$229.99 excl tax + FS - Intel - Core i7-3770K @ BestBuy YMMV
 

So here it goes... I got really annoyed with Microcenter offering such an awesome discount for Intel - Core™ i7-3770K, that is unlocked version, OC capable. For many of us MC is not within reach. MC does not want to ship CPUs, and not only CPUs. For the rest of us it is long drive to the nearest store, it is time, money, commute/gas.

So I figured, Amazon will likely not PM so easily, neither would Newegg.

As SDer, I started looking for loopholes, and finally found one. As I mentioned, it is YMMV, BUT as we all know BBuy, it all depends on who you bump into or who takes your call...

(1) Please, before you call, take a look at BestBuy's PM policy, totally new and freshly adopted (here [bestbuy.com]);
(2) This applies NOT only to CPUs, but to most of other stock, if you can find a badge "Low Price Guarantee" on the product's webpage, e.g. here [bestbuy.com]. So feel free to roam other items @ Microcenter and try to find a similar unit at BestBuy and PM it.
(3) Be nice to the CS phone operator. I knew I might fail, and I did not want to call again and again, like with Nordstrom PMing lol So I wanted to nail it on first attempt, and I did. I was super nice, and super polite, had SKUs, addresses, model numbers, contact and CC info ready.
(4) Here is the list of designated online retailers to PM, as of Jan 31, 2013: Amazon.com, Apple.com, Bhphotovideo.com, Buy.com, CircuitCity.com, CompUSA.com, Crutchfield.com, Dell.com, hhgregg.com, HP.com, HomeDepot.com, Lowes.com, Newegg.com, OfficeDepot.com, OfficeMax.com, Sears.com, Staples.com, Target.com, TigerDirect.com, and Walmart.com.
(5) You have to be careful about what you say. Microcenter is not a Designated Online Retailer, thus MC is "a local retail competitor's store"

I called 1-888-237-8289 and chose "Other matters" option or something like that. I was transferred to the operator and she then transferred me again to "computer" reps. I said I would like to PM under the new BB PM policy. She looked up i7 based on SKU that I gave her (BB's SKU is 5513813). I then explained that there is local competitor's store in my area that has it for 229.99 and I do not like to deal with them and want to get rewardzone points at BB. She asked for details, and I directed her to MC and provided her SKU (MC's SKU is 425405, or you can use UPC 735858241434). Then a lot of chit chatting, just to keep her busy and NOT question the fact that MC does not ship, not really "online retailer" for this specific CPU, and one has to pick it up. It worked lol

Free shipping. MC adds sales tax in my area, so does BB. Folks managed to get the same CPU with 20 coupon, but it seems it does not work sometimes. Already received my order number and CC charge notification. Order Total: $250.40.

Edit: had to change the title, 229.99 is PMed price, but in my area there is sales tax too

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This is already very well documented.

Do you mean unlocked i7 for 229.99 + tax w/FS? I doubt that.

No, he means price matching at Best Buy. As always though, ymmv, I've tried with all the local Best Buy's when the 2500k deal for 100$ was around with no luck.

This worked for me. I live in phoenix and there is not even a micro center in my area. I mentioned that I was near a microcenter in california, and I asked the CS guy if he could still PM it even though my shipping and billing address would be AZ. He said "theres probly some fine print there, but we're going to go ahead and PM this."

3770k -- $229.99 + tax and FS

i was going to order a 3570K for 229, and ended up with a nearly free upgrade!

THANKS

Worked for me. I live in Indianapolis. He asked where the MC was at, I said Cincinnati. It didn't even matter, $246.09 after taxes. Free shipping.

Thanks
 

Worked for me. I just asked politely and was patient while they verified the price. Excellent post. Very thorough. I appreciate the effort you took to write it out. $229.99 + tax with free shipping.

Thanks..

I just tried to call and PM, they said they have to verify over the phone. The rep did immediately say they don't PM online retailers when I mentioned Micro Center. I said it's a local retailer and was directed to call back when they are open.

I would like to add this...

"A local retail competitor for BestBuy.com purchases is a retail store authorized by a vendor to sell a new, factory-sealed product with a warranty and is located in the same market area (within a 25 mile radius) as either the billing address or the shipping address on record for the purchase."

So YMMV indeed.

"want to get rewardzone points at BB"

OP thanks for the post. The rewardzone pitch is a nice touch.

I just called Best Buy and the rep said straight up "we don't match Microcenter pricing." I guess I'll try calling again some time later and maybe another rep will say something else.

Edit: Called again, another rep said the same thing. Appears their terms of service was updated and microcenter is specifically noted :(