Gratuitous Plug

[SirBeast]

Back in October my wife & I spent about $1500 at Best Buy for a new LCD HDTV and digital camera. I signed up for their "MyRewards" program to earn some points and in turn some gift certificates (in the total amount of a whopping $25) - which we never received.

So I called the Rewards Program Department at Best Buy today. I wasn't on hold for more than 5 minutes before I was talking to a real person. Admittedly, she sounded like she was from Southern India, but it was a REAL person.

I explained to her the situation, and that we had never received our gift certificates. A few "tak-tak-taks" on her keyboard later and she says she sees the purchase we had made in October at the Montrose, Ohio store, and that they mailed the certificates a few weeks later in November. I re-iterate (NICELY!) that we had never received them.

A few "tak-tak-taks" on her keyboard later and she says that the certificates had been redeemed to purchase an audio CD (the artist/title of which I could not understand due to her accent) and a Pirates of the Carribbean toy. Then the final certificate used to purchase another toy at the same store a few days later. I inform (NICELY!) her that we've made no purchases at any Best Buy SINCE October. She asked to give her a moment while she looked up the store number, as the location of the store did not come up in the screen she was in.

A few "tak-tak-taks" on her keyboard later and she says that the certificates were redeemed at the Best Buy in Duluth, Minnesota! She then states that it is odd that certificates earned for a purchase in Ohio would be redeemed in Minnesota.

A few "tak-tak-taks" on her keyboard later and she says that the Reward Points have been refunded to me, and also informs me that I can choose to have my certificates sent to me via e-mail instead of via US Mail, which I promptly did online.

All in all, INCLUDING being on hold, I wasn't on the phone for more than 10 minutes, and never at any point got even close to being angry or even mildly frustrated. I REALLY have to hand it to Best Buy that they COMPLETELY resolved this issue to my satisfaction in such a short time. I don't think I've EVER had that happen on the phone so quickly. I will definitely continue to give them my partonage when it comes to buying home electronics, and also recommend everyone else do the same, as their prices are usually comparable with most chain stores.

[hwsb]

fascinating! i wonder how your gift certificates made their way to duluth... damn thieving minnesotans..