Best Buy apologizes for 360 launch day swindling
by James Ransom-Wiley 
{ Dec 7th 2005 at 1:30PM }
According to Xbox Circle, Best Buy President of Retail in North America, Brian Dunn, has posted an open letter to consumers apologizing for certain "promotional activities" that took place during the Xbox 360 launch at isolated Best Buy outlets. The letter goes on to promise to take "disciplinary actions" against those employees that chose to force customers to buy pre-packaged bundles that were not condoned by the greater Best But entity. At any rate, if you felt you were cheated you can return any unwanted merchandise for a full refund.
The letter's authenticity is still in question, but The Mercury News has posted a copy.
[Thanks, fiXXXer]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Dead Like Steve @ Dec 18th 2005 10:01PM
Im just suprised that every retailer didnt bundle. Had I been in charge of a retail chain I would have bundled the 360 too. The 360 was going to sell out regardless, might as well bundle it and maximize your profits.
Spence @ Dec 18th 2005 10:01PM
On behalf of society I apologize to Best Buy for the absolute twats who paid your most unreasonable prices.
apoc06 @ Dec 18th 2005 10:01PM
before the advent of the internet and the ensuing public outcries, retailers used to do this sort of thing all the time and actually get away with it. did you think this was something they just made up randomly? NOPE!
thanks to sites like joystiq for shining the spotlight on some of the more shadier practices, maybe we can kill these policies once and for all.
Nossy @ Dec 18th 2005 10:01PM
FYI - The official letter is on their website.
Mazinkaiser @ Dec 18th 2005 10:01PM
Its nice to see BB correcting their errors!
Mister Falcon @ Dec 18th 2005 10:01PM
A copy of this letter is linked to in a popup on the Best Buy website. Go to http://www.bestbuy.com/site//olspage.jsp?id=pcmcat66900050001&type=category and click on the image titled "Open letter to our Xbox 360 customers".
Mike @ Dec 18th 2005 10:01PM
The Best Buy letter is actually up on their website. The most important bit of news is his invitation in the letter to visit their stores "later in the month" when they will have a new supply of consoles. This lends further evidence to the rumor of a December 18th "second launch."
Rich @ Dec 18th 2005 10:01PM
I'm hoping this isnt just for Best Buy. I imagine it will be for other retailers like Eb Games, Walmart and Gamestop. Anybody have any info on other retailers?
Rich @ Dec 18th 2005 10:01PM
Im talking about the December 18th release date..sorry
Toast @ Dec 18th 2005 10:01PM
And for those of you that waited outside and showed up with just enough money to buy the advertised core model, Best Buy would like to extend to you a heartfelt middle finger
Kell31 @ Dec 18th 2005 10:01PM
BB should have just captioned it. We are sorry (that we got caught) forcing the bundle. You should have bought the extended care package.That way you could get refunds easier. But i would never force that on you (unless you want service from us.) Oh and don't forget most of the prices in our ad, refer to the AOL discount. No AOL no discount. Thanks for everything suckers. Signed Best Buy.