Amazon and Best Buy are two of the most popular stores for shopping for electronics, appliances, and other products.
So, which one is cheaper, and which offers better service and returns? We’ll take a look at all of that in this article, so keep reading to see what we discovered!
Amazon Vs. Best Buy In [currentyear]
Shoppers visit Amazon and Best Buy for bargains on electronics and appliances. Usually, both offer some of the lowest prices and frequently have promotions like daily deals in [currentyear]. Due to Amazon Prime shipping, Amazon customers usually receive orders sooner than Best Buy shoppers. However, both companies have low customer satisfaction related to the handling of deliveries and customer service.
To compare more of the customer experience at Amazon vs. Best Buy, continue to read for more useful facts and tips!
What Products Can Be Found on Amazon?
Amazon is recognized for its wide variety of books, but it also offers a range of other items, including:
- Electronics
- Appliances
- Home decor
- Toys
- Clothing
- Shoes
- Grocery items
- AmazonBasics products (generic, low-cost versions of popular items)
In addition, shoppers can also find Amazon’s exclusive brands of products on the site. These include AmazonBasics, Solimo, Presto!, Mama Bear, and Pinzon.
What Products Are Found at Best Buy?
Best Buy is an electronics store, so it’s not surprising that you’ll find various electronic goods there. In addition to laptops, TVs, and cell phones, Best Buy also sells:
- Apple products
- Amazon products
- Cameras and camcorders
- Car audio
- Cell phone services
- Computers and
- tablets
- Game consoles and games
- Headphones and speakers
- Fitness equipment
- Home appliances
- Kitchen appliances
- Musical instruments
Which Has Cheaper Prices: Amazon or Best Buy?
When it comes to prices, Amazon is usually cheaper than Best Buy. However, there are a few exceptions.
For example, the Lenovo Smart Clock Essential with Alexa Built-in is $69.99 on Amazon and $59.99 at Best Buy.
Both websites offer several ways for shoppers to save. For example, Amazon and Best Buy provide daily deals where select products have extreme discounts applied.
To find daily deals on Amazon, search for Lightning Deals. Similarly, the Best Buy website offers a section for Deals of the Day.
Is Amazon or Best Buy Better for Shoppers That Prefer to Shop In-Person?
If you prefer to shop in person, both Amazon and Best Buy have physical stores that you can visit. However, in-person shopping is limited to select cities with Amazon.
In select locations, Amazon shoppers may visit Amazon Fresh stores, as well as Amazon Go locations (cashier-less convenience stores).
However, Amazon Books, 4-star, and Pop Up places will soon be closing, according to the Amazon website.
Shoppers can also purchase select Amazon products from other retail locations, including Kohl’s and Best Buy.
In contrast, Best Buy has more than 1000 stores in the United States for in-person shopping.
Which Has the Most Reliable Shipping: Amazon or Best Buy?
Amazon is usually faster and more reliable when it comes to shipping.
Select purchases are eligible for same-day or next-day delivery for Amazon Prime members. In fact, most products qualify for free 2-day delivery with Amazon Prime.
Once an order is made on Amazon, shoppers can easily track the shipment process from their account page.
At Best Buy, shipping is a bit more complicated. Depending on the order, shipping costs may be calculated per order, per item, or per pound.
However, shoppers can take advantage of free sitewide shipping deals (usually around major holidays).
During checkout, shoppers can see an estimated delivery time frame based on their zip code. Orders are typically received closer to the earliest date provided.
However, keep in mind certain products require additional processing that will extend delivery timeframes.
Who Has a Better Return Policy: Amazon or Best Buy?
Amazon and Best Buy both have very similar return policies. Both stores allow you to return products within a specific time, depending on the item.
For example, Amazon will return most items within 30 days, while Best Buy allows you to return most items within 15 days.
However, there are some exceptions; for example, Amazon does not allow you to return digital items, while Best Buy does not allow you to return opened video games.
Activated devices are also charged a $45 per item restocking fee. However, TotalTech members will not be charged this fee.
In addition, Best Buy allows customers with Elite, Elite Plus, and TotalTech membership additional time to return items (30, 45, and 60 days respectively).
Furthermore, Best Buy customers can return items in-store and via mail service.
Likewise, Amazon shoppers may mail returns directly to Amazon or drop them off at any Amazon Hub location.
Who Has Better Customer Service: Amazon or Best Buy?
Amazon and Best Buy both have 24/7 customer support available through chat, phone, and email.
However, both Amazon and Best Buy have been criticized for their poor customer service. Consider the following ratings:
According to TrustPilot, Amazon customer satisfaction is poor, as indicated by a 1.8-star rating.
Shoppers have made multiple complaints about bad interactions with customer service and issues with order delivery.
Similarly, Best Buy’s 1.3-star TrustPilot rating is related to issues with associates that lack product knowledge, poor training, and delivery issues.
To know more, you can also read our posts on Amazon vs Barnes & Noble, Amazon vs Costco, and Amazon vs Flipkart.
Conclusion
Amazon is the better choice if you’re looking for the broadest selection of products. However, if you prefer to shop in person and value, Best Buy might be better.
Amazon is usually faster and more reliable when it comes to shipping, and offers free shipping on Prime orders. However, Amazon and Best Buy both have been criticized for poor customer service.
