Dana was shopping for some electronics, comparing Best Buy with Amazon.

Wisely, she went with Amazon. They’ve really perfected the science of retail.

She’d heard horror stories about Best Buy:

14-Day Return Period

Fourteen days from the date merchandise was received, refunds are available on computers, monitors, notebook computers, projectors, camcorders, digital cameras and radar detectors.

After you return merchandise, you wait at least 7-10 days before getting your refund in the mail.

Worse, from that refund will be subtracted a …

Restocking Fee

A 15% restocking fee will be charged on opened notebook computers, projectors, camcorders, digital cameras, radar detectors, GPS/navigation and in-car video systems. A 25% restocking fee will be charged on special order products, including appliances. These fees apply unless the item is defective or damaged, you received the wrong item, or the fee is prohibited by law.

BestBuy

This is how you convince customers to boycott Best Buy.

Consumer electronics is a low margin, cutthroat business. It’s tough to compete against Amazon.

Despite deceptive practices, Best Buy is the “#1 retailer of consumer electronics in the United States and Canada, accounting for 21% of the market.” The company is profitable and expanding.

Subsidiaries include Geek Squad, Magnolia Audio Video, Pacific Sales, and, in Canada, Future Shop.

Best Buy – Wikipedia

NOTE: It was CompUSA that nearly went out of business. In the end some of their stores remain open, now owned by Systemax (TigerDirect).

Always compare Amazon with any other retailer before you buy. For example, the hard drive I bought the other day at the Apple Store for $150 sells on Amazon.com for $120. (I was in a hurry. Blast!)