My ‘Best Buy’ adventures: How many trips does it take to get a Window Air Conditioner that you can actually install?

How many trips does it take to get an Air Conditioning unit that you can actually install in your window? In these times of global supply chains, many consumer products keep getting cheaper and cheaper. Two weeks ago, I went to one of my local Best Buy stores to buy a new air conditioner. I finally got around to try and install it on Saturday to get ready for the sweltering heat of the week-end. The unit I picked was a 8000 BTU by LG.
To start with the installation book was mind-blogglingly unclear. After managing to get through the first 3 steps, I tried to secure the Top Rail that helps hold it to the window to the unit. It did not work. The reason being that the holes drilled in the unit were not the proper size.
So yesterday, I returned the defective product to Best Buy. I first had to face a somewhat surly junior customer service person who was not understanding that I was trying to alert them to the issue I had encountered and prevent the same trouble to happen to others. After going through the return and exchange process, I got another box with the same type of unit. It displayed the same ‘manufacturing defect’, so I had to go through another round of return and exchange.
I went looking for another model on the ‘on display’ (out of the box) shelves. The ‘LG’ unit there had the same defect so I advised customers who were looking at it not to buy it.
The friendly and helpful salesman who was there, helped me choose another 8000 BTU (a Frigidaire), brought it for me to the Return & Exchange line (3 rd time) where I was helped by a young (not surly) customer service person.
Installing this ‘Frigidaire’ unit was a breeze. Directions were clear, there were not many steps required, it must not have taken me more than 10 to 15 minutes to have it up and running. Best of all it really works well.
I did not have the perfect product through. Before putting it in the window, I noticed that the right side ‘vent’ was dented. I decided to settle for it. I did not look forward to another trip to the store on Father’s day.
I guess the problems I encountered shopping at ‘Best Buy’ could have happened at many other stores selling appliances.
I will share my shopping experience with ‘Best Buy’, ‘LG’ and ‘Frigidaire’ of course.
My basic suggestion would be that both manufacturers and stores spot check their shipments and deliveries to minimise this type of things.