So I'm kinda computer savvy. I'm not a whiz, but I know my way around computer hardware. I feel like I should be able to go into a place like this, ask intelligent questions and get intelligent, informed answers about their products.
Getting a sales associate who actually knows their stuff is difficult. I recently went in about 3 times to put together a computer and got various answers to my questions. Some of the sales guys act very sure about their answer and others seem wishy-washy (which is fine if they actually don't know, but they should go find someone who does). On the other hand, it irritates me when a sales associate claims to know about something only to be proven incorrect by me or another associate. The guys who know their stuff though are actually quite helpful.
Another thing this place doesn't have going for it are the sales terms and conditions. 7 day return policy with a minimum restocking fee of 15%. No price protection (won't do price adjustments) and their stock levels online are usually off, so call ahead if you are going for something specific.
Now, the good things about this place are that they have a lot of tech products that you won't find at Best Buy or Futureshop. They stock items that are normally special order through the big guys too. Prices are competitive but inconsistent. I always look for a better price at Best Buy and Futureshop because if they carry it, it'll come with a much better return policy which is important if something doesn't work out the way you hoped or as advertised.
My latest tech purchase was a tiny computer for my TV. I had to install my own RAM and SSD, but that's normally very easy. Neither the computer nor the SSD I bought came with the screw needed to attach the SSD to the motherboard (not Canada Computer's fault). I brought it in and the service guys were able to find a screw and install it for me at no cost, which was nice.