Horrible Best Buy Experience
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 152
Horrible Best Buy Experience
So Today I finish doing some Landscaping, allll looking forward to a Simple installation i got scheduled at bestbuy. Now ive heard enough horror stories to know, not to give bestbuy techs any serious job to do, as they are notoriously inept when it comes to serious stuff. I figured that this was no big deal. This is what i wanted, I got an Amp in the trunk, 4 chan, powering the rear speakers, and i wanted them to run the wires to the front, so it could power the front speakers, no big deal, no bose, no nothing, just running wires. This is what i thought. I was wrong. So i show up, they say 45 minutes. So i grab my book, and i start reading. an hour goes by, I look at them, and the tech comes over and is like We're having a little trouble. im like take your time, no rush. Then next hour, he comes back with 2 other techs, saying that You should come look at this, your amp has blown 6 fuses really bad. He shows me the melted fuse. im like...Uhmm ok. So they go on to tell me that the person who origionally ran the wires in my car and installed everything, Was an idiot and shouldnt have been doing this stuff in the first place (The dude who does this is a professional sound guy who engages in DB racing type stuff, he does all his own soundwork on his cars and has been doing this for at least 5+ years) They then go on to tell me that Aparently the basslink hasnt been working, and that my rear speakers must have not been working for awhile. I refute this saying I was churning out Heavy music the prior evening, and that Since the rears are amped, the fronts being weak i always shift power to the rear when i turn it up to get the best results. And LAST night, it worked, and there was a response when i did sub control adjustments, meaning ot me that the sub DID work. So im sitting here going "why oh why in gods name did i come to bestbuy" So they then go on and on about how the car is wired all wrong, and then tell me that your amp is broken, and how its just blowing fuses left and right. So now I sit here, no sound in my car, and they quoted me 120$ to do a complete car re-wiring. After enduring other remarks about the wiring setup that really did work perfectly not even 12 hours before going there, i left, very irritated.
that being said, Luckily I have a 6 year warranty on the amp so i can get that fixed for 9Bux S&H. I got a quesiton about all this, How could they have in the course of wiring the front speakers to the amp, have Fubar'd my car like this?
that being said, Luckily I have a 6 year warranty on the amp so i can get that fixed for 9Bux S&H. I got a quesiton about all this, How could they have in the course of wiring the front speakers to the amp, have Fubar'd my car like this?
man my buddy works at BB and he tels horror stories of them taking out cars and doing dontus for 30min to an hour. i would never, neevr have anything installed at BB. CC is decent though. my friend had a BB gift certificate at Bb and decided to have them install his new alpine h/u against my words. meanwhile his radio is easy as hell to install... no new dash kit or anything. an hour later passes by and we stop in to check on it... the guy complaisn the rcas "broke" so he has to charge $25 for new wires. well my friend kindly said thank you but put my old h/u back in. so he ws charged nothing but had to buy a new rca cable when he installed it himself. never get anything instaled at BB!!!!!
I'm sure it's possible to really fubar an amp especially when it's getting done by an "incompetent" high schooler without any experience. Most cars serve as hands-on experience for them. Why didn't you try doing it yourself since it seemed like an easy enough job? If you had/have any qs, you can post here and get all the help you need. Chalk it up as a learning experience and let it go..you're only out $9 and down time....it could've been worse...(possibly fried the entire electrical system in your car)
I had once slightly unfavorable experience with them as well but that crap happens all the time. g/l with whatever you do.
I had once slightly unfavorable experience with them as well but that crap happens all the time. g/l with whatever you do.
Originally Posted by LiquidhMax
What can i do? like is there any recourse? and is it possible to actually **** up my amp like they say it was?
Senior Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 522
Tell me a bout their half arsed installs. The person i bought my car from got 2 rear 6x9's installed on the bose stero system. Since the car is a 91 the speakers didnt line up right, so waht does BB do they get 2 freaking inch long wood screws with some big washers and make it fit. So now I am stuck with one speaker being almost 1 inch lower than the other. Tomorrow im going to go up there and have a good yell at them, since the person who i bought the car from didnt know what to look for.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,280
This is the reason that car audio is such a large DIY market. I don't even trust the installers at professional audio shops. They may be very competent, but still, it isn't their own car they are working on.
And half of them use their install job just to scope out cars for their thief friends to hit later.
And half of them use their install job just to scope out cars for their thief friends to hit later.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 270
Originally Posted by Kojiro_FtT
This is the reason that car audio is such a large DIY market. I don't even trust the installers at professional audio shops. They may be very competent, but still, it isn't their own car they are working on.
And half of them use their install job just to scope out cars for their thief friends to hit later.
And half of them use their install job just to scope out cars for their thief friends to hit later.
zing!
1 out of every 10 "PRO" audio shops actually do legit work..i remember taking apart my friends "custom dash" install to see wires EVRYWHERE, nothing was wrapped, nothing was soldered, stuff was exposed
thats what 1000 bucks gets ya
I love it when I hear how much Best Buy sucks. I've been installing for 16 yrs. I've worked at custom shops. I can do everything. Do I make mistakes still? YES!!! Do I put out some crappy work sometimes? YES!!!!
Most of my installers come from custom shops like Tweeters and Myer Emco. Unless you've worked in the business you probably wouldn't know that there are crappy installers everywhere. Some of them hide there crappy work better than others. And most of you aren't knowledgable enough to know the difference or too dumb founded when someone shoots off there credentials. Most of these guys I read people talking about aren't as proficient, knowledgable, or attentive to detail as you might think. Anyone reading this can easily get a job at a custom shop. I did 16 yrs ago. And within one week I worked on Redskin and Oriole players cars, politicians. And I was just learning.
I run a Best Buy shop. I fix F ups from Tweeter, Circuit, and all the other shops out there. I just rather work for a company that will be around in 10 yrs and will pay me $55k+ a year, 2 weeks vacation a year, medical/dental/vision, 401k plan, and company stock options for popping in radios and training teenagers how to do the same thing. One kid I trained last year runs another BB near by. He's 19 and makes $45k a year with all the above benefits. What custom shop will take care of you like that?
Two months ago BB sent me and my girl on a 5 day 5 night vacation to Orlando, FL at the Portofino Bay Hotel. $200 cash, 3 day park passes and I jump to the front of all the ride lines, private concert from Five for Fighting, a video camera, MP3 player, and about $2,000 worth of other products.
So...it's funny that a select few of these kids will make just as much or even more than some of you critics out there. And they won't ever have to pay someone to put in their stuff.
Most of my installers come from custom shops like Tweeters and Myer Emco. Unless you've worked in the business you probably wouldn't know that there are crappy installers everywhere. Some of them hide there crappy work better than others. And most of you aren't knowledgable enough to know the difference or too dumb founded when someone shoots off there credentials. Most of these guys I read people talking about aren't as proficient, knowledgable, or attentive to detail as you might think. Anyone reading this can easily get a job at a custom shop. I did 16 yrs ago. And within one week I worked on Redskin and Oriole players cars, politicians. And I was just learning.
I run a Best Buy shop. I fix F ups from Tweeter, Circuit, and all the other shops out there. I just rather work for a company that will be around in 10 yrs and will pay me $55k+ a year, 2 weeks vacation a year, medical/dental/vision, 401k plan, and company stock options for popping in radios and training teenagers how to do the same thing. One kid I trained last year runs another BB near by. He's 19 and makes $45k a year with all the above benefits. What custom shop will take care of you like that?
Two months ago BB sent me and my girl on a 5 day 5 night vacation to Orlando, FL at the Portofino Bay Hotel. $200 cash, 3 day park passes and I jump to the front of all the ride lines, private concert from Five for Fighting, a video camera, MP3 player, and about $2,000 worth of other products.
So...it's funny that a select few of these kids will make just as much or even more than some of you critics out there. And they won't ever have to pay someone to put in their stuff.
Originally Posted by C3nthusiast
I love it when I hear how much Best Buy sucks. I've been installing for 16 yrs. I've worked at custom shops. I can do everything. Do I make mistakes still? YES!!! Do I put out some crappy work sometimes? YES!!!!
Most of my installers come from custom shops like Tweeters and Myer Emco. Unless you've worked in the business you probably wouldn't know that there are crappy installers everywhere. Some of them hide there crappy work better than others. And most of you aren't knowledgable enough to know the difference or too dumb founded when someone shoots off there credentials. Most of these guys I read people talking about aren't as proficient, knowledgable, or attentive to detail as you might think. Anyone reading this can easily get a job at a custom shop. I did 16 yrs ago. And within one week I worked on Redskin and Oriole players cars, politicians. And I was just learning.
I run a Best Buy shop. I fix F ups from Tweeter, Circuit, and all the other shops out there. I just rather work for a company that will be around in 10 yrs and will pay me $55k+ a year, 2 weeks vacation a year, medical/dental/vision, 401k plan, and company stock options for popping in radios and training teenagers how to do the same thing. One kid I trained last year runs another BB near by. He's 19 and makes $45k a year with all the above benefits. What custom shop will take care of you like that?
Two months ago BB sent me and my girl on a 5 day 5 night vacation to Orlando, FL at the Portofino Bay Hotel. $200 cash, 3 day park passes and I jump to the front of all the ride lines, private concert from Five for Fighting, a video camera, MP3 player, and about $2,000 worth of other products.
So...it's funny that a select few of these kids will make just as much or even more than some of you critics out there. And they won't ever have to pay someone to put in their stuff.
Most of my installers come from custom shops like Tweeters and Myer Emco. Unless you've worked in the business you probably wouldn't know that there are crappy installers everywhere. Some of them hide there crappy work better than others. And most of you aren't knowledgable enough to know the difference or too dumb founded when someone shoots off there credentials. Most of these guys I read people talking about aren't as proficient, knowledgable, or attentive to detail as you might think. Anyone reading this can easily get a job at a custom shop. I did 16 yrs ago. And within one week I worked on Redskin and Oriole players cars, politicians. And I was just learning.
I run a Best Buy shop. I fix F ups from Tweeter, Circuit, and all the other shops out there. I just rather work for a company that will be around in 10 yrs and will pay me $55k+ a year, 2 weeks vacation a year, medical/dental/vision, 401k plan, and company stock options for popping in radios and training teenagers how to do the same thing. One kid I trained last year runs another BB near by. He's 19 and makes $45k a year with all the above benefits. What custom shop will take care of you like that?
Two months ago BB sent me and my girl on a 5 day 5 night vacation to Orlando, FL at the Portofino Bay Hotel. $200 cash, 3 day park passes and I jump to the front of all the ride lines, private concert from Five for Fighting, a video camera, MP3 player, and about $2,000 worth of other products.
So...it's funny that a select few of these kids will make just as much or even more than some of you critics out there. And they won't ever have to pay someone to put in their stuff.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,280
I think the point of all this is that the occurances of F ups and the incompetence of installers is generally too high. Of course there are awesome installers out there, but it's a pot shoot and the odds are against you.
I am sure you are a very reliable installer, C3nthusiast. Unfortunately there are not just a few, but a lot of others who are not and ruin it for the rest of you. One bad experience for one customer means probably 1 or 2, at least, of that customer's friends are either going someplace else or will DIY their stereo.
And as far as the donut thing goes, that is a danger anyplace you leave your car - valet, shop, dealer, installers. Don't think for a second that every oil change place you go to actually changes your oil; or maybe they change your oil but they just wipe the filter clean and charge you for a new one. There is dishonesty and disrespect everywhere, and again, it's a pot shoot.
I am sure you are a very reliable installer, C3nthusiast. Unfortunately there are not just a few, but a lot of others who are not and ruin it for the rest of you. One bad experience for one customer means probably 1 or 2, at least, of that customer's friends are either going someplace else or will DIY their stereo.
And as far as the donut thing goes, that is a danger anyplace you leave your car - valet, shop, dealer, installers. Don't think for a second that every oil change place you go to actually changes your oil; or maybe they change your oil but they just wipe the filter clean and charge you for a new one. There is dishonesty and disrespect everywhere, and again, it's a pot shoot.
every place messes up that does car audio installs but from my personal experience and from my friends... best buy has never done anything right the 1st time. the guys who work in the audio dept. are nice guys... but i wouldnt put my max close to their shop.
edit: ok so we're gonna compare grocery bagging to messing up an expensive automobile? oh no... that stupid bagger crushed my bread.. there goes $1.69. oh no that intelligent installer just messed up my electrical system... alot more than $1.69 plus the hassle. cmon now guys.
edit: ok so we're gonna compare grocery bagging to messing up an expensive automobile? oh no... that stupid bagger crushed my bread.. there goes $1.69. oh no that intelligent installer just messed up my electrical system... alot more than $1.69 plus the hassle. cmon now guys.
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 346
I hate it when they crush the bread! damn!
Well as a paying customer wouldn't you want it done the right way the first time? So that way the company whether private or commercial would have good customer retention, repeat customers. I know that not everyone that comes in will fine tweek their systems such as many of us do. But if I'm gonna drop $1300 on an HU, components, 2 amps and a sub I will want it done the right friggin way! Regardless of age. Quality work doesn't necessarily come with experience it's the pride that one takes in their work.
Just a thought.
-Ryan aka Audio Noob
Well as a paying customer wouldn't you want it done the right way the first time? So that way the company whether private or commercial would have good customer retention, repeat customers. I know that not everyone that comes in will fine tweek their systems such as many of us do. But if I'm gonna drop $1300 on an HU, components, 2 amps and a sub I will want it done the right friggin way! Regardless of age. Quality work doesn't necessarily come with experience it's the pride that one takes in their work.
Just a thought.
-Ryan aka Audio Noob
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 5,808
Originally Posted by NAS
yet another reason I do everythink myself, been installing for 6 years, funny I applied at BB and they never wanted me
Ant
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 5,808
Originally Posted by C3nthusiast
I love it when I hear how much Best Buy sucks. I've been installing for 16 yrs. I've worked at custom shops. I can do everything. Do I make mistakes still? YES!!! Do I put out some crappy work sometimes? YES!!!!
Most of my installers come from custom shops like Tweeters and Myer Emco. Unless you've worked in the business you probably wouldn't know that there are crappy installers everywhere. Some of them hide there crappy work better than others. And most of you aren't knowledgable enough to know the difference or too dumb founded when someone shoots off there credentials. Most of these guys I read people talking about aren't as proficient, knowledgable, or attentive to detail as you might think. Anyone reading this can easily get a job at a custom shop. I did 16 yrs ago. And within one week I worked on Redskin and Oriole players cars, politicians. And I was just learning.
I run a Best Buy shop. I fix F ups from Tweeter, Circuit, and all the other shops out there. I just rather work for a company that will be around in 10 yrs and will pay me $55k+ a year, 2 weeks vacation a year, medical/dental/vision, 401k plan, and company stock options for popping in radios and training teenagers how to do the same thing. One kid I trained last year runs another BB near by. He's 19 and makes $45k a year with all the above benefits. What custom shop will take care of you like that?
Two months ago BB sent me and my girl on a 5 day 5 night vacation to Orlando, FL at the Portofino Bay Hotel. $200 cash, 3 day park passes and I jump to the front of all the ride lines, private concert from Five for Fighting, a video camera, MP3 player, and about $2,000 worth of other products.
So...it's funny that a select few of these kids will make just as much or even more than some of you critics out there. And they won't ever have to pay someone to put in their stuff.
Most of my installers come from custom shops like Tweeters and Myer Emco. Unless you've worked in the business you probably wouldn't know that there are crappy installers everywhere. Some of them hide there crappy work better than others. And most of you aren't knowledgable enough to know the difference or too dumb founded when someone shoots off there credentials. Most of these guys I read people talking about aren't as proficient, knowledgable, or attentive to detail as you might think. Anyone reading this can easily get a job at a custom shop. I did 16 yrs ago. And within one week I worked on Redskin and Oriole players cars, politicians. And I was just learning.
I run a Best Buy shop. I fix F ups from Tweeter, Circuit, and all the other shops out there. I just rather work for a company that will be around in 10 yrs and will pay me $55k+ a year, 2 weeks vacation a year, medical/dental/vision, 401k plan, and company stock options for popping in radios and training teenagers how to do the same thing. One kid I trained last year runs another BB near by. He's 19 and makes $45k a year with all the above benefits. What custom shop will take care of you like that?
Two months ago BB sent me and my girl on a 5 day 5 night vacation to Orlando, FL at the Portofino Bay Hotel. $200 cash, 3 day park passes and I jump to the front of all the ride lines, private concert from Five for Fighting, a video camera, MP3 player, and about $2,000 worth of other products.
So...it's funny that a select few of these kids will make just as much or even more than some of you critics out there. And they won't ever have to pay someone to put in their stuff.
im with BestBuy 3years now installing fulltime there. Your 100% right about the benefits and many perks working for them. Ive been installing car stereo since im 17 and i still do mess up here and there. Ive worked for a few mom and pop shops in the past and i never really felt to secure working for them. I mean im not happy all the time at BB but its good to know that the company will be around for a while.
Im just showin support for a fellow BB co-worker
what store number are you at? Ant
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 211
From: north hollywood, ca
i installed for best buy. they were a lot better before. people actually knew what the were doing. then they started throwing salespeople back to us. thats when i left. moved around to several shops and they all were crap so now i just do it independently. best buy is a decent place to work...ok pay, ok benefits, ok 401k, no job security, benefits are expensive as hell, no retirement pay, crappy hours. works for me while im in school anyway. if i werent, it wouldnt be too great. and about it being there in 10 yrs, thats a big maybe; definitely not in the way it is now.
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 632
i also run a best bay install bay in wisconsin. i've been installing for a little over 9 years. believe it or not, you can get good installs out of a best buy shop, you just have to go to the right one (like mine 
). i don't hire any high school kids, and i won't hire anybody that doesn't have at least 2 years install experience, and isn't 1st class mecp certified. right now i'm 2 installers short because i'm too picky when it comes to hiring. anyway - my install bay hasn't had a damage claim for over two years. we never have people come back with problems. LiquidhMax, go back and make them fix it. they will. they have to. give them a chance to get it right. talk to the install supervisor first, and make sure he handles your situation satisfactorily. if he can't handle it, get the store manager.
). i don't hire any high school kids, and i won't hire anybody that doesn't have at least 2 years install experience, and isn't 1st class mecp certified. right now i'm 2 installers short because i'm too picky when it comes to hiring. anyway - my install bay hasn't had a damage claim for over two years. we never have people come back with problems. LiquidhMax, go back and make them fix it. they will. they have to. give them a chance to get it right. talk to the install supervisor first, and make sure he handles your situation satisfactorily. if he can't handle it, get the store manager.
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