I have a local BB which sells laptops "preloaded" with Geek Squad's optimization "package." Is it me or is this a bunch of crap? The buyer has no option of buying a laptop without it.
Is it legal to sell laptops preconfigured with Geek Squad dohicky?
- Thread starter sindows
- Start date
techs
Lifer
- Sep 26, 2000
- 28,559
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HP, Acer, etc sell computers preconfigured with their software crap. I don't see why BB can't. The only thing I can think of that would make it illegal is if the computer makers had a clause in their sales agreement that BB or any other retailer not install any software of their own.
I don't see how it's illegal though I think it's against Best Buy policy to do so. It might be a store manager deciding to do that to try and increase revenues on services. Call 1-888-bestbuy press 2 to get an operator and bring that up.
SarcasticDwarf
Diamond Member
- Jun 8, 2001
- 9,574
- 2
- 76
This has been mentioned a number of times elsewhere. What happens is that they will unseal laptops and load their crap on it then charge the extra $50 or whatever it is for that service, not giving buyers the option.
Kalmah
Diamond Member
- Oct 2, 2003
- 3,692
- 1
- 76
Circuit City does this on some of their computers as well. It actually makes sense for the majority of people who shop at large retail stores for computers... most of the customers will still have their 'Try AOL Today!" shortcut on their desktop 6 years after they buy it because they are afraid to remove it.. or don't know how. There are enough dumb people in the world to actually make this a feasible service.
And why is this crap? You have the freedom of choice. I bet you pissed and moaned about it to the sales people as well. Give them a break, they had nothing to do with it.
And why is this crap? You have the freedom of choice. I bet you pissed and moaned about it to the sales people as well. Give them a break, they had nothing to do with it.
- Nov 27, 1999
- 65,299
- 403
- 126
If the retailer is breaking the seal then they should be advertising the fact that said laptops are "used" no?
SarcasticDwarf
Diamond Member
- Jun 8, 2001
- 9,574
- 2
- 76
I would say no. That would be the same as saying all "new" cars are actually used because someone had to move them onto the truck for transport.
- Nov 27, 1999
- 65,299
- 403
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I have to disagree w/ your analogy SarcasticDwarf, because "new" cars have an odometer which shows the buyer use, while laptops do not. Does this make any sense?
Cuda1447
Lifer
- Jul 26, 2002
- 11,757
- 0
- 71
Its pretty obvious here guys, you have the option to buy the shit they way they offer it, or take your damn business elsewhere. Don't like it, don't F'n buy from them. Its that simple. There is no way this is even remotely CLOSE to illegal and for their business it makes sense. Take advantage of all the stupid people who don't know shit about computers. Besides, they probably don't want informed consumers purchasing from them anyway. The markup on computer products is abysmal (read: negative). If they don't sell warranties/virus scanning software/$30 usb cables they will lose money. Thats how they can afford to give us tech savy people laptops are dirt cheap prices.
When they pull this sh!t just tell them it's a gift and you want it manufacturer-sealed.
End of discussion.
Or you can tell them what I do, which is that it is for work and that as soon as you bring it in the office you will format it so don't fvking touch it.
End of discussion.
Or you can tell them what I do, which is that it is for work and that as soon as you bring it in the office you will format it so don't fvking touch it.
Well the thing is, how could a buyer know that the laptop wasn't previously returned to BestBuy and BestBuy does their "optimization" and sell it as new? I mean these things should be at the option of the buyer. If I want to buy a new laptop, it sure as hell better be sealed and if I wanted an "optimization" for whatever reason, I would pay for it. If I wanted to buy an unsealed notebook, it better be marked as "open box."
As per the car analogy, I would expect that a laptop was probably tested in the manufacturing plant so they know that a laptop works before sending it off to customers. I expect the same with a car, if I buy a new car, I can expect it to have some miles on it but if we're talking over 1000miles, than it better be sold at a discount. As for added accessories, when you buy a new car, chances are once you begin the talks, the dealer will wave the majority of the added cost because they know they won't be making a huge profit from the sale of the car. They will make their profits when you service the car. However with BestBuy, you have no choice but to pay for it. You could go somewhere else but you may not get the exact laptop you're looking for.
As per the car analogy, I would expect that a laptop was probably tested in the manufacturing plant so they know that a laptop works before sending it off to customers. I expect the same with a car, if I buy a new car, I can expect it to have some miles on it but if we're talking over 1000miles, than it better be sold at a discount. As for added accessories, when you buy a new car, chances are once you begin the talks, the dealer will wave the majority of the added cost because they know they won't be making a huge profit from the sale of the car. They will make their profits when you service the car. However with BestBuy, you have no choice but to pay for it. You could go somewhere else but you may not get the exact laptop you're looking for.
EarthwormJim
Diamond Member
- Oct 15, 2003
- 3,239
- 0
- 76
It really only becomes an issue if you want to buy an advertised laptop and they have a listed minimum in their ad. What BB and CC will do, is preload a % of their inventory. So if the ad comes out and says BB will have at least 10 of a certain laptop, but when you go there Sunday morning they only have 6 new ones that have already been purchased, and the remain 4 of 10 are preloaded with geeksquad shit, then they are legally obligated to order one for you at the advertised price.
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