Call Brady (www.callbrady.com)

It seems that every week I’m hearing nightmarish stories of Big Box stores computer technicians. Don’t get me wrong: we all have to start somewhere. However when you are paying for professional services, you deserve professional work!

Some of the top (or bottom) stories from this month:

• A computer that was shutting down randomly within 20 minutes of every  boot. The customer took it to a big box store once and called the same store out to their home the second time. When the problem wasn’t resolved, they called me. I immediately opened up the case and we couldn’t even see the processor. It was covered in dust causing the system to overheat. The case had never even been opened by the technicians. They charged $225 and didn’t resolve the problem. I charged $70 and was out the door in no time. The problem hasn’t occurred again.
• A technician told a client that Outlook didn’t come installed on Vista. If he wanted his E-mail he would have to pay $120 to have the technician install and configure another application. I configured and tested his Windows Mail within 5 minute during his service call. I couldn’t believe they were going to charge him for an application that he already had!
• I was walking around in an Office store. A technician was telling a woman that she needed 6GB of RAM to send and receive pictures with her Grandkids. I couldn’t believe it! I don’t sell parts. I only make recommendations for parts and upgrades and don’t profit from the sale of those parts. My professional opinion isn’t profit-motivated!

I’d love to hear your best horror stories. Send them my way! Thanks!