Best Buy is synonymous with electronics and home appliances, offering a wide range of products from home theater systems to energy-efficient microwaves. However, before you even think about heading to the checkout, make sure you understand the fine print of your warranty options.
And as always, there are other coverage options out there if you don't feel like getting your warranty from Best Buy. When you subscribe to Mulberry Unlimited, for example, you can get comprehensive product protection for all your Best Buy purchases and more under the same plan. For just $9.99 a month, you'll be covered in case of accidents, spills, tears, breaks, and more.
Best Buy warranty basics: Manufacturer warranty
As the name implies, manufacturer warranties are provided by the product's manufacturer and cover defects or malfunctions that occur within a specific time frame, typically up to one year from the date of purchase. However, this might change depending on the item. For example, a Best Buy TV warranty will differ depending on the brand.
This type of warranty is automatically included in the purchase price of your product. Keep in mind that while there is no specific Best Buy open-box warranty, you’ll get the same coverage from the manufacturer, for a period of 90 days.
Best Buy protection plan with Geek Squad
On the other hand, Geek Squad protection plans are extended warranties that customers can purchase for additional coverage beyond the manufacturer’s warranty. These plans cover accidental damage, such as drops or spills, as well as mechanical and electrical breakdowns.
Best Buy protection plans can be purchased in-store or online, and are available for a wide range of products, including:
- Computers and tablets
- Smart home, security, Wi-Fi
- Appliances
- Mobile phones
- Cameras and camcorders
- Drones
- Scooters, bikes, and hoverboards
- Portable audio
- Car electronics
- TV and home theater
- Gaming and VR
Geek Squad protection offers all kinds of benefits. You’ll never have to pay for parts and labor, and you’re always entitled to a replacement if your product cannot be repaired. For example, if you want to purchase a Best Buy microwave, the average cost of an over-the-range microwave is about $400, and a five-year Geek Squad protection plan costs $119.99. So, if anything happens within that five-year period, you’ll always be entitled to a working microwave.
The whole point of added protection is to avoid paying for a replacement down the road, and Geek Squad protection helps you do that.
Know the return policy
You should always be familiar with a store’s return policy before you purchase anything. The Best Buy return policy is fairly strict, requiring that customers return products within 15 days of purchase, unless you’re a Total Tech member, in which case you have 60 days.
However, activated devices do not apply to this, and have to be returned within 14 days no matter who bought them. Certain products are also subject to a restocking fee.
If you have devices that still work but you no longer use, it’s worth finding out their Best Buy trade-in value so you can get credit towards your next purchase.
Get all the facts before you buy
At the end of the day, browsing for the right deal can be stressful enough, so protecting your investment shouldn’t be. Understanding the fine print of Best Buy warranties and policies can help you manage your expectations and get the most out of your purchase.
For product protection without limits, subscribe to Mulberry Unlimited. You'll get coverage for your Best Buy purchases under the same product protection plan, for the ultimate peace of mind.
