Guess what happened to me two days ago

[Storm Eagle]

I got banned from going into a Best Buy store. Perhaps for nothing.

I've been going in there to see if they have the DVD I wanted, but they never did. Now I went there on Wednesday and they still didn't have it. So this guy that works there confronted me and told me not to go there anymore because he sees me coming into the store attempting to steal. He's wrong.

I mean sometimes when I'm around I'd go in to to browse around, and kill time, but that's about it. Anyway I guess he figured if I was coming into the store, and not buying anything, then I had to have been trying to steal or something. I think the fact that I had my hands in my jacket pocket most of the time might have also aroused his suspicions. Well, I needed to put my hands somewhere.

Okay see, they didn't have the DVD I wanted, so one guy there saw me looking and asked if I needed help. So I just figured I should let him check for me about the DVD, even if it's not on the shelf. So he went to check in their system to see if maybe they have it in their inventory or something. They didn't. So after that, I went to the video game section to get one of those cards that I can use to reserve Metroid Prime 2: Echoes. Some guys ask me if I need help, and I just tell them I'm looking for one of those cards that I can use to reserve that game. They told me they were out of them.

After that, there's this guy who's probably a manager or something, started following me around the place. I went from one spot to another, and he just wouldn't leave me alone. So I just decided to leave. Then when I'm going back to my car, he calls me back to tell me I'm banned, and why I'm banned. I tried to explain to him that I've just been looking there for something, only to see that they didn't have it. He wasn't buying it though.

Now, like any good law-abiding man, I NEVER steal. Even before that, I went to Kohl's and got a new umbrella. I went to a drug store to get some deodorant and a pack of tissues. I went to The Vitamin Shoppe and got some vitamins. I paid for them all, I swear. So if that Best Buy had what I was looking for, I definitely would have paid for it. Anyway I guess the guy just saw me coming into Best Buy every other day, only to have bought nothing (AND I ALSO STOLE NOTHING). I guess he figured that was reason enough for him to be suspicious of me. Most of the times I'd just go in to look around, and kill time like I mentioned earlier.

Well, it sucks that this had to happen. I may have brought this on myself, but whatever. Even so, if that guy's going to be a jerk and wrongfully accuse me, then they don't deserve my business anyway.

[GameMaster]

That's not right and you need to do something about it. I think you need to talk with a police officer or something. You've been unfairly discriminated against. Since you never stole anything and they're judging you simply on suspisions, the ball is on your side of the court, man. Get justice.

[Storm Eagle]

Actually, I complained via e-mail at bestbuy.com. When I talked to one of my friends about this, he suggested I take it up with a district manager instead of reporting it to the store where the indicent happened. He said I should get more effective results if I take it up with the district manager, and I figured it should be safer that way. I was actually waiting later in the day yesterday to call the store at first, because I figured the guy might not be there, and I'd be least likely to end up on the phone with him. So I called the number for the district manager, and ended up speaking to a lady on the other end. I told her what happened, she gave me a case number, and said to file a complaint at bestbuy.com via e-mail. She apologized for what happened to me, so I guess she was sincere. Unfortunately, due to legal issues, I won't be allowed to know about what happened when the dispute gets settled. However, I might know if I can come back to the store or not.

[Perfect Stu]

you were eaten by giant hamsters?

*reads post*

damn...at least I was close



*on a serious note, it is unfortunate what happened. in what way are you 'banned' from the place, though? what's stopping you from walking back in there when the DVD comes out and buying it? you didnt commit a crime, it would be against the law to use force to get you out.

If it was me, I would go back and buy the DVD...and take my sweet-ass time. Look around casually, pick up the DVD, and then pay for it and leave. And I'd make sure to catch the eye of one of the asses that "banned" me, and smile. Sorta like a "oh, hello again". But that's me...I loathe jackholes on powertrips that take action on someone for no reason whatsoever.

[Swan]

What would happen to you if you went back there? What's the worst they could do?

I say you should go there more, and never buy anything. Go in clothes without pockets as well. SO they can't say you're attempting to steal something.

[Jason1]

Originally Posted by deejzguy

What would happen to you if you went back there? What's the worst they could do?

I say you should go there more, and never buy anything. Go in clothes without pockets as well. SO they can't say you're attempting to steal something.

Yea, I was about to say something similar. Who cares what one store manager or whatever says to you. Its not like their going to have pictures up all over with your picture on it. Just forget the whole thing. Inless you hate the store now. Then really dont go back and tell all your friends and family never to go there again.

[Storm Eagle]

Originally Posted by deejzguy

What would happen to you if you went back there? What's the worst they could do?

I say you should go there more, and never buy anything. Go in clothes without pockets as well. SO they can't say you're attempting to steal something.

Well, the guy did say that if he ever sees me inside the store again, there's going to be trouble.

And then I pissed my pants.

Originally Posted by Jonbo298

Challenge the ban. You have the right to. Tell the district manager you would like to look over the video of the times you were there to prove you did not take anything.

Also, when the manager was there and you were told the ban, you shouldve told him to check you right there on the spot. Empty your pockets, look through the car, etc..and see what happens. Thats what I would do in that case.

Yeah I didn't think to ask him what proof he even has that I was trying to steal. I regret that.


We seem to be in agreement that that dude was wrong to
ban me from the store solely on suspicion, yes? However, I was talking about this with someone a few minutes ago and she says he has a right to ban me and reject my business, even if I did just simply come off as a threat to the business, even though he may be a jerk for doing it.

Well sheesh, why even bother reporting it then?

And to think I was considering taking it up with the Better Business Bureau as well. They probably won't be on my side now, if that guy does indeed have a right to even reject my business just on account of his own suspicions alone.

[Ginkasa]

You should still try. Just because "someone" says something doesn't mean that its true, or that there's nothing you can do. I'd still take it up with the BBB. Do what you can.


*shrugs and walks away*

[Canyarion]

Originally Posted by Storm Eagle

Yeah I didn't think to ask him what proof he even has that I was trying to steal. I regret that.

That's actually not a good response...
"You stole something!"
"Oh yeah? PROVE IT!"



I sometimes feel like they think I'm stealing. I walk around in a black coat (or is it a jacket?) and don't buy much.

I hate putting my hands in and out of my pockets. Makes me feel they think I'm pocketing something.

Yesterday I bought a bread in 1 supermarket, then went into another for bio-organic apples. I put the bread in a plastic bag, even though the name of the other supermarket was on the bread.

[MasterMind]

I used to work there. You're right, yellow shirt means he's not the manager of the store. The people with the yellow shirts are the loss prevention crew. They're supposed to do exactly what happened to you. Ask you questions and kick you out if need be. The way they have the store set up, you'd think it be kind of hard to steal stuff, but people are crazy. When I was still there you would find open cd cases opened boxes and whatnot. We even had a car TV monitor(ones that flip down) stolen. It was a pretty big item to steal too.

I think it was wrong for what they did though. I go to Best Buy to do what you do, kill time and browse around. Everytime I'm there doesn't mean I'm going to buy something.

[Storm Eagle]

Originally Posted by MasterMind

I used to work there. You're right, yellow shirt means he's not the manager of the store. The people with the yellow shirts are the loss prevention crew. They're supposed to do exactly what happened to you. Ask you questions and kick you out if need be. The way they have the store set up, you'd think it be kind of hard to steal stuff, but people are crazy. When I was still there you would find open cd cases opened boxes and whatnot. We even had a car TV monitor(ones that flip down) stolen. It was a pretty big item to steal too.

I think it was wrong for what they did though. I go to Best Buy to do what you do, kill time and browse around. Everytime I'm there doesn't mean I'm going to buy something.

Right. Even the manager said they don't tolerate that at the store.

[Happydude]

well that sucks...you should have punched him in the face and left...

[Storm Eagle]

Oh hey, you know how Best Buy employees were blue and yellow shirts? He was wearing a yellow shirt, and it turns out he's not even a manager at all. Yellow shirts mean that they're security guards. He's actually a SECURITY GUARD. Anyway I called the store and spoke to the manager, and he's setting up an appointment for me to come in and get it all sorted out.

[Jonbo298]

Cool. At least there is a possible light at the end of all this