Geek Squad

[Nocturnal]

fbrdphreak so do the Geek Squad guys still have to attempt to sell PSPs as well as digital magazines to customers who's computers they fixed? Or is that a non-issue anymore too?

 

[fbrdphreak]

Originally posted by: Nocturnal
fbrdphreak so do the Geek Squad guys still have to attempt to sell PSPs as well as digital magazines to customers who's computers they fixed? Or is that a non-issue anymore too?

They want you to recommend GS services mainly, and PSP's for new store-bought systems. But I can say that most of the GS guys I know don't bother with it unless the sales ppl ask them to help and convince the customer to get a PSP. Overall, sales plays a very small role in being a tech on the GS.

 

[Nocturnal]

YGPM fbrdphreak

 

[wasssup]

i worked in the tech department at compusa after college (couldn't find a job for a while)...that really sucked. Spent a lot of time explaining crap to customers, very little time actually fixing anything (b/c of stupid customers)...

I got paid nothing either, $7.75/hr i think...plus the managers were pretty stupid (but of course believed they were gods...one manager told me he designed a machine/program that tivo'd his shows, converted it to dvd-video, burned it, and it automagically went into a spindle). I asked him how he did that, and that question alone pissed the hell out of him (he didn't have an answer of course).

 

[Nitemare]

Originally posted by: L3p3rM355i4h
You guys aren't going to get paid crap. Its like $9 an hour or something.

Yup, customer pays Best Buy $75 an hour and you get about 12-13% of that, the rest goes to advertising and buying the CEO a new mansion in Port Au Prince

 

[fbrdphreak]

Originally posted by: Nitemare

Originally posted by: L3p3rM355i4h
You guys aren't going to get paid crap. Its like $9 an hour or something.

Yup, customer pays Best Buy $75 an hour and you get about 12-13% of that, the rest goes to advertising and buying the CEO a new mansion in Port Au Prince

LOL

 

[jpeyton]

Hrm, lets see.

Geek Squad = Near-Minimum Pay, Dorky Car, Dorky Uniform, Dorky Name, Crappy Hours, Overpriced Service.

DIY Tech Support = $20/hr Easy, Your Own Wheels, No Uniform, Your Own Hours, Your Own Service Fees.

Just place an advertisement in your local classifieds, both print and online, for $xx/hr Tech Support, and you're guaranteed business. Believe me, people are willing to pay you up to $50/hr easy vs. $150-$200 service calls from Geek Squad. I know because I did it one summer when I was in college. Easiest money ever.

 

[fbrdphreak]

Originally posted by: jpeyton
Hrm, lets see.

Geek Squad = Near-Minimum Pay, Dorky Car, Dorky Uniform, Dorky Name, Crappy Hours, Overpriced Service. You forgot to include guaranteed hours, benefits, and free gas & car insurance (altho they might change that 'cuz too many ppl wreck the VW's)

DIY Tech Support = $20/hr Easy, Your Own Wheels, No Uniform, Your Own Hours, Your Own Service Fees.

Just place an advertisement in your local classifieds, both print and online, for $xx/hr Tech Support, and you're guaranteed business. Believe me, people are willing to pay you up to $50/hr easy vs. $150-$200 service calls from Geek Squad. I know because I did it one summer when I was in college. Easiest money ever.

What you don't realize is that Joe Schmoe Computer Nerd can't guarantee his work, and if it takes him 5 hours to drag their Start Menu from the right side of the screen back down to the bottom, they get charged for 5 hours.
If it takes a GS tech 5 hours to remove spyware, or 1 hour, the customer pays the same amt; and the work is guaranteed, are YOU gonna spend more of your free time fixing it if you don't do it right the first time? You must be new to this whole BUSINESS thing

 

[jamesbond007]

Originally posted by: fbrdphreak

Originally posted by: jamesbond007
I guess Best Buy bought out some 'once-was' computer company and have been using their tactics and deploying them in their stores dubbed Geek Squad.

Personally, the whole setup, especially prices, are a joke. They're almost double of what competitors here in town offer. That doesn't stop the average joe from leaving there with an empty wallet, though. (they just don't know any better) The whole Geek Squad thing is a joke, really. I use to get calls from a few friends that worked there asking me questions that they were approached with and were unable to answer them for the customer. Enough was enough and I eventually just told them to shove it until they started paying me for my services and technical answers.

I know plenty of people from my workplace who have taken their machine there for repairs only to come home to things not working and broken. One guy came back and his DVD player no longer functions. Another co-worker came home only to find that the drivers for their NIC had been removed. Needless to say, I get a lot of word-to-mouth in relation to how poor Geek Squad is and that I can fix their mishaps for half the cost and send them home woth a working unit.

You need to keep this guy's post in mind:

Originally posted by: Maleix
For the majority of people that visit these forums I know the tasks they charge for are expensive to us. But to the non saavy it probably isnt that much. Pretty much along the lines of car maintenance or home repair. Easy once you know how but Greek to others who haven't had the oportunity to learn. You charge for your experience, service and convienence.

I sure know that when I take my car in to get fixed I have no idea what a fuel injector is or where the heck my air filter is at. But put a computer in front of me and I am 'golden'.

I have been fixing friend's, family and co-worker's computers for free for years. I figure why not earn a living doing it.

You may hear horror stories, but I'm sure me and everyone else here hear's horror stories about the companies & businesses that you like & support. Overall, its a good company to work for and they provide decent service. If your particular experiences are all bad (or your friends' for that matter), then they have some problems at their particular location that should be taken care of. Instead of bitching on an internet forum, go in & complain; get something done about it instead of whining. It may seem stupidly expensive to you, but then again you know about computers (supposedly). I sure wouldn't complain about the prices of a doctor if he was operating to save my life (different situation, same idea).

Yes, I can read, thanks for clarifying.

So you're going to say that the 12 (YES TWELVE) people I know who have worked at Best Buy (in two locations) and in the Geek Squad that ALL say their experience there sucked are lying or not telling the truth? OK, get real man. You can go ahead and work there or admit that you do, that's fine. Just don't expect myself to ever wear their uniform or advertise for them. I support stores chains that have good morals and treat their employees with respect and do not treat them like drones. (a reason I do not shop at Wal-Crap)

Hey, to each their own, right?

 

[geno]

Originally posted by: Maleix

Originally posted by: L3p3rM355i4h
You guys aren't going to get paid crap. Its like $9 an hour or something.

Then I probably won't be getting hired because I am asking $20 an hour. All they can do is "not" call me. But thought I would give it a shot.

Meanwhile they charge customers $130 for something as simple as memory installation...what a racket eh?

 

[MeanMeosh]

actually, i asked for $15 an hour as an in-store tech and got $11 an hour. depends on the manager of the store, really =P

 

[RelaxTheMind]

i just applied.... that aptitude test thing is friggin long... and I have what 3 interviews?

given that they pick me

 

[Kelemvor]

I'm not allowed to work at Best Buy but I'm not sure if that applies to the Geek Squad or not. hmm. But I wouldn't want to anyway. Under paid, overworked, etc. Since I haven't ever used them I have no reason to believe the Geek Squad fixing the computers are any more intelligent than the retards that sell the computers in the first place.

 

[Maleix]

Originally posted by: Nocturnal

Originally posted by: Maleix

Originally posted by: L3p3rM355i4h
You guys aren't going to get paid crap. Its like $9 an hour or something.

Then I probably won't be getting hired because I am asking $20 an hour. All they can do is "not" call me. But thought I would give it a shot.

LOL they aren't going to call you, trust me. There are a lot of other kids out there willing to take 9.00-10.00 bucks an hour and they'll surely take them over someone asking $20.00 an hour. Good luck, if you actually get called and interviewed and offered $20.00 an hour, let me know.

Given my MCSE, MCSA and A+ certifications and past management experience, I do not think I will be competing with the kids. Hopefully *crosses fingers*

 

[Maleix]

Originally posted by: fbrdphreak

Originally posted by: L3p3rM355i4h
You guys aren't going to get paid crap. Its like $9 an hour or something.

Thanks for sharing what you don't know.

It seems like some of you don't realize that Geek Squad is owned by Best Buy now, haven't you seen the commercials yet?
Your pay will depend on (A) experience {somewhat} and (B) your position (mainly).
You basically do one of two things: either work in the store (either BBY store or stand-alone G.S. unit) or are the "Double Agent" who goes to people's houses. The DA's get paid nicely, $20/hour+ last I heard. The in-store techs, it kinda depends on experience. If you've got a lot of experience, you should be able to break $10/hour. $20 is out of the question for an in-store tech (CIA Agent as they call 'em :roll. Don't be afraid to ask for too much (even tho $20 is too much), a lot of people ask for too little when apply @ BBY. That said, don't let 'em hit you with a lowball offer. I know the BBY managers can be stingy when offering a position and they are definitely stingy w/raises, so get all you can at the start.

In regards to the company, I know the Geek Squad separately is awesome. BBY overall isn't a horrible company to work for, just be prepared for the same ol' corporate BS and don't let them trample over you. More than once they tried to have their way w/me (NOT like that ) and I had to bitch-slap 'em into doing the right thing for their employee (me).

Give it about 48 hours after you submitted the application and go visit the location you applied to, dress nicely (khaki's, polo/shirt w/tie, etc) and find a manager. They pull online applications into their system and you want to make sure they notice yours, so go talk to them and ask about the position. Hopefully that should help you get an interview.

If you don't have any IT/tech support experience they will be less likely to interview you, but you don't need any format training or experience to really join (unless you're a DA, then you have to be A+ certified I believe; maybe Net+/CCNA too).

Thank you for the insight, I really appreciate it a lot. Having been in the Air Force I am used to the politics and games, nothing new, does not bother me in the least.

 

[Maleix]

Originally posted by: xospec1alk
i was looking around on the site, where/how do you apply?

Under "About Geek Squad" on the left side it will expand into "Become an Agent".

 

[fbrdphreak]

Originally posted by: jamesbond007
Yes, I can read, thanks for clarifying.

So you're going to say that the 12 (YES TWELVE) people I know who have worked at Best Buy (in two locations) and in the Geek Squad that ALL say their experience there sucked are lying or not telling the truth? OK, get real man. You can go ahead and work there or admit that you do, that's fine. Just don't expect myself to ever wear their uniform or advertise for them. I support stores chains that have good morals and treat their employees with respect and do not treat them like drones. (a reason I do not shop at Wal-Crap)

Hey, to each their own, right?

And because your twelve uber-awesome friends tell you BBY sucks, that means that working for them at any location sucks? It IS entirely dependant on the management at the particular location. But hey, if one experience is bad (or twelve) then they all must be, right?

 

[fbrdphreak]

Originally posted by: FrankyJunior
I'm not allowed to work at Best Buy but I'm not sure if that applies to the Geek Squad or not. hmm. But I wouldn't want to anyway. Under paid, overworked, etc. Since I haven't ever used them I have no reason to believe the Geek Squad fixing the computers are any more intelligent than the retards that sell the computers in the first place.

Not allowed? LOL, did you get kicked out or something?

 

[Skiguy411]

I work for a mom and pop computer store called Intrex (9 locations across NC) and I would say we get at least 2 customers a week that have been sent over by Best Buy because they dont know how to fix them. After seeing our prices they get pretty upset about going to Best Buy first, when they should have just come to our store.

 

[Kev]

Air Force ---> Geek Squad

Quite the career change

 

[Maleix]

Originally posted by: Kev
Air Force ---> Geek Squad

Quite the career change

My job in the Air Force was not computer related. I was not able to get a "computer" job (I recently tried). I felt as if I was rotting and wasting away not being able to use my geek skills.

Something like Geek Squad would not be all I do. I work part time for my father's online business selling industrial electronics http://www.viscountvideo.com and I am also in the works of starting my own online retailer selling designer clothes http://www.vertigofashion.com . I am not one of those people to put all of my eggs in one basket.

 

[jamesbond007]

Originally posted by: fbrdphreak

Originally posted by: jamesbond007
Yes, I can read, thanks for clarifying.

So you're going to say that the 12 (YES TWELVE) people I know who have worked at Best Buy (in two locations) and in the Geek Squad that ALL say their experience there sucked are lying or not telling the truth? OK, get real man. You can go ahead and work there or admit that you do, that's fine. Just don't expect myself to ever wear their uniform or advertise for them. I support stores chains that have good morals and treat their employees with respect and do not treat them like drones. (a reason I do not shop at Wal-Crap)

Hey, to each their own, right?

And because your twelve uber-awesome friends tell you BBY sucks, that means that working for them at any location sucks? It IS entirely dependant on the management at the particular location. But hey, if one experience is bad (or twelve) then they all must be, right?

Where did I state that the 12 friends I am referring to are all local? :roll:

 

[fbrdphreak]

What does it matter if they're all in the same area or not? 12 experiences out of 700 BBY stores and who knows how many single GS stores. All I'm saying is you're a fool to assume something like that based on a few individual reports and gossip. You're just like all the idiots that say "I bought an X brand product and it didn't work right, so all X brand products suck." :roll: Whateva, moving on

 

[fbrdphreak]

Originally posted by: Skiguy411
I work for a mom and pop computer store called Intrex (9 locations across NC) and I would say we get at least 2 customers a week that have been sent over by Best Buy because they dont know how to fix them. After seeing our prices they get pretty upset about going to Best Buy first, when they should have just come to our store.

Hehe, I know Intrex

<----lived in Raleigh & Greenville over the past 4 years

 

[sharkeeper]

Mod Squad > Geek Squad.