer by keeping both of them in the dark. Never again Best Buy!