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| - I'm an unapologetic online shopper, especially when it comes to tech. People get all huffy and say, "Well! That's why places like Best Buy are going out of business!" To which I reply, "Oh, I thought it was the over-hovering sales staff and substantially larger price markup?"
But I'm a smart shopper first, and so I do occasionally find myself in Best Buy, checking out the products in person, seeing what value-added services BB might provide. (Because if something goes wrong with the television, do I really want to have to ship it away somewhere?)
And as for the over-hovering, this particular store has actually become quite good at asking you if you need help then fading away if you say no. Not perfect, but these days I find I can shop in peace here yet still find help when needed, unlike certain other electronics stores that rhyme with "CRIES" and "SIGHS" and "Leave me the hell alone already, GUYS!"
My laptop (bought here - the first computer I purchased at a brick-and-mortar store since my Digital Pentium in the mid-90s) was having a power issue, and although we had to wait awhile to be seen (who expects a queue on a Tuesday afternoon at 1 p.m.?), the person who looked over the computer was knowledgeable and efficient. She couldn't provide me with a loaner adapter while I waited for a new one, but she did point out that I could buy one and then simply return it when mine came in. Nice. Not everyone would volunteer that.
My bar is set quite high for sales staff at electronics stores because I'm an enthusiast who researches thoroughly (some say obsessively) and, in my old life, I was a technology columnist as well as co-founder of an ISP (and thus had to wear many IT-related hats). You haven't even seen tetchy until you've seen me around someone who doesn't know what they're talking about and is pretending otherwise, and if said person also attempts to "school" me on the subject, then best to leave the room or don protective eyewear, for there will be an explosion.
As fun as that can be, I've found the staff at this Best Buy to be genuinely knowledgeable and not at all condescending. I might disagree with them on whether a feature is desirable, and I wouldn't rely on their advice alone (because that's just me), but I can still respect their input.
I can't give Best Buy five stars because the prices just can't compete with online and some local retailers, and the selection will never be more than a "greatest hits and perhaps their B-sides" in each department. But the Geek Squad is a great concept, almost like 24/7 AppleCare that will come to your house (for a price), and this particular store is bright and clean with a staff that's polite, honest, and knowledgeable.
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