The day was November 27,2008, I was happily awaiting as my godfather and father set up my first computer. My godfather had just purchased a new computer and was handing down his old HP computer along with a desk to my family. I was fascinated with the internet and began playing games along with watching Youtube videos. Over time the computer began fuctioning slowly and I did not understand why. Previously, I had heard to not visit suspisicuos websites and to be cautious of what I am downloading in order to avoid getting a virus. With this being said, I asked the help of my uncle and cousin to take a look at the computer and see if they could help me in any way. Unfortuntely, their efforts were unable to solve the sluggishness of my computer but recommedned I either have a computer repair man to take a look or to take the computer to Best Buy's Geek Squad in Salinas. My father was able to reach out to get in contact with such a repair man but only diagnosed the computer and never returned for the repairs. Together my father and I drove up to the nearest Best Buy and waited in line in hopes of Geek Squad being able to solve our computer issues. As I loaded the tower on the counter, I informed the employee of the slowness. The employee began running a diagnostics while my father and I waited. It was not until that very moment that I realized, "Wait, how much will this cost?!" I immediately began searching for a menu listing the pricing but there was none around. It was then the employee notified me there was a virus and spyware within the computer and that removal would be priced around $200 dollars with a three day wait period. My heart sunk as I knew this was an outrageous amount my father would not be willing to pay for. Together my father and I left Best Buy with the slow computer and with the thought, "Wow, computer repair is expensive!". That event occured nine years ago, now as I am about to complete my college degree I reflect on all that I have learned. One of those things have been how to open a laptop and install ram. I had a similiar encounter with GeekSquad as I returned eight years later with a friend to purchase RAM. We asked how much it cost to have RAM installed on a laptop, again I was meet the outstanding reply of "$200 dollars". Wow, I could not believe that these prices existed. That evening I googled, "Geek Squad scam". Thousands of searches filled the screen with horrible customer reviews and expereinces of the Geek Squad franchise. One of those results was a news segment dedicated to putting computer repair shops to the test. With virus-free computer and an unplugged hard drive, a news reporter would drop off the laptop to several computer repair shops to see how much a customer would get charged for repairs. PCParamedics, was able to solve the problem within minutes at no charge. The reporter then took the computer to local GeekSquad. The technician there informed the reporter that he could not find out what was wrong with the computer and that they would have drop it off for a $70 dollar diagnosis. Two days later GeekSquad calls the reproter to inform her she has a "broken hardrive" and it would cost $580 to replace. Furthermore, at the store pickup the technician also informs the reporter of a virus as well. GeekSquad recommended several times to purchase a new laptop instead and that then they would be glad to help. $650 all for an unplugged harddrive. Reflecting on my experience and this news cast, should those who have an understanding of something take advantage of those who do not. There are thousands of stories online of GeekSquad memebers encouraging less tech savy customers to purchase a luxorious laptop. Seeing as how simple it was to replace RAM, I cannot think of paying $200 dollars for such a repair.
2 Comments
Martin Almaraz
3/11/2017 07:32:08 pm
Hello Joseph,
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Matthew Provo
3/13/2017 02:48:30 pm
I enjoyed reading post, sorry to hear about such a negative experience with Geek Squad. It was really interesting to read about how they lied to the woman and asked her to buy a knew hard drive. It seems like it would be really easy for them to take advantage of people who are not familiar with computers. I see Geek Squad a lot nowadays, I hope they are not making large profits taking advantage of people. I can see how the inside of the computer can be intimidating, but I think many people they are totally capable of making minor repairs themselves.
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AuthorFirst generation computer scientist that loves football. Archives
May 2017
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