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Staples Rips Off Elderly - $390 For Basic Computer Repair

consumerist.com — A Staples tech tried to convince a senior citizen that his computer wouldn't work properly without repairs costing almost $400.The senior had been lulled into Staples for a free tune up that suddenly cost $39.99.

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  • k1erkegaard, on 03/02/2008, -13/+94Staples = Geek squad.
    • Awspire, on 03/02/2008, -1/+30Staples = Jiffy Lube
    • dcollins, on 03/02/2008, -0/+51This story made me furious. Having helped my grandfather learn the basics of using a computer (compose a word document, use a search engine, etc) I can appreciate how confusing computers are to senior citizens, and how foreign this technology is to them. Overcharging seniors for tech support is like robbing the blind. Shameful!
      • santa7, on 03/02/2008, -0/+16What's worse is this happens all the time.
        • blorguehad, on 03/02/2008, -1/+18it seriously is a shame. I help out my dad and uncle with their problems. My uncle steve took his old gatway to best buy and asked if there was anything they could do to "tune" it up. They said either it was unupgradeable and he needed to buy "this new computer with vista for 2000". I hooked him up with a better processor, and i got him a gig of ram. Installed xp over his 98 and its running excellent now. not to mention the pci geforce card i put in. like 100 dollars spent in supplies and used old parts. yeah its good now.
          • Tenoq, on 03/03/2008, -1/+1Well actually if you're buying new, most PCs beyond a couple of years are NOT upgradeable. PC retailers just can't get old parts NEW anymore - and most aren't registered to (or want to) sell second-hand parts. I know if you bought in a S478 Pentium system now for a CPU or board replacement we'd have to tell you: "Bad luck." We just can't buy the parts here.
            That said, what Staples did is very dishonest. It sucks, because it gives a bad name to all computer shops/repairers. I *know* we are the most honest shop in our area - but when ever other nearby computer shop is ripping off customers and selling dodgy copies of software it gets really hard to compete, legally. There's one store down the road that has already been fined once for loading non-genuine copies of Windows.
        • Ignotus, on 03/02/2008, -0/+1This is par for the course. Retailers do this to anyone gullible, elderly or not. The middle-aged and up make good targets because they don't know any better and didn't grow up on technology like most of us at Digg. It's unethical, and it's how business is conducted in the 21st century. Most people don't give a damn about anyone else.

          Older people probably buy a lot of Monster cables too. Best Buy sold one to my mother-in-law that was not only overpriced, but she didn't even need the type of cable they sold her. I returned it and bought games with the money with her permission.
      • MrTea, on 03/02/2008, -1/+6But there's money to be made!
    • Ohimesama, on 03/02/2008, -24/+4No. Staples is Easy Tech. Geek Squad is Best Buy.
      • derek20cali, on 03/02/2008, -0/+24*Whoosh*
        • Ohimesama, on 03/02/2008, -2/+1Um... Ok. So since I obviously missed something.. care to explain? *confused and exhausted*
        • saisumimen, on 03/02/2008, -1/+1OBVIOUSLY.
      • subgeniusd, on 03/02/2008, -0/+7Doofus Prime won't get "Whoosh". "Whoosh" = the sound of the plainly obvious disappearing over your head.
      • Ohimesama, on 03/02/2008, -0/+7Apparently it's not a good idea to make comments after working all day and being too tired to think...?
        • rdvade, on 03/02/2008, -1/+5Yes, posting without thinking is a bad thing, I agree.
      • hellgurl104, on 03/02/2008, -3/+2Yeah that's what I thought. Geek Squad is with Best Buy's. Not Staples. HA I was riiight. ;)
    • CoolWind, on 03/02/2008, -6/+1Drama Queen alert!
    • isunktheship, on 03/02/2008, -19/+2Lol, geek squad is the best commercial computer repair center available. What's better than the service is the warranty, which you should have had in the first place. If you're not smart enough to build it yourself, chances are you can't fix it either.
      • Coded1, on 03/02/2008, -0/+5It's not really commercial in the sense it services commercial clients. I don't think any company would have a client know their "server" was serviced by Geek Squad.
      • lex0nyc, on 03/02/2008, -0/+6Check with the Better Business Bureau, Geek Squad has not been loved by all customers.
      • cquilliam, on 03/02/2008, -11/+1I dugg this comment up because its true. The many people out there that bash Geek Squad are pretending to be experts because of the stories that hit the front page at digg. The truth is, Geek Squad is one of the largest tech support groups in North America, and there are bound to be bad apples like any big group. The truth of the matter is, many consumers treat a computer like a type-writter, they don't bother to learn the basics because they expect it to just work without any involvement on their own part. I try to drive it into customers heads that you sometimes need to treat your computer like a car, get your regular checkups and "oil changes" or else it will grind to a halt, and you will have no one to blame but yourself. I used to work for Geek Squad in Canada, which is seperate from the US, but the principles are still the same.
        Also, if you don't buy the warranty, prepare to face costs in the future. I use to laugh at "extended warranties", but after being on the inside, i see the true value of it for the non-technically-minded person. I can't count the number of times that a customer has whined at me cause their computer no longer works, and will require >$200 worth of repairs to fix because they were told that extended warranties were a rip-off by their "friend who programs computers and knows everything about them". Where is that friend now?
        • orlandogeek, on 03/02/2008, -0/+9To accept that there will be less than quality techs is okay. To accept that it's pretty much normal company policy to allow customers to be charged for repairs they dont truly need is never okay.
        • MadHarvey, on 03/02/2008, -0/+2Hi. I'm a computer engineer. Hopefully, that gives me some credibility and you can take this as a professional opinion:

          Charging $150 dollars for virus and spyware removal is the equivalent of ***** a stranger in the ass. Do you know what happens when you ***** a stranger in the ass?

          You don't know how many times I've wanted to pull customers aside and explain the anal ravaging the were volunteering for. In summary, I, Mr. Random-Computer-Engineer-guy on the internet, don't think Geek Squad is the best place to take your computer. Have a sodorific day!
    • seanthebond, on 03/02/2008, -0/+5Ehhh, I worked at Staples up in Canada in tech. It really depends on the people selling the stuff. There is this one guy whom I worked with who sold warrenties on everything, and tech support, and pushed it rather hard even when the customer didn't need hte stuff. A lot of people got frustrated with him, but the managers loved him because he sold so many warrenties and tech support.

      I on the otherhand told people about the warrenties on laptops, and said that we could set up the computer for them if they didn't want to go through the hassle, but I left the decision up to them, because I didn't think it was fair to push these services on a customer.

      I ended up leaving after 4 months being frustrated with the system.
      • smacksaw, on 03/02/2008, -4/+3Staples in Canada? Aren't you supposed to end the sentence with "Ehhh" instead of starting them? You're hurting my stereotypes.
      • computergod, on 03/02/2008, -3/+1Yeah, to be in sales you have to sell your soul. If you work at a good place (not staples/bestbuy) then you can make a *****-ton of money doing sales though. You might have been good at support, but you were a crappy sales guy.

        /sales guy
      • midbc, on 03/03/2008, -1/+0anybody that knows anything about computers only goes to staples for paper or ink
    • hellgurl104, on 03/02/2008, -7/+0Staples is the only one with Geek Squad? I thought Best Buy's supplies their services too!!! :( NO MORE GEEK SQUAD?! WTF Mate. :(
    • mrblonde314, on 03/03/2008, -0/+1I don't even want to begin to embark on the infinite knowledge of shady information that big box electronics retail pulls on their customers. Just know this.
      1) You are nothing but a dollar sign to them.
      2) When buying services always look at the menu for accurate prices. I've seen fellow employees brag about how much they got a customer to pay above and beyond what the normal price is, only to be rewarded by their manager with praise.
      3)Never buy software from the salesmen or techs. They have special marked up software that includes an install price into it. Instead get their recommendation and buy it off the shelf.
      4) Never buy the warranty. Most of the time it covers less than what the salesman described. Unless of course you're just trying to get a good deal and plan on returning the warranty within the 30 days allotted. With the money you save in your life not buying warranties most people come out on top.
      5) Always check their online price. Most of the time they'll either match or have an in-store pickup option.

      With the way they're moving (BB, CC, Staples) margin down on all their product, the game plan has vastly changed. The real scoop is that this industry currently is attaching services to product. Their goal is to eventually have products tied directly to services they offer. So be a smart consumer, do your research and don't be swindled into buying this *****.
      • Beelzebub, on 03/03/2008, -0/+1I am a tech in a CT staples, I cannot vouch for other big box stores, now, let's see what you got wrong:
        1) Ok, this is mostly true, but we do not work on commission, I don't care that much if you buy something(managers do though), I try to give you all the info you want about a product, I also try to save the customer money "This product is cheaper, even thought this other one is on sale, and does the same thing."
        2)There is no way for us to inflate prices with out manager approval(register security clearance thing).
        3)We have no "specially priced software" with install included, there is no software for purchase except for the shelf and 'lock-up' for the expensive stuff.
        4)Staples warranties actually are good, the product can't be fixed? get a new one/get a gift card for the full price back
        5)We are not Best Buy our version of staples.com is your version of staples.com it is what we use for ordering stuff in-store for customers
  • mystikraven, on 03/02/2008, -202/+4This story doesn't really seem digg-worthy...
    • rootadmen, on 03/02/2008, -6/+100You don't really seem digg-worthy
    • Seidoger, on 03/02/2008, -18/+4It is, because the eldery has a Macbook Pro with the Apple logo photoshoped out
    • diothar, on 03/02/2008, -4/+10Wow, -51 diggs right now... I'm not so sure it's the story that "doesn't seem digg-worthy." Seems to be you...
    • 0ceanic, on 03/02/2008, -3/+11this story should represent what every digger should do. not necessarily to help the elderly. but to ***** over ***** computer repair techs, and big corporation computer repair scams.

      i myself, have done the same sort of computer repair ***** block at circuit city before. it gives me that warm fuzzy feeling of standing up for the little guy and ***** over the con artists.
    • 2viral, on 03/02/2008, -4/+0A few words can take you way down!
    • TotalHalibut, on 03/02/2008, -5/+6You kidding? This has great slacktivist potential. We can all sit around raging about how unfair it all is and how we'll boycott a store and service that we probably don't frequent anyway, and feel all warm and important inside. Digg is a constant mood-lifter.
    • smacksaw, on 03/02/2008, -2/+2Here's a shovel:

      Ok, I'll bite. Why isn't it worthy?
    • computergod, on 03/02/2008, -1/+2Yup, Easy Tech Force is Staples, Geek Squad was bought by Best Buy.
    • RhodesSkolar, on 03/02/2008, -0/+1Good thing it wasn't your grandparents. Ass monkey.
    • smackafiyah, on 03/03/2008, -0/+2Wow, what did this guy do to get buried down to -190? Eh.... *buries to be part of the crowd*
    • mystikraven, on 03/03/2008, -1/+1My point was that this kind of stuff happens all the time; we see stories like this ALL the time on the Internet (not just at Digg). I agree that it's a big deal, and the elderly gentleman was about to get ripped off, and I'm really grateful that the other guy went out of his way to help him out.
      I would have done the same in his shoes; maybe that's why I'm so nonchalant about it.
  • albator, on 03/02/2008, -22/+48@mystikraven
    First Read the whole story, not just the title
    Then comment.

    • CATSCEO, on 03/02/2008, -4/+52Reply, use it.
    • Archer007, on 03/02/2008, -0/+5YOU DONT NEED the firefox plugin for digg replies anymore, damnit!
    • mystikraven, on 03/03/2008, -0/+1My point was that this kind of stuff happens all the time; we see stories like this ALL the time on the Internet (not just at Digg). I agree that it's a big deal, and the elderly gentleman was about to get ripped off, and I'm really grateful that the other guy went out of his way to help him out.
      I would have done the same in his shoes; maybe that's why I'm so nonchalant about it.
  • rpi22, on 03/02/2008, -3/+122Staples, that was easy!
  • Lugan2k, on 03/02/2008, -1/+105I worked at a computer repair store (not big box) and we were AMAZED at how much people were willing to pay for services that require barely any effort at the Best Buy down the street. They try to gouge people every chance they get (we didn't, but I guess that's why I got laid off and the company folded)
    • Akaji, on 03/02/2008, -1/+58Here's the problem: people TRUST "big box" retail stores to know their crap. People need to start realizing that almost no one working at any major retail store has a clue; they're paid crap, and they don't care a bit about the customer. If you want something done right, go to a store that specializes in what it is that you want done (then they have to do a good job, as most of their customer base is generated through word of mouth).
      • Ajajadude, on 03/02/2008, -0/+12That's exactly right: most people working in major retail chains don't care because they're working to pay the bills and aren't getting paid enough to give a ***** about customers. Most normally don't give a ***** about customers because most customers don't give a ***** about them. Basically: retail sucks for all involved.
      • Lixie, on 03/02/2008, -0/+12Big box retailers hire and fire people based on sales performance not job performance. That should tell everybody everything they need to know about, and what to expect from, the big retail stores.
    • thesonofdarwin, on 03/02/2008, -2/+68I received a phone call while at work the other day from Best Buy. My parents had decided to take their computer there to be checked, as evidently it was BSoDing quite frequently and the only thing they have installed is Firefox. Thankfully the warranty was in my name since I purchased it for them, and therefore they need my approval for any work they did on it. I was shocked that not only were they trying to get my parents to pay $120 for them to just reinstall Vista with my parents' OWN CD, but that the employee actually laughed when I asked him how the hell they get away with ripping off customers for a simple task that a trained gerbil could get going in 5 minutes. Needless to say I didn't authorize any work on it and ordered the employee to return the tower and not touch it any further. The better part is that my mother told me he refused to make the phone call to me in front of them.

      Hopefully the bastard was reprimanded for leaving their super secret MRI diagnostic CD in the tray.
      • solarwind24, on 03/02/2008, -1/+29Image the cd and send it to me? Or... thepiratebay!
        • thesonofdarwin, on 03/02/2008, -0/+4It is already on piratebay. Not surprisingly this wasn't the first dumbass employee. It isn't anything exciting, just simple diagnostic tools all in one place. Just search for Geek Squad.
      • derekivey, on 03/02/2008, -0/+13Yeah put it on thepiratebay so we can see whats on it!
        • xhazerdusx, on 03/02/2008, -1/+11Used to work at Geek Squad...

          The MRI cd isn't anything you cant find for free or on a torrent site. It's basically a bunch of free or cheap (as in price-wise) utilities automated to take the thought out of it.
          • thesonofdarwin, on 03/02/2008, -0/+3I said supersecret in jest as when starting the CD you get a big warning about not using the program contained unless authorized by the Best Buy Geeksquad. It's infuriating that they swindle so many people by performing basic tasks. Over a $100 to install your own program... I can only imagine what they'd charge to install RAM that I purchased since that's like magnitudes of difficulty harder...

            I remember my mouth gaping when we purchased the computer at the list of charges to do things like install Norton (uhh, who'd want that?), CUSTOMIZE YOUR DESKTOP, and other assorted dickery. I specifically told them to not alter any settings on the computer and that I'd not pay for any of their "services." They still would not give us the computer after they had my money. They "had" to keep it for 3 hours to start it up. Needless to say I'd rather slit my wrists and run through the store than buy anything from them again. Convenience be damned.
    • skyshock1, on 03/02/2008, -2/+6It actually has a lot to do w/ advertising. The small town I used to live in (~150,000) had a Best Buy, Staples, etc.... but the local computer shop advertised WAY more than the big stores in that market and were really handing the geek squad/firedog, etc... their asses. I think they ended up growing to 3-4 stores throughout the city.
      • zanderw00t, on 03/02/2008, -1/+13A sign that the world is overpopulated: when a "small" town is considered around ~150,000.
        • greenlight2001, on 03/02/2008, -1/+6Ha. I was thinking the same exact thing.
        • Zarokima, on 03/02/2008, -2/+3My town has a population of about 2,000. What does that qualify as?
        • waspbr, on 03/02/2008, -2/+42.000? that's a village
        • Desidarius, on 03/02/2008, -0/+2The small town I grew up in had about 500 people. The high school I graduated from (actually it was a k-12 school) had about 100 students. I don't know about overpopulated, but 150,000 sure isn't small.
      • gmprunner, on 03/02/2008, -2/+3Yeah, well, the village I grew up in had 200,000+ people.
    • tgc1, on 03/02/2008, -0/+2The reason these large corporate stores end up ***** you is because they can. Smaller stores MUST absolutely be accountable to their customers, at all times, or they go out of business. Large box stores that are corporate owned, have very little accountability to their customers. Mainly because they are so big. They have legal teams, that small businesses do not have. They know what they can get away with. And even if they screw up really big, they have enough assets to cover the problem in the short term (read, out last your patience for resolve). That's why I recommend that people with computer issues find someone in their family to tinker with it, or bring it to a smaller, but reputable, computer store.
      • wookee88, on 03/02/2008, -0/+0it's just hard to trust anyone any more , my friend is in dental school and he told be even dentist and doctors pull ***** like this nowadays
  • Cid420, on 03/02/2008, -4/+46Your machine won't start now? I'm telling you viruses these days are nasty -- this might not be easy to fix. I'll have to add another couple hundred to the original price and you'll be good to go sir.
    • VaporBro, on 03/02/2008, -19/+4I wish I could digg you up a billlion times. Nice crossbuster (Bad Religion ftw) and 420 in the user name. Rockin'.
      • santa7, on 03/02/2008, -3/+8Personally I dislike numbers in peoples' usernames as I just find it stupid, pointless and hardly adds any uniqueness.
        • subgeniusd, on 03/02/2008, -1/+7Personally I dislike unexplained letters at the end of peoples' usernames as I just find it stupid, pointless and hardly adds any uniqueness,
        • Cid420, on 03/02/2008, -8/+1Wait, then why do you have a "7" in your name o.O
          Were you going for a name that was "... stupid, pointless and hardly adds any uniqueness."? GG
        • rdoger6424, on 03/02/2008, -0/+5They're real assholes.
    • twtmc, on 03/02/2008, -3/+4Any extra money charged by a computer technitian is what they get paid for having to deal with ***** customers that think the computer is a goddamn magical box with no rhyme or reason to it.
      • Cid420, on 03/02/2008, -0/+1So lets say I was Randle from Clerks and worked at a video store. Needless to say I hate ALL customers. Does that mean it would be ok to add extra charges to their video rentals because...
        A) I have to deal with them (and they all annoying)
        B) They don't know how the tape in their VCR makes the pretty pictures and sounds come onto their TV screen?

        Not a 100% accurate metaphor, just a thought.
  • reeder, on 03/02/2008, -1/+150Support your local IT company.
    • Ajajadude, on 03/02/2008, -0/+65or college kid
    • FDDIcent, on 03/02/2008, -0/+11Or in-home technician. I love news like this, I charge half of what geeksquad does for a computer repair and I still make a nice bit of cash and the customer is very happy.
      • Sic133, on 03/02/2008, -0/+6I normally charge between $15-30 for apps installation, virus removals, router and networking setup and formatting/installing OS. I even teach basic common sense when it comes to internet scams and such. I don't think I charge a lot.
    • Xibby, on 03/02/2008, -0/+2A few of us around the office jump in a car every Wednesday for a Chipotle run. One of the guys mentioned his wifes computer was booting Windows but before Windows finished loading it would BSOD. Sounded like an easy fix and a free lunch to me. Turns out it was, and was worth a few free lunches.
  • tj111, on 03/02/2008, -2/+92This 70 year old must being a power user if hes gonna need $150 worth of RAM to get that thing running again.
    • Ajajadude, on 03/02/2008, -0/+53You know those old folks and their need for video editing.
    • Lugan2k, on 03/02/2008, -7/+3You didn't know 256MB of DDR is $150 at staples? way to get your catalogs....
    • darkNiGHTS, on 03/02/2008, -1/+7Yeah, no kidding.

      http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N8 ...
      • fancyj, on 03/02/2008, -1/+3That would be desktop ram.
      • goldpress, on 03/02/2008, -0/+2Hmmm.... Big box computer repair.... 75 for the RAM + 75 for the minimal install work. Sounds Staples EASY.
    • machine82, on 03/02/2008, -1/+9There isn't a power user in the world who would fall for a free tuneup or take their computer to staples.
      • sapo916, on 03/02/2008, -4/+2Ohhh really? How do you figure that?
        • TotalHalibut, on 03/02/2008, -1/+4Who the ***** takes a $2000 power-user level rig to Staples?
        • Chris_F, on 03/02/2008, -0/+2they dont, they take their 2001 Dell Dimensions that are sub $1000 with integrated everything.
          • Beelzebub, on 03/03/2008, -0/+1it's true :
            i would say about 70% of the computers we get are dells
      • machine82, on 03/02/2008, -1/+2You should get in line behind the old man, your next. Better have your wallet handy.
    • Sonic84, on 03/02/2008, -0/+6hey come on, PC100 is expensive!
    • Kanidia, on 03/02/2008, -0/+3The old folks these days... them and their crazy high-end gaming requirements. Back in the day when I was old, I had to play games on a Mac!
    • soulkitchen, on 03/02/2008, -0/+8"OK, maybe I'm too trusting but I figure at 6'3" and 230, there's not much and 70 year old can pull on me"
      Until you black out, wake up in his basement, and hear
      it puts the lotion on it's skin
    • Philbert, on 03/02/2008, -0/+4They failed to mention that Grampa is actually a full time pro gamer.
      • waspbr, on 03/02/2008, -0/+3I guess Crysis is popular amongst the elderly
    • lormahoykyd2007, on 03/02/2008, -0/+7You have to have a lot of RAM to run all of those porn windows that pop-up.
    • seanthebond, on 03/02/2008, -0/+1Sadly, the big box stores usually sell 1 GB stick of RAM for $70.

      Or at least they do up in Canada.
      • Akraz, on 03/02/2008, -1/+1huh? 2gb kits Corsair, Kingston, OCZ PC6400 800mhz RAM sells full price 74.99 @ TigerDirect

        Where do you live? ***** no-where Saskatchewan?
      • computergod, on 03/02/2008, -0/+1Heh, I just picked up 4g of OCZ 800 for $100 yesterday from a local store.
    • diggopolous, on 03/04/2008, -0/+1Wow, a lot of snide assumptions about older folks here. Glad I don't have that tude - last night I went to see the Guitar legend and master innovator, Les Paul, not only memerize me with his fretwork but had us all laughing with his bawdy jokes.......Oh yes, he happens to be 92 years of age.
  • bjtitus, on 03/02/2008, -43/+739.99 doesn't sound like much to me....

    I've noticed WAY too many typos on Digg articles recently. Come ON people!
    • Cuongfu, on 03/02/2008, -1/+14Read the rest of the article and you'll find out they were charging for more, PLUS the 39.99 you see.

      "..a free tune up that suddenly cost $39.99, didn't understand why he needed to spend money on a "diagnostic screening ($49.99), virus removal services ($150), and more RAM (~$150)."
    • Samsong, on 03/02/2008, -3/+24I've noticed WAY too many retards commenting on Digg articles recently. Come ON people!
    • nujikabane, on 04/01/2008, -0/+0Hehe, nice reply @Samsong :-) Yeah, should have read thoroughly before leaving some retarded comment. + saying that you can afford the price just showed what a pompous a*s you are.
  • oMeSSiaHo, on 03/02/2008, -21/+63I'm an "Easy Tech" (hey, I gotta eat) and I really want to call bs on this. Virus removal is $90 not $150. There is no SKU that cost $150 so there is no way for the tech to ring that up. Also a RAM install is $30 not $150. We dont even sell RAM that costs $120.

    I think some liberty was taken with those numbers...
    • oMeSSiaHo, on 03/02/2008, -7/+31I just wanted to ad that the majority of "Easy Techs" I've met are pretty dumb. Staples started the program in May and I guess they just grabbed salespeople. I swear I've gotten a memo that detailed how to turn off the screensaver in Vista. While the ones I've met are pretty dumb, they are honest. I highly doubt any of them would rip a customer off.
      • someone173406, on 03/02/2008, -3/+18Oh noes, a spy.
      • seanthebond, on 03/02/2008, -1/+6I agree. Being a previous tech worker at Staples. Our technican, (we only had one) was very honest. That was because he knew that the store couldn't function without him. We only had one big douche-bag on the sales floor who tried to sell warrenties on everything.
    • sroop, on 03/02/2008, -16/+10$30 for a RAM install? What are people afraid of? Four screws and a lid to take off?
      • legendxx, on 03/02/2008, -5/+43going into a world they know nothing about? Let me see if I can use a metaphor to help you understand how they feel... Imagine talking to girls.. that should do it.
        • Slade605, on 03/02/2008, -0/+19I tried that once, now I've got four screws and a lid to take off, or as they prefer to call it, a restraining order.
        • purzzzell, on 03/02/2008, -0/+3I call it the "magic box" syndrome - don't open the "magic box" you don't know how it works

          Some people are afraid to wire a dvd player to their tv using anything but coax for the same reason
      • r81984, on 03/02/2008, -3/+14I was thinking the same thing.
        If you buy ram from the store, the store could just spend 30 seconds installing it for free as a courtesy.
        $30 is a scam.
        • oMeSSiaHo, on 03/02/2008, -1/+6Until for whatever reason the computer has a problem and automatically becomes the RAMs fault. We like to sue in this country ya know!
        • cquilliam, on 03/02/2008, -1/+3If its that easy, read a document and do it yourself. In-store technicians aren't hired to do freebies, they need to earn their keep or else they loose their jobs.
          • r81984, on 03/02/2008, -1/+2They made their money off the sale of the ram.
            They could spend more time operating the register to check someone out then to install the ram.
          • Ribbed4U, on 03/02/2008, -0/+2It IS that easy.
      • skyshock1, on 03/02/2008, -2/+13No, it's the the overhead the company has to pay (taxes, advertising, R&D, employee training, insurance costs, etc....). You've never owned a business before have you?
        • joshuagor44, on 03/02/2008, -3/+6You ask that as if he should have.
      • Dundasbro, on 03/02/2008, -0/+15They just don't understand it though. It is an unknown world full of wires and ***** and all they know is that once they go in they could end up causing some damage, that scares people.
        • subgeniusd, on 03/02/2008, -0/+3Try to explain static electricity and grounding to someone who can barely change a light bulb.
      • santa7, on 03/02/2008, -0/+8Yea RAM is actually said to be the safest and easiest thing to install internally, if you don't plug it in right it just beeps at you. Worst case scenario you go crazy and smash up the computer due to frustration because you have shakey hands.
      • SolidSnak, on 03/02/2008, -5/+1I don't know.... I consider myself handy around the motherboard but installing the RAM always scares me...
      • P33R, on 03/02/2008, -0/+4Yes. they are very afraid of many things they don't understand. They don't pay $30 for the RAM install, they pay for peace of mind.
      • psykiv, on 03/02/2008, -1/+5I see nothing wrong for charging $30 for installing some ram.Excluding the fact that sometimes installing ram on certain PC's is a real bitch (because of the horrible case design), they are paying for not having to deal with the unknown. They pay for knowing it's done correctly. What if they plug it in incorrectly. Most of the time it'll just beep or not recognize it at all. However, this one time I didn't push the RAM in all the way and somehow it short-circuited. Long story short, like 10 of the pins of the RAM are burnt black (i got some sandpaper and sanded the burned part off and the ram still works perfectly). The motherboard on the other hand died.
      • nycmac247, on 03/02/2008, -1/+1Isn't it cold up there on top of that mountain?
    • katrayun, on 03/02/2008, -2/+32A quick glance at the Staples website lists one RAM at $150, and another for $250. I realize this isn't in a retail store, but still.
      Yes, Staples sells RAM that costs $120 or more.
      • Beelzebub, on 03/03/2008, -0/+1it's either the old ram PC133 or ECC ram that is expensive
    • ph0nk, on 03/02/2008, -0/+27I'm an Easy Tech too, and I can honestly say that at my store we do not make it our business to rip people off. I'm the only tech there, and I try my best to keep things as inexpensive as possible for our customers, to the point where I often don't charge customers for all the work I do because it only takes a few extra minutes. I work in Princeton, and its not like our customers don't have the money to spend either.
      I would agree, however, that a lot of the techs are salespeople and not technicians. Of the techs that I know, I'm the only one with any type of formal training (AS in network engineering) and the training that Staples provides is mostly on how to upsell services and products.
      • subgeniusd, on 03/02/2008, -0/+11I work right next door to a Staples in Atlanta and the Techs have always been cool. They have a roaming area Tech for real repairs and an instore Tech-lite guy for basic stuff. I was asking him about Ram on sale recently and he told me to check NewEgg instead. So it probably has more to do with the *****-in-Charge then Company policy.
    • soulkitchen, on 03/02/2008, -0/+2liberty by whom?
    • liquidpele, on 03/02/2008, -3/+4*****
      You have ram that costs much more than $120:
      http://www.staples.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/S ...

      You don't think an ***** could bring up a balance that high? You've been lucky to not be ripped off, that's all. I'm not saying Staples is bad - they are usually very nice and helpful when I shop there, but you can't say this story is not correct just because the people where you happen to work have morals.
    • johnbellone, on 03/02/2008, -0/+5I was an Easy Tech last year in Manahawkin, NJ and I can tell you that the system to ring up SKUs, at least what we had, allowed you to ring up custom part numbers that were inputted into the system by someone else. For example, when we received an replacement part from Dell the regional manager would input a special SKU into the system, etc.

      Nevertheless, you are taught to "sell up" in that type of business. I was always honest with people, but most people come in and say "What will make this thing run faster?" before "How much will it cost?" Then, when they receive the bill (even after authorizing all the prices, because We were suppose to make phone calls on each line-item repair) they were shocked.
  • coheedcollapse, on 03/02/2008, -12/+45All of them do this crap. Best buy charged my friend's grandparents something like $70 to come out and reset their router. Literally reboot the thing. I really hope that I keep up with technology because I'd seriously hate to be that friggin helpless.
    • skyshock1, on 03/02/2008, -4/+27So they drove out on location to do this? Which means they had to pay for the transportation, gasoline, corporate income tax, car insurance, employee salary, employee training, etc... I mean, if you already know how to do it, yeah $70 is ridiculous. However, if you have to pay a professional business to do it - then don't be surprised when they pass along their overhead costs to you.
      • rizenality, on 03/02/2008, -2/+14AMEN brother! Also, the agent obviously felt sorry for the guy. THe minimum charge for networking like that is 89 dollars plus tax. I always give my customer's a break when it is that easy, but if you come back and you productivity is low because you are handing our free service. You can't expect a job tomorrow.
    • santa7, on 03/02/2008, -4/+4Yea but what about something called phone support that could have said unplug your router and wait 10 minutes? Also corporate training for this is basically like "this is the on button, and thats a screeeeen"
      Also I wouldn't call BB "professional"
      • SACubeMonkey, on 03/02/2008, -0/+8If you want that kind of support, you call the manufacturer. They don't have all day to answer inane questions on the phone free of charge.
      • jp12380, on 03/02/2008, -0/+4Totally agree, 70 is actually not that bad of a price for coming out to their home. I'm sure they even agreed to pay the 70 before they came out to get the end result of their router working again. For you, since you know how to do this of course it seems ridiculous but businesses exist for a reason, they are there to generate money and you would be surprised at how much money needs to be spent to keep a business running, just like skyshock1 mentioned there is rent to be paid on the office, there is insurance cost, gas cost, advertising costs, and the cost of having to pay the employee.
    • psykiv, on 03/02/2008, -0/+8Whats wrong with that? You're saying they should have done it for free? My minimum charge when I have to travel is $75. Only when it's something stupidly easy (like one time i had a customer call me and turns out the surge protector was unplugged) would I charge less, maybe. This is how I make my money to eat and support myself. I can't be working for free and giving everyone breaks. Otherwise I'd be better off just flipping burgers for minimum wage.
    • Shaggy63, on 03/02/2008, -3/+1My company would not have done that. We only charge a monthly membership fee. No markup on parts or anything. We are even giving stuff like laptops away. These companies are just greedy.
      www.computerlifesupport.com
      We tell our techs to make the customer happy.
      • psykiv, on 03/02/2008, -0/+1With those prices something has to give: your techs quit or your company goes bankrupt.
        • Shaggy63, on 03/06/2008, -0/+1Actually we pay our techs very well and make a decent profit. Our rule is to give the customers good support and they will stay with us.
    • socialismEVIL, on 03/10/2008, -0/+2oh no! how dare he charge for his time!

      Maybe Hillama will make everything universally low priced
  • mbraynard, on 03/02/2008, -15/+17It's an ignorance tax.
    • gypsi, on 03/02/2008, -1/+10hah - let me know how you feel about idiot taxes after your next 1040
    • HaloZero, on 03/02/2008, -1/+19Oh, so your a master of all things? Car maintenance, home repair, construction, plumbing?

      Plus the guy is a senior, we've only had personal computers for the past 20 years, so lay off *****.
    • nujikabane, on 04/01/2008, -0/+0Whoever said ignorance is bliss ?
  • hereisandy, on 03/02/2008, -0/+12There was a time i worked for staples and i just happen to know they vacuum out your case when you bring it in for a tune up. So the tech probably bumped the button. Either way, the free tune up is their just to get you to buy more easy tech crap.
  • BaronVonZ, on 03/02/2008, -9/+2deja-vu, anyone?
  • Lixie, on 03/02/2008, -0/+101Your notebook's battery is dead. We can recharge it for $29.99 Or we can give it the "Premium Select Customer's Choice ReCharge" for $39.99.
    • BruceDude, on 03/02/2008, -1/+16With a gold plated adapter.
      • santa7, on 03/02/2008, -1/+10We will throw in free sparkle stickers
    • psykiv, on 03/02/2008, -0/+4One time I actually did have to charge ($80 actually) to recharge a notebook's battery. The power adapter they gave me with the laptop was broken and I had to order a new one to proceed with the repairs.
      • goldpress, on 03/02/2008, -1/+2I don't think that makes you evil - as long as you gave them the new adapter with their machine. If you kept the adapter - yes, EVIL.
        • psykiv, on 03/02/2008, -0/+4Yes, I gave them the adapter. Why the heck would I want an adapter for a laptop I dont have anyways?
          • itsgotyou, on 03/02/2008, -0/+3so you could offer your recharge service to the next dumba. . . customer that comes in.
        • goldpress, on 03/02/2008, -0/+1Just saying.... if you held on to the adapter, then you're evil OR likely a Geek Squad, Easy Tech or whatever CompUSA techs (I group them in because of our own personal bad experiences) used to be called.

          I joke, but only because I've actually found scum working in all levels of computer repair. You don't have to work for a big box, but it does seem to help. The best way to go is almost always find someone who has a good word of mouth reputation.
    • marvinmatthew, on 03/02/2008, -0/+5The sad thing is, if I wasn't around, my parents would get the "Premium Select Customer's Choice ReCharge"

      They just wouldn't know any better. That's what companies like Staples (and BestBuy) are counting on, uneducated customers.

      It angers me that companies like this are praying on people who could essentially be my parents.
    • awhiteflame, on 03/02/2008, -0/+5Now, how about that TruCoat?
    • ubergeek09, on 03/02/2008, -0/+3Sounds like Apple.
    • Beelzebub, on 03/03/2008, -1/+1battery recharge? where the ***** are you shopping?
  • fatsobob, on 03/02/2008, -3/+5I work for a small computer store in Colorado and we have a very steady customer base with most of our business being people recommending us to others. We charge a hundred dollars to fix computers plus any hardware if that is the case. The store has been there for about 15 years and no signs of slowing down.
    I have found that most people are sick of geek squad and being ripped off by places like Geek Squad.
    • Fryguy8, on 03/02/2008, -0/+4Back when I was in HS/College I used the "flat rate + hardware" pricing scheme very effectively. And it gradually grew as the years went on, from 30 up to $100. People somehow feel better getting charged a flat rate to do anything, rather than line item and realizing how much (or little) everything costs.
    • GorGenator, on 03/02/2008, -0/+3Where in CO are you located?
  • joel8x, on 03/02/2008, -1/+17The article seems all well and good, and then takes quite the left turn at the end when it throws in a jab at senior citizens using AOL to forward bogus email. Nice job consumerist - kick the old guy while he's down!
  • cyclades, on 03/02/2008, -2/+31Staples are good for buying cheap copy paper. That's it.
    • loquedesea, on 03/02/2008, -0/+9yea, but dunder-mifflin gave me these chocolate turtles...
    • darlyn, on 03/02/2008, -1/+7You're right. Who the heck goes for computer repair at Staples? Quite frankly, the only time I walk into one of its stores is when I'm low on copy-paper, pens, and printer ink (damn bastards still over-charge me for those catridges, but I would rather not go through the hassle of refilling my cartidges myself)
      • Beelzebub, on 03/03/2008, -0/+1ink is more expensive than what? online? no *****! but it is a convenience thing, you can go to the store today and buy it, you dont need to wait for it to be shipped.
    • Goombellaofgoom, on 03/02/2008, -0/+1Staples *is*. You don't buy the paper at a staple.

      /grammar nazi
  • r81984, on 03/02/2008, -4/+8Best Buy geek squad is just as bad. I overheard a geek squad employee trying to rip off an old guy. He tried to sell him software that you get for free. He wanted the guy to pay $300 to install virus software, 3rd party firewall software, spyware removal software, and some other software.

    All the guy wanted was his dialup to work again, but they wanted to charge him $300 for software that you can get for free. It was a Dell with XP that was probably only worth $300. The labor invovled should not have cost more then $50.
    • jdpalite, on 03/02/2008, -0/+7There is no way that the tech was trying to sell freeware. Why? Because no retail store would ever stock freeware...

      Depending on how screwed up the PC was, the labor could easily go into the hundreds. Virus and spyware removal with multiple scanners and possible manual fixes as well - that can be anywhere from 1-3+ hours depending on how well it goes and how messed up the box is. Also do you think a Dell PC that's only worth about $300 (translation: old), and hooked up to dialup is going to be fully patched? It probably needed SP2 and a host of other updates. That all takes time too.

      I do agree however that the software installs themselves should take a very short amount of time and that really, if you buy them from the store the techs should install them for free.
      • psykiv, on 03/02/2008, -3/+21-3 Hours? if you only take 1-3 hours to remove and clean out my computer, I wouldn't trust you with it. It usually takes me overnight to clean it out. Of course I do scan using six different scan engines, then I clean up the registry and windows startup manually to make sure even the traces of it are gone, then I go and apply all the windows updates (which could take hours depending on what SP) for good measure. Actual work time is less than an hour, but scanning and applying updates does take on average about 10 hours on a computer thats relatively new and not too bad.

        Let's not even get started if it was really serious and I have to do a windows repair just to get it to boot.
  • rizenality, on 03/02/2008, -11/+1Its always funny to me to see these bashing articles about how much Geek Squad or some other company charges to make repairs. These services aren't for people that can't afford to pay. They are merely a convenience for either A. people who can afford and don't know how to fix, or B. People who just want to convenience and time savings of someone else having a headache over a problem. These companies don't expect you to come in with computer knowledge and then fork out money to get something fixed, so of course most of the people that post comments on here wouldn't use the services. Also a response to the end of that post. It is almost never a good idea to let just anyone kid fix your computer. I have had to go out to home numerous times because some kid who is taking a class in college has completely messed up someones computer. If you don't know how to fix it, you definitely need someone who is at least pr oven to be OK and in the case of a big box... you have a warranty, and you can always sue.
    • rizenality, on 03/02/2008, -7/+2Sorry for all of the messed up wording. I am looking at this on my 56inch dlp from across the room. Another perk of working for Best Buy. haha
      • nblsavage, on 03/02/2008, -0/+7You totally remind me of someone I knew who also worked for Best Buy....yeah he was a douchebag too.
        • rizenality, on 03/02/2008, -2/+1In actuallity, I wasn't trying to be a douche. DLP isn't the greatest for typing text. I was merely trying to explain in detail why my typing is looking like crap. I can definately see how you would think I was being a douche after the fact, and If i could retype the message. ... I would.

          Thanks for your concern.
    • Brak710101, on 03/02/2008, -0/+5Hold on, let me see if I can type this on my 60inch plasma from Newegg that cost $2000 less than Bestbuy.

      Nope.
      • rizenality, on 03/02/2008, -3/+0But with best buy discount, I am sure it is my less expensive. Maybe even affordable for someone who lives on BBY pay rate.
    • VinnieDaMac, on 03/02/2008, -0/+4The problem is that the store caused the problem that they're charging to repair. By the way, you don't exactly need any qualifications to work for Best Buy/Geek Squad so you might as well have some random kid fix your computer.
      • rizenality, on 03/02/2008, -1/+0The point to the comment is that there is a warranty to the work. If some kid messed up your computer and isnt backed by a company, you can't sue for 56 million dollars. Beleive me, I don't quite enjoy working for Geek Squad, but the pay is good enough to get me through my first year of law school.
    • xhazerdusx, on 03/02/2008, -0/+1When I applied to work at Geek Squad, I offered to show my Microsoft certified Systems Admin credentials to the supervisor of GS.... they laughed at me and told he that "it wasnt needed"
      • rizenality, on 03/02/2008, -0/+1That is very true. I just can't imagine why someone with your credentials would need to work for best buy.
  • Gregsaw, on 03/02/2008, -0/+58I work at Staples and I don't tell anybody they need anything they don't. Someone came in and almost bought an Office pack (that didn't have Outlook) and Outlook and I just told them to save the extra $100 and try Thunderbird. I'm a bad employee, I guess.
    • hushcolours, on 03/02/2008, -0/+16well, you're a quality employee and customers will want to get attended by you. I also attend to the public and I prefer not to sell than selliing something not proper. Sometimes I'll even point another store. This way, I may not sell that day, but the potential customers knows that I'm there to help and will remember me.
    • HyperionHK, on 03/02/2008, -0/+6As a former Staples employee, it seems that the Staples atmosphere is generally much more relaxed than the other big box employers. I'd say your more likely to find employees like above who will make things as cheap for you as possible (I was much the same way, but I wouldn't point out free alternatives unless specifically asked, but I'd still make sure you didn't get any crap you didn't need). However, they are still a big box store, thus they still have a ton of idiot staff. Sometimes they will purposefully sell you crap you don't need because they can (though at least at Staples unless you're dealing with management types, there is zero incentive besides a pat on the back to upsell people, so it's less common), or you'll find people who sell you what you don't need just because they are dumb. It can still be very hit and miss.
      Heck I know the old tech at one of the stores I worked at was a huge douchebag, he was a good tech, but he definitely 100% tried very hard to upsell everyone he could. He also got fired for stealing porn from customer's computers and last I heard that was possibly going to lead to child pornography charges....lol.

      I definitely feel Staples is better than most, but it still suffers from fact that it's such a huge company that quality in service can really vary WIDELY from store to store
    • JoJoDilio, on 03/02/2008, -0/+6I worked at Staples until a few weeks ago, but essentially got fired for doing just that. Customers loved the advice on how to save money, but management did not.

      There were only 2 techs at my store, and they were both pretty cool, but keep in mind that while these guys don't get payed on commission, there is a strong push to increase Easy Tech sales so that they can expand on the program as a whole. That means getting these guys a raise, and more hours. So there IS an incentive to get you to spend more money, but at the very least, all the techs I knew were honest about the work they did.
    • psykiv, on 03/02/2008, -5/+3Did you ask him questions and make sure Thunderbird was the right solution for him? Do you think maybe he needed outlook for a particular reason? What if he had to connect to a MS exchange server? What if he needs to do some contact or calendar sharing? Thunderbird can't do that.

      All I'm saying is don't blindly recommend one thing over another. Once in a while, they need something specific for a reason. If all he needed was basic e-mail, why not just use the webmail? I think like pretty much every isp and webhost in the world has some sort of webmail set up for their customers already.
      • bob12321, on 03/02/2008, -1/+2He said 'try thunderbird' not 'use thunderbird and you are stuck.' If he found it it didn't work for what he needed ho could just come back and get office.
    • jdend, on 03/02/2008, -0/+1You're FIRED!
  • Kratos76, on 03/02/2008, -1/+6That is a great pic though.
    • pixelperfect, on 03/02/2008, -0/+4I hate ads that use Mac's with the Apple logo blured/taken out... trying to make "Generic PC's" look nice.
  • Sp3x0ps, on 03/02/2008, -4/+4This angers me to no end... All major companies BB CC Staples are ALL trained to sell services and replacement plans. THAT is where they make most of their money. So when your computer is broke their not actually thinking "how can i fix this easily for the customer". their trained to think " how can i spin this to sell the custom our plans or services.

    This is why you should NEVER go to a store and have them fix your hardware you will just pay for your mistake in trusting these ass holes.
    • awhiteflame, on 03/02/2008, -0/+3On the other hand, I bought an extended warranty for my notebook from Staples a few years ago. I've sent it in twice to have one thing or another done to it (including an LCD swap), and it has been completely painless and swift both times. The rep was even American (or Canadian at least).
    • sw1nglinestaplr, on 03/03/2008, -0/+1I have to say I agree with Sp3x0ps on this one. I work for the local O***** M** and it's amazing how strongly we're encouraged--borderline badgered--to sell ***** replacement plans and ***** tech services. And the majority of the time we know that A) The person is going to lose/forget about their replacement plan. B) Doesn't really need a tech service to solve the problem. It's really pathetic how fanatical the managers are in touting and ramming these things down the customers' throats, but hey, it's all in the name of profit right?
  • brook011, on 03/02/2008, -3/+11Heres the way I look at it. 150$ is a pretty standard price for a virus removal, as the time involved can often be ridiculous. The memory is almost definitely pc100/133, which doesnt come cheap in store anymore either. That being said, the memory being inserted incorrectly is definitely shady. As for pricing, I work as a PC technician personally, and most people tend to feel that pc repair should be free. There are costs involved in maintaining a repair bench that the average consumer never considers - "Work is insured, licenses for the diagnosis programs and upkeep of tools, hourly wages, etc". That person writing the story could have just as easily broken the old couples computer, and he would have no liability. It happens ALL the time, and usually to "would be" pc techs, that think they know what they're doing, but don't. And as far as I have seen in my own workplace, we aren't pushed to upsell or sell more than whats required, only to make sure to charge for what work we do.
    • Chris_F, on 03/02/2008, -2/+7Virus removal is 89.99, flat rate, whatever you have gets removed, half the time I do it for free. There is NO way of a virus removal to add up to $150 as its a SKU just like any other item in the store. We cant just charge someone whatever we bloody feel like, we don't make estimates or set prices. You want a virus removal? 89.99 at the register, simple as that. So I call ***** on this. Ram install? $29.99. He probably wouldn't have told the man he needed $120 worth of ram, so ***** x2. PC Tune-Up rings up for $0.00, they wouldn't and couldn't charge him for that. The most fault I could see is that there really wasn't a need for a diagnostic, thats the techs own personal fault, and in the end thats only 49.99 he gouged him for, which is a far cry from $400.
      • johnbellone, on 03/02/2008, -1/+1No, they very much could have charged him for a PC Tuneup. There's a SKU for the free PC-Tuneup and a SKU for the one that is still on the circulars.
        • Beelzebub, on 03/03/2008, -0/+1no, there is only one pc-tune up SKU that i know of, unless you have a list of super secret markup skus
      • brook011, on 03/04/2008, -0/+029.99 installs the memory, it doesn't include the actual memory. And 89.99 is an hours worth of labor. As with most spyware/malware problems, you are usually doing a restore versus a removal due to the depth of the problems involved, which is closer to the 150$ pricetag depending on where you go. I RARELY do virus removals these days due to the inconsistency of it, as you are often likely to see the customer back again with a similar problem and blame it on not being done correctly, versus a restore giving them a clean slate to f*ck up.
  • VinnieDaMac, on 03/02/2008, -2/+27My advice: Be nice to your grandchildren and give them tons of money every time you see them, because all the money you give them will still be less than the money you would spend at these "computer repair" shops. Chances are, your grandchildren will know just as much as these "technicians."
  • onlyclave, on 03/02/2008, -14/+9The last time I checked, Staples was a sales organization and they made their money through SALES.

    If you think their prices and services are a rip off then learn to fix your own computer. I don't care if you are 75 years old learn to fix your own damn computer. And then while you're at it learn how to do your own high voltage wiring and plumbing so those ***** electricians and plumbers can stop ripping you off with their outrageous fees.

    Consumerist is *****.
    • Myztry, on 03/02/2008, -4/+3The plumber gets payed to deal with YOUR *****.
      With places like Staple, the ***** is at their end.
      • Chris_F, on 03/02/2008, -0/+3Have you ever done tech work on peoples PCs? Half the time they are literally covered in freaking human excrement. If thats not working with ***** I don't know what is.
        • Myztry, on 03/02/2008, -2/+1Certainly have my dear lad. Mouse ***** is common (if they leave a backing plate off) especially good at disolving electrical traces. Mostly is just a combination of greasy dust caked over the heatsink like fluffy soil.
          PC's are modular and are brain dead simple to work on. Diagnostics is as simple as swapping out parts. If it's anymore than that, it's a right off. Ever tried sourcing parts and resoldering a robotic joint. Not worth the effort.
          Cost plus a 6 pack is all PC repair is worth. It's trivial. The most time consuming issue is dealing with OS problems which are best solved by imaging, and a complete reinstall, and reinstating data, rather than using dodgy half baked 'solutions'.
          THAT takes some knowledge, but if you don't have the required knowledge, you're already getting paid too much!
          • Chris_F, on 03/02/2008, -0/+4People that work at Staples start at Minimum wage (thats whopping $6.85/hour fyi), if you are hired on as a Tech you may find yourself earning a whole $0.50 a hour more, almost livable that is. A assure you they aren't being overpaid, if anything, this topic should be about how the employees are being ripped off. Second, people need to make a living. For some people thats doing PC repair. You might be able to live off of a 6 pack, but most people prefer money. I dont know what your job is, but even if its designing satellites for NASA, I could maybe tell you that it's trivial work, and you should be paid in beer.
          • Myztry, on 03/02/2008, -1/+1I'm well aware someone has to shovel the ***** 'n' such to feed the Corporate mouth. But nothing excuses being a conman to vulnerable people. Not even the extra 50c an hour. I have no respect for the wicked.
            The guy who sticks his hands into people ***** to remove a blockage that would cause an overflow inside someones home deserves ten fold the compensation than some pseudo 'tech' who might as well go fry chips.
    • RedStarRizing, on 03/02/2008, -1/+0he took a pc for a free checkup and they disconnected his ram and told him he had a virus
  • israelanderson, on 03/02/2008, -9/+5Why the hell was the Apple logo airbrushed out of the image. Being anti-Apple is so 1990s.
    • bipolar, on 03/02/2008, -0/+12Maybe they are worried about the Apple Trademark, and Apple's lawyers.
    • eugebooge, on 03/02/2008, -2/+0maybe because it's a gateway
    • bob12321, on 03/02/2008, -1/+1Don't forget the pie.
    • knute5, on 03/02/2008, -2/+1Obviously not a picture of the actual guy but a recreation or stock photo. However, had this guy owned a Mac he wouldn't have been at Staples getting gouged.
      • elchuy, on 03/02/2008, -1/+6You're right. He'd be at a Mac store getting gouged.
  • mal1964, on 03/02/2008, -4/+2Staples, Has a "extremely easy button" for senior citizens as a welcome gift when they enter the store.
  • NikRDC, on 03/02/2008, -6/+0I have never had to go to a large brand name store such as Best Buys or Staples to get my laptop fixed. In fact i don't think I've ever had a problem with the laptop. Hooray for my Sony Vaio!
    • Slade605, on 03/02/2008, -0/+3I'd say 90% of the problems are software, but hooray for you!
  • Ohimesama, on 03/02/2008, -0/+12Hmmm.. well, I work at Staples as well. (though, I am in the process of quitting as I also get 30+ hours at Starbucks and go to school full-time).
    The biggest thing about working at Staples, at least the one I work at is giving the customer what they want. My friend is an Easy Tech, and a lot of times he or the manager will do a lot of the easy stuff for free for a customer, especially if they bought the product from the store. In fact, my Easy Tech friend will often go to a customer's house and repair their computer for whatever the person wants to pay him. (He's gotten anywhere from 20$ to 150$. Though the 150$ was for 3 days of work.)
    In fact, as Gregsaw said above, we always tell the customer if they don't need something, and try to give them the best deal.
    I think that the problem is not with Staples, (though, as a corporation, I'm sure that there are issues a-plenty) but with the Easy Tech. He was either incredibly stupid or just plain dishonest.
    • psykiv, on 03/02/2008, -1/+2$150 for 3 days?
      So he made $50/day.
      Average work day is 8 hours.
      So he worked for $6.25/hr. Min wage in florida is $6.67/hr.

      Hurray! If it wasn't for the fact that he's flat out stealing money from staples (because he was stealing staples' business, ON COMPANY TIME) he'd be making less than minimum wage.
      • Ohimesama, on 03/03/2008, -0/+1Um, actually, it was on his own time. After work hours. He had the manager's support. And, just because he worked on the computer for three days does not necessarily imply that he worked 8 hours per day.
    • diadem2, on 03/02/2008, -1/+1This is very good news to hear. You are a current employee who has no reason not to give an unbiased inside view of corperate policy. Your input is more valuble than the article itself.
  • cool9488, on 03/02/2008, -2/+8I work at Staples and I personally think that this story is bull *****. Staples is built around service and they teach to do whats best for the customer. Sure they tell us to push things like ESP(Extended service/replacement plans) but who says those things don't pay off?
    • Ninjao, on 03/02/2008, -2/+1Staple is the biggest load of ***** ever. We get charged 2,50 euro for opening a file on a flash drive or CD(for printing something)... and then we get charged another 15 euro if any sort of "basic" photo editing gets done...

      Dont know if its the same for you guys in the US but here it sucks.
      • m85476585, on 03/02/2008, -0/+1I was at an office place (I don't know if it was Staples, OfficeMax, etc), and they wanted to charge me $20 to "convert" the Word document that I wanted them to print. Instead, I just went out to my car, got my laptop, and converted the document with PDFCreator for free.
        • krunchy, on 03/03/2008, -0/+2I work in a staples copy center... and it is a copy/print center. not a photo lab. I love it when people bitch because we charge so much for like 5x7s because we CAN do it, we just aren't made to.
  • webefools, on 03/02/2008, -6/+1everything in staples is a ripoff... i cant understand why they charge so much for everything... everything that's shipped in from china too..
    • sonicjosh, on 03/02/2008, -0/+3Not paper.
    • Chris_F, on 03/02/2008, -0/+1everything that's shipped in from china too... ah, hey, boso, where is the stuff made? where is everything made? china? dur. Also, how the hell can you complain about their prices WHEN THEY MATCH COMPETITORS PRICES?! Think before you speak, but please consider not speaking at all.
      • webefools, on 03/02/2008, -0/+1yeah their competitors would charged this old couple twice say $800 to fix the computer... oh sorry i guess staples is better...

        just because they gear their products for the office, office people must think that oh it must be cheaper here, so they just go blindly buy them... why do you think they offer this "match" their competitors prices? so they can jack up price, and hope their customer wont take the time...
  • shutupjoey, on 03/02/2008, -1/+7I'm a little leery about the article, and it isn't just because I'm a really cynical person, or because I work at Staples.

    First off I wouldn't blame an entire company for one employee who's trying to look good by getting a noteworthy up-sell. But I would, however, blame every company. This happens everywhere they sell computers or any appliance with an add-on. Companies make their money off the up-sell. All of them.

    Don't blame the guy who needs to till through retardedly mind-numbing training videos about "Making the Up-sell and Benefitting the Company" before then having to practice it every day (commission free at Staples) for a ***** paycheck.
  • JerodSlay, on 03/02/2008, -3/+5This makes me want to start some sort of nation wide not for lots of profit club of (people like us) who only charge Newegg parts prices and $10 or $20 and hour. We'd be able to make some money, but it would still be wayyyyyyyy cheaper and better than what's out there.
    • rizenality, on 03/02/2008, -0/+7Good luck finding someone to work for that much an hour (not to mention after paying the overhead and insurance fees)with no benefits.
    • jdpalite, on 03/02/2008, -0/+8Try fixing PCs for $10/hr for a week and tell me how you like it and how motivated you are for next Monday to roll around.
    • psykiv, on 03/02/2008, -0/+3Yea, then when any little thing happens (oh ***** i accidentally ripped off a capacitor off the motherboard while trying to disconnect something from it), guess whose pocket the damage is going to come out of.

      Also, where the hell do you live that $10/hr is enough to get a roof over your head, never mind other necessities like eating? $10/hr is fine when you're still living with your parents and basically have zero expenses, but not when you need to pay rent, insurance, electricity, water, gas, car, groceries, etc.
      • AdebisiTheGamer, on 03/02/2008, -0/+3I hear this line of thought a lot, given that I own a computer repair company.

        So let me set you straight with some facts. My "costs" to operate, and this is using one floor of my house for my business and not renting a retail location, are over 1000 a month to provide on site services (I do all my repairs on site), plus I gotta get a live able salary. I am currently taking 2K a month for myself and if you think that is to much, know that I could make 3k a month working for someone else and have had that offer more than once.

        Now, if I had to maintain a separate location, it would cost anywhere from 1500 to 3500 a month in rent, 50 more a month for insurance, 50 more a month for alarm monitoring, plus a separate heat/power/water bill.

        You, quite simply, need to charge more, a lot more, then 20 dollars an hour on labor. Sorry. Some guy up top was upset because Best Buy was going to charge 70 bucks to drive out to reboot someones router. I will break that down. 30 minutes there, reset router, reconfigure router, possibly reconfigure wireless pass phrase on however many computers are in the house, so that's another 20 minutes to 40 minutes total, plus another 30 minutes drive back. Plus gas, plus mileage and wear and tear on a car likely worth 30k, plus the 2 hour salary for your tech who gets paid by the hour even if its just driving your car. 70 bucks is very fair I think.

        As for selling parts at cost, you are insane. Especially to home users. Gawd. Sell someone a hard drive at cost, and they will blame you for every little problem that happens on their computer from that day forward. They will pressure you for free service and always say something like "This thing worked great until you put "part X" in here!!!" THAT is the nature of the business. You have two solutions, let them buy their own parts and pay you to install them, or sell them the part at a good markup.

        I mean, unless you have so much fun fixing computers you are prepared to lose bucket loads of cash to do it, the last thing you want to do is charge 20 bucks an hour to do it.
  • bwdd, on 03/02/2008, -1/+5Computer fixing has and always will be best to go to your neighbors for.
    • Philbert, on 03/02/2008, -1/+3Unless your neighbor is a Staples tech apparently.
    • AdebisiTheGamer, on 03/02/2008, -0/+1LOL, I hear that a lot. People call me for a repair, I tell them my rate, and they tell me they will get their neighbor, their nephew, their cousin, Superman, or whoever instead. What that translates to, 7 times outta 10, is "I will call you back next week when things are even worse"

      It may be fine for home users to let their next door neighbor's kid come over and work on it for 6 hours, but when your business comes to a stop for 6 hours and the kid is still searching Google for other fixes to try..... and an experienced tech can fix it in an hour and get your business up and running..... well.... is the hourly rate so bad then?

      Quite simply, I repair computers every day, all day long. It is all I do, and all I have done for 12 years now. So I will take the Pepsi challenge against any kid next door who shows up to be the local computer hero once a week because he can find the control panel, any day.
  • NiGHTSChao, on 03/02/2008, -5/+1Thats why I work at Office Max, an honest company (former geek squad/compusa associate)
    Seriously, OMX is one of the most honest companies I've ever seen, at our store, we always take care of the customer, and thats why we're 2nd in state (1st cheats D:
    • Chris_F, on 03/02/2008, -1/+2OfficeMax is worse than Staples, only thing worse is Office Depot.
    • awhiteflame, on 03/02/2008, -1/+1Is OfficeMax still even around?
    • shutupjoey, on 03/02/2008, -1/+1There's nothing more shameful than a corporate *****-sucking.

      Honestly though, congratulations on your 2nd place finish. I'm sure you feel accomplished.
  • RationalXubrnce, on 03/02/2008, -0/+12Well lets take a look see here, yep yep, just what I thought. Sir it looks like your Flux Capacitor is shot.
    • mrblonde314, on 03/03/2008, -0/+1And while diagnosing the problem I've come across an "I.D. Ten T." error as well...
  • drpleau, on 03/02/2008, -2/+0That is horrible. Doesn't surprise me. My Grandpa bought a computer there a year ago, and they sold him windows vista with 512mb of RAM.
    But, to tell you the truth, I'm surprised that anyone goes to Staples. They have horrible prices, and have little knowledge of their products(specifics).
    • joeltth, on 03/03/2008, -0/+2actually staples has the low price guarantee..
      • nujikabane, on 04/01/2008, -0/+0Then why the exorbitant price? I guess that is their way to scheme people out of their money.
  • Airloss, on 07/18/2008, -2/+13I once tried to buy 1GB of ram back in early 2005 from bb. My computer wouldn't start and since this was my first computer I did not want to break it so I took it to geek squad to have a diagnostic ran. The employee said my ram had failed and I need to get a new stick. 1GB of pc3200 for 179.99.. Instead the guy said that his stores prices were too high and to go down to Frys Electronics to pick up 1GBpc3200 for 86$.

    IMO, It is entirely the people who you are dealing with and not some formfactor ***** association these guys belong to.
    • drpleau, on 03/02/2008, -1/+3That was nice of the guy. Surprised that someone would tell someone to go to another store to buy something that they had, unless they are a disgruntle worker.
    • thedragon4453, on 03/02/2008, -0/+4The problem is that it sounds like the big box stores actively encourage the employee to try to screw the customer.
    • knute5, on 03/02/2008, -0/+0Problem is if the employee is rewarded by the organization (via commission, SPIF, etc.) then even nice guys are tempted to find chargeable problems.
  • Myztry, on 03/02/2008, -2/+2What is needed in this case is a crew equipped to record evidence, and a pro-bono lawyer to make sure the fraud comes with jail time for any ranking staff who either allow or require such practise.
    Fines don't do it. They barely even make a dent in the profit sheet for scams like this.
    • Myztry, on 03/02/2008, -0/+2I see the confusion. Australian law is derived from English law leading me to have the non-universal assumption that obtaining gain by deception is a criminal offense. Apparently America doesn't take that legal/moral highground.
      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deception_offences
  • ism70605, on 03/02/2008, -11/+0Let old people spend their money on asinine things such as this. If anyone is stupid enough to spend $400 on a likely outdated piece of equipment, then let them! Capitalism demands making the most money off a business transactions as possible. So what, capitalism wins. Maybe if this keeps on I won't get stuck behind the old person on the freeway as they can't afford insurance. We all truly win.
    • diggonator2007, on 03/02/2008, -0/+14So you wouldn't care then if someone was trying rip off your grandparents, parents or whatever? Give me a break, that is a stupid outlook on things. What is so asinine about the old man wanting to get his computer fixed? He probably uses it to talk with his family and/or share pictures of the grandkids.
      What is asinine, is people like you that have no moral boundaries and don't mind taking advantage of people that need help with something. Shame on you, you get buried by me!
  • hushcolours, on 03/02/2008, -7/+0Hi everyone,

    Well, if someone wants to sell me something that I can't install on my on, they will only sell it if they install for free.
    Fortunately untill now I've been lucky by not needing to contract VERY EXPENSIVE services.
    And I'm happy with my old (1999) computer that still works fine.
    Otherwise I would not be posting here.
    Unfortunately these kind of things happen all the time and elders are often ripped off. Shame on people who do so. Maybe they don't think that one day they may depend upon the kindness of others.
    Ah! the captcha image wasn't showing, but the sound image was so I clicked it to listen. The sound really sucks!

    Take care,
    José
    • derek20cali, on 03/02/2008, -0/+4You win the award for most pointless comment on digg today. Congratulations!
    • isunktheship, on 03/02/2008, -0/+8What? How the hell did you find us?
    • PueSi, on 03/02/2008, -0/+1I like cheese
  • karrtoon, on 03/02/2008, -7/+2I used to work for a larger company like that, but finally started my own thing. I don't charge anywhere near what these jerks charge. This is my new site http://www.computerrepaircity.com if you need a free diagnosis.
  • mattmedwards, on 03/02/2008, -9/+1The elderly rip us all off every day with their bottomless Medicare entitlements and Social Security checks, which we will never see.
    • proliance, on 03/02/2008, -0/+2And yet they still pay their taxes to educate you in public schools.
      • mattmedwards, on 03/02/2008, -1/+0Oh god . . . The AARP has made criticizing the elderly akin to drowning puppies. Check your numbers, bro. Medicare is bankrupting this country. You don't pay taxes on Medicare entitlements. You don't pay taxes on your Social Security checks.
    • nujikabane, on 04/01/2008, -0/+0That's a harsh statement. Imagine you growing old and heard your dear sons and daughters said the same thing about you, how'd you feel ? C'mon, they've contributed to the contry, however small it may be. Now it si the time we should repay it. Remember, you'll become old too.
  • geekdw, on 03/02/2008, -3/+5Here's my story:
    I work for a small local computer business in Austin, TX. The owner knows next to nothing about computers, and he had hired a manager that would run the store for him (for a very large paycheck) so he didn't have to work. The manager even admitted to me (while he was drunk after work) that he thinks taking advantage of ignorance is ok... The next day, I admitted to him that I enjoy helping people with their computer problems, but I don't care about making the store more money. I don't like taking advantage of people, especially if the only thing I get out of it is...nothing, the owner (that doesn't work) makes more money off of my taking advantage of those poor people. And the manager gets to keep his $5,000 per month paycheck (oh by the way, not really a check, the owner doesn't like doing tax forms so he pays in cash). I'm getting out of there soon, and I can't wait.
    I also maintain the store's web site. If they piss me off enough, couldn't I use that to my advantage? "...what? i don't know why it would all the sudden start redirecting to 2 girls 1 cup...?" ;)
    • timeshifter, on 03/02/2008, -2/+4So the owner of your company doesn't work there? What ***** difference does that make? He has enough money to own and operate a computer store, and presumably earn a return on his money without having to be there every day. It's called an investment. Look it up.
      • geekdw, on 03/02/2008, -0/+3That was far from the point. You probably missed this part... "makes more money off of my taking advantage of those poor people" which is in line with the Staples story up there.
    • freakguy54321, on 03/02/2008, -0/+1I liked your story
    • diadem2, on 03/02/2008, -0/+5In the future, you shouldn't reveal stuff like that. There's no advantage to it in this case, and from the way you described it, admitting you don't care about making the store money will lose you points in his eyes. This isn't such a big deal for a job like that, but in the corperate world, it could make your life a living hell. In general, if someone is unethical, trying to convince them to change their ways isn't going to work and may be a hindrence. If your morals bother you, find another job; don't put your current one in jepordy for no gain. It'll just raise drama. Instead, find a place that will let you sleep at night.
    • wookee88, on 03/02/2008, -0/+0good for you! most people'd just say that they have no choice and keep working there, i admire you have the courage!!
  • GreatGrizzly, on 03/02/2008, -3/+3Interesting. Where I work (OfficeMax) we charge 100 dollars to have a computer cleaned of all junk, virii, pests, ect and have a firewall, popup blocker, antivirus (with free updates for life), and anti spyware. Those people that take their stuff to staples, BB, ect are getting ripped off. Plus, if we dont fix it, its free. So ya, not all of the big box stores are ripoffs.
    • spiralspirit, on 03/02/2008, -1/+3well it makes sense that if you don't fix it, you shouldn't charge. What exactly would the point of my taking something to you to be fixed, you playing with it for 2 hours, returning it to me in the same condition, but charging me? That would be bad business.
      • awhiteflame, on 03/02/2008, -1/+1And illegal. You were contracted to do work and the work was not done. You can't charge for that.
    • Kyan, on 03/02/2008, -0/+1Pests? People bring in PCs infested with rats and vermin?
      • darkane, on 03/02/2008, -0/+1It's a technical term that us peons just don't understand.
  • richman241, on 03/02/2008, -1/+3Staples has been ripping of the young for years.
  • isunktheship, on 03/02/2008, -0/+1Computers are the new cars. Ever heard of the Sears Special?
  • Shadowsnake, on 03/02/2008, -1/+5ever had to explain to an crazy old guy that we dont carry UPS cables? Or how about that chestnut where you tell them wireless isnt everywhere and that you have to pay for it. Being a staples drone and dealing with the oldest of people isnt easy so im sure theres more here...
  • TonyTheTerrible, on 03/02/2008, -3/+5its a terrible thing to take advantage of the elderly, some dont have renewable income. only a real low life scum bag would do something like this. i hope the guys that loosened the ram lose their jobs.
    • psykiv, on 03/02/2008, -7/+1So what? It's our fault that instead of doing something smart like getting a job with a solid pension or saving and investing so they have a passive income, they decided to eat ***** and blow all their money on whatever? Is it our fault that they may have had a ***** low paying job all their life? It's nothing but their fault. Why should I feel pity for the stupid? Communist.
      • nujikabane, on 04/01/2008, -0/+0You've taken his statement out of context, what he meant was it is not proper for Staples to charged such an exorbitant price for their services, especially to the elderly. Now what are you blabbering about eating sh*t and all ?
    • mookie1510, on 03/02/2008, -0/+2I wish I had renewable income.
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