Geek Squad Projector Bulb Replacement

[therealdjnugz]

I bought my Epson 2030 from Best Buy and bought the Geek Squad protection plan for it. I basically bought it due to the fact that it includes one free replacement bulb for projectors. Knowing projector bulbs for the 2030 are $100(which I know is cheap) it seemed worth it between the bulb and protection.
I went to Best Buy to ask them the process of getting the bulb and they told me I had to bring the projector in, they would ship it to Epson, and Epson wouldn't determine if it needed a bulb, and ship it back with or without a new bulb. What a hassle! I told the geek squad employee I could easily switch it out myself. They're made so the owner of a projector can easily replace the bulb.
They gave me a number to call so I could ask if they can just send me the bulb. Has anyone that bought their projector from Best Buy with the protection plan been able to just have them send you the bulb without going through that process? If so, what did you say to convince them to do so? I'd rather just buy a bulb to avoid shipping the projector and not have it for weeks!
Honestly, at this time I don't need a new bulb. I just want a new one so when mine does start to go, I can just replace it with no delay.