So I was fully ready to work on the Sempron 3300+ article alongside my dual core stuff for next week...except the two Celeron D 345s that I ordered, from two separate places, didn't arrive until after the NDA had already lifted...so that kinda threw a wrench into things :) But now that I've got the CPUs, I'm running those tests in the background while I work on stuff for next week.
Also while trying to run Sempron 3300+ benchmarks earlier, I realized that all of my Socket-754 boards up here are no longer functional (all two of them). In order to remedy the situation, I had to run down to CompUSA to pick up a board so I could have the article ready for Monday. The one thing I dread the most about going to places like CompUSA or BestBuy is having the dreaded service plan pushed on me. I'm sure their tactics work on some folks otherwise they wouldn't still be doing them, but there is nothing more annoying. Luckily my trip to CompUSA today wasn't nearly as bad as past experiences; the two sales gals stopped pushing the plan on me only after having me say no twice - usually it takes many more tries before they give up. I've literally tried everything from telling them I'm never going to use the product and I just bought it to keep in my attic, to telling them that my company won't authorize me to purchase anything above and beyond the base price of the item - nothing seems to work. How do you all handle this problem (other than just shopping online, which I do most of the time but there are times when I need to get something right away and for that I have to go to BB/CompUSA)?
Also while trying to run Sempron 3300+ benchmarks earlier, I realized that all of my Socket-754 boards up here are no longer functional (all two of them). In order to remedy the situation, I had to run down to CompUSA to pick up a board so I could have the article ready for Monday. The one thing I dread the most about going to places like CompUSA or BestBuy is having the dreaded service plan pushed on me. I'm sure their tactics work on some folks otherwise they wouldn't still be doing them, but there is nothing more annoying. Luckily my trip to CompUSA today wasn't nearly as bad as past experiences; the two sales gals stopped pushing the plan on me only after having me say no twice - usually it takes many more tries before they give up. I've literally tried everything from telling them I'm never going to use the product and I just bought it to keep in my attic, to telling them that my company won't authorize me to purchase anything above and beyond the base price of the item - nothing seems to work. How do you all handle this problem (other than just shopping online, which I do most of the time but there are times when I need to get something right away and for that I have to go to BB/CompUSA)?
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Dybo70 - Thursday, April 21, 2005 - link
How do I avoid it, well I avoid CompUSA and BestBuy like the plague. Luckily I have a Micro Center 10 minutes from my house, so if I ever need anything computer related ASAP I just head over there. Besides, the prices there for computer stuff and the selection of brands and versions are a million times better!GoatHerderEd - Thursday, April 21, 2005 - link
No, you cannot just buy them on batteries. But the product you buy has batteries (rechargeable) they are covered.Myrandex - Wednesday, April 20, 2005 - link
Service plans on laptops and cell phones are awesome at Best Buy. But seriously, tell them you worked there before and you don't want it. I told them that at best buy and he was sitting there laughing and saying "I have a strange feeling not asking you if you want antivirus".Jason
turin39789 - Wednesday, April 20, 2005 - link
Can you buy a service plan on batteries? Cause they were made for warranties on general usageGoatHerderEd - Tuesday, April 19, 2005 - link
Viditorm and ChrisHAs an employee I would say, “well if your card doubles the warrantee, it is just doubling nothing, because as you might not know, the MFG warranty is nearly worthless. Our Performance Service Plan covers normal wear and tear, dust, heat, humidly, power surges and general usage; all things the MFG does not.”
MarkHark
Best Buy honors their service plan in all countries. All you have to do is have a repair shop fix it and then BB will reimburse you for the amount you paid for the repair, or if the repair is over the purchase price, you just get the estimate and buy something new, and BB will refund your money.
Doug
Best Buy does not offer a plan at that price. It was most likely $40. I would try to tell you why you should buy it now, but I know you don’t want to hear it :P
On a separate note, I would say the best way to end the service plan madness is to say “Thank you for your offer, I am aware of all of the benefits, but at this time I would not like to purchase the plan. But again, thank you for the offer.” You might even want to say, “I work for the company, I know everything about them.”
And if you all haven’t guessed, I have worked for Best Buy, and love the plans on almost everything. I have received numerous refunds and replacements, although recently it has become more of a pain to get them.
Go Anand!
-Ed
SleepNoMore - Tuesday, April 19, 2005 - link
Tell them:I'm not the secret shopper - you have done your duty and I refuse the service plan.
If they persist:
If you keep mentioning the service plan I'm going to get mad.
But then they will send the stupid rent-a-cop they keep at their doors and Bobo will escort you out as a potential terrorist.
Doug - Tuesday, April 19, 2005 - link
By the way, this makes me wonder. I wonder if anyone recognized Anand during checkout when he showed them his I.D. and his credit card. If these people are into hardware one bit, I am sure they would know Anand.Hey Anand, have you ever had a sales associate get all excited when they look at your I.D./Credit Card and realize it's "THE ANAND"? :)
Doug - Tuesday, April 19, 2005 - link
#26: It's very surprising to hear you have such bad experience with Fry's employees. Our Fry's is exceptional. Then again, we only have ONE Fry's in East Coast, so they might be nice in the beginning and turn evil later on. ;)dmo - Monday, April 18, 2005 - link
I then go to Fry's Electronics. MUHAHAHAHAHAHA. I walk in and I grab something because they almost always have what I want (even OCZ memory too). Then I pay and walk out. Oh. Fry's employees blow. So if you use the store as a walk in walk out place then it works. Otherwise, it sucks to deal with those idiots.Webdoctors - Monday, April 18, 2005 - link
haha, pure jokez.but nice to see U R still civil about it, as honestly they are forced by management and they are just trying to eek out a decent living.
Perhaps in da future can just bluntly ask why they want U to get one so badly...