As one of the largest consumer electronics retailers, Best Buy offers an extensive selection of computer monitors to suit every need – from basic displays to ultrawide curved gaming monitors. But what happens if you get your new monitor home, set it up, and find that it doesn‘t meet your expectations?
Best Buy aims to make the return process as painless as possible so you can shop with confidence. However, their policies do have some specific requirements and limitations, especially when it comes to computer monitors. As a savvy shopper, it‘s important to understand the ins and outs of Best Buy‘s monitor return policy before making a purchase.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll break down everything you need to know to successfully return a monitor to Best Buy, whether you bought it in-store, online, open-box, or received the wrong item. We‘ll also share some pro tips for ensuring a smooth return experience and explore how Best Buy‘s policy stacks up against competitors. Let‘s dive in!
Best Buy‘s General Return Policy
First, let‘s cover the basics of Best Buy‘s overall return policy, which forms the foundation of their monitor-specific policy. According to the Best Buy Return & Exchange Promise, the company allows returns on most products within a certain window for a full refund, with a valid receipt or packing slip:
- Standard members: 15-day return window
- My Best Buy Elite members: 30-day return window
- My Best Buy Elite Plus members: 45-day return window
- Applies to purchases made in-store and online
- Refund issued to original payment method
These return windows begin on the date of purchase for in-store sales, or the date of delivery for online orders. Some product categories, including monitors, may have specific requirements or a shortened return window.
Compared to other major electronics retailers, Best Buy‘s basic return policy is quite competitive:
| Retailer | Standard Return Window | Elite Member Window | Restocking Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Buy | 15 days | 30-45 days | None |
| Amazon | 30 days | 30 days | Varies |
| Walmart | 14 days (monitors) | N/A | Varies |
| Target | 30 days | 30 days | Varies |
| Costco | 90 days | N/A | None |
As you can see, Best Buy‘s 15-day window for standard members is on the lower end, but their 30-45 day window for elite members is quite generous. They also don‘t charge any restocking fees, which can range from 10-15% at other retailers.
Monitor Return Policy Specifics
Now, let‘s focus on the nitty-gritty details of returning computer monitors to Best Buy. While the general return policy applies, there are a few key things to keep in mind:
Return Windows
The standard 15/30/45-day return windows based on membership tier do apply to monitors, with the clock starting from the date of purchase or delivery. This is more generous than some competitors like Walmart, which only allows 14 days for TV and computer monitor returns.
Condition Requirements
To qualify for a return, the monitor must be in "like new" condition with all original packaging and accessories. This means no physical damage, scratches, or dead pixels on the screen. If you‘ve already mounted the monitor, make sure to remove it carefully to avoid damaging the casing or stand.
According to Consumer Reports, around 5% of electronics are returned due to buyer‘s remorse, while another 5% are returned due to defects or damage. By requiring monitors to be in pristine condition, Best Buy is able to resell returned items as open-box deals, minimizing financial losses.
Best Buy is fairly lenient when it comes to missing packaging or minor accessories like cables, but they may deduct a small amount from your refund to account for the lost items. It‘s always best to return the monitor with everything it came with to avoid any potential issues.
Restocking Fees
Unlike some retailers, Best Buy does not charge any restocking fees for monitor returns as long as you meet the return window and condition requirements. However, if you miss the return deadline or the monitor shows clear signs of use, Best Buy reserves the right to deny the return entirely or issue a partial refund at their discretion.
Returning Online Monitor Purchases
If you purchased your monitor from BestBuy.com, you have the option of returning it to any Best Buy retail location or shipping it back. Returning in-store is usually faster and easier, but shipping can be convenient if you don‘t live near a store or the monitor is too large to transport easily.
To return a monitor by mail, follow these steps:
- Pack the monitor securely in its original box with all accessories
- Include your packing slip or receipt in the box
- Visit BestBuy.com to print a prepaid return shipping label
- Attach the label and drop off the package at any UPS location
- Keep the tracking information until you receive your refund
Best Buy covers the return shipping cost, so you won‘t need to pay anything out of pocket. Once they receive the monitor at their warehouse, they‘ll process the refund to your original payment method within 10 business days.
In a 2020 survey by Narvar, 31% of respondents said they had returned an online purchase in the past year, with clothing and electronics being the most commonly returned categories. By providing free return shipping and accepting online returns in-store, Best Buy is catering to the expectations of modern shoppers.
Handling Delivery Issues
Online shopping is convenient, but sometimes things go wrong in transit. If Best Buy ships you the wrong monitor model or your monitor arrives damaged, you can easily exchange it or return it for a full refund.
Simply contact Best Buy customer service at 1-888-237-8289 to report the issue and initiate a return. They‘ll send you a prepaid return label and work with you to get the correct item shipped out as soon as possible. You won‘t be responsible for any additional shipping charges in the case of an error on Best Buy‘s part.
Open-Box Monitor Returns
Best Buy sells many open-box monitors that have been returned by other customers. These items are typically discounted by 10-20% and can be a great way to save money on a high-end display. But what if you buy an open-box monitor and aren‘t satisfied with it?
Thankfully, Best Buy‘s return policy for open-box monitors is exactly the same as for new units. As long as you‘re within the 15/30/45 day return window and the monitor is in "like new" condition, you can return it for a full refund with no restocking fees.
One thing to note is that open-box items may not always include the original packaging or all accessories. As long as the core components like the power cable and stand are included, Best Buy will usually accept the return. However, they may make a small deduction from your refund for any missing accessories.
According to Best Buy‘s FY2021 Annual Report, 5.5% of their total revenue came from "secondary products" like open-box items and refurbished goods. By reselling returned monitors, Best Buy is able to offer discounts to price-conscious shoppers while still maintaining their generous return policy.
Proof of Purchase Requirements
To return a monitor to Best Buy, you‘ll need to provide some form of proof of purchase. The best option is your original receipt or packing slip, which will have all the necessary information to process the return quickly.
If you‘ve lost your receipt, Best Buy may be able to look up your purchase using the credit card you used. You can also show them an email confirmation or digital receipt from an online purchase.
In rare cases, Best Buy may allow a return without a receipt at their discretion. However, they will likely limit you to store credit rather than a refund to your original payment method. You‘ll also need to present a valid photo ID, which they will scan and keep on file.
Tips for a Smooth Monitor Return
To ensure your Best Buy monitor return goes as smoothly as possible, follow these tips:
- Keep your receipt and packaging until you‘re sure you want to keep the monitor
- If returning in-store, bring all accessories and your ID
- If returning by mail, use the original box and packing materials
- Initiate your return as soon as you decide the monitor isn‘t right for you
- Test the monitor thoroughly during the return window to identify any issues
- Be polite and patient with customer service representatives
By following these best practices, you can minimize the hassle and get your refund or exchange processed quickly.
The Bottom Line
Best Buy‘s monitor return policy is fairly generous and straightforward, giving customers ample time to test out their new display and return it if needed. By understanding the requirements around condition, packaging, and proof of purchase, you can shop for a new monitor with confidence.
While Best Buy does have some specific stipulations, their policy is quite consumer-friendly compared to many other electronics retailers. And with the option to return both in-store and by mail, it‘s easy to get your money back if a monitor doesn‘t meet your needs.
As with any major purchase, it‘s always a good idea to read the fine print and understand the return policy before clicking "buy." But with this guide in hand, you‘re well-equipped to navigate Best Buy‘s monitor return process like a pro.
