CompUSA will be shutting it's down after the holidays. There will be a nice bankruptcy sale of the assets and stock.
Hold Off On That Christmas Computer/Software Shopping - CompUSA To Close
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nurdlinger
Well-known member
A Poorly Executed Good Idea
I really like the CompUSA store. They have a tremendous selection of stuff, plus sales staff which is more knowledgeable than that at BestBuy or Circuit City. However, the place is run in a sloppy manner. Often the CompUSA-branded adapter boards and other items that I bought were DOA. I never like to hassle over returning goods, so I never did. After all, they were pretty cheap in the first place. The worst thing is mis-priced items. I cannot count the number of times where an item on the shelf has some certain price, but when scanned at the checkout the price is $5 or $10 higher. The first response is always that *I* read the price wrong. After dragging the cashier over to the shelf and pointing out the tag, their next response is always "Well, that's a mistake" followed by scraping off the tag. If you want the item, you pay what the scanner says.
I really like the CompUSA store. They have a tremendous selection of stuff, plus sales staff which is more knowledgeable than that at BestBuy or Circuit City. However, the place is run in a sloppy manner. Often the CompUSA-branded adapter boards and other items that I bought were DOA. I never like to hassle over returning goods, so I never did. After all, they were pretty cheap in the first place. The worst thing is mis-priced items. I cannot count the number of times where an item on the shelf has some certain price, but when scanned at the checkout the price is $5 or $10 higher. The first response is always that *I* read the price wrong. After dragging the cashier over to the shelf and pointing out the tag, their next response is always "Well, that's a mistake" followed by scraping off the tag. If you want the item, you pay what the scanner says.
whirlcool
Well-known member
I didn't like their return policies. Back in the day I bought a HP Laserjet III printer and it broke about a week after I bought it. So I took it back to CompUSA for an exchange. The conversation went like this:
Me: This LaserJet printer broke down and I would like to exchange it. I just bought it last week.
Customer Service Guy: We don't do exchanges on things that the customer breaks themselves. (He didn't even look at the printer).
Me: I didn't do anything to it, it just stopped printing.
CSG: If you had read how to use it in the first place, you wouldn't be here right now.
Me: Well, it did work right for a week. So I must have done something right?
CSG: I don't have time for this right now, you'll have to mail the unit back to HP for them to fix.
Me: Can I speak to the store manager?
CSG: I AM the MANAGER!
Also, when you pay with a check, they treat you like a common criminal even with all kinds of ID.
Even though Frye's people have no knowledge of anything they sell, I still prefer them over CompUSA.
Me: This LaserJet printer broke down and I would like to exchange it. I just bought it last week.
Customer Service Guy: We don't do exchanges on things that the customer breaks themselves. (He didn't even look at the printer).
Me: I didn't do anything to it, it just stopped printing.
CSG: If you had read how to use it in the first place, you wouldn't be here right now.
Me: Well, it did work right for a week. So I must have done something right?
CSG: I don't have time for this right now, you'll have to mail the unit back to HP for them to fix.
Me: Can I speak to the store manager?
CSG: I AM the MANAGER!
Also, when you pay with a check, they treat you like a common criminal even with all kinds of ID.
Even though Frye's people have no knowledge of anything they sell, I still prefer them over CompUSA.
I *rarely* have bought anything at CompUSA. Or Fry's for that matter, LOL!
selectomatic
Well-known member
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- Apr 6, 2007
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- 483
I've bought several things at CompUSA.
Most of the people working there seem to be idiots, except for the repair department. They seem to be obnoxious jerks.
On the other hand, I've bought some decent products at fairly low prices -- after I filled out and sent in the reams of rebate paperwork, then waited 4-36 weeks for the checks to come back.
-kevin
Most of the people working there seem to be idiots, except for the repair department. They seem to be obnoxious jerks.
On the other hand, I've bought some decent products at fairly low prices -- after I filled out and sent in the reams of rebate paperwork, then waited 4-36 weeks for the checks to come back.
-kevin
typical big-box store mentality!
I am glad to see another big-box store bite the dust really! I've heard so many stories like Selectomatic's and whirlcool's it's a wonder these places stay in business as long as they have! Looks like the buying public is starting to get the message that you get what you pay for. Most people, myself included have gone in these places looking for a good bargain, only to get burned when the product doesn't work properly, only to find rude and annoying staff that wants to have absloutely nothing to do with solving the problem!
Despite us having a Comp-USA store here, I have patronized a small locally owned computer shop that has been in business as long as Comp-USA, and he has always done me well. He stocks good parts at a good price like Asus motherboards and has done an excellent job in helping me solve computer problems too. His shop is always busy and packed with people. When Comp-USA opened in town, I was worried that he wouldn't be able to stay in business, but it was the other way around. He ended up getting more service business has he was correcting all the mess-ups that Comp-USA did!
I am glad to see another big-box store bite the dust really! I've heard so many stories like Selectomatic's and whirlcool's it's a wonder these places stay in business as long as they have! Looks like the buying public is starting to get the message that you get what you pay for. Most people, myself included have gone in these places looking for a good bargain, only to get burned when the product doesn't work properly, only to find rude and annoying staff that wants to have absloutely nothing to do with solving the problem!
Despite us having a Comp-USA store here, I have patronized a small locally owned computer shop that has been in business as long as Comp-USA, and he has always done me well. He stocks good parts at a good price like Asus motherboards and has done an excellent job in helping me solve computer problems too. His shop is always busy and packed with people. When Comp-USA opened in town, I was worried that he wouldn't be able to stay in business, but it was the other way around. He ended up getting more service business has he was correcting all the mess-ups that Comp-USA did!
nurdlinger
Well-known member
It's a trade-off
I fully appreciate local stores, and have a couple of favorites here in town. However, when I need a cable, or a disk drive, or a network adapter on a Sunday afternoon CompUSA is the only place open where those things are on sale. Their big-boxiness allows them to have items in stock all the time that the local stores cannot afford to. Their focus on computers allows them to have a wider product choice than BestBuy, and much wider than WalMart or Price Club. The nearest Fry's to me is a hundred miles up the road in Phoenix, always crowded, and staffed by idiots. It is not a pleasant option.
I fully appreciate local stores, and have a couple of favorites here in town. However, when I need a cable, or a disk drive, or a network adapter on a Sunday afternoon CompUSA is the only place open where those things are on sale. Their big-boxiness allows them to have items in stock all the time that the local stores cannot afford to. Their focus on computers allows them to have a wider product choice than BestBuy, and much wider than WalMart or Price Club. The nearest Fry's to me is a hundred miles up the road in Phoenix, always crowded, and staffed by idiots. It is not a pleasant option.
jasonl
New member
I'd rather go to small-ish computer shop if I were to buy a complete system. I went to a place in Knoxville called "ComputersEtc". They build all sorts of pcs, from budget all the way to a gamer system.
Of course I would build my own. It's only proper.
I applied for a job at CompUSA at one time and was told in the interview that not only will I do tech work but have to upsell the customer on an upgrade. Now as a customer I would certainly not want to be pushed into buying something I wouldn't want or need so at that point, I ended the interview and walked away. This is the big box mentality. SELL SELL SELL. Make them get what they don't want/need. BS!
Of course I would build my own. It's only proper.
I applied for a job at CompUSA at one time and was told in the interview that not only will I do tech work but have to upsell the customer on an upgrade. Now as a customer I would certainly not want to be pushed into buying something I wouldn't want or need so at that point, I ended the interview and walked away. This is the big box mentality. SELL SELL SELL. Make them get what they don't want/need. BS!
Well, need a new anti-virus program,Quickbooks, as well as some other software programs, so may peep into the local CompUSA and see what is what.
I love Quickbooks!
Our CompUSA store is closed and being remodeled into a Staples as we type, but I was only in the store twice in the time it was here. Once they didn't have what was advertised and I walked out and another time, I asked an associate a question which was met with a blank stare and a bit of spittle running down his cheek so I turned on my heel and walked out for the last time. Bye.
Our CompUSA store is closed and being remodeled into a Staples as we type, but I was only in the store twice in the time it was here. Once they didn't have what was advertised and I walked out and another time, I asked an associate a question which was met with a blank stare and a bit of spittle running down his cheek so I turned on my heel and walked out for the last time. Bye.
perc-o-prince
Well-known member
They have a tremendous selection of stuff, plus sales staff
Oh, I have issue with that at our local CompUSA! Idiots!!! All of them!!! No wonder they closed several months ago! The only thing I have ever used, and I mean USED, CompUSA for is their free or cheap with rebate items (just ordered Norton software for $70, but I'll get $60 back in rebates).
I'll be keeping my eye out for more of the same type of deals.... the only thing they're good for!!!
Chuck
Oh, I have issue with that at our local CompUSA! Idiots!!! All of them!!! No wonder they closed several months ago! The only thing I have ever used, and I mean USED, CompUSA for is their free or cheap with rebate items (just ordered Norton software for $70, but I'll get $60 back in rebates).
I'll be keeping my eye out for more of the same type of deals.... the only thing they're good for!!!
Chuck
But it's defective RIGHT OUT OF THE BOX!
I had trouble with a legit return.
It was someone else's return to begin with! Attitude flung: Well you should have bought the additional warranty.
Bye-bye! *WAVES* Good riddance to bad rubbish!
I had trouble with a legit return.
It was someone else's return to begin with! Attitude flung: Well you should have bought the additional warranty.
Bye-bye! *WAVES* Good riddance to bad rubbish!
I agree with the majority of posts here. I bought a system at Comp USA several years ago and it was not a pleasant experience. Apathetic staff that looked like they'd rather be out partying at the hip-hop clubs in town, or perhaps that's what they had been doing the night before. They were useless. I got a decent deal on the system, but I knew I was never going to shop at Comp USA again. Fry's is a joke. Their staff is also useless but they have improved their return policy somewhat. I've always been amazed that an operation like Fry's has such a low tech way method of record keeping and is so wasteful when it comes to the use of paper associated with a sale or a return.
whirlcool
Well-known member
Not to know anything if part of the Frye's culture! At Fry's people are hired based on their lack of knowledge. Fry's even prides themselves on this! When they opened their first Houston store the Houston Chronicle did a in depth story about Fry's. It stated that they were a "cult" from the west coast and that each store has an independent theme. To keep costs low, they intentionally hire people that don't know anything about the items they sell. They leave this up to the consumer to figure out.
But I will admit that some people there do know what is going on, but you have to look to find them.
I think the people who work in the PC department are paid on commission. We went in there a few months ago to buy a new monitor and were mobbed by salespeople using high pressure tactics to buy!
Fry's is also a good place to people watch. Just look at the people trying to make heads/tails out of the choice of merchandise they have. It's obvious they haven't researched the items they are looking at.
But I will admit that some people there do know what is going on, but you have to look to find them.
I think the people who work in the PC department are paid on commission. We went in there a few months ago to buy a new monitor and were mobbed by salespeople using high pressure tactics to buy!
Fry's is also a good place to people watch. Just look at the people trying to make heads/tails out of the choice of merchandise they have. It's obvious they haven't researched the items they are looking at.
Oh yeah, you don't want to go to Fry's unless you've done a certain amount of homework first.
The one near me is entirely Egyptian in theme, the next closest one is similar, only it's ancient Mexican pyramids for that theme, another one is wild west. I like the one in Burbank that has the outer space/flying saucer theme. At least they provide an interesting visual while you're being subjected to their sub-par customer service.
And owner John Fry is fairly philanthropic, a refreshing change from the self-centered new money Silicon Valley CEO tightwads that are woefully absent from the local philanthropic scene.
Fry's was a grocery chain for decades in these parts before the focus moved to electronics. They were off the scene as a grocery store for a while before they switched commodities. I was in the Phoenix area back in 1999 and was surprised to see that Fry's was still operating as a supermarket there.
The one near me is entirely Egyptian in theme, the next closest one is similar, only it's ancient Mexican pyramids for that theme, another one is wild west. I like the one in Burbank that has the outer space/flying saucer theme. At least they provide an interesting visual while you're being subjected to their sub-par customer service.
And owner John Fry is fairly philanthropic, a refreshing change from the self-centered new money Silicon Valley CEO tightwads that are woefully absent from the local philanthropic scene.
Fry's was a grocery chain for decades in these parts before the focus moved to electronics. They were off the scene as a grocery store for a while before they switched commodities. I was in the Phoenix area back in 1999 and was surprised to see that Fry's was still operating as a supermarket there.
goodbye to comp usa
Only 1 experience with them, I bought a new monitor for one of my computers and the high voltage transformer was defective, it was arking out from the 1st time I plugged it in. Returned it to the store the next day and I must have spent 2 hours trying to return it. Finally they refunded my credit card and I vowed never to return, kiss my ass as I am going out the door, glad to hear they are going under. I figure if they treated me as a custormer this way, and I was being NICE, what the hell do they do to the rest of the public. I guess it is plain to see by the post.
Jon
Only 1 experience with them, I bought a new monitor for one of my computers and the high voltage transformer was defective, it was arking out from the 1st time I plugged it in. Returned it to the store the next day and I must have spent 2 hours trying to return it. Finally they refunded my credit card and I vowed never to return, kiss my ass as I am going out the door, glad to hear they are going under. I figure if they treated me as a custormer this way, and I was being NICE, what the hell do they do to the rest of the public. I guess it is plain to see by the post.
Jon
whirlcool
Well-known member
Thanks for the info on Fry's, I didn't know all that. Here we have a Petroleum Industry theme, the Fry's by NASA looks more like a NASA museum than a store. And the one in Sugarland, from what I am told is crystal and granite themed.
I think the problem with CompUSA is that the people there aren't paid enough to care. They are more interested in knowing when their next break comes rather than customer satisfaction.
But in the computer industry with prices so low stores have to do what they can do to make a penny on each item.
Oh, and one last thing about CompUSA and their return policy. If you bring something back that's defective, they'll restock it on the shelves. The idea being "If it didn't work for one person, that doesn't mean that it won't work for the next person who buys it."
I think the problem with CompUSA is that the people there aren't paid enough to care. They are more interested in knowing when their next break comes rather than customer satisfaction.
But in the computer industry with prices so low stores have to do what they can do to make a penny on each item.
Oh, and one last thing about CompUSA and their return policy. If you bring something back that's defective, they'll restock it on the shelves. The idea being "If it didn't work for one person, that doesn't mean that it won't work for the next person who buys it."
