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Wirecutter usually finds that Amazon matches Best Buy electronics sales as they arise (if Amazon carries the product in question), but we work to provide our readers with Best Buy deals as an option because, variety and providing a non-Amazon option aside, Best Buy offers deals for products that Amazon simply doesn’t carry (like Google ecosystem smart speakers) and offers the option of curbside pickup. Keep an eye on Best Buy’s Deal of the Day and Top Deals section during an event like Prime Day and monitor their My Best Buy Member offers and student discounts (if applicable).
Take advantage of Best Buy’s price matching policy
Whether you’re shopping the Best Buy aisles in person or virtually, keep an on competing sites: Best Buy will price match local retail competitors (like Target and Walmart), as well as any products sold by Amazon, Crutchfield.com, Dell.com, HP.com, and TigerDirect.com. Best Buy also matches pricing on their own website, so it might be advantageous to download the BB app to your phone if you plan to shop in-store—that way, you can scan and compare prices as you shop.
To price match, first make sure the Best Buy product is identical to the competitor’s, down to the model number and color. If you’re in-store, show an employee proof of the lower price; if you’re online shopping, use the Best Buy Chat feature to connect with an employee or call 1-888-BEST BUY to request a price match.
Not everything qualifies for price matching. Some exclusions include:
- Contract cell phones
- Items sold by third-party sellers
- Prices available to select groups of customers—think deals only present to Costco members
- Bundle offers and items included in bundle offers
- Pricing errors
- Prices only acquired through the use of a coupon
- Clearance items
- Out of stock and limited quantity items
- Refurbished items
Sign up for a My Best Buy membership for access to more deals
My Best Buy is a membership program that any BB shopper can join for free. Members will often get early access to Best Buy’s sales and exclusive member-only deals; they also get some other nice perks, like free shipping with no minimum purchase requirements and the opportunity to earn points for every dollar spent, which can then be redeemed as a reward certificate to spend at the store.
Best Buy also offers two other forms of My Best Buy, which are also free: My Best Buy Elite and My Best Buy Elite Plus. To qualify for MyBB Elite, you’ll have to spend $1,500 or more during the calendar year; to be eligible for MyBB Elite Plus, you’ll have to spend $3,500 or more. Though not so helpful for casual Best Buy shoppers, those who do meet the minimum will have extra perks, like a longer return window (the standard is 15 days, and applies to My Best Buy members) and the ability to earn more points per purchase.
Get your purchases the same day from Best Buy
Like all other brick and mortar stores, Best Buy has a leg up on Amazon: Though Amazon offers same day shipping for some items, all Best Buy purchases can be collected the same day you’ve virtually swiped your credit card. All you’ll have to do is select store pick up and drive over to your local Best Buy.
For folks who want to limit contact with others, Best Buy is still offering contactless curbside service at most locations across the country. Employees will bring items ordered on BestBuy.com or through the Best Buy app to shoppers’ cars. You’ll also be able to ask about additional products that they forgot to add to their order. As long as the item is in stock, Best Buy employees will head inside to get the item and sell it to you curbside.
You can make curbside returns as well. To make a curbside return, you’ll need to bring your packing slip or receipt, the credit card used to make the purchase, your ID, and the item with all its original packaging. Instead of heading inside, Best Buy employees will collect returns right at your car. Shoppers will also be able to ask about additional things they’d like to exchange their item for; as long as the item is in stock, Best Buy employees will head inside to get the item and sell it to you carside.
Keep an eye out for deals for students
Best Buy often offers student-specific deals on laptops and Chromebooks, knocking anywhere from $100 to $200 off the price for qualifying shoppers. Previously, you needed to use an academic email address ending in .edu to claim the deals, but now Best Buy only requires you to identify yourself as a student to reap the savings. To take advantage of these deals, you’ll need to register for a (free) My Best Buy account and sign up for student deals—those deals will then populate on the “Member Offers” page of your My Best Buy portal.
Save on Apple gear
Notoriously, Apple itself rarely offers deals on its various tech products; instead, the company usually offers gift cards with purchases during big deals events like Black Friday and Cyber Week. But just because Apple doesn’t offer deals doesn’t mean you won’t see good deals on Apple tech: Retailers who carry that gear (like Best Buy) usually mark down Apple products from time to time.
If you’re on the hunt for Apple gear for cheap(er), Best Buy should be your first stop. The store carries everything from MacBooks and iPads to Apple Watches and iPhones, and frequently offers deals on older tech.
Look for good deals on bundled items
Best Buy often offers nice discounts on bundled smart home items, many of which are Wirecutter picks. In the past, we’ve seen deals on the Amazon Show 5 bundled together with an Echo Studio, and 2-for-1 bundles on the Amazon Show 8. It’s likely we’ll continue to see them this year, especially since Amazon has been rolling out good bundled deals that Best Buy is bound to price match.