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| - I have definite mixed feelings about Futureshop.
On one hand, there are the things that grind on me every time I walk through the door:
The swarms of salespeople that molest you as soon as you touch a product, asking you if they can "ring that in for you" so they get their little cut.
Or the pitch for a "product protection plan" on even the most insignificant, disposable of purchases. Like ultra cheap earbuds.
Wait a sec. This product protection plan grinds me more than just a little...
This plan seemingly can change policy without notice during its lifespan. And, as in my case, have no value at all.
How so?
I bought a 3 year warranty on an XBox 360... and then when it died with the "red ring of death," I was told that Microsoft's warranty covered it, so deal with them. In other words, I shipped it back and forth to Microsoft 3 TIMES (once a year, like
clockwork!), and Futureshop never lifted a finger. No "new replacement" as advertised. Nothing.
I still got my repairs, but Futureshop just pocketed the extended warranty.
The flipside is, years ago I bought a laptop from Futureshop (something I would NEVER do now, btw). I dragged that thing through airports weekly and beat the living beejezus out of it. Oh, I got my pound of flesh out of Futureshop on THAT extended warranty. They rebuilt it for me. Twice.
So... win some, lose some. But statistically, I'd never go with the plan unless it's something you know will likely die.
But I'm digressing...
Walking into Futureshop now, my initial impression is they are trying to be a jack of all trades, master of none.
No longer computers and electronics, they are selling appliances... and even musical instruments.
Musical instruments?
Granted my initial response was to scoff at the idea of buying something like a guitar from them.
But then on second thought, experiencing years and years of smarmy music stores trying to gouge on everything has taught me that price competition from something like Futureshop can be a good thing. At least for the consumer.
You want a beginner instrument? Hey, you are probably doing ok on the price.
Likewise for the appliance dealers in Calgary. In particular, the one who likes to charge WAaayyy more than MSRP. Perhaps they are being kept better in check now?
But yeah... come to think of it, Futureshop really is the place I go to for gifts when I don't want to put a whole lot of thought into anything. Which doesn't say a ton about them anymore. But guess we'll be seeing each other this Christmas, as usual.
Yelp's 30 Day Challenge 2012 - 28/30
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