Using local computer shops

[Capper]

Computer Shops Fail Undercover Test

In a time when almost everyone owns a computer, it is safe to assume that at some point there will be a problem that requires expert help to fix.The Call7 Investigators took a perfectly good, working laptop to an expert at TechSkills, a school that offers certification programs in multiple disciplines within information technology, healthcare services and business.That expert, Mike Powis, first confirmed the laptop was in good working order, then helped us create a simple, easy-to-fix flaw in the laptop.

Computer Shops Fail Undercover Test




Can you trust your computer repair person?

They are modern day mechanics, trusted to fix machines most of us know less about than our cars. They're computer techs who offer to save the day when our systems crash.
Since most of us don't even understand their language, we are in no position to question what they tell us. Given that, the Saving You Money Team wondered if any of them are abusing that trust.
So, we took computers to local repair shops to test the techs. But, as you're about to see in a hidden camera investigation, there was something they didn't know.
Since computers can be so complicated, we'll keep this story really simple. We brought our computers to five local repair shops to see if they could diagnose the problem correctly.

Can you trust your computer repair person?

[gvblake22]

Well, at least a few of them got it figured out...

[RAID]

LOL @ the tech suggesting the $130 power adapter.... and then adds "if its something else, it could cost three times that"

[screwballl]

I worked for a local computer shop for about 9 months... I was too honest for him because he misdiagnosed these type of problems all the time and I know most of them on purpose. When I got these machines in, first thing I did was unplug everything, plug it all back in and reset everything (BIOS, etc).
I was amazed how many times he told me to sell them a new hard drive when all that was needed was a new IDE ribbon or fix the jumper position. Some of these shops are that way on purpose.

[dttuner]

Look at my face, look at it... does it look like I'm surprised???

Originally Posted by screwballl

I worked for a local computer shop for about 9 months... I was too honest for him because he misdiagnosed these type of problems all the time and I know most of them on purpose. When I got these machines in, first thing I did was unplug everything, plug it all back in and reset everything (BIOS, etc).
I was amazed how many times he told me to sell them a new hard drive when all that was needed was a new IDE ribbon or fix the jumper position. Some of these shops are that way on purpose.

At the beginning of my career, I worked mostly at "consulting groups" which provided remote support and network engineering for companies who couldn't, or didn't want to afford internal IT support.
Most of those consulting groups either misdiagnosed a problem, or simply ignored it and suggestde the client "buy a new server" instead.

Plus, time was money... even if a known problem had a solution which took a few minutes to fix, the boss always wanted me to take my time, and perform extra unnecessary services.

Thank god those days are behind me.
I hated consulting.


.

[polobunny]

Ha that's funny, same test was conducted not too long ago here (Montreal newspaper conducted it) and quite a few shops failed the test giving totally ridiculous answers such as "your motherboard is dead" or "we'll have to change everything".

[Capper]

I think its just society in general....man, you could make a killing in small business with a good work ethic and some integrity.

[screwballl]

I wonder what happens to the old parts???? I should stop by the local BB and CC to see if they have any "dead" laptops that they would be willing to part with

and I do agree Rich... whoa I just remembered my old Boss' name was Rich as well... he was the most crooked techie type I had ever met... anyways I would love to startup my own local computer shop if I only had some business sense (or any cents)

[oldman_gamer]

Same thing with a car........when a woman takes it to be fixed.I have been through a couple horror stories and have heard dozens more from friends and the like about auto repair shops.And it don't stop there.

[polobunny]

Originally Posted by Capper

I think its just society in general....man, you could make a killing in small business with a good work ethic and some integrity.

Bah not so sure. I used to work at a very nice computer boutique, boss was honest with the clients and we would hardly make a dime because everyone was "scared" of smaller boutiques and preferred to go to Staples or Future Shop to get their computers repaired. :/