Best Buy S3 @ $799 with $300 rebate: Can anyone confirm this?

[drew2k]

I know this could piss off a lot of SA3 buyers who just shelled out $800 at TiVo.com, so read the whole thing first...

I stopped at my Best Buy this afternoon to check out the S3 and they didn't have it in stock, but were expecting them this week. I asked the BA TV drone and the floor manger (who were together just finishing up assisting another customer) if there would be any special promotions or rebates, and the drone said he was just reading up on this and there would be a "$300 or $400 rebate" - his words.

I was floored. That's a huge discount! I asked if I could pre-order with the rebate, but the manager said no, just come back. I then asked if the rebate was from TiVo or Best Buy, but the drone couldn't remember. I asked him if he would look it up but he declined.

So ... was I being snowed? Has anyone heard of a similar rebate or promotion from their Best Buy? I'd love to have everyone runs to their local Best Buy and ask so at least I'll know if it's true or a snow job.

[Bierboy]

I find that hard to believe...especially given the "knowledge" of BB employees in general. But, hey, if it's true, go for it! I paid full MSRP plus expedited shipping from CC, but I'm not gonna lose any sleep over it. I'll just enjoy my S3 :)!

[Voodoo22]

Wish I read this half an hour ago, I would have asked.

I checked online and Best Buy's web site indicated they had S3s in stock at a few locations. I went and ordered one for pickup and then arrived only to hear they didn't have any. Nor did the other location. Stupid BB wasted my time and gas.

[redrouteone]

I generally hate rebates, but in this case I would make an exception. If it had a $300 rebate there is a very stong chance I would do it, with a $400 rebate no doubt I would.

[megazone]

Doubtful, since BB reportedly pays $500 wholesale on the S3. A $300 rebate would wipe out their profit.

Conversely, if it were a TiVo rebate that's 3/5 of their wholesale price.

And, on top of that - WHY? If the reports of limited quantities are true, I doubt TiVo is going to try to push sales by slashing profits.

[jfh3]

I doubt TiVo is going to try to push sales by slashing profits.

Got to have profits before you can slash them ... ;)

[drew2k]

When I first heard it I kind of knew it was too good to be true .. but I was really hoping they weren't lying to me. Cold hard reality has now set in. :(

[jfh3]

Best Buy rule #1 - the customer almost always knows more than the sales rep ...

[eisenb11]

Best Buy rule #1 - the customer almost always knows more than the sales rep ...

... and apparently the manager as well :D

[Dan203]

The current rebate ends on Saturday. I'm hoping that Sunday or Monday a new one is issued and that the $150 rebate will apply to the S3.

If not I'm getting one anyway, but I'm still hoping.

Dan

[bkdtv]

If there is any rebate, it would probably be a mail-in rebate. Like Dan, I'm hoping Tivo announces a new rebate on Monday.

[amjustice]

If thats the case I will just send back the one I just bought from Tivo.com and buy one from best buy. I would hope tivo would offer that rebate to those who bought it from Tivo.com othewrise they would loose a lot of sales