Best Buy
Big changes are underway in electronics retailer Best Buy’s member and customer loyalty program as the company looks to generate more revenue and compete with Amazon, Best Buy announced this week via emails to customers.
First, the good news: Members of Best Buy’s My Best Buy program get free shipping on orders from the company’s online store, this time with no reserve price.
That’s it for the good news though. As for the bad, people who paid for the (kind of) Amazon Prime-esque premium Totaltech service may be annoyed to learn that one of the program’s previously promised perks — free same-day delivery — has been scrapped. Instead, Totaltech members get free two-day shipping.
That’s not the only downgrade either. Best Buy’s rewards system, where customers earn points for purchases, will be exclusive to My Best Buy credit card holders. It was previously available to Totaltech members and My Best Buy members. Now neither of them can get it without the credit card.
Other Totaltech benefits, such as 24/7 technical support, extended return periods, special pricing and exclusive access to some hard-to-find items such as PlayStation 5 consoles, will continue.
The changes to Totaltech will go into effect on February 14. Customers who don’t have or don’t want the company’s credit card will receive “a certificate for the remaining points on your account within 60 days of the program change on Feb. 14.” The new free shipping benefit for My Best Buy members is effective immediately.
All in all, free shipping is a welcome new perk for non-paid members, but Totaltech members paying $199.99 per year will likely be frustrated with the removal of the same-day shipping benefit. Few customers will be happy that Best Buy sells them on a credit card for a rewards system they previously had access to.
