[Smety]

Originally Posted by Alex Ethridge

Smety,

From what you write, one can safely conclude you have never run a full time business on which you have depended for several years for your entire support.

True.

[RedHelix]

Originally Posted by primetime212

yeah they hardly make any profit...thats why they make millions

Okay, you need to take a few Econ classes and stop pretending you know what you're talking about.

Originally Posted by Colossus610

That's the point this thread is trying to make
Skilled labor is simply not cheap, and you're an uninformed consumer if you expect it to be.
Geek Squad for the most part , is NOT skilled labor. No mandatory qualifications, no required industry experience, no required schooling, etc etc.

Most mechanics have gone to trade schools at the very minumum,(UTI, Lincoln Tech, that sort of thing in my area), so that 100 bucks for the brake pad means that that guy that can do it in 20 minutes has done it before, and knows how to do it correctly.

If the majority of auto technicians went to vocational or technical school before working in a garage, that's definitely news to me. Most of the technicians I've seen work on my car are my age, (20,) and judging by the rims on the vehicles in the employee parking area at Sears, Valvolines, and JiffyLubes all over where I live, I'm inclined to believe that these technicians are just as much of a casual-hobbyist-turned-career story as Geek Squad Agents.

But the truth is, we're both just using anecdotal evidence... so there's really no point in arguing.

What I really don't understand is your logic when you say that a mechanic having gone to school automatically makes him an expert auto repair technician. A Computer Science degree does not automatically make you a good programmer, nor does A+ certification make you... well... make you much of anything, really.

When we charge you 80 bucks to restore your operating system or 30 bucks to properly install a video card, you can rest assured that the agent doing it has done it before. In fact, he's probably done it 4 or 5 times that day already. So, I don't see what the problem is.

[boberuski]

Originally Posted by primetime212

I guess its hard to plug in a cable into your XBox port..then follow the directions on screen..maybe for illiterate folks

What about the grandma buying it for her grandchild or the 7 or 8 yr old who's parents still think it is an atari...What your not thinking about is the fact that you know this stuff, its easy for you, most people could care less about learning. They would rather pay someone to take care of the problem, "I have better things to do" is their mentality.

As for blanket statements about anything, nothing is all or never.

Would any of you take your computer to be repaired...Why would you since this is what you do, Why would a mechanic take his car to have the oil changed...

I'm sure there is more room on the bandwagon...just jump on...

[boberuski]

Originally Posted by frisbeemom

The Weak Squad at Best Buy "made a mistake" and did a Systems Restore on my laptop, which had a Trojan Venudo virus. I asked for a Systems Service. They made NO back-up disk for me, of course.

Since this was their "mistake" they said they are going to use some kind of forensic program "like the FBI uses" to TRY to recover my data.
My question is, does this sound feasible? And when I pick it up, is there something specific I should ask re: what was done?

Also, please use my note as a testimonial to the fact that we should all only trust our local, independent tech support people. I stupidly went to Best Buy because when this virus popped up, it was 8:30 at night, and I was desperate to be told it could be fixed. I didn't even know how many tech folks we have in my town until it was too late. I REGRET this to pieces!!!

Did you bother to read the disclaimer handed to you that says you are responsible for backing up your own data...I don't want to sound like an azz but I believe it states that YOU are responsible for your data no one else unless you ask for a data backup.

I think what bothers me most is the people who mess up their computers and are angry at the person trying to fix their mistakes, and who doesn't backup their data??? That is like rule #1 for computing.

I would recommend reading paper before signing it...Or would you sign this thing that looks like a check for a million dollars...

Don't blame others for things you could prevent.

P.S. before everyone gets in a huff, I'm not condoning what was done, just the fact that knowledge is the responsibility of everyone.

[Alex Ethridge]

Did you bother to read the disclaimer handed to you that says you are responsible for backing up your own data...

The data backup clause is a gray area. It is gray because it is the user's responsibility; but, at the same time the tech knows the user doesn't back up (in 95% or more of the cases). The tech is supposed to be the "professional" so it is therefore his responsibility to fill this gap by calling the user's attention to this clause and ask the user if he wants (to pay for) backup before the other work is done.

Anything less than this on the tech's part is unprofessional and incompetent.

If the tech isn't aware that the user-created data is in many cases more valuable than the computer, itself, and act accordingly, he is at least just as incompetent and dumb about what should be his area of expertise as the user is about computer use and data backup. For some reason The Three Stooges comes to mind here.

[Rockn]

Originally Posted by prescottn

How many people on here have ever worked with an incompetent co-worker? I have 6 years experience in this field, and was trained by the US Navy. You all are slandering a company that is only a year and a half old. Geek Squad is enforcing more strict highering policies, but at the same time if you all are experiencing problems as severe as described (which I find hard to believe). Please call our corporate office or 1-800-Geek Squad and schedule a redo on your service if one is warranted. As for our prices? I'm sorry I spent 6 years in the military learning my trade not to mention many hours of school time. I like getting paid for what I worked hard to learn. I know my $#!+ and if someone in a different district/state/city whatever doesn't reffer them to me, and I can make your experience with a Geek Squad agent like myself more enjoyable, and your confidence in our expertise much more defined.

CI Agent Nick Prescott store 00421 Chesapeake, Va 23320

Counter Intelligence Agent?? Sorry, It is an oxymoron in my opinion! I'd ask for a different title.

[boberuski]

Originally Posted by Alex Ethridge

The data backup clause is a gray area. It is gray because it is the user's responsibility; but, at the same time the tech knows the user doesn't back up (in 95% or more of the cases). The tech is supposed to be the "professional" so it is therefore his responsibility to fill this gap by calling the user's attention to this clause and ask the user if he wants (to pay for) backup before the other work is done.

Anything less than this on the tech's part is unprofessional and incompetent.

If the tech isn't aware that the user-created data is in many cases more valuable than the computer, itself, and act accordingly, he is at least just as incompetent and dumb about what should be his area of expertise as the user is about computer use and data backup. For some reason The Three Stooges comes to mind here.

Quite true; however, as you stated it ultimately is the users responsibility. There is NO grey area about it, it is or it isn't and this most certainly IS. Should the "tech" ask, yeah probably so, should you read before you sign, WITHOUT QUESTION period... It all comes back to the consumer being informed, if you break the law Ignorance is not a valid excuse; same thing applies.

I don't want to sound harsh, but does it give me the right to complain about the mechanic because he didn't tell me I should change the oil...then my car breaks...Or is it my responsibility to know how to maintain my vehicle. Perhaps if I had a question I should ask. I just get tired of hearing people complain and not taking responsibility for their own actions.

Like I stated before, I don't condone the action, but to complain about something that could have been avoided is well, lame. Lawyers call it 90/10...90% your fault and 10% theirs.

I'm not siding with either side, both have valid points. It gets my goat when someone takes the easy way out.

Three stooges, funny...

[Alex Ethridge]

Your post assumes a level of knowledge most users don't have. Most users don't understand the concept that their data is written to a hard disk that can be erased. Some even think that backing their data to another folder on the same disk is sufficient. As a matter of fact, they don't even understand what a hard disk is. In almost all cases, the user would not be able to explain anything they read in the disclaimer any better than he would a law or medical brief. That is why they depend on a tech to look out for them when they bring their computers in.

The tech should be thankful users don't know these things. It is the reason he has a job and he should conduct himself according to the trust and confidence placed in him by the user who knows nothing of these things.

There is no "probably" about it. The tech should ask--in every case. To do less is incompetence or sloth; there is nothing else it can be.

It gets my goat when someone takes the easy way out.

I wonder how much "work" is involved in saying the magic words, "Everything you ever put on this computer will be lost unless we back up your user-created data. Do you want us to back it up for a fee of $ ___.__?".

Too many techs find the "easy" way is simply to not say those words.

[primetime212]

Originally Posted by Rockn

Counter Intelligence Agent?? Sorry, It is an oxymoron in my opinion! I'd ask for a different title.

wow..thats mean and funny at the same time.

[boberuski]

Originally Posted by Alex Ethridge

Your post assumes a level of knowledge most users don't have. Most users don't understand the concept that their data is written to a hard disk that can be erased. Some even think that backing their data to another folder on the same disk is sufficient. As a matter of fact, they don't even understand what a hard disk is. In almost all cases, the user would not be able to explain anything they read in the disclaimer any better than he would a law or medical brief. That is why they depend on a tech to look out for them when they bring their computers in.

The tech should be thankful users don't know these things. It is the reason he has a job and he should conduct himself according to the trust and confidence placed in him by the user who knows nothing of these things.

There is no "probably" about it. The tech should ask--in every case. To do less is incompetence or sloth; there is nothing else it can be.I wonder how much "work" is involved in saying the magic words, "Everything you ever put on this computer will be lost unless we back up your user-created data. Do you want us to back it up for a fee of $ ___.__?".

Too many techs find the "easy" way is simply to not say those words.

Once again, true; however, it is still the users responsibility, no questions, period. To assume that all users are stupid...yes most users don't know better, but a responsible user would at least ask, If I had a legal document that I didn't understand, would I A: sign it and hope I didn't give away my first born or B: Ask the lawyer to explain it to me...

I don't know the exact wording but it probably says the user is responsible for backing up all data....
Not exactly rocket science here...but then I'd have to ask a rocket scientist

We could go round and round about it, both parties in this particular situation were in the wrong. Like I stated earlier, I don't agree w/ the action. But I certainly don't feel bad for anyone who doesn't ask before they sign or doesn't ask when they don't know.

Yes it is the techs responsibility to ask, but more importantly it is the users responsibility to ask and to educate themselves. Once again ignorance is ABSOLUTELY NO EXCUSE.


Harsh or not period.


And just FYI I do ask every time because I am aware people are oblivious but I do know people also ask me if they have questions...
and I just so happen to like the three stooges...

[Alex Ethridge]

Your position and especially your defence of that position is a good example why deficiencies in this business will persist and the trust and confidence of customers will continue to be abused.

[boberuski]

Originally Posted by Alex Ethridge

Your position and especially your defence of that position is a good example why deficiencies in this business will persist and the trust and confidence of customers will continue to be abused.

up upon a stool I stood better than the rest...blah blah blah

You missed the point completely...while you were talking about incompetency and the like...did you or did you not say that it was the users responsibility?
yes
Was it in the best interest of the tech and customer for the tech to ask?
yes

and are you hinting that I am a good example of "business deficiency" and abused trust and confidence?

I most certainly hope not, and did you even read the last post???

Tell you what...go to a town and break some obscure law and try using the excuse that I didn't know better...see how far that gets you.

Try going to a mechanic and ask them to hold your hand while you learn how to drive a manual transmission.

please read this portion:

Both parties in this situation were in the wrong, yes the tech should have asked but the customer should have read and asked questions if he/she did not understand.

Not too difficult to understand.
The only position that I am defending is the position on Ignorance whether it be w/ the tech or the consumer.

The higher the throne the further the fall...

[Alex Ethridge]

You have compared this situation to the law at least a couple of times. I will make a similar analogy. In any situation where damages occurr, the last involved person to have opportunity to prevent the damages is liable for the damages. That's not my opinion; it is statute in some states and case law in all others.

In the situation we discuss here, the tech is the last person to have opportunity to prevent the damage. Therefore, he is liable.

The difference between our opinions is simple. I hold the tech to a higher standard because of his superior knowledge. You don't.

[boberuski]

Originally Posted by Alex Ethridge

You have compared this situation to the law at least a couple of times. I will make a similar analogy. In any situation where damages occurr, the last involved person to have opportunity to prevent the damages is liable for the damages. That's not my opinion; it is statute in some states and case law in all others.

In the situation we discuss here, the tech is the last person to have opportunity to prevent the damage. Therefore, he is liable.

The difference between our opinions is simple. I hold the tech to a higher standard because of his superior knowledge. You don't.

If you are referring to gross negligence, then yes you are correct; however, personal data does not fall under that, if the tech damaged the physical hard drive and caused the data loss due to gross negligence you MAY have an argument. However, a disclaimer is a legal document that is binding that usually states that the user is responsible for personal data and that they accept the risk of loss of data when they bring in a unit to have service preformed.

ONCE AGAIN, I don't agree w/ the action; however, IN ANY SITUATION where people don't read or ask questions, they are bound to remain ignorant.

You should really read these posts and look for the point. The point is not who is right or wrong in this or any situation, THE POINT IS that people in general do not educate themselves nor do they bother to read or ask questions. Should you read and ask questions on any contract...YES
ONCE AGAIN IGNORANCE IS NOT AN EXCUSE for anyone, tech or otherwise.

So I guess I am holding people in general to a higher standard...

And should I hope that people remain stupid so that I can keep my job???!!

"The tech should be thankful users don't know these things. It is the reason he has a job"

[Alex Ethridge]

The difference between our opinions is simple. I hold the tech to a higher standard because of his superior knowledge; you don't.