Where NOT to buy a computer

[Guest Cerebus]

Ok so I took my Toshiba laptop to CompUSA after it crapped out. Went to the local CompUSA and told the clerk that despite the fact the laptop was bought a mere six weeks ago, my only option was to send it back to the manufacturer, despite my having purchased a three-year maintenance agreement from CompUSA.

 

I inquired whether CompUSA could just provide me with a loaner by using my laptop's hard drive during the intervening time that Toshiba needed to replace the motherboard. I was told that:

 

- Yes, that can be done.

- The manager whose approval would be required decided to go home early.

 

I asked if another CompUSA in the area might have their manager on duty. After waiting 10 minutes for calls, I was told:

 

- The nearest store had a manager on duty.

- They did not have a laptop available as a loaner.

 

Figuring I was fighting an uphill b attle, I told the clerk to call the manager who decided to go home early to get approval for the loaner. He disappeared for another 15 minutes, and when he returned, he told me this:

 

- The manager wasn't available.

- He didn't need the manager to authorize the use of a loaner with my hard drive swapped in.

- CompUSA would charge me $100 per week for the use of the "loaner".

 

I explained that with that pricing, each week would cost me roughly 10% of what I paid for the laptop to begin with. I also expressed how happy I was with with their shit customer service, given that CompUSA sold me a defective machine less than six weeks ago. I then asked how long it would take for the computer to get fixed. He told me that it could be as long as three weeks, which meant that my "loaner" would have cost me $300, or about a third of the computer's original price.

 

Oh but the best part is yet to come:

 

When I asked why that was, he told me that Toshiba had problems with inventory control, so they didn't know what parts they had on hand at any one time.

 

So here's my advice to anyone who is looking to buy a computer. Don't buy a Toshiba, because God help you if it requires any parts replacement. And don't buy anything at CompUSA, whose idea of customer service after they take your money is to shrug their shoulders and explain to you in a half-dozen ways why it isn't their problem they sold you a pile of shit.

 

Oh yeah, here's Maddox's logo for CompUSA.

 

 

I can't say I don't like it.

[the max 0]

Find out when that supposed guy in charge will be back in, go in and yell at him. I'd pull the "I refuse to pay for a loaner while I'm using it, since this is CompUSA's fault...I'm not leaving this store until I'm satisfied as a customer"

 

After this is over, report them to the BBB too.

[Guest Dynamite Kido]

MAKE A SCENE IN THE STORE. That is if you don't get embarrassed easily. Otherwise, follow Max's advice and report them to the BBB.

 

p.s. - I'm actually not kidding either. If you make a scene they WILL give you what you want 9 times out of 10.

[Dr. Tom 0]

Definitely make a scene. Talk loudly about how bad their service is and how shitty theit extended warranties are. (BTW, never buy those on computers, from anyone.) Randomly shout in the direction of other customers about how CompUSA is dicking you on their warranty to the tune of hundreds of dollars. If they still don't give you what you want, threaten to call the local paper with a scoop about CompUSA scamming people on warranties (have a friend you can call ready in advance to play along). If they can live with you making a scene, they certainly won't want the bad press.

[Guest Cerebus]

I wish I had brought my wife along with me. Since she was the one who actually bought the computer (for my birthday) she was pissed as all hell when I told her what the pricks had told me. She is one scary psycho bitch when it comes to stuff like this (gets it from her dad apparently).

[Red Baron 0]

Staples Depot is the worst. Over-priced for what you get (would have save 300 bucks to get the same computer at Future Shop)

[Guest PlatinumBoy]

If you do make a scene--don't swear though. I've tried it with the 4 letter words, and that doesn't help.

[Guest Agent of Oblivion]

The key is delivery.

[Paul Stanley 0]

I bought an HP laptop for $400 cheaper at WAL MART than CompUSA, thats really saying something.

 

 

And when i got it, it was defective...they just gave me a new one from their stock.

 

 

plus CompUSA is the Toys R Us of PC, %25 higher prices

[kkktookmybabyaway 0]

I'd never buy anything more than paper and pens from a CompUSA or Staples, and those Toshiba laptops really do look flimsy. For as rich as you and your better half are, she could have gotten you a better product. Guess she doesn't love you as much as you think.

 

You look like a Palestinian. Come back with some bulky material strapped to you and wear a trenchcoat.

 

Chant some Allah stuff, too. That'll get you your refund.

 

And what exactly does that service contract cover?...

[Masked Man of Mystery 0]

I have a Toshiba laptop I got at Best Buy and other than an odd thingamabob some site installed on the computer before I went to Mozilla, everything has been fine other than the power supply. Thankfully, I have the Service Plan, and things have been cool, other than some confusion the last time I needed a replacement. They're usually pretty okay about things, although loaners don't exist there. From my experience though, making a scene is a nice way to look like an idiot and get laughed at by employees later on

[Eclipse 0]

Well, I had an experience like that with Staples, but it was a little different. We had the PC shipped to us, since we didn't have the means to take it home from the store. Well, they said the PC would be here in two weeks. I got the PC sometime in the 3rd week of February 2001, and they said it would come March 6, 2001.

 

Well, 2 weeks passed, and nothing. We got the PC almost a week too late. Then, when I did get the PC, I got it with no speakers, and a defective mouse! Plus, the form for the rebate we were getting, which was supposed to come with the PC, never came. My mom and dad went back to the store, and my dad turned into a demon! He yelled like I never yelled before! He was demanding that the PC be returned, and wanted his money back! Eventually, the ppl had to replace the mouse and give us new speakers, that were on premises! They told my dad they would be have to reorder it, but they took the speakers from a display PC, and gave us a mouse, with a new mouseball, and cleaned it in front of me to show this thing was gonna act like new! We eventually walked out of the store with new speakers and mouse! Never again will I buy a PC there...

 

 

Now, about the CompUSA thing...

 

I went to a technical school for computers and networking. ALL THE TIME, when my teachers had the chance, they said: "If you guys fail these tests, you are either A, gonna fail and drop, B, gonna fail and drop out, or C...you WILL WORK FOR CompUSA! I always wondered why the joke was on them! Well, he told me that the customer service was costly, they treat the on-site techs like slaves, and overall, the store is not a place for techs or for customers to buy PCs or fix them. Well, I guess in your situation, the shoddy service is there...

[redbaron29 0]

Otherwise, follow Max's advice and report them to the BBB.

 

This will also get results...Best Buy is currently being sued here, by the state of Ohio over there shitty in house contracts, and there selling of used items as brand new. I think the lawsuit is for millions...which would be well worth your slice of the pie.