Do I have a problem?

[Baker1369]

3 months ago, the digitizer on my t615 went out, and I went in for a replacement. Since there was no equivalent (t665 just sold out), I got an sj30. A week later, feeling that I wasn't getting my money's worth, I took it back and got a Tungsten T. A week later, I decided that the screen on the Tungsten was not good enough (reflective, dust creeper) so I took it back in exchange for an NX60. I bought a wireless card, and I was happy for about three and a half weeks. I decided I spent too much money, so four days before the month return window closed, I took the NX60 back for a TG50. I was happy with that for three weeks with my T68i cell phone, but in the end, I decided the flip was a little too cumbersome. Today, I went in to Best Buy, a week before the return period was over, and I exchanged for an NX70v at the same price I originally got my NX60 for (no wireless card this time). I am planning on taking the NX70v back for the Tungsten C because it is basically my perfect PDA and Best Buy did not have it when I went in today. If Sony comes out with a new improved NX in the next month, and it is as impressive as the T|C, I may just as well return again. What is your answer to my question??

[Tixx]

WOW!

[Tixx]

I played it safe with No Comment:D

[Baker1369]

I promise you won't hurt my feelings. I probably help a lot of you guys out with all of the open box buys that I am creating... :)

[Chowtime]

Gotta love best buy.

[benixau]

so in three months you have ysed four PDAs? You are starting to sound like sont and their product revision cycle :D.

Well i think the T|C is a good processor and rAM. But really - it is a proof of concept device - "Look we can have big numbers too"

A NX70V is plenty, really.

[Baker1369]

In three months I have owned: T615, SJ30, T|T, NX60, TG50, NX70v....in a week add the T|C to that list. Gotta love Best Buy. Amen.

[dude2222]

Seems like you are still looking for the perfect PDA - let us know what you decide on getting - that will save us all the work.




;.)

[VLevyNYC]

I'm just trying to figure out how much money Best Buy lost on you....I also have these urges to get a new PDA every time a new one comes out, but I have luckily been able to control them.

[JackAxe]

Stop it!!!

<]=)

[xXx]

ok sine 2 xmas' ago, i have had a: iPAQ 3765, Treo 90, iPaq1910, Visor Prism, Visor, NX60, iPAQ 3955, Sony t615, Sony sj 30 and later this week the Zire 71. SO i chose this is the story of my life. :)

[NX70BOY]

There's ALWAYS going to be something better. (Usually very soon after you buy the newest model. :D) I say pick some thing and stick with it. On the other hand, if you have enough money to keep spending on the newest, flashiest, best model that's out, go ahead! It's cool to have something new! (even if it'll only be for a month or so! ;))

[Mastervtec]

At least play with the pda's for 5 minutes before you buy them so you don't keep wasting time and money, bothon your part and on best buy's part!!

just my $.02

[Mastervtec]

But look at my sig, who am I to talk??

[Baker1369]

It really hasn't been an issue of my money, just my time. Best Buy has funded the entire endeavor minus upgrade costs, so it is just a matter of me going to Best Buy whenever I feel the urge. At least I have more than a little hands on experience with all of them. I consider that pretty cool because I actually know something about all of them beyond just playing with it in the store.

[orol]

well if such a possibility was here in europe i might do it too ..
but since nothing comparable to the best buy has (you can't even return your pda if you are not satisfied with it! ) here europe we have to really think twice before we buy something :o/

[VLevyNYC]

Originally posted by Baker1369
Best Buy has funded the entire endeavor minus upgrade costs, so it is just a matter of me going to Best Buy whenever I feel the urge.

I'm sorry but I think this is just unethical and an abuse of the liberal and consumer-friendly policies Best Buy has in place to make customers happy. You should have some consideration for the money you're costing them because every time you return an opened box they need to send it back for credit to the manufacturer, who in turn can no longer sell it as "new." This is just not right. Find yourself some discipline and restraint. This is not a test-drive, and you need to realize that you are imposing costs--maybe not on yourself, but someone else is bearing them.

[Baker1369]

Imagine how much money Best Buy, and for that matter, Sony make off of consumers on the products they sell. Add to that the amount that I paid for the extended warranty. I don't think either of them is any worse for the wear. I talked to the manager of Best Buy and he told me that he thinks that it is great that I am taking advantage of their return policy, which has the goal of making the customer happy with his or her purchase. Why else would they have such liberal return policies? Imposing costs? I think Sony and Best Buy can handle a couple of lost dollars considering the millions and billions they make each year. I don't consider that a "loss" to either company. I am not going to put a dent in either of the revenue reports for either company.

[VLevyNYC]

Last I checked, the money Best Buy and Sony made off the products they sell was because they were in business for profit. I realize they see this as a cost of doing business and have a policy in place where they are willing to let you do what you're doing, and indeed I am not commenting within that framework. But they have these policies so that, in the aggreggate, it reduces the risk associated with a purchasing decision for consumers--not so that you could buy, open, use, and return 5 products in one month. Imagine if everyone did what you are doing--do you think the policy would remain the same? This costs them in terms of credit-card fees, personnel time, and the manufacturer has to take a fair-market-value loss on the unit as well. As for the manager, what do you expect him to tell you--That you're a pain in the as* and wasting his time every Sunday?

I was just saying it would be nice if you could exercise some restraint to avoid imposing these costs on them. And for the record, Sony's PDA business has yet to turn a profit, and the entire company overall lost a ton of money this year. Maybe what you're doing won't bankrupt either company, but they are certainly losing money on you. If they figured the return policy would cost them, say, about $1 per sale, what you're doing is making sure they didnt make a buck on you on any sale. And there wouldnt be anythin wrong if they did. Especially since the continued existence of their retail store is what enables you to do this--you couldnt do this cost-free with an e-tailer.

I just hope that when you finally decide to settle down on a unit long-term you dont wind up ordering it online from someone else because it was $10 cheaper; hopefully you'll&nbsp;throw some business the way of the place that enabled you to make that perfect decision.

[Baker1369]

I see what you are saying...I just have my vices.

[Jeffry]

That's a good way to take advantage of Best Buy's return policy. You're just obsessed with PDA's that's all LoL ;)

Companies like Sony rip us off with their PDAs and there's nothing wrong to stab them back by returning open box CLIEs. You can say that I'm selfish...

[Baker1369]

Originally posted by Jeffry
That's a good way to take advantage of Best Buy's return policy. You're just obsessed with PDA's that's all LoL ;)

Companies like Sony rip us off with their PDAs and there's nothing wrong to stab them back by returning open box CLIEs. You can say that I'm selfish...

Amen.

[VLevyNYC]

They charge what they believe consumers are willing to pay in light of the value offered. Theres nothing wrong with that. Competition exists. By agreeing to sell one to you they are not consenting to being blindsided from the back door.

[Stumper]

The best way to look at it is...yes your nuts HOWEVER. If Best Buy puts out a liberal return policy as they have....USE IT!!! I'm just waiting patiently for Best Buy to open up here so I too can use this system. I held onto a N760C forever just for the simple reason I couldn't return it. Damn thing was bullet proof and I couldn't kill it in the narrow return window I had. Take advantage of the system. Worst thing to happen is your finally going to find the pda of your dreams. I wish I had that type of purchase freedom up here.

[Wolfsmoke]

Originally posted by Baker1369
Best Buy has funded the entire endeavor minus upgrade costs, so it is just a matter of me going to Best Buy whenever I feel the urge.&nbsp;

I dunno, to me this kind of abuse of their policy (Come on, no one really believes this is how BB intended it to be used!) can only contribute to them one day deciding to halt the policy, thereby leaving others out in the cold. Just my opinion, flame at will.

[elf]

The problem is you don't know what you want.

Most (normal :D ) people decide what they want to use a specific appliance for and then look at possible contenders and then choose based on features and price.

You only did what you did because BB made it easy for you to exchange products.

Imagine if you decided to buy a house... :D

[hherbzilla]

Originally posted by Baker1369
What is your answer to my question?? Yes, I think you need some help. I don't feel bad for Best Buy, but you need to work on your shopping skills: do more research up front, spent more time playing in the store, talk to current users, etc. before you take one home. You're too impulsive.

:)

[Baker1369]

The funny thing is that I can't do enough research to know what I want. I do so much research before buying something and it is usually not until I actually get a longer period of hands on time until I actually know what I like and don't like. It's silly, I know, but that is how it works for me. (and it seems like the only area that this problem affects me is the pda buying one :))

[icruise]

Originally posted by Jeffry

Companies like Sony rip us off with their PDAs and there's nothing wrong to stab them back by returning open box CLIEs. You can say that I'm selfish...

That is total BS. It's the same reasoning that shoplifters and embezzlers use -- "they deserve it!"

In Japan, you essentially can't return anything for any reason (beyond it being defective). Maybe this has rubbed off on me, but I just find it irresponsible to return something just because you find something you like better later on. Make your choice and stick with it.

[RD100]

You should spend more time trying the demo models in the store.

Your reasoning about creating "Open Box" items is just costing Best Buy out of profits they rightfully deserve. The items you return no longer are "worth" their original value, now that they have been open and used.

I can see occasionally returning things that just didn't work out as intended, but to "buy to try" as you are doing, is not fair to Best Buy and it's employees. They need to earn their livings off their customers and their sales profits.

They are not in business to "loan out" electronics for your experimental pleasures, until you find the item which suits you.

You should have more consideration for Best Buy as a company.

They provide a great selection all in one building, and offer a great value to their customers.

I for one love shopping in Best Buy. I do like buying open-boxed items ... hoping that I am just getting lucky by buying something that was returned for a fair and legitimate reason.

You are buying and returning just because you dont want to spend the time testing the demo models in the store.

I repeat what someone else mentioned above ... this is just my 2 cents ...

[Jeffry]

Originally posted by icruise


That is total BS. It's the same reasoning that shoplifters and embezzlers use -- "they deserve it!"

In Japan, you essentially can't return anything for any reason (beyond it being defective). Maybe this has rubbed off on me, but I just find it irresponsible to return something just because you find something you like better later on. Make your choice and stick with it.

This is because you live in Japan. Here in Canada, the prices on Sony products are usually higher than anywhere else in the world. Imagine spending something over a grand ($1000) when the country beside you is selling it for $200 cheaper. Plus, we don't have as much option when it comes to CLIEs. The only NX model available in Canada is the NX70v.

The main reason behind purchasing something is to make you satisfied and happy. I don't know how it works in Japan but here in Canada, we have a policy in a local electronics store where you can return the item if you are not satisfied or refund the price difference if there's a price drop within 30 days from the date of purchase.

Imagine how you would feel if you purchased an overpriced item and being miserable later on just because the device doesn't suit you...

[mkrueger]

I believe he said he bought the extended warranty plan? That's virtually pure profit for them.

No wonder that manager is happy. He could care less over a few dollars lost having to sell "open box" units with the profit they made on the extended warranty.

[SuperSaiyan]

Isn't that extended warranty over $70? I don't think I'd feel bad about returning it if I found a better one.

[RoyoftheRovers]

Just wish that Bestbuy would spread its wings a little and give us all some fun.....you guys in the US have all the fun!

[mjhamilton]

Get a life for gods sake................

[contravox]

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Sounds silly, but think about it. All that really matters to you is that you can sleep at night. If you feel alright with what you are doing and causing no one any harm, then go for it. If you evaluate the situation to be that you are in the wrong and feel gult for it, then change your ways. I think this whole question begs a moral conclusion that only YOU can pin to yourself. Are you crazy? Do YOU think you are? I think you're NUTS!!! :)

[Alistar]

Oh please. The exchange policies in North American stores are built around the indeciseveness of the consumer. They offer 30 day return periods so that you can return it if you are unhappy with its functions. If the return policy was only meant to be used for technical problems and such then they wouldn't have it. The local electronic stores publicly advertise the ability to return (practically) any product within 30 days for a full refund, no questions asked. This is not a moral question, this is not a case of ripping off Best Buy, he is merely using the service provided. Admittedly he is using it quite a lot, but that is why it is there, so that you can be satisfied with your purchase. These stores make more money from having loyal customers than they lose off these return policies.

[Mastervtec]

Isn't one of Best Buys big things is that you can "play" with everything in the store?? Yes it is.. I would think they would expect people to try the product out before buying and returning it 5 times, just make an informed descision before you buy. Stop wasting Best Buys time and money.

[Alistar]

Yes, you can try it out, but that does not give the feel of everyday use. In Canada the electronic retail stores I go to encourage me to take it home and try it for a couple of days and specifically point out several times that I can bring it back no questions asked. Like I said I admit 5 times is quite a lot, but thats what the service is there for, to get an everyday feel for the item and see if it will suit your needs

[mrbjg4]

I shopped for PDAs in Tokyo for a couple days recently and checked prices compared with US, about 25% higher across the board for sony, toshiba, sharps, these brands carrying the bulk of the store stock I saw. The selection was amazing (especially for Sharps - and nice ones), but since they all were in Japanese ROMs, I bought a NX60 at Best Buy with the extended warranty. After 2 months I had a battery problem, so I returned it, and since they don't sell NX60's anymore (at this store), they gave me a new NX70 as a replacement.

If I knew I was going to buy an NX, I would have bought some CF accessories in Japan, since many are not available here.

Once again, the selection was incredible, and I got to try all of them.

[VLevyNYC]

Originally posted by Alistar
Oh please. The exchange policies in North American stores are built around the indeciseveness of the consumer. They offer 30 day return periods so that you can return it if you are unhappy with its functions. .... he is merely using the service provided. Admittedly he is using it quite a lot, but that is why it is there, so that you can be satisfied with your purchase. These stores make more money from having loyal customers than they lose off these return policies.

First off, the exchange policies in America are a function of competitive forces--you have to offer relatively the same return policies as your competitors in order to factor this aspect out of a consumer's decision where to purcase from. The original underpinninig, of course, is an attempt to eliminate a risk factor in a purchasing decision--by allowing you to return it IF YOU ARE UNHAPPY WITH IT.&nbsp;And by unhappy, I&nbsp;mean that you did at least some reasonable research and expecte to keep the product for more than 7 days because you thought it was the one you wanted.&nbsp;It certinly wasn't contemplated to permit people to do what Baker did/does, and that's certainly not "what it's there for."&nbsp;Sure, within the construct of the policy it is fair game, but, again, I think it's wrong and wasteful.

[Alistar]

I admit it is quite wasteful.
In fact I had avoided participating in this conversation until people started making a moral issue of this.
I am simply saying it is not an evil act that he has done this.
My 'Oh please' comment was in reference to the guy who mentioned being able to live yourself, sleep at night.

[PDA gadgetfreak]

Originally posted by Mastervtec
Isn't one of Best Buys big things is that you can "play" with everything in the store?? Yes it is.. I would think they would expect people to try the product out before buying and returning it 5 times, just make an informed descision before you buy. Stop wasting Best Buys time and money.

Well said and I agree. I'm still shaking my head in disbelief. 4 PDA's and considering a 5th? All at the expense of the retailer. What I really don't understand is you come here and brag about it.

[Scott Baker]

DAMN DUDE, don't you have a life. where the heck do you find the time to make these trips to Best Buy ?? If you're this crazy, why not at least make it work in your favor. Try to get a job at Best Buy ( part or full time). Now you have both the advantage of having the new stuff nearby to play with, and you get an employee discount !!

[contravox]

Hey, it's just an opinion..like everyone else's. If someone even HAS to ask if this is a problem or not...if doing this to best buy is right or wrong...well, those two questions have to do with how you view the world around you. I was merely giving a name to the process of deliberating what may or may not be the best thing to do...and yes, that would be morals. How could someone treat a PDA like some cheap fluzzy? Have her for a day and then dump her for another model ;)

[Dripps]

I don't have any problem with you using the policy of Best Buy to your advantage but I question whether this is really progress for you! I got my NX70V when it first came out (one of those waiting impatiently for Dell to ship) and it was my first PDA ever. I love it. I've added many, many programs, fussed with the launchers, and now I think I'm pretty good with this thing. I don't go anywhere without my Clie. I would have thought BEFORE that I would love to upgrade first chance I get since I like to have the latest and the greatest. But now the NZ has come out. I see it and I'm not tempted. I read about the new Tungsten/C and I think "hmmmm...interesting....but still bet my NX is the best." I just love my NX. I almost feel attached to it and would hate to have to start from scratch customizing, etc. That's why I'm religious about backup, etc. It's fine tuned...it's MINE! How can you get to that point if you change every few weeks? I've spent so much time learning and installing programs.....time I would dread to have to spend again. Am I crazy?

[Baker1369]

The NX70v is really growing on me...I am loving reading ebooks and other stuff on the big screen. The only problem I am having is with memory...I am using powerrun and I still only have like four MB left in RAM....is there any way to get docs to go to run off of the MS or to store the files there? Memory is the big issue here.

[Dripps]

I have LOTS of programs installed on my NX. I also use PowerRun and recently got Jack Flash. I regularly have about 7.5mb RAM. Most things can go on the memory stick. I've moved all my ebooks there...almost everything but the databases which need to be in the internal memory. What do you have there? I have about 80 programs! I bought the CF driver so I can use bigger memory....I have all my mp3's on separate memory stick but then I can't listen to music and use my programs at the same time since most are on the other stick. Perhaps the CF will allow me to put everything in one place...still not sure how practical this is. In short....I don't have internal memory problem.

[Baker1369]

How do you read ebooks from the MS? what program do you use? I would have about seven or eight megs if it wasnt for the ebooks

[Dripps]

I use Mobipocket and Palm Reader. If you click on the little icon before title of book in Mobi it gives you details....there you can tell it to put book on CARD. Palm Reader sees all my book in the launcher folder on the card.

[___]

Originally posted by Baker1369
Imagine how much money Best Buy, and for that matter, Sony make off of consumers on the products they sell. Add to that the amount that I paid for the extended warranty. I don't think either of them is any worse for the wear. I talked to the manager of Best Buy and he told me that he thinks that it is great that I am taking advantage of their return policy, which has the goal of making the customer happy with his or her purchase. Why else would they have such liberal return policies? Imposing costs? I think Sony and Best Buy can handle a couple of lost dollars considering the millions and billions they make each year. I don't consider that a "loss" to either company. I am not going to put a dent in either of the revenue reports for either company.

So what you're saying is that you alone don't make a difference? But that is not the point. The point is what you are doing is WRONG. Consider if EVERYONE did it. Would Sony and Best Buy even have exchange policies anymore? Nope not at all. And if I was the boss, I would have fired the so-called manager who told you that it is great for you to exchange perfectly fine PDAs just because there was a newer one on the market. Obviously, that manager is non-existent; a mere imagination. Or perhaps you substituted the greasy sales clerk for the manager.

[Mastervtec]

_______, That is the only post of yours that I agree with!!! Nice!!

[Baker1369]

Due to the popular sentiment that I am a nut (but more because I realized that I never should have returned the NX60 in the first place since I just got caught up in the hype of bluetooth with my t68i), I am sticking with my NX70v indefinitely... Thank you for all of the wonderfully colorful comments on the subject, I have learned a new perspective on my Best Buy addictions. I am a better person from this, and you all have saved me the psychiatrist fees that would have ensued if I had gone on another deadly return binge at Best Buy. Admitting that I have a problem is the first step to recovery. I thank you again.