Wow, Geek Squad prices are crazy

[Finalnight]

Originally posted by: goku2100

Originally posted by: archcommus
There is one thing I have to mention that people should make note of, not sure if this has already been said.

I'm absolutely amazed that the OP thinks the advanced security setup for $118 is a rip-off. That clearly shows the OP did no research whatsoever before posting this rant. The $118 fee for the advanced security setup INCLUDES THE SOFTWARE THAT THEY INSTALL, which is Norton AntiVirus 2005 and Webroot Spysweeper. Those two programs alone cost $49.99 and $29.99, for a total of around $80. So in essence, you are only paying Geek Squad $38 to do the services, which include:

- installing and updating both pieces of software
- installing ALL Windows Updates (which could take forever for dial-up customers if done themselves)
- doing registry tweaks
- optimizing performance by altering system properties settings (system restore usage, automatic updates, checking device manager for conflicts, altering visual settgins)
- completely wiping out msconfig of all startup crap they do not need
- uninstalling crap from Add/Remove Programs such as trial versions and other stuff they don't want (like stuff from AOL)

That, IMHO, is a BARGAIN for any normal computer user.

ROFL! You think they would actually do the bolded!? Give me a break, they would NEVER do that because 1. It's not technically standard 2. They're half wit morons who get paid minimum wage 3. BB/GS couldn't give a rats ass about making one's system faster, they simply do the bare miniumum which is install software and "presto, your done". If they actually DID do that, I guess it would kinda be a bargain but I severely DOUBT they do it.

Thanks for calling me a half wit moron who gets paid minimum wage and doesn't know wtf he is doing. Way to say hi fvcker!

 

[yoshimbo]

I work for my college's "Help Desk" and we do all the services offered by the Geek Squad for FREE. I think I'm gonna print these prices out and post them so that all the ungrateful kids who come in and complain b/c we didn't get their boxes done in 3 hours will stfu.

 

[archcommus]

Originally posted by: goku2100

Originally posted by: archcommus
There is one thing I have to mention that people should make note of, not sure if this has already been said.

I'm absolutely amazed that the OP thinks the advanced security setup for $118 is a rip-off. That clearly shows the OP did no research whatsoever before posting this rant. The $118 fee for the advanced security setup INCLUDES THE SOFTWARE THAT THEY INSTALL, which is Norton AntiVirus 2005 and Webroot Spysweeper. Those two programs alone cost $49.99 and $29.99, for a total of around $80. So in essence, you are only paying Geek Squad $38 to do the services, which include:

- installing and updating both pieces of software
- installing ALL Windows Updates (which could take forever for dial-up customers if done themselves)
- doing registry tweaks
- optimizing performance by altering system properties settings (system restore usage, automatic updates, checking device manager for conflicts, altering visual settgins)
- completely wiping out msconfig of all startup crap they do not need
- uninstalling crap from Add/Remove Programs such as trial versions and other stuff they don't want (like stuff from AOL)

That, IMHO, is a BARGAIN for any normal computer user.

ROFL! You think they would actually do the bolded!? Give me a break, they would NEVER do that because 1. It's not technically standard 2. They're half wit morons who get paid minimum wage 3. BB/GS couldn't give a rats ass about making one's system faster, they simply do the bare miniumum which is install software and "presto, your done". If they actually DID do that, I guess it would kinda be a bargain but I severely DOUBT they do it.

Wow! I was almost embarrassed FOR YOU to finish reading your post. It was hard to even finish it without imagining what a moron you are sitting there typing it.

Let's see, where to begin. First off, they do in fact do every single item I listed. Have you worked there? No. Have I? Yes. Have you ever checked a computer that had that service done on it? No. So basically, you know sh!t, so quit talkikng out of your ass.

Second, not technically standard? Wtf does that mean? Standard by whose terms?

Third, some might be morons, who knows, but your sweeping generalization just shows what an idiot you are, and where I live they get paid twice the minimum wage.

People try to flame a lot around here. But it's especially funny when they make up crap that everyone knows is a lie just so they can actually make their flame. This is what you did.

 

[imported_goku]

Originally posted by: archcommus

Originally posted by: goku2100

Originally posted by: archcommus
There is one thing I have to mention that people should make note of, not sure if this has already been said.

I'm absolutely amazed that the OP thinks the advanced security setup for $118 is a rip-off. That clearly shows the OP did no research whatsoever before posting this rant. The $118 fee for the advanced security setup INCLUDES THE SOFTWARE THAT THEY INSTALL, which is Norton AntiVirus 2005 and Webroot Spysweeper. Those two programs alone cost $49.99 and $29.99, for a total of around $80. So in essence, you are only paying Geek Squad $38 to do the services, which include:

- installing and updating both pieces of software
- installing ALL Windows Updates (which could take forever for dial-up customers if done themselves)
- doing registry tweaks
- optimizing performance by altering system properties settings (system restore usage, automatic updates, checking device manager for conflicts, altering visual settgins)
- completely wiping out msconfig of all startup crap they do not need
- uninstalling crap from Add/Remove Programs such as trial versions and other stuff they don't want (like stuff from AOL)

That, IMHO, is a BARGAIN for any normal computer user.

ROFL! You think they would actually do the bolded!? Give me a break, they would NEVER do that because 1. It's not technically standard 2. They're half wit morons who get paid minimum wage 3. BB/GS couldn't give a rats ass about making one's system faster, they simply do the bare miniumum which is install software and "presto, your done". If they actually DID do that, I guess it would kinda be a bargain but I severely DOUBT they do it.

Wow! I was almost embarrassed FOR YOU to finish reading your post. It was hard to even finish it without imagining what a moron you are sitting there typing it.

Let's see, where to begin. First off, they do in fact do every single item I listed. Have you worked there? No. Have I? Yes. Have you ever checked a computer that had that service done on it? No. So basically, you know sh!t, so quit talkikng out of your ass.

Second, not technically standard? Wtf does that mean? Standard by whose terms?

Third, some might be morons, who knows, but your sweeping generalization just shows what an idiot you are, and where I live they get paid twice the minimum wage.

People try to flame a lot around here. But it's especially funny when they make up crap that everyone knows is a lie just so they can actually make their flame. This is what you did.

I'm sorry you work at bestbuy, I guess your just not a businessman because if you were, you'd be doing this your self. So instead you let the company get all the money while you get paid the pathetic salary. Do you do this bestbuy job for job security instead? I guess that could be understandable but your on anandtech and from the looks of things you would know more than an average "geek squad member".

 

[imported_goku]

Originally posted by: Finalnight

Originally posted by: goku2100

Originally posted by: archcommus
There is one thing I have to mention that people should make note of, not sure if this has already been said.

I'm absolutely amazed that the OP thinks the advanced security setup for $118 is a rip-off. That clearly shows the OP did no research whatsoever before posting this rant. The $118 fee for the advanced security setup INCLUDES THE SOFTWARE THAT THEY INSTALL, which is Norton AntiVirus 2005 and Webroot Spysweeper. Those two programs alone cost $49.99 and $29.99, for a total of around $80. So in essence, you are only paying Geek Squad $38 to do the services, which include:

- installing and updating both pieces of software
- installing ALL Windows Updates (which could take forever for dial-up customers if done themselves)
- doing registry tweaks
- optimizing performance by altering system properties settings (system restore usage, automatic updates, checking device manager for conflicts, altering visual settgins)
- completely wiping out msconfig of all startup crap they do not need
- uninstalling crap from Add/Remove Programs such as trial versions and other stuff they don't want (like stuff from AOL)

That, IMHO, is a BARGAIN for any normal computer user.

ROFL! You think they would actually do the bolded!? Give me a break, they would NEVER do that because 1. It's not technically standard 2. They're half wit morons who get paid minimum wage 3. BB/GS couldn't give a rats ass about making one's system faster, they simply do the bare miniumum which is install software and "presto, your done". If they actually DID do that, I guess it would kinda be a bargain but I severely DOUBT they do it.

Thanks for calling me a half wit moron who gets paid minimum wage and doesn't know wtf he is doing. Way to say hi fvcker!

Hi

 

[imported_goku]

Originally posted by: archcommus

Originally posted by: bdoople

Originally posted by: archcommus

Originally posted by: bdoople

Originally posted by: kami333

Originally posted by: archcommus

Originally posted by: Anubis
my friend charges 60$ to format and reinstall windows

Geek Squad charges $79!

I used to charge $100+ for onsite. I need to get back to consulting...

Geek Squad charges $59 to format and reinstall Windows.

It's been called an "OS service" and has been $79 for at least two months. Where are you, in May?

That's a Spyware/Antivirus cleaning. An OS Reinstall is called an OS Reinstall and is $59. My store just so happened to open in May.

Any more doubts, I'll fax you our SKU list.

My store opened in May, too. It USED to be called an OS reinstall and was $59. Now they have one overall service, called an OS service, it can be either one of two things, either a) a system tune-up and virus and spyware removal, or b) an OS reinstall or recovery. It is $79 either way. If you don't believe me, get on toolkit and search past editions of the Retail Insider. They document when the switch was supposed to happen, early July I think it was. You're using old SKUs and you should probably notify someone they're no longer valid.

EDIT: I don't even know why I'm saying all this, I don't even work there anymore!

So on the "operating system tuneup" where they simply remove all the viruses/spyware and "tune the OS up", what would they do on a system that was seriously screwed up? And possibly missing critical system files? Oh and when they do an operating system reinstall, do they bother to retain one's files at all that are in their favorites, outlook, game saves, other program saves etc. Or do they "when they say operating system reinstall" wipe the drive with out a blink of an eye and just reinstall windows?

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: aplefka
I was looking through the Best Buy ad today, and on the second page they list the prices for their Geek Squad tasks. Some of it is the biggest waste of money ever. How much would you charge for the tasks below (be sure to read their Best Buy description)?

$29 - Install More Memory - Speed up your PC and run more applications at the same time.
My complaint: RAM most likely not included for that price, so this is an additionl $30, which is half of another stick. A fair price to me would seem like $10 if they bought the RAM from BB, $15 for out-of-store purchases.

$59 - Diagnose Your System - Check for PC-crippling viruses and verify the hard drive and processor are in tip-top condition.
My complaint: Doesn't McAfee or Norton do the same thing for the same price, except that it can be used an unlimited amount of times and updated for a year? This seems like a $20-$25 job to me, at the most.

$89 - Back Up Your Data - Save up to 4GB of your important information to DVD.
My complaint: For $89 you could get 200 blank DVDs. That's 800GB. Yes, it does cost money for the burning software and burner itself, but $89 for one DVD of data? That's ridiculous. That's high for even 10 DVDs of data. I'd do the same for $10 plus $1 for each DVD.

$118 - Advanced Security Setup - Installation of anti-spyware and antivirus software (includes Precinct versions of software). Plus customize your PC to meet performance and security needs.
My complaint: Again, McAfee or Norton anyone? $118 is probably at least a 2-year subscription, maybe even 3, to either of those services. I don't understand what they can "customize" to up performance for $118. Another $20 job, maybe a little more if they explained the customization process.

$159 - Install A Wireless Home Network - Get standard setup and encryption of 2 PCs on your network to help keep it secure.
My complaint: Now this one is a bit more reasonable. Most people don't know much about securing their networks or even how to set them up. However, after spending $50 or so on a nice router, that's a bit more than I would want to pay. I'd feel that $70 plus $5 per PC hooked up would be a fair amount.

$229 - Transfer Data From PC To PC - New PC? No problem. Keep all your old files, favorite digital photos, and important papers.
My complaint: How hard is it to hook up the new hard drive in the same system and copy some files over to it? This is the most overpriced task, though the $89 DVD comes in a close second. For $229 you could choose to either upgrade your processor, get another 1-2 gigs of RAM, add more storage space, or get another optical drive, or a mix and match. After shelling out $600-700 for a new computer, are people going to want to pay another $229 to recover their old stuff? Hell no. I'd say this is a $125 job at the most.

So there's my little rant. Sorry it's kinda long. But seriously, based upon those descriptions, Geek Squad is the biggest fvcking ripoff ever. How much would you guys charge for one or all of the above tasks? Am I just being too nice and unrealistic?

Well it's obvious your time is not worth that much. If so then charge what you are worth.

I work IT/IS all day, if I am looking at any PC's after work it's $75 min. This is for friends/associates.

If you can take my thumbdrive and clean you own PC, no charge.

If I was over someone's house already and they had something like a pair of DIMMS to pop in I could do that no charge....if I am driving there $75/hr. If they can bring me the PC at the office I can sometimes do it for $50/hr....really depends though.

However, you have to think from the standpoint they are paying the guy X dollars an hour, they want a profit on his labor. If Joe Tech toasts a PC, then they have to cover that as well.

 

[HumblePie]

Originally posted by: goku2100

I'm sorry you work at bestbuy, I guess your just not a businessman because if you were, you'd be doing this your self. So instead you let the company get all the money while you get paid the pathetic salery. Do you do this bestbuy job for job security instead? I guess that could be understandable but your on anandtech and from the looks of things you would know more than an average "geek squad member".

HUH? that's the way the world works. Same thing with mechanics. Ever take your car to a shop to have it worked on? Do you know how much you pay in LABOR costs on average? $60 to $80 an hour on average. Guess how much the mechanic thatworks on your car gets? $9-$15 an hour if he or she is lucky. If your car requires more then one mechanic to work on it at a time then the labor costs skyrocket.

Same thing with Bestbuy, CC, CompUSA, and other places that have computer "mechanics" working on systems for customers. They pay the crap wages to the workers and rake in the rest.

But you proposed a good question. Why would anyone work under these conditions? Getting paid crap for doing all the work while some entity that employees you gets all the money? Because of three reasons: customers, resources and liability.

First, the average customer would rather take their broken problem to a place of business to get it fixed then someone they never met before without a history behind them to prove they can do what they do. This goes for just about anything. Cars, computers, appliances, or just about anything that can break but is complex enough that the average consumer can nor repair. All the average consumer wants to do is get what was broken fixed and fixed right. They are usually more then willing to pay for that garauntee of a job done right. This means your average geek squad member that breaks off to do the computer fixing job on his or her own is going to have a tough time finding customers on their own.


Resources are another big hurdle. Parts, software, tools, and other gear needed to do the job must be maintained on hand to get the job done. The average geek squad person is going to have a tough time keeping the required materials needed on hand compared to a big store. Overhead is a big problem and it's soaked up by the company, not the employee.

Last is liability. If you are on your own and you fvck something up, or something turns out to be beyond your ability to fix... you are still responsible for getting the job done if you promised to get it done by taking payment. This means you might have to replace it completely. Same thing for mechanics on the side. Imagine being a mechanic and someone brings you a $100,000 car for you to do a tune up to the engine. You've done it a million times before and take the money... however something happens. Your 5 your old kid decides to come over and pour sugar in the gas tank while you go inside for a piss. Or perhaps you miscalculated or grabbed the wrong part size by accident when switching something out. You go to turn the car on and BLAMMO!!! no more engine. To get a new one is going to cost $30,000 and you took $50 to do an engine tune up that will no way in hell cover the cost to replace a blown engine. Your screwed. Same thing can happen to computers. Sure, it might cost less overall, but there is still a higher cost associated with replacing screw ups on your part then the cash you took to repair a problem. This is where big companies can soak those liabilities up, through either a bigger cash reserve or insurance, which someone working alone could never do.

So why do people work at the geek squad? To cultivate experience, network through people on the side, and get to the point where they CAN break away on their own. The old lady down the street comes into Bestbuy one day needing her computer fixed from viruses. She notices your face as the kid down the street and you spark conversation. You tell her on the side that you could next time be invited over to do the same job but only charge half as much. While not really ethical, it's how many small business start out

 

[archcommus]

Originally posted by: goku2100

Originally posted by: archcommus

Originally posted by: goku2100

Originally posted by: archcommus
There is one thing I have to mention that people should make note of, not sure if this has already been said.

I'm absolutely amazed that the OP thinks the advanced security setup for $118 is a rip-off. That clearly shows the OP did no research whatsoever before posting this rant. The $118 fee for the advanced security setup INCLUDES THE SOFTWARE THAT THEY INSTALL, which is Norton AntiVirus 2005 and Webroot Spysweeper. Those two programs alone cost $49.99 and $29.99, for a total of around $80. So in essence, you are only paying Geek Squad $38 to do the services, which include:

- installing and updating both pieces of software
- installing ALL Windows Updates (which could take forever for dial-up customers if done themselves)
- doing registry tweaks
- optimizing performance by altering system properties settings (system restore usage, automatic updates, checking device manager for conflicts, altering visual settgins)
- completely wiping out msconfig of all startup crap they do not need
- uninstalling crap from Add/Remove Programs such as trial versions and other stuff they don't want (like stuff from AOL)

That, IMHO, is a BARGAIN for any normal computer user.

ROFL! You think they would actually do the bolded!? Give me a break, they would NEVER do that because 1. It's not technically standard 2. They're half wit morons who get paid minimum wage 3. BB/GS couldn't give a rats ass about making one's system faster, they simply do the bare miniumum which is install software and "presto, your done". If they actually DID do that, I guess it would kinda be a bargain but I severely DOUBT they do it.

Wow! I was almost embarrassed FOR YOU to finish reading your post. It was hard to even finish it without imagining what a moron you are sitting there typing it.

Let's see, where to begin. First off, they do in fact do every single item I listed. Have you worked there? No. Have I? Yes. Have you ever checked a computer that had that service done on it? No. So basically, you know sh!t, so quit talkikng out of your ass.

Second, not technically standard? Wtf does that mean? Standard by whose terms?

Third, some might be morons, who knows, but your sweeping generalization just shows what an idiot you are, and where I live they get paid twice the minimum wage.

People try to flame a lot around here. But it's especially funny when they make up crap that everyone knows is a lie just so they can actually make their flame. This is what you did.

I'm sorry you work at bestbuy, I guess your just not a businessman because if you were, you'd be doing this your self. So instead you let the company get all the money while you get paid the pathetic salery. Do you do this bestbuy job for job security instead? I guess that could be understandable but your on anandtech and from the looks of things you would know more than an average "geek squad member".

I don't work at Best Buy anymore, as I've posted elsewhere in this thead already. I also don't really care what you consider a "pathetic" salary, because as I've also said in this thread already, Best Buy compensated me MUCH better than any other place an 18-year-old could get a job at in this area. My pay was great for my age and where I live.

Originally posted by: goku2100

Originally posted by: archcommus

Originally posted by: bdoople

Originally posted by: archcommus

Originally posted by: bdoople

Originally posted by: kami333

Originally posted by: archcommus

Originally posted by: Anubis
my friend charges 60$ to format and reinstall windows

Geek Squad charges $79!

I used to charge $100+ for onsite. I need to get back to consulting...

Geek Squad charges $59 to format and reinstall Windows.

It's been called an "OS service" and has been $79 for at least two months. Where are you, in May?

That's a Spyware/Antivirus cleaning. An OS Reinstall is called an OS Reinstall and is $59. My store just so happened to open in May.

Any more doubts, I'll fax you our SKU list.

My store opened in May, too. It USED to be called an OS reinstall and was $59. Now they have one overall service, called an OS service, it can be either one of two things, either a) a system tune-up and virus and spyware removal, or b) an OS reinstall or recovery. It is $79 either way. If you don't believe me, get on toolkit and search past editions of the Retail Insider. They document when the switch was supposed to happen, early July I think it was. You're using old SKUs and you should probably notify someone they're no longer valid.

EDIT: I don't even know why I'm saying all this, I don't even work there anymore!

So on the "operating system tuneup" where they simply remove all the viruses/spyware and "tune the OS up", what would they do on a system that was seriously screwed up? And possibly missing critical system files? Oh and when they do an operating system reinstall, do they bother to retain one's files at all that are in their favorites, outlook, game saves, other program saves etc. Or do they "when they say operating system reinstall" wipe the drive with out a blink of an eye and just reinstall windows?

If a computer is goofed up and the customer pays for an OS service they first try to remove all viruses and spyware and to do a tune-up. The tune-up includes Windows updates, msconfig, Add/Remove programs, registry tweaks, System Properties tweaks, defrag, and temp file removal. If the OS is beyond repair, that same OS service (same SKU and price) can BECOME an OS reinstall, and yes, that would only involve using the customer's restore CDs, or reinstalling XP from a disc if they have one. I'm not sure why you put "when they say operating system reinstall" in quotes, because reinstalling XP from a disc is EXACTLY what an "operating system reinstall" is. I'm not sure how you think that is a rip-off. Yes, if they want their data backed up before wiping the drive they'd have to pay the separate $89 data backup fee. However we usually try to install over top of the old installation instead of wiping it and starting fresh, to avoid losing data in the first place.

 

[imported_goku]

Originally posted by: archcommus

Originally posted by: goku2100

Originally posted by: archcommus

Originally posted by: goku2100

Originally posted by: archcommus
There is one thing I have to mention that people should make note of, not sure if this has already been said.

I'm absolutely amazed that the OP thinks the advanced security setup for $118 is a rip-off. That clearly shows the OP did no research whatsoever before posting this rant. The $118 fee for the advanced security setup INCLUDES THE SOFTWARE THAT THEY INSTALL, which is Norton AntiVirus 2005 and Webroot Spysweeper. Those two programs alone cost $49.99 and $29.99, for a total of around $80. So in essence, you are only paying Geek Squad $38 to do the services, which include:

- installing and updating both pieces of software
- installing ALL Windows Updates (which could take forever for dial-up customers if done themselves)
- doing registry tweaks
- optimizing performance by altering system properties settings (system restore usage, automatic updates, checking device manager for conflicts, altering visual settgins)
- completely wiping out msconfig of all startup crap they do not need
- uninstalling crap from Add/Remove Programs such as trial versions and other stuff they don't want (like stuff from AOL)

That, IMHO, is a BARGAIN for any normal computer user.

ROFL! You think they would actually do the bolded!? Give me a break, they would NEVER do that because 1. It's not technically standard 2. They're half wit morons who get paid minimum wage 3. BB/GS couldn't give a rats ass about making one's system faster, they simply do the bare miniumum which is install software and "presto, your done". If they actually DID do that, I guess it would kinda be a bargain but I severely DOUBT they do it.

Wow! I was almost embarrassed FOR YOU to finish reading your post. It was hard to even finish it without imagining what a moron you are sitting there typing it.

Let's see, where to begin. First off, they do in fact do every single item I listed. Have you worked there? No. Have I? Yes. Have you ever checked a computer that had that service done on it? No. So basically, you know sh!t, so quit talkikng out of your ass.

Second, not technically standard? Wtf does that mean? Standard by whose terms?

Third, some might be morons, who knows, but your sweeping generalization just shows what an idiot you are, and where I live they get paid twice the minimum wage.

People try to flame a lot around here. But it's especially funny when they make up crap that everyone knows is a lie just so they can actually make their flame. This is what you did.

I'm sorry you work at bestbuy, I guess your just not a businessman because if you were, you'd be doing this your self. So instead you let the company get all the money while you get paid the pathetic salery. Do you do this bestbuy job for job security instead? I guess that could be understandable but your on anandtech and from the looks of things you would know more than an average "geek squad member".

I don't work at Best Buy anymore, as I've posted elsewhere in this thead already. I also don't really care what you consider a "pathetic" salary, because as I've also said in this thread already, Best Buy compensated me MUCH better than any other place an 18-year-old could get a job at in this area. My pay was great for my age and where I live.

Originally posted by: goku2100

Originally posted by: archcommus

Originally posted by: bdoople

Originally posted by: archcommus

Originally posted by: bdoople

Originally posted by: kami333

Originally posted by: archcommus

Originally posted by: Anubis
my friend charges 60$ to format and reinstall windows

Geek Squad charges $79!

I used to charge $100+ for onsite. I need to get back to consulting...

Geek Squad charges $59 to format and reinstall Windows.

It's been called an "OS service" and has been $79 for at least two months. Where are you, in May?

That's a Spyware/Antivirus cleaning. An OS Reinstall is called an OS Reinstall and is $59. My store just so happened to open in May.

Any more doubts, I'll fax you our SKU list.

My store opened in May, too. It USED to be called an OS reinstall and was $59. Now they have one overall service, called an OS service, it can be either one of two things, either a) a system tune-up and virus and spyware removal, or b) an OS reinstall or recovery. It is $79 either way. If you don't believe me, get on toolkit and search past editions of the Retail Insider. They document when the switch was supposed to happen, early July I think it was. You're using old SKUs and you should probably notify someone they're no longer valid.

EDIT: I don't even know why I'm saying all this, I don't even work there anymore!

So on the "operating system tuneup" where they simply remove all the viruses/spyware and "tune the OS up", what would they do on a system that was seriously screwed up? And possibly missing critical system files? Oh and when they do an operating system reinstall, do they bother to retain one's files at all that are in their favorites, outlook, game saves, other program saves etc. Or do they "when they say operating system reinstall" wipe the drive with out a blink of an eye and just reinstall windows?

If a computer is goofed up and the customer pays for an OS service they first try to remove all viruses and spyware and to do a tune-up. The tune-up includes Windows updates, msconfig, Add/Remove programs, registry tweaks, System Properties tweaks, defrag, and temp file removal. If the OS is beyond repair, that same OS service (same SKU and price) can BECOME an OS reinstall, and yes, that would only involve using the customer's restore CDs, or reinstalling XP from a disc if they have one. I'm not sure why you put "when they say operating system reinstall" in quotes, because reinstalling XP from a disc is EXACTLY what an "operating system reinstall" is. I'm not sure how you think that is a rip-off. Yes, if they want their data backed up before wiping the drive they'd have to pay the separate $89 data backup fee. However we usually try to install over top of the old installation instead of wiping it and starting fresh, to avoid losing data in the first place.

Quotes didn't really mean anything, just trying to reference what BB called it which is what it is. If you were to install on top of the current operating system, you would create huge file conflicts, forcing windows to rename Documents and Settings' users like "all users" to all users.windows or something like that.

Also installing windows over will not protect outlook files necessarily and they may loose their files. One reason why I never ever would let my relatives/sisters to get BB/geek squad to do a job is because I know they wouldn't backup the files like I would and charge a fortune. What would the customer do if they didn't have a single driver disc, recovery disc or anything of the sort and they seriously needed an OS restore? Oh and if one were to get their drive corrupt, would BB try to recover their files for them free of charge or just say "tough luck"?

 

[archcommus]

Why the hell would Geek Squad try to recover files free of charge. That doesn't even make any sense. Of course they would try to pull off what they could, and that would be the $89 data backup service.

If the customer needs a reinstall but has no XP disc or restore discs, they need to either purchase a copy of XP or order restore discs straight from the manufacturer (HP, Gateway, etc.). Again, makes perfect sense, what else could BB do, magically create restore discs for their exact system or something?

 

[imported_goku]

No but the intention of restore discs is to have the drivers required. I'm sure not all BB people know that Sony Vaios have very proprietary drivers that are REQUIRED for the system to FUNCTION.

 

[bdoople]

Originally posted by: goku

Originally posted by: archcommus

Originally posted by: goku2100

Originally posted by: archcommus
There is one thing I have to mention that people should make note of, not sure if this has already been said.

I'm absolutely amazed that the OP thinks the advanced security setup for $118 is a rip-off. That clearly shows the OP did no research whatsoever before posting this rant. The $118 fee for the advanced security setup INCLUDES THE SOFTWARE THAT THEY INSTALL, which is Norton AntiVirus 2005 and Webroot Spysweeper. Those two programs alone cost $49.99 and $29.99, for a total of around $80. So in essence, you are only paying Geek Squad $38 to do the services, which include:

- installing and updating both pieces of software
- installing ALL Windows Updates (which could take forever for dial-up customers if done themselves)
- doing registry tweaks
- optimizing performance by altering system properties settings (system restore usage, automatic updates, checking device manager for conflicts, altering visual settgins)
- completely wiping out msconfig of all startup crap they do not need
- uninstalling crap from Add/Remove Programs such as trial versions and other stuff they don't want (like stuff from AOL)

That, IMHO, is a BARGAIN for any normal computer user.

ROFL! You think they would actually do the bolded!? Give me a break, they would NEVER do that because 1. It's not technically standard 2. They're half wit morons who get paid minimum wage 3. BB/GS couldn't give a rats ass about making one's system faster, they simply do the bare miniumum which is install software and "presto, your done". If they actually DID do that, I guess it would kinda be a bargain but I severely DOUBT they do it.

Wow! I was almost embarrassed FOR YOU to finish reading your post. It was hard to even finish it without imagining what a moron you are sitting there typing it.

Let's see, where to begin. First off, they do in fact do every single item I listed. Have you worked there? No. Have I? Yes. Have you ever checked a computer that had that service done on it? No. So basically, you know sh!t, so quit talkikng out of your ass.

Second, not technically standard? Wtf does that mean? Standard by whose terms?

Third, some might be morons, who knows, but your sweeping generalization just shows what an idiot you are, and where I live they get paid twice the minimum wage.

People try to flame a lot around here. But it's especially funny when they make up crap that everyone knows is a lie just so they can actually make their flame. This is what you did.

I'm sorry you work at bestbuy, I guess your just not a businessman because if you were, you'd be doing this your self. So instead you let the company get all the money while you get paid the pathetic salary. Do you do this bestbuy job for job security instead? I guess that could be understandable but your on anandtech and from the looks of things you would know more than an average "geek squad member".

Geek Squad Agent, and I take that personally. I get paid a lot more than I did before at my old job, so I'm happy where I am at this point. My salary is nowhere near pathetic.

I find it very interesting the more I read this forum to see how much people dislike everyone that works in retail and they think (or assume) that noone at any Best Buy stores know anything about anything. My managers are kinda douchey, but my coworkers know a lot about Windows and the setup, PCs in general, and a bit about networking (1/2 of us have networking degrees.) I guess you guys are just shopping at the wrong stores.

 

[uethello]

This thread is great. Good flame stuff.

My opinion, Goku, you're too fvcking young or stupid (or both) to understand that when you grow up / lose the metal rod in your head, you STILL won't be able to shyt gold bricks.

Money can't buy love but it will buy beer and that's a damn close second. ;p

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: yoshimbo
I work for my college's "Help Desk" and we do all the services offered by the Geek Squad for FREE. I think I'm gonna print these prices out and post them so that all the ungrateful kids who come in and complain b/c we didn't get their boxes done in 3 hours will stfu.

You do realize it's built into tuition in some way shape or form.

I had 'free' access to specialized equipment while in college as well....

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: goku
I'm sorry you work at bestbuy, I guess your just not a businessman because if you were, you'd be doing this your self. So instead you let the company get all the money while you get paid the pathetic salary. Do you do this bestbuy job for job security instead? I guess that could be understandable but your on anandtech and from the looks of things you would know more than an average "geek squad member".

goku what do you bring in a year? Are you working for yourself?

I have worked for myself, real deal, not just doing stuff for friends and family for $20 here and there. Working for yourself is hard work...you usually will do a lot better if you are doing it for someone else in the beginning.

I am working for a fortune 500 now. Lot easier, more money + great benefits.

Once I capitalize I will open a side business and pay someone to work it.

Being a Geek Squad member is a great job...easy and builds experience. You do realize, since you seem to have it all figured out...most 'kids' deciding to work for themselves are sort of hurting their ability to get employment in the future because most companies look at these things as laughable...esp the 'Tint/Stereo/Alarm/Computer/Detail/Lawn Service/Do it all' types.

Now if you can build a company and get say 3 people, a yellow page entry....some magazine/newspaper talk about it....can show financial statements, etc...that may perk up an employer.