Source: Mercurynews.com

It's sometimes difficult for consumers to actually buy what product manufacturers are strenuously pushing.A case in point is Microsoft's Xbox 360, which has been in limited supply. Moreover, some retailers didn't have their act completely under control.

Among the complaints I heard on launch day was that some Best Buy stores, contrary to corporate policy, required customers to spend hundreds of dollars on games or accessories -- over and above the $300 or $400 for just the machines -- as part of any Xbox 360 purchase. A San Jose resident said the Best Buy store at Santana Row was among those locations, setting "bundled'' price minimums that started at $700 in non-returnable
merchandise.

It took me a while to get a response from a Best Buy corporate spokesman, but the company acknowledges that some stores acted inappropriately. It won't confirm the specific stores at which problems occurred. Draw your own conclusions about whether that's good customer PR.

If you bought a 360 bundle, however, the company says it will guarantee that every part of the purchase can be returned or exchanged. It says you can do that at any Best Buy store. If there are problems, call the round-the-clock "customer care'' line at 1-888-BEST BUY (1-888-237-8289).

Also, feel free to contact me if you think you've got information on this that will be useful to other consumers.

Here's an official statement that Best Buy e-mailed me after my phone conversations with a spokesman:

"We are aware of instances where Best Buy employee action was inconsistent with company guidelines for promotional activities surrounding the sale of Xbox 360. We will accept returns or exchanges for any unwanted Xbox 360-related purchases. In addition, we have taken appropriate measures to ensure this situation will not occur with future Xbox 360 promotions. We extend our sincere apologies to our customers."