11 Ways to Get the Best Deals at Best Buy
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Ahh, modern technology. It’s innovative, ubiquitous and typically costs a pretty penny. We all want the latest and greatest gadgets, but keeping up with these ever-evolving devices can get expensive — fast. Fortunately, Best Buy offers shoppers a variety of ways to save big on today’s electronics, from rewards programs and price matching to the occasional promo code or Best Buy coupon codes.
1. Utilize the Best Buy Price Match Policy
It’s fairly well known that Best Buy will match the prices of several of its leading competitors, including Amazon and other popular tech retailers like Crutchfield, Dell, HP and TigerDirect.com. This policy applies to both in-store and online pricing, so it definitely pays to shop around.
Best Buy will also match the prices offered at warehouse clubs, as long as the store is located within a 25-mile radius of your local Best Buy and the identical item is immediately available.
One important caveat: Best Buy’s Price Match Guarantee doesn’t include items that go on sale the Sunday before Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday, which often include popular items like cell phones and video games.
2. Score Big Savings on Open-Box Deals
One of the easiest ways to save money on big-ticket items or the latest must-have gadgets is through Best Buy’s Open-Box deals. From memory cards and cell phones to big-screen QLED TVs, there’s no telling what might be in-stock at this oft-overlooked deal haven.
Essentially, you’re getting a discount on these products because you’re buying them secondhand. (They may have been returned by other customers or simply used as display models).
Open-box items undergo a proper inspection, and most include all of their original parts and accessories. Any exceptions are noted along with the condition of the product. Plus, they’re covered by any available manufacturer’s warranties.
Shop Buy Buy’s Open-Box Electronics
3. Sign Up for Rewards
Like most other retailers, Best Buy has its own loyalty program — My Best Buy — that rewards customers for their purchases.
It’s free to join, and members earn a $5 reward for every 250 points earned (basically a free gift card). Plus, they get exclusive Best Buy offers, a birthday gift, early access to Best Buy sales and free two-day shipping on orders of $35 or more.
Big spenders can qualify for the store’s “Elite” or “Elite Plus” membership tiers, which require $1,500 and $3,500 in annual purchases, respectively. Elite shoppers enjoy members-only perks like free shipping on all purchases, increased rewards points and more generous return policies.
If Best Buy is your store of choice, you may want to consider its credit card incentives, as well. You’ll earn 5% back in rewards (or 6% back for Elite Plus cardmembers) when you use your credit card at Best Buy. The store regularly offers new cardholders double the rewards on their first purchases, too. That being said, beware the horrendous APR (it’s currently 27.49%).
4. Keep Your Receipts
Don’t you just hate it when you buy something only to find out that the price dropped after you made your purchase? We’ve all been there, but as long as you have your original receipt, Best Buy will honor the new low price with a price adjustment during the return and exchange period thanks to its Price Match Guarantee.
For most shoppers, that means you can receive a price adjustment within 15 days of your purchase. For My Best Buy Elite members and Elite Plus members, the price adjustment window is 30 days and 45 days, respectively.
Keep in mind, however, that clearance and open-box items (while returnable) are excluded from price adjustments. These rules may not apply during Black Friday or another major sales event where limited-time doorbusters and coupon codes affect pricing, so make sure you read your receipt carefully.
If you purchased the item online, you can contact customer service at 1-888-BEST BUY (1 (888) 237-8289) and request the price adjustment from the comfort of your home. For in-store items, just stop by the Customer Service desk. Most Best Buy store hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (or 8 p.m. on Sundays).
5. Avoid Shipping Fees
As mentioned above, My Best Buy members enjoy free shipping every day on orders of $35 or more, while Elite and Elite Plus members receive free shipping and free scheduled delivery on all orders regardless of the purchase amount with no coupon codes required.
But if you’re buying a low-ticket item that falls below the $35 minimum, just ship it to the store instead for free contactless curbside pickup. (This is a great way to reserve a particular deal that’s likely to fly off the shelves, as well). Assuming they are in-stock nearby, you might even score next-day shipping on top-brand appliances, video games and Blu-rays.
6. Consider Geek Squad Services
The Best Buy Geek Squad has gotten some mixed reviews, but we suggest keeping an open mind about the store’s optional tech support.
Geek Squad will deliver, install and show you how to use your Best Buy products. And if you’re accident prone with your electronics, the Geek Squad’s extended warranties and protection plans could save you tons.
For instance, you can purchase a GoPro HERO7 4K Waterproof Action Camera and add the 1-year accidental protection plan for $49.99, which covers drops, as well as wear and tear. This extended protection essentially allows you to get a replacement if you need it without spending another $300+ on a new camera.
7. Shop the Store’s Online Outlet
For the most part, you won’t find big discounts on the latest tech products anywhere, and any savings opportunities are typically reserved for last year’s models. The Best Buy Outlet, however, may give you a price break.
Filled with a variety of open-box and refurbished items, as well as pre-owned products and clearance buys, it’s a dream site for deep discounts. You can streamline your shopping experience further by skipping the line, as the Best Buy Outlet has free contactless curbside pickup available. Keep an eye out for extra promo codes and offers during Black Friday and the holiday shopping season.
You can expect to save up to 60% off regular prices — and your purchase is backed by the store’s Return & Exchange Promise for peace of mind. Plus, these items are covered under warranty and verified to work properly.
8. Access Exclusive Discounts
College students, take note: You may have to deal with student loans, but you also have access to special savings opportunities.
As long as you’re actively enrolled in at least one course at a post-secondary educational institution (or are the parent or legal guardian of a student enrolled at a primary, secondary or post-secondary educational institution), you can sign up to shop the store’s College Student Deals.
9. Negotiate Your Purchase Price
A lot of people are uncomfortable negotiating prices. But it doesn’t hurt to ask a manager if you can have a price break on an item, or if a small item can be thrown in for free. (Think a free mouse if you buy a desktop or a free bag for a laptop).
Some people have reported receiving up to 10% off just by bundling certain products together. Additionally, shopping at the very end of the month may be the best time to negotiate, as stores are willing to slash prices in order to meet their sales goals.
While they are not typically eligible for promo codes, keep in mind that clearance items and open-box or floor models are some of the best contenders for price negotiations.
10. Trade-in Your Old Devices
With Best Buy’s Trade-In Program, you can turn your unwanted electronics into cash. Just bring the item to the store, or mail it in to receive an e-Gift Card or discount on the purchase of a newer model. Best Buy will even cover the costs for you to ship your old device to them if in-store drop-off doesn’t work for you.
You can check an item’s estimated value on the store’s website here.
11. Watch for Coupons
It’s worth checking the latest Best Buy coupons and top deals often — you don’t want to miss out on the Deal of the Day, promo codes and limited-time pre-order deals. Select items might even come with a free gift. Keep an eye on our Best Buy coupon page, and set a Deal Alert to stay notified of any store deals that pop up on our forums. For example, you can currently get a KitchenAid 4.5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer for $159.99 shipped with code SHOPNEW19, which slashes 20% off your Best Buy purchase via Google:
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Our editors strive to ensure that the information in this article is accurate as of the date published, but please keep in mind that offers can change. We encourage you to verify all terms and conditions of any product before you apply.
