I'm not good enough to work at CompUSA but these are the people they hire?

[LethalWolfe]

On two seperate occasions I talked to 2 seperate CompUSA employees about Macs and when I asked if a 15" w/superdrive iMac was in stock they both looked perplexed then started looking at the TiBooks trying to find what I was looking for.:rolleyes:

Ya know, I don't expect them to know every product in the store by heart, but for god's sake they should atleast know the iMac isn't a f99king laptop... ********* morons...

And if I sound a lil' bitter it's 'cause I am. :D I got shot down 'cause I didn't have enough retail experience (nevermind the 8yrs of CSR experience, management experience and traveling the world professionally shooting racecars). The HR rep glanced at my work history and then shot me down. Didn't finishing reading my application or cover letter. Didn't ask if I had any computer experience/knowledge. Nothin'. f88king moron. It's probably for the better though. I think the level of collective ignorance in that store would slowly drive me to suicide.

/rant

Lethal

[mikulashek]

Originally posted by LethalWolfe
On two seperate occasions I talked to 2 seperate CompUSA employees about Macs and when I asked if a 15" w/superdrive iMac was in stock they both looked perplexed then started looking at the TiBooks trying to find what I was looking for.:rolleyes:

Ya know, I don't expect them to know every product in the store by heart, but for god's sake they should atleast know the iMac isn't a f99king laptop... ********* morons...

And if I sound a lil' bitter it's 'cause I am. :D I got shot down 'cause I didn't have enough retail experience (nevermind the 8yrs of CSR experience, management experience and traveling the world professionally shooting racecars). The HR rep glanced at my work history and then shot me down. Didn't finishing reading my application or cover letter. Didn't ask if I had any computer experience/knowledge. Nothin'. f88king moron. It's probably for the better though. I think the level of collective ignorance in that store would slowly drive me to suicide.

/rant

Lethal
ouch. I don't think you would really want to associate yourself with compusa anyways. almost all the stories about that place are exactly like yours.
"no you'd have a hard time doing video editing on the iMac, the mac doesnt really support that. you would be better off getting a new XP system like this compaq.....":rolleyes:

[MacFan25]

Originally posted by LethalWolfe
Ya know, I don't expect them to know every product in the store by heart, but for god's sake they should atleast know the iMac isn't a f99king laptop... ********* morons...


That's pretty bad that they didn't even know that an iMac is a desktop.

[rainman::|:|]

our compusa used to be like that but we have a couple of macheads now. ineptitude aside, i just don't like the way compusa presents Macs. they never seem to stock the model you're looking for, the displays don't showcase the product at all...

pnw

[Sun Baked]

See, the problem was you actually filled out the Application and looked like you had functioning brain cells.

Now, you should have had a 7-yr-old fill out the application in crayon for you. It also probably would have helped if you acted thoroughly entertained by a paper clip or piece of lint on the desk during the interview.

[RBMaraman]

I don't think you'd have been happy working at CompUSA anyway, Lethal. Most of there employee's are idiots, and i'd be afraid some of the stupidity would rub off.

Speaking of places hiring idiots, I have a friend who used to work at Circuit City, and he explained that he had to take a test on electronics to work there. One day, I went in looking for an RCA extension cable. He didn't even know what it was! He didn't even know what RCA was! I eventually said, "The plugs are Red, White, and Yellow," to which he replied, "Oh! Those VCR cables." Man, that guy was an idiot.

Lethal, where are you from in Indiana? I'm from New Albany, down south by Louisville; but I go to school in Evansville.

[pimentoLoaf]

When I got my iBook from CompUSA, the Apple rep had to "train" the salesguy how to handle an AppleCare application -- and the manager didn't like it much. Preferred to sell TAP, or Technology Assurance Program warranties for much more.

Another time, when the Arep wasn't around, I asked about some app or two. Another salesguy said that what you see on the shelves is all that's available for Macintosh -- anywhere. Argued with me about AppleWorks not being made anymore as a separate package.

When I bought an Olympus digiCam, I was asked if I had a fast-enough PC to process the still images the camera produced, and when I claimed owning a 500mhz iBook, was told Apple computers weren't designed for still images, just video, and only on a Titanium powerBook.

:eek: YIKES :eek:

[yosoyjay]

These type of companies need cheap, brainless robots. If you show any ability to think independently you could potentially ask questions or make suggestions. This is dangerous.

On a sidenote, I once went into CompUSA looking for a cheap PC for my Pops. I told the sales person I wanted pretty much a basic box because my dad wanted me to add some stuff later and that I didn't them to set it up because I could do it. The sales person suggest I buy an AMD based box because "they are soooo easy to overclock. All you have to do is run a lead pencil over the top of the chip a bunch and it will overclock big time." I said, "Really? All I have to do to overclock an AMD processor is run a pencil over the top of it?" He said, "Yeah, it is soo easy I recommend it to everybody." WTF? I left CompUSA and never returned.

[moby1]

:(

I bought some DVD-R media at a CompUSA because it was nearby. I am peeling the little "CompUSA" stickers off the boxes as we speak...

[FredAkbar]

Originally posted by pimentoLoaf
When I bought an Olympus digiCam, I was asked if I had a fast-enough PC to process the still images the camera produced, and when I claimed owning a 500mhz iBook, was told Apple computers weren't designed for still images, just video, and only on a Titanium powerBook

lol I don't know whether to laugh or cry when I read some of these stories...I thought that one was particularly funny...or sad...or whatever.

--Fred

[shadowfax]

I was in arkansas (yes, arkansas!) last summer at compUSA drooling over Tibooks, and met a really cool apple rep there (working). he was up on the rumors, familiar with a lot of benchmark stuff, and very intelligent and gracious in talking to me. i was very impressed. the compUSA here in austin isn't so bad, but i'd never ask them to tell me anything that required real knowledge about apple. that's why i come here :)

[scem0]

The apple rep in the austin CompUSA in the Gateway shopping
center is retarded. The day after the Mirror drive door powermacs
came out, I happened to be at CompUSA to help my mom pick
out a CD burner for my sister, and I asked the Apple Sales Rep
when the Mirror drive door powermacs would be here, and he
just kind of stared at me with a blank face... and then I sorta
said 'You know...... The new powermacs..... dual 1.25 GHz. That
kind of woke him up. It makes me mad that he gets to work there
even though I, at 15, am better suited for the job. Well that is an
assumption, but I really do think I would be. And all the other
employees at compUSA are dumb-asses too. They don't know
**** about computers. Once I came up to one who was playing
solitaire while on the job (! :eek: :rolleyes: !) and asked him where I
could find laser printer toner, and he was like "yeah....... one
second..... It's over there" and he just pointed. I was like
"okay......" and walked over and got my toner. Now that I think
about it, I should have requested them to fire him or something.
He didn't even look up from the monitor.

They have about twice as many employees than they need, and
they all just sit around and talk, which really makes me want to
work there. ;)

[Sol]

Don't let it get you down. You can find a better job than that. Job interviews are just a part of the process.

Anyway, what was that about Macs not being able to handle video? I must have read that wrong.

[G4scott]

I think my iBook came from the Austin CompUSA in the Gateway center... There, or from San Antonio. If anyone here bought an iBook (600mhz, combo drive) and returned it with everything, then I have it :D

I once took a couple of "Everything is easier on a Mac" brochures from the CompUSA, and walked down the strip to the Best Buy, and strategically laid them out in the pee-cee section... I'm not sure how long they lasted there, but I'm sure they confused a couple of people...

**Just a note**

At CompUSA, I think they prefer to hire A+ certified technicians. While I've only passed the hardware part of the exam (I don't use windoze that often, and barely failed the OS exam), I know that hiring only A+ certified technicians is not a real benefit these days. Sure, they may know more about RAM and hard drives, but the whole thing is behind the times. I thought about getting one of those Mac+ or whatever they are certifications, or the Apple Technician Training kit, so I'd know how to fix the Apple hardware.

I've thought about working at my local CompUSA, and still haven't completely abandoned the idea. The people there are friendly, and are somewhat knowledgable about Macs, and when I ask the day something comes out when it'll get there, they know that for Macs- wait a week to three weeks...

[springscansing]

If I worked at CompUSA, they'd never sell a single PC. Ever. It would be iMac bonanza, each day, everyday. I'd lie if I had to.

800 megahertz? No.. on the iMac, mhz is MAC hertz.. which is equal to really super fastness.

Fast? Well look, it says SUPER right on the drive! That means speed my friend! The handles are so you can hold it down when it nearly flys off your desk at mach 4!

[springscansing]

Originally posted by yosoyjay
These type of companies need cheap, brainless robots. If you show any ability to think independently you could potentially ask questions or make suggestions. This is dangerous.

On a sidenote, I once went into CompUSA looking for a cheap PC for my Pops. I told the sales person I wanted pretty much a basic box because my dad wanted me to add some stuff later and that I didn't them to set it up because I could do it. The sales person suggest I buy an AMD based box because "they are soooo easy to overclock. All you have to do is run a lead pencil over the top of the chip a bunch and it will overclock big time." I said, "Really? All I have to do to overclock an AMD processor is run a pencil over the top of it?" He said, "Yeah, it is soo easy I recommend it to everybody." WTF? I left CompUSA and never returned.

Actually.. you can do that. Its possible to overclock an AMD using a pencil.

[Dont Hurt Me]

Originally posted by Sun Baked
See, the problem was you actually filled out the Application and looked like you had functioning brain cells.

Now, you should have had a 7-yr-old fill out the application in crayon for you. It also probably would have helped if you acted thoroughly entertained by a paper clip or piece of lint on the desk during the interview. LOL! So True, People they have in Hiring depts can be as inept as the next schmuck on the street.

[Ifeelbloated]

I got a funny story. I was talking to my buddy on the phone once. He's the manager of the tech department at a CompUSA. A diehard PC guy. He didn't know that much about Macs and asked the Apple rep there if Macs had faxing software. The rep said that they didn't. I was like you gotta be kidding me.
I've talked to a few of the PC sales people just to see what they knew. I swear to God that some of them qualified for Jay Leno's Battle of the Jaywalk Allstars. Even I knew more about PC's than them.
I've tried to get a job at CompUSA too, now that I think about it. I'd have slowly gone insane in a place like that.

[eyelikeart]

that's been the problem with CompUSA for years...their neglect for the Macintosh platform...

I cannot tell u how many times in the past I'd be in their store, roaming around the 2 tiny isles...looking for help and never being able to get it...

at least they got their ***** together by having certified Apple people work their expanded Apple sections... :rolleyes:

[iJon]

Originally posted by LethalWolfe
On two seperate occasions I talked to 2 seperate CompUSA employees about Macs and when I asked if a 15" w/superdrive iMac was in stock they both looked perplexed then started looking at the TiBooks trying to find what I was looking for.:rolleyes:

Ya know, I don't expect them to know every product in the store by heart, but for god's sake they should atleast know the iMac isn't a f99king laptop... ********* morons...

And if I sound a lil' bitter it's 'cause I am. :D I got shot down 'cause I didn't have enough retail experience (nevermind the 8yrs of CSR experience, management experience and traveling the world professionally shooting racecars). The HR rep glanced at my work history and then shot me down. Didn't finishing reading my application or cover letter. Didn't ask if I had any computer experience/knowledge. Nothin'. f88king moron. It's probably for the better though. I think the level of collective ignorance in that store would slowly drive me to suicide.

/rant

Lethal
go work at an authorized apple dealer, it will be much more fun and you will actualy be around people who like macs as much as you do.

iJon

[LethalWolfe]

Originally posted by Sol
Don't let it get you down. You can find a better job than that. Job interviews are just a part of the process.

Anyway, what was that about Macs not being able to handle video? I must have read that wrong.

I'm just venting. I've already got another job. It was just so jaw-droppingly dumb that I still can't wrap my brain around it. I didn't even get an interview. I dropped off the application and the guy at the desk asked me to hang around for a second. The store's HR manager walked up, picked up my app, looked at the prior work history, put down my app and informed me I didn't qualiy to work at CompUSA. :rolleyes:


Lethal

[guitargeek]

I don't have a CompUSA in my neighborhood, but if they're anything like Best Buy, then they don't know anything about PC's, either.

One guy was insisting on how important it was that I get the $70 insurance plan for the $40 CR-RW drive I was buying... right, because I'm going to spend almost double on the insurance plan...

[TonicAngel]

don't feel bad, I have a degree in computer science and i still got turned down. I know more about computers then the handful of people that work at my local one. :rolleyes: Apprently they just want dumb people who stand around and talk while refusing to help a customer. :mad:

[Tiauguinho]

Originally posted by springscansing
If I worked at CompUSA, they'd never sell a single PC. Ever. It would be iMac bonanza, each day, everyday. I'd lie if I had to.

800 megahertz? No.. on the iMac, mhz is MAC hertz.. which is equal to really super fastness.

Fast? Well look, it says SUPER right on the drive! That means speed my friend! The handles are so you can hold it down when it nearly flys off your desk at mach 4!

You should be hired by Apple!!! :) Nice Marketing! Mac Hertz! heheheheheh

[scem0]

Originally posted by Tiauguinho
You should be hired by Apple!!! :) Nice Marketing! Mac Hertz! heheheheheh

but in a way he would be lying to them..... PCs are in fact faster
than Macs. If I worked at compUSA, I would take the software,
elegance, and iApp route instead of the Mac MHz rout.

[iJon]

Originally posted by scem0
but in a way he would be lying to them..... PCs are in fact faster
than Macs. If I worked at compUSA, I would take the software,
elegance, and iApp route instead of the Mac MHz rout.
i like to tell people to double the speed on the mac and thats kind of the range you would be getting with a p4. that usually works with most people, they really dont care about the speeds once they see mac os x and all that good stuff. If all people cared about were speeds, they wouldnt be looking at the mac to begin with.

iJon

[bousozoku]

Well, you're better than an order taker. You shouldn't take it wrong. A lot of the managers don't like Apple or the fact that they're an integral part of the store.

A couple of weeks ago, the prior guy who used to work the Mac section was explaining to customers about Airport Extreme. He said that 802.11b went at 11 em be pe ess and 802.11g went at 54 em be pe ess, so it was twice as fast. :D

See, you're not missing out at all.

[bcsimac]

You wouldn't want to work at CompUSA. I worked for them during several periods of time. I worked from Oct 1997 until April 1998 and got laid off. I then worked again for them from July 1998 until September 1999 when I decided to quit to pursue an Apple job fair that was supposedly accidently posted by Apple's HR department (they only apologized for the inconvenience.....thanks Apple for really making it right....yeah right!) I returned to a different store in September 1999( a week after the Apple debacle) and stayed there until July 2000 when I moved to Alabama and was supposedly transferred (managers botched the transfer and I ended up waiting from August until October for them to correct it). I worked in the Birmingham, Alabama location from Oct 2000 until October 2001......by this time I was happy to get out and stay out.

Let me explain a few things about CompUSA. First of all, they are really only looking for people with retail experience. I was lucky to get hired in the first place because I applied several times at an established store only to get no response. My luck was that the store I was applying for was going to be a new location and needed an Apple person. It helped that I went to meet the GM who was going to be GM of that store and that I made a really good impression on him when I offered to help a Mac customer that he was trying to help. I acted like I was just a regular Mac customer......when I really was trying to talk to him about getting hired at his new location. As one of my managers said, we want people who want to sell, sell, sell, sell! Mac people want to only help mac people......there is the gist of the problem. They feel it is easier to deal with somebody who is motivated to sell anything....and that could even be their own butts themselves than it is to deal with a technically astute mac person. Retail people also believe that people who are technical .....also are bad sales people......because they intiminate customers with their knowledge and talk over people's heads. The other problem we as Mac users have to accept is that Mac sales only make up 13% of the total sales at CompUSA nation wide. Of that 13%, only 3% of those sales have TAP on them. CompUSA's whole business model is based on selling the product at barely any margin and then selling TAP, training, tech services, and etc to make up the rest for their profit. You got to understand almost everything they sell has less than 5% markup or margin on them. No company can stay in business with that kind of margin or markup. This is the reason training, tech services, TAP, Dial-A-Tech, and etc are so important. You also have to understand that managers, stores, and sales people have a minimum quota of what they are supposed to sell in product, TAP, training, tech services, DATs, and etc. Ok, so looking at these facts and figures, it is kinda hard to expect CompUSA to want to hire truly knowledgable Mac people who expect a higher wage than their PC counterparts.....I did!........and expect them to keep them and expect them to really care about whether you have Mac knowledge or not. It simply isn't profitable. You see if the store doesn't meet the quotas for all those things I mentioned then payroll is cut down by corporate and regional management. If payroll is cut down, then you get rid of those who don't produce the big numbers and who is of high wages.......it really is simple as that. The average Mac sales guy in a CompUSA who only does Apple stuff will only sell about $60,000 in merchandise as well as other services that I mentioned in a month's time. The average PC guy who is really nothing more than a retail sales person who has been trained by vendor reps sells an average of $160,000 in a month's time including services and merchandise. There is a big difference in the numbers folks, and you can't deny it. See management will require every sales person to sell at least $100,000 a month. Mac people almost never sell that much, but they are lucky enough to usually survive the cuts if they can do stuff like tech work and etc to make up the difference. I know this; I've been there.....it is like being stuck between a rock and a hard place......nowhere to really go! The stress is unbelievable folks. I was always tired, worn out, stressed out, and overworked. I had to do sales and service; and when the Apple Loan was around, I had to do those too......that is a lot for one person to do. If you are a true Apple/Mac person like I was, the expectation were also higher from management and customers. Managers expected you to sell and service Apple stuff. They expected you to get sales certified (Apple Learn and Earn, Apple Product Professional status) and tech certified (Apple Care Certified Desktop Technician and Apple Care Certified Portables Technician). That is a lot of material to go over and study and take the exams for......it is also hard to do when you work a lot of hours and have other obligations to deal with.....in my case a ministry position at my church. They expect you to know all the products, how Apple works, how Mac customers think, the Mac rumors, the Mac news, the Service related news, the sales related news, and etc. Sometimes, my brain just felt like taking a very long vacation because the flood of information. The customers would expect you to know everything from an Apple I to the newest Mac in the market......including the clones, Apple printers, newtons, eMates, and etc. Customers also expected you to be their free source of technical support and help.

The reason I left CompUSA back in October 2001 was that first of all Apple decided to put their own people in the stores and ignored people like me who had really good knowledge, expertise, competence, customer satisfaction, and etc scores from Apple reps and that CompUSA switched from hourly pay plus spiffs for selling services to commission on sales with services on them.....no services.....no commission.....no pay.....no food.....no rent money......I wasn't sticking around for that! I think Apple did a very big disservice to those Apple/Mac people who were good Apple/Mac people who did try to change the Apple image at CompUSA when they ignored us and didn't even interview us for the positions they were creating in the CompUSAs. In fact, I think it really stunk up the place if you ask me. I ended up training the new Apple employee myself. Apple hired a former cell phone salesman of all things. He had never used a Mac in his life until Apple gave him an iBook and had him visit Cupertino for training. I trained him only because I knew I was leaving the place, and I didn't want the Mac customers to suffer for CompUSA's and Apple's decisions which I think were really bad for Mac people. He is doing ok now, and I am glad to see that he is making inroads in the Mac world.......but I would have liked a chance myself at such a job. Apple doesn't know what they were missing!