My goodness, Geeksquad prices are insane...

[tommywishbone]

Here in So Cal, there are many 'in-home' contractors that charge $75 just to show up; that price includes nothing. Many have a $500-$2,500 minimum for any work. I maintain that Geeksquad 'in-home' prices are acceptable.

I will accept a 48 hour ban for my blasphemy.

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: SampSon
Thoes are generally inline with retail market value for services.

I know people like to say that to make people who would charge less feel inferior, but I don't think it's true. $129 to set up a dial-up connection? Best Buy is paying those kids what, less than $10 an hour? So I would say the market value of setting up a dial-up connection is quite a bit less than $129.

They just know they have people by the balls. What do you think of their $40 USB printer cables?

 

[Philippine Mango]

Originally posted by: GeneValgene

Originally posted by: FoBoT
no BB does not overcharge, you undercharged

exactly...you undercharged

BB is pricing abotu right for an on-site, ad hoc request for a big outfit like themselves

So you consider it under charging if you could've charged more?? So if I could've charged $500 to install a router, you'd think that'd be ethical??

 

[Looney]

Those prices are industry standard for onsite support. If you charge half that, and think you'll make a killing undercutting Geeksquad, you're going to find that business isn't as profitable as you think. You need to take into the 20min drive to the customer and 20min back. You need to consider costs of gas and car maintenance. And that you won't be going on calls for all hours of the day.

 

[FoBoT]

Originally posted by: Philippine Mango

Originally posted by: GeneValgene

Originally posted by: FoBoT
no BB does not overcharge, you undercharged

exactly...you undercharged

BB is pricing abotu right for an on-site, ad hoc request for a big outfit like themselves

So you consider it under charging if you could've charged more?? So if I could've charged $500 to install a router, you'd think that'd be ethical??

ethical?

uh, what?

capitalism:

An economic system in which the means of production are privately owned and controlled and which is characterized by competition and the profit motive.

An economic system built upon the profit motive. Capitalism depends upon private individuals or companies investing money in order to make profits.

Capitalism is an economic system characterized by private ownership of property and well-developed financial institutions. Capitalism allows individual initiation, business competition, inheritance, and profit earning.

This economic system is premised on private ownership, market-based decision making by large numbers of buyers and sellers, and reinvestment of profits into the firm.

Private ownership of the businesses of a society with the freedom of private owners to use, buy and sell their property or services on the market at voluntarily agreed prices and terms, with only minimal interference with such transactions by the state or other authoritative third parties.

etc,etc

the price is decided between the buyer/seller

if people want to undercharge, that is fine. that is their free choice. i am just calling it what it is, undercharging. if you charged $500 to install a router and that price is overcharging, then you can call it that. whether you and the buyer decide the overcharged price is agreeable is between you and them, it has nothing to do with me

 

[etalns]

Originally posted by: FoBoT

Originally posted by: ryan256
Wow! These are unreal. I helped out a Dean at a college I used work at with her laptop. Her son had downloaded all sorts of spyware, trojans, ect, and really screwed the thing up. I slaved the HD onto my machine, backed off her data, reinstalled the thing, and transfered all her data back. Then I also get her set up on the campus's wireless network. All this for $75.
Costs had she gone to bb:

TextWireless Network Setup: $159
Antivirus Install: $129
Operating System Install: $229
Software Install or Antispyware Install: $129
Data Migration (Transfer): $229
Total: $875

Hmm... doesn't Dell sell some rather nice new complete (monitor & box) computers for less than $800?

i am not sure who you are trying to make look bad, sounds to me like you have poor business sense and ripped yourself off of some decent $$$

if you are charging $75 for $875 worth of work, who is the silly person? you are some kind of charity? you are the son of a millionaire and just work for the fun of it?

In most cases I would definitely agree with you. However, if I was helping to fix the computer of the Dean at my college, I would do it for dirt cheap (if not for free).

 

[archcommus]

Originally posted by: BriGy86

Originally posted by: ScottFern
They are opening a new Best Buy 0.5 miles from my house. I am considering applying when they open up? Good idea?

i applied, and the guy said they do not hire people out of store for the geeksquad, you get hired to sell computers, and then have a chance to move up to the geeksquad

i also asked if there were any special certifications needed, and the guy said no (not even A+?)

anyway as far as i know all the geek squad "techs" are just people that may have know a little more about computers than the next guy and/or were good at selling computers

They DO hire for GS right from the start, that guy is BSing you.

But no, no certification is required. Just proper display of enough knowledge to do the job right.

Originally posted by: mugs

Originally posted by: SampSon
Thoes are generally inline with retail market value for services.

I know people like to say that to make people who would charge less feel inferior, but I don't think it's true. $129 to set up a dial-up connection? Best Buy is paying those kids what, less than $10 an hour? So I would say the market value of setting up a dial-up connection is quite a bit less than $129.

They just know they have people by the balls. What do you think of their $40 USB printer cables?

In-store techs start from $10-$14 an hour. The guys that drive around are making $15-20.

 

[BigJ]

Who here has ever used the services of any of the following:

Electrician
Plumber
Carpenter
Mechanic
Barber
Accountant

Same basic principle for using the previous mentioned people, or any other of a myriad array of "professionals". Someone put in more time and effort into a certain subject or area that you weren't willing to. So you're going to pay a premium for their services.

On top of that, who actually used the previously mentioned where the workers have liability insurance and/or certification?

I'm sorry, but little Tommy from down the block who thinks hes a computer wiz will not reimburse you if you lose thousands of dollars of important data.

 

[isasir]

Originally posted by: Qosis

Originally posted by: FoBoT

Originally posted by: ryan256
Wow! These are unreal. I helped out a Dean at a college I used work at with her laptop. Her son had downloaded all sorts of spyware, trojans, ect, and really screwed the thing up. I slaved the HD onto my machine, backed off her data, reinstalled the thing, and transfered all her data back. Then I also get her set up on the campus's wireless network. All this for $75.
Costs had she gone to bb:

TextWireless Network Setup: $159
Antivirus Install: $129
Operating System Install: $229
Software Install or Antispyware Install: $129
Data Migration (Transfer): $229
Total: $875

Hmm... doesn't Dell sell some rather nice new complete (monitor & box) computers for less than $800?

i am not sure who you are trying to make look bad, sounds to me like you have poor business sense and ripped yourself off of some decent $$$

if you are charging $75 for $875 worth of work, who is the silly person? you are some kind of charity? you are the son of a millionaire and just work for the fun of it?

In most cases I would definitely agree with you. However, if I was helping to fix the computer of the Dean at my college, I would do it for dirt cheap (if not for free).

The guy could've given a rate 50% cheaper than GeekSquad (~$400) and it still would've been a good deal for the dean and a better deal for him. $75 is way too cheap.

 

[isasir]

BTW, you think there's a mechanics forum where they're laughing at us for paying $75/hr. for their labor?

 

[jpeyton]

You guys should be thanking Geek Squad for their ridiculous prices.

You can undercut their prices by 50%, still make bank for doing relatively little, and look like the good guy to the customer.

Would I ever normally charge someone $65 to install memory? Hell no. But since Geek Squad charges twice as much, I'm a bargain

It also makes advertising a lot easier. Whenever you place an ad locally, just make sure the text reads: 50% Off Geek Squad Prices. Geek Squad spends millions to advertise their services...use it to your advantage.

 

[gigapet]

the prices are not that outrageous if people are still paying it. /thread

 

[shoRunner]

Originally posted by: ryan256
Wow! These are unreal. I helped out a Dean at a college I used work at with her laptop. Her son had downloaded all sorts of spyware, trojans, ect, and really screwed the thing up. I slaved the HD onto my machine, backed off her data, reinstalled the thing, and transfered all her data back. Then I also get her set up on the campus's wireless network. All this for $75.
Costs had she gone to bb:

TextWireless Network Setup: $159
Antivirus Install: $129
Operating System Install: $229
Software Install or Antispyware Install: $129
Data Migration (Transfer): $229
Total: $875

Hmm... doesn't Dell sell some rather nice new complete (monitor & box) computers for less than $800?

your total is incorrect, once they are onsite, the charges for additional services is less because they are already there. the total would actually be:

Wireless Network Setup: $59
Antivirus Install: $59
Operating System Install: $229
Software Install or Antispyware Install: $59
Data Migration (Transfer): $229
$635

FYI the geeksquad also charges 2x as much for after hours calls.(and many people gladly pay, and tip on top of it)

if you check out microcenter's inhome services IIRC they charge up to $200 per hour depending on the type of work they are doing. Its called capitalism folks the market determines the price, if people thought it was too much or if there was enough people that could successfully undercut them then the prices would be lower, but as it stands geeksquad is a very profitable business.

 

[KentState]

I really don't see how this is any different than we my first vehicle had a cracked windshield washer tank. I got a couple different quotes and they all wanted to charge at least 1 hour labor, parts, plus a general shop fee. I went to the dealership and ordered the part and installed myself in 15 minuts. Only cost me $15 where most quotes where closer to $100.

 

[pontifex]

Originally posted by: Philippine Mango

Originally posted by: pontifex
omfg...$159 to set up a broadband account. $129 to set up a dial up account...
installing software, antivirus, anti-spyware - $129 - wow, just wow...
$159 to install an optical drive...

fvck...i am in the wrong end of the IT business...

Got to remember though guys, this is IN HOME service, their prices are albiet more reasonable if you take the computer to the store, I'm sure they're just trying to cover maintenence for their cars so they too can get ripped off when they repair it, it's the cycle of life...

ah, somehow i missed the in-home part...i guess thats not so bad then.

 

[ryan256]

Originally posted by: BigJ

I'm sorry, but little Tommy from down the block who thinks hes a computer wiz will not reimburse you if you lose thousands of dollars of important data.

I don't know of any company that will reinburse you if you lose thousands of dollars in important data. Not charge you for the data they failed to recover yes. But not pay for the data being gone in the first place. A customer's data is just that... the customer's data. Ensuring its integrity and that it is properly perserved/backed up their responsability. Not the service tech's.

 

[FoBoT]

Originally posted by: isasir
BTW, you think there's a mechanics forum where they're laughing at us for paying $75/hr. for their labor?

:thumbsup:

somebody do some searching

 

[mzkhadir]

Originally posted by: FoBoT

Originally posted by: isasir
BTW, you think there's a mechanics forum where they're laughing at us for paying $75/hr. for their labor?

:thumbsup:

somebody do some searching

http://community.discoverychannel.co.uk/eve/ubb.x/a/frm/f/850108

 

[BigJ]

Originally posted by: ryan256

Originally posted by: BigJ

I'm sorry, but little Tommy from down the block who thinks hes a computer wiz will not reimburse you if you lose thousands of dollars of important data.

I don't know of any company that will reinburse you if you lose thousands of dollars in important data. Not charge you for the data they failed to recover yes. But not pay for the data being gone in the first place. A customer's data is just that... the customer's data. Ensuring its integrity and that it is properly perserved/backed up their responsability. Not the service tech's.

The companies will warn you ahead of time of this. That the person should back-up, pay them to back-up, or remove the disk from the computer. They may even offer some sort or protection, and have insurance in case they mess up your files or hardware in the process.

But when the local computer nerd shows up, he has no such insurance, nor will he tell the customers that there is a risk, or anything that most professionals will do.

 

[slpaulson]

Holy crap.

I am going into the wrong field....

 

[Baked]

I only charge In N Out double double or pho for my computing services. Damn, I need to raise my prices.

 

[Philippine Mango]

Originally posted by: FoBoT

Originally posted by: Philippine Mango

Originally posted by: GeneValgene

Originally posted by: FoBoT
no BB does not overcharge, you undercharged

exactly...you undercharged

BB is pricing abotu right for an on-site, ad hoc request for a big outfit like themselves

So you consider it under charging if you could've charged more?? So if I could've charged $500 to install a router, you'd think that'd be ethical??

ethical?

uh, what?

capitalism:

An economic system in which the means of production are privately owned and controlled and which is characterized by competition and the profit motive.

An economic system built upon the profit motive. Capitalism depends upon private individuals or companies investing money in order to make profits.

Capitalism is an economic system characterized by private ownership of property and well-developed financial institutions. Capitalism allows individual initiation, business competition, inheritance, and profit earning.

This economic system is premised on private ownership, market-based decision making by large numbers of buyers and sellers, and reinvestment of profits into the firm.

Private ownership of the businesses of a society with the freedom of private owners to use, buy and sell their property or services on the market at voluntarily agreed prices and terms, with only minimal interference with such transactions by the state or other authoritative third parties.

etc,etc

the price is decided between the buyer/seller

if people want to undercharge, that is fine. that is their free choice. i am just calling it what it is, undercharging. if you charged $500 to install a router and that price is overcharging, then you can call it that. whether you and the buyer decide the overcharged price is agreeable is between you and them, it has nothing to do with me

I don't get it, what would YOU consitute as "over/undercharging"?

 

[SampSon]

Originally posted by: mugs

Originally posted by: SampSon
Thoes are generally inline with retail market value for services.

I know people like to say that to make people who would charge less feel inferior, but I don't think it's true. $129 to set up a dial-up connection? Best Buy is paying those kids what, less than $10 an hour? So I would say the market value of setting up a dial-up connection is quite a bit less than $129.

They just know they have people by the balls. What do you think of their $40 USB printer cables?

They pay them a bare minimum of $10 per hour, after insurance, taxes and everything combined it comes out to be at least double their hourly wage out of BB pockets. Then they have to maintain a fleet of brand new cars, that is not cheap.

I've never purchased a USB cable at BB, so I've never seen their prices. I know the typical USB cable goes for like $20 at officemax and places like that. Seems ok to me.

What people have to understand is that when your typical middle age median income customer walks into a store like BB, the extra $20-$40 bucks for a cable is nothing to them. It's the cost of making what they want work. If the market/consumer can bear the prices then a store WILL charge them, simple economics.

I'm not saying I personally would pay thoes prices, but to the typical consumer thoes prices are standard fees for doing business.

 

[Leper Messiah]

shite. Who ever had the idea 50% under Geeksquad prices, thats a damn fine idea. GJ. I should go see if my local BB is hiring geeksquad members.

 

[xanis]

The best ones on there are $129 to install a memory stick and Anti-Virus program...