What do Geek Squad people do?

dsella · 06-29-2008, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sir Travis D

Geek Squad is an overpriced computer problem solving team that people use. They usually have a low "fix" rating, around 90 percent, but that is low because 1/10 people have the same problem.

http://digg.com/tech_news/Geek_Squad_SUCKS
5800+ diggs

..as long as I get paid. :p

Sir Travis D · 06-29-2008, 08:45 AM

Oh I didn't know you wanted to join it..

If you're not good at solving problems, and are unfamiliar with the Windows operating system and it's problems sometimes, you should apply for a different type of job at best buy.

dsella · 06-29-2008, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sir Travis D

Oh I didn't know you wanted to join it..

If you're not good at solving problems, and are unfamiliar with the Windows operating system and it's problems sometimes, you should apply for a different type of job at best buy.

I do not necessarily mean I am not GOOD with them, I am just not familiar with most, and was wondering that you have to do for the job. But, I am not even 100% sure on Best Buy. It is a 10-15 minute drive from my house, and with gas prices, might not be worth it...

Sir Travis D · 06-29-2008, 08:52 AM

You can always get one of these

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scooter_(motorcycle)

Some offer 100mpg, and I've heard you don't need insurance if you wear a helmet.
For the job, you probably have to be good troubleshooting problems. For instance on an easy problem, someone calls. They say their computer feels hot everywhere, and it shuts down constantly. You would have to think of overheating due dust, or the fans being blocked as a possible problem. There are harder problems you could be faced with, such as a hard to find virus or spyware program.

Motoxrdude · 06-29-2008, 08:57 AM

Good luck getting a job there at 15 and no drivers license.

dsella · 06-29-2008, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Motoxrdude

Good luck getting a job there at 15 and no drivers license.

Can people read? I said WHEN THE TIME COMES.

ellanky · 06-29-2008, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsella

Can people read? I said WHEN THE TIME COMES.

Seriously...

imsati · 06-29-2008, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Cool. I was thinking about that, but I wanted to do something where I build custom computers and ship them out to people. Would something like that every go through?

dsella, while I applaud your enthusiasm, I think you might need a little shove towards reality as far as your business idea goes. There's nothing wrong with wanting to do what you were thinking, but the real-life logistics of it aren't as easy as "build computers --> ship computers". Like it or not, big-brand companies have the hardware market cornered; this isn't my opinion - it's simply fact. They are able do spit out thousands of systems across all price-ranges for a fairly consistent hardware-based profit margin. Because of that, it really isn't feasible for someone who does custom builds (unless you want to cater to a very specific niche market, in which case, chances are, the customer will already know what they want and have the skill/know-how to do it themselves, or someone else who has been in the market for a while will have already beaten you to them).

If you want to get into this business, soak up every ounce of information you can about the entire business (hardware, software, etc.). The vast majority of my business comes from servicing systems and software-related issues. Maybe 5% total comes from building actual systems, and that's only for my Home Clients - with the Business ones that probably drops to less than 1%. In short, the money simple isn't there as far as custom builds go. Sure you might get a system here and there, but nothing even remotely close to live off.

Please don't view this Post as an attack or bash, but rather as a 'hey, I'm not sure how serious you were about it, but take a few minutes to see the full picture and not get any false hopes' type.

As far as Geek Squad goes, it's hit or miss depending on where you work and the skill level of the others there - Firedog is the same thing. Granted, every once in a while you'll have someone there who's super-skilled and just biding time while finishing up school or while they're trying to grow their own business, but the majority seem to be folks that really aren't that great with computers in the first place - they just happened to know more than the other guy who applied. They follow a specific set of trouble-shooting steps as dictated in their little book. If the problem isn't resolved by the end of those steps, it's hit-or-miss as to whether or not they have the reasoning to dig further. Also, make no doubt, they are salespeople first, <cough>repair technicians<cough> second. It's their job to sell people products and services, not jut fix a system.

Twist86 · 06-29-2008, 03:55 PM

Geek Squad I use to work for and quit because they always made sure to rip ppl off.

Example guy comes in says he gets a error every time he boots up.

Problem dead HD
Solution new HD that we charged 3x the value for as well as pegged on 4 man hours and a version of windows vista for 200 bucks which the guy obviously didn't want but had no choice but to pay. It took me 10 mins to figure out the problem. Since I have had issues like it before.

Sadly idiots are starting to out number smart people.
If ripping ppl off doesn't bother you then join um. They pay about 12 bucks a hour or so. I warn you though 90% of them don't know ANYTHING other then what the "typical" problem is.

dsella · 07-01-2008, 05:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by imsati

dsella, while I applaud your enthusiasm, I think you might need a little shove towards reality as far as your business idea goes. There's nothing wrong with wanting to do what you were thinking, but the real-life logistics of it aren't as easy as "build computers --> ship computers". Like it or not, big-brand companies have the hardware market cornered; this isn't my opinion - it's simply fact. They are able do spit out thousands of systems across all price-ranges for a fairly consistent hardware-based profit margin. Because of that, it really isn't feasible for someone who does custom builds (unless you want to cater to a very specific niche market, in which case, chances are, the customer will already know what they want and have the skill/know-how to do it themselves, or someone else who has been in the market for a while will have already beaten you to them).

If you want to get into this business, soak up every ounce of information you can about the entire business (hardware, software, etc.). The vast majority of my business comes from servicing systems and software-related issues. Maybe 5% total comes from building actual systems, and that's only for my Home Clients - with the Business ones that probably drops to less than 1%. In short, the money simple isn't there as far as custom builds go. Sure you might get a system here and there, but nothing even remotely close to live off.

Please don't view this Post as an attack or bash, but rather as a 'hey, I'm not sure how serious you were about it, but take a few minutes to see the full picture and not get any false hopes' type.

As far as Geek Squad goes, it's hit or miss depending on where you work and the skill level of the others there - Firedog is the same thing. Granted, every once in a while you'll have someone there who's super-skilled and just biding time while finishing up school or while they're trying to grow their own business, but the majority seem to be folks that really aren't that great with computers in the first place - they just happened to know more than the other guy who applied. They follow a specific set of trouble-shooting steps as dictated in their little book. If the problem isn't resolved by the end of those steps, it's hit-or-miss as to whether or not they have the reasoning to dig further. Also, make no doubt, they are salespeople first, <cough>repair technicians<cough> second. It's their job to sell people products and services, not jut fix a system.

I am not saying I want to have it as my main job, and live off of it. I am just saying that maybe I could start a site, or do something and get some interest and make some money here and there...

06-29-2008, 08:45 AM	#12 (permalink)
Sir Travis D Diamond Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Michigan, USA Age: 14 Posts: 1,183	Oh I didn't know you wanted to join it.. If you're not good at solving problems, and are unfamiliar with the Windows operating system and it's problems sometimes, you should apply for a different type of job at best buy. __________________ Alienware Area-51 M15x Owner Winner of CFclan suicide and whiner medals, 2008

06-29-2008, 08:52 AM	#14 (permalink)
Sir Travis D Diamond Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Michigan, USA Age: 14 Posts: 1,183	You can always get one of these http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scooter_(motorcycle) Some offer 100mpg, and I've heard you don't need insurance if you wear a helmet. For the job, you probably have to be good troubleshooting problems. For instance on an easy problem, someone calls. They say their computer feels hot everywhere, and it shuts down constantly. You would have to think of overheating due dust, or the fans being blocked as a possible problem. There are harder problems you could be faced with, such as a hard to find virus or spyware program. __________________ Alienware Area-51 M15x Owner Winner of CFclan suicide and whiner medals, 2008

06-29-2008, 08:57 AM	#15 (permalink)
Motoxrdude Diamond Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Nor Cal Age: 18 Posts: 6,513	Good luck getting a job there at 15 and no drivers license. __________________ RIP Mom 9/17/55-02/22/08.

06-29-2008, 03:55 PM	#19 (permalink)
Twist86 Platinum Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Indiana Age: 22 Posts: 653	Geek Squad I use to work for and quit because they always made sure to rip ppl off. Example guy comes in says he gets a error every time he boots up. Problem dead HD Solution new HD that we charged 3x the value for as well as pegged on 4 man hours and a version of windows vista for 200 bucks which the guy obviously didn't want but had no choice but to pay. It took me 10 mins to figure out the problem. Since I have had issues like it before. Sadly idiots are starting to out number smart people. If ripping ppl off doesn't bother you then join um. They pay about 12 bucks a hour or so. I warn you though 90% of them don't know ANYTHING other then what the "typical" problem is. Last edited by Twist86; 06-29-2008 at 03:59 PM.

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