Give your opinion of sales people at major big box retail stores in the US

[rekced]

Rate the average help you get at big box retail store that sell electronics on a scale of 1-10. It can be based on anything from availability to product knowledge. Just your general impression of the of their sales associates. If one stands out from the others please list the reason. Personally I don't shop at any of them because I think their prices are high and their help is more of an obstacle than anything.

Wal-Mart

Best Buy

Magnolia

Costco

Fry's

Target

Sears

Sam's Club

Kmart

BJ's

 

[rekced]

Wal-Mart

2/10. Sometimes I actually find someone who speaks my language and doesn't charge my credit card twice.

Best Buy

5/10. Employees are generally friendly and knows a few things about most of the products they sell.

Magnolia

7/10. Employees usually comes across as pretty professional and surprise me with how much they know. However there are still some bad apples.

Costco

3/10. Although I have never purchased anything there, the employees seem to have some odd arrogance that I have never seen anywhere else. Product knowledge is not there.

Fry's

6/10. Same opinion as Best Buy, but a few people really know their stuff.

Target

3.5/10. Same as Wal-Mart, but employees are generally no hassle.

Sears

5/10. Same as Best Buy.

Sam's Club

Never been in one

Kmart

Never been in one

BJ's

Never been in one

 

[adwilk]

Walmart, Target, Sams, Kmart are probably on the bottom of the list.. But, they have no reason to hire people in the "know". Shoppers at those locations are bargain hunters or just don't care as long as they get a good deal. Having a knowledgeable sales staff does little for the value to the customer. Its by design as well.. These large stores dont want employees spending tons of time with the customer.. it doesnt fit the business model.


Sears, and Best Buy are a step up. The employees seem to know just enough to be dangerous and how to up sell or sell add-ons. Misinformation is rampant however. Occasionally you'll find a good one.

Magnolia isnt bad... I've actually seen some pretty savvy guys in here. Still some misinformation but overall better than the price point section of the store. Depends what you're buying I guess.

Obviously, nothing compares to the specialty retailer. Its no different in any industry. This is always gonna be where you find the "experts" so to speak.

All the members of the retail chain exist for a reason and specific purpose. Depending on what you're looking to buy and what information you need should decide which retailer you visit.. My opinion anyway..

 

[rekced]

The employees seem to know just enough to be dangerous and how to up sell or sell add-ons. Misinformation is rampant however. Occasionally you'll find a good one.

Very interesting. Can you give some examples?

 

[adwilk]

Very interesting. Can you give some examples?

I guess I meant that they know the "buzz words" and things like 1080p (may not necessarily know exactly what it means) dolby digital, watts.. blah blah... Just enough to have a conversation with somebody about the HT world. They are trained to sell cable and warranties. Thats ultimately how the store makes money... I'm not sure exactly what you mean by "example"

 

[Adam]

I'm not sure exactly what you mean by "example"

You know...an example. Kind of like:

The other day I went into Best Buy and talked to Bob. You know Bob, right? Well, he started rattling off how great Samsung LCDs are and how 120Hz is the bomb because it's "twice as much as 60Hz." I asked if Panasonic plasmas are any good, and he said that they are the best plasmas available, but that LCDs are better. With the right Monster HDMI cable, they could look almost as good as an LCD, but not quite. Regardless of which one that I went with, though, I should definitely get the extended warranty because "things happen." He was pretty excited to show me the new Harmony remote that could control everything, except that he couldn't figure out how to get it to work.

[Based in part on a real visit.]

 

[adwilk]

You know...an example. Kind of like:

The other day I went into Best Buy and talked to Bob. You know Bob, right? Well, he started rattling off how great Samsung LCDs are and how 120Hz is the bomb because it's "twice as much as 60Hz." I asked if Panasonic plasmas are any good, and he said that they are the best plasmas available, but that LCDs are better. With the right Monster HDMI cable, they could look almost as good as an LCD, but not quite. Regardless of which one that I went with, though, I should definitely get the extended warranty because "things happen." He was pretty excited to show me the new Harmony remote that could control everything, except that he couldn't figure out how to get it to work.

[Based in part on a real visit.]

Yeah, that.. I think that pretty well covers it.

 

[jostenmeat]

Rate the average help you get at big box retail store that sell electronics on a scale of 1-10. It can be based on anything from availability to product knowledge. Just your general impression of the of their sales associates. If one stands out from the others please list the reason. Personally I don't shop at any of them because I think their prices are high and their help is more of an obstacle than anything.

You must get some sick pricing if you can beat Costco on a regular basis. They are #1, without a doubt in my book, because of insanely good CS. I mean . . . reeeeaaaaally good CS. I'm talking as far as peace of mind. However, I don't go there to talk to anyone. Then again, I don't talk to anyone at any of those stores, because I already know more than most anyone I'd meet there. Hell, I knew more than most of the folks at any of those places after only 6 months research. After 2.5 years . . . hmmm . . .

Adam hit a pretty important point, IMO. The difference with Best Buy, Magnolia, and to a lesser extent Fry's, is that a first-time shopper will EXPECT them to know something. So, there is an inherently misplaced trust, placed with the salesmen there. So, YMMV, and may Fate be very kind to you. It is for this reason that I think people get the most scrooed at BB/Magnolia. 2.5 years ago, I want to use an HDMI cable with my HTIB. BB will SHOVE DOWN YOUR THROAT the $300 Monster cable. Yep. I'm speaking the truth. At least at CC, I ran into a fellow who did not think that way, after challenging the guy just the tiniest bit.

So, I almost think it's safer to shop at Sears, Target, Kmart, because the consumer will not automatically believe all of the incredibly misinformed stuff that comes of the mouths at more "reputed" AV stores.

 

[wilmeland]

"Then again, I don't talk to anyone at any of those stores, because I already know more than most anyone I'd meet there. Hell, I knew more than most of the folks at any of those places after only 6 months research. After 2.5 years . . . hmmm . . ."

Pretty much sums it up for most of us reading these posts.

Nuff said

 

[adwilk]

"Then again, I don't talk to anyone at any of those stores, because I already know more than most anyone I'd meet there. Hell, I knew more than most of the folks at any of those places after only 6 months research. After 2.5 years . . . hmmm . . ."

Pretty much sums it up for most of us reading these posts.

Nuff said

Agreed, but I hate it when I hear about my friends or family that got "shanghaied" (no racist) at the big box shop. I guess every customer has the opportunity to become educated though.. I just hate that these stores exploit it. Its not right. Its no different than the guy at the auto shop telling me I need to change my blinker fluid....

 

[rekced]

You know...an example. Kind of like:

The other day I went into Best Buy and talked to Bob. You know Bob, right? Well, he started rattling off how great Samsung LCDs are and how 120Hz is the bomb because it's "twice as much as 60Hz." I asked if Panasonic plasmas are any good, and he said that they are the best plasmas available, but that LCDs are better. With the right Monster HDMI cable, they could look almost as good as an LCD, but not quite. Regardless of which one that I went with, though, I should definitely get the extended warranty because "things happen." He was pretty excited to show me the new Harmony remote that could control everything, except that he couldn't figure out how to get it to work.

[Based in part on a real visit.]

WOW haha. I didn't know people actually bought those warranties and $300 cables.

 

[Brian_the_King]

Very interesting. Can you give some examples?

I've got one; a friend's dad bought a $3500 Bravia LCD at Magnolia, and they somehow convinced him that he also needed a $400 power conditioner

 

[lsiberian]

Wal-Mart
(8 out of 10) Prices and Ease of getting there makes it very appealing to me.

Best Buy
(5 out of 10) Sorry I just don't find the employees usually knowledgeable. But there are some smart people there as with any store. Still it was way better than CC.

Magnolia
Never been here

Costco
They sale electronics?? Never been there.

Fry's
(10 out of 10)
I love this store. If you go to the right section one can find plenty of entertainment. Plus mine has great deals and a great staff. Many of our employees our engineering students at UTA. So they at least are technologically inclined.

Target
(4 out of 10)
My Fiancee loves this store and I drop her off and head to lowe's instead.

Sears
(1 out of 10)Over priced on steroids.

Sam's Club
(3 out of 10) I'd prefer just going to walmart.

Kmart
(they still exist)

BJ's
Never heard of it.

 

[lsiberian]

You know...an example. Kind of like:

The other day I went into Best Buy and talked to Bob. You know Bob, right? Well, he started rattling off how great Samsung LCDs are and how 120Hz is the bomb because it's "twice as much as 60Hz." I asked if Panasonic plasmas are any good, and he said that they are the best plasmas available, but that LCDs are better. With the right Monster HDMI cable, they could look almost as good as an LCD, but not quite. Regardless of which one that I went with, though, I should definitely get the extended warranty because "things happen." He was pretty excited to show me the new Harmony remote that could control everything, except that he couldn't figure out how to get it to work.

[Based in part on a real visit.]

This isn't surprising. This site has helped me a lot.

 

[jcilforever]

You know...an example. Kind of like:

The other day I went into Best Buy and talked to Bob. You know Bob, right? Well, he started rattling off how great Samsung LCDs are and how 120Hz is the bomb because it's "twice as much as 60Hz." I asked if Panasonic plasmas are any good, and he said that they are the best plasmas available, but that LCDs are better. With the right Monster HDMI cable, they could look almost as good as an LCD, but not quite. Regardless of which one that I went with, though, I should definitely get the extended warranty because "things happen." He was pretty excited to show me the new Harmony remote that could control everything, except that he couldn't figure out how to get it to work.

[Based in part on a real visit.]

Adam were you the guy standing next to me when I talked to Bob? I amost fell out of my chair You forgot the new titanium alloy wall mount with special quadruple hinge system that if you happen to be sitting on the ceiling you won't miss your shows!

 

[jcilforever]

Wal-Mart 0-2 depends if they just got off break

Best Buy 2-4 sometimes can be friendly, store not set up to listen to AV

Magnolia N/A

Costco 4-5 Jonesmeat has a point about customer service

Fry's N/A

Target 4-5 friendly pass on knowledge

Sears 4-5 beware of the must sell extended warranty to stay employed

Sam's Club 0-2 same as walmart

Kmart 0-2 same as walmart They sell electronics j/k

BJ's Ours went out of buisness Costco is better but BJ's is better than Sams

 

[oldhifiguy]

all illiterate 19 yr old automotons. but that's true for most stores today

 

[murl]

Very interesting. Can you give some examples?

I would say that one of the biggest examples is HDMI cables and their capabilities. Most salesman sale them as the only cable that can pass a HD signal and that is not true, just look at the pieces of paper in front of BluRay players and TV's at Best Buy, "This is just a regular DVD player (or TV) without an HDMI cable." This is not entirely true. Another member of this forum and I made a salesman there, that had been to the Monster training camp (yeehaw), feel about four inches tall, in front of other customers. I do think the customers were very impressed with our knowledge, and probably had a different opinion of him when he conceded. Anyway, everyone left pissed off and me minus a Bluray player.

 

[tonedeaf]

Was at targets yesterday with the wifey,asked where the blue-rays were,lady said thet didn't carry that brand of soap.J/k.I purchase only online and get all the info I need from you fellows.The only one I will comment on is best buy.They are overpriced and oversell the uneducated.Raises hand,got duped once,never again.;I've learned a tremendous amount on this forum and appreciate all everyone has had to offer.I'm not a true audiophile ,but I do enjoy electronics.

 

[BMXTRIX]

Wal-Mart

1-2 - There is just nobody who seems to know a thing when I'm in my local WMs. They just are unavailable and really don't have a clue for the most part. I've been in there and have seen people struggle to get help, then they were given incorrect information. Kind of typical upsell stuff, except without any knowledge.

Best Buy

4-7 - I like Best Buy. While many of the sales staff is less than perfect, they tend to try to be helpful, are willing to spend time with you, and they have a selection of displays which is basically untouched in our area.

Magnolia

6-8 - All of these are within Best Buy in our area, so it tends to be the Best Buy experience again, except usually with a bit more knowledge. Usually.

Costco

I'm a Sam's Club member.

Fry's

No Fry's in my area.

Target

0-1 - Target hires people to work registers it seems. I've never heard anyone ever answer a question at Target and their sales staff is often more difficult to find than at Wal-Mart. Plus, they never seem to have good pricing.

Sears

2-4 - Sears seems to occassionally have a good guy in the mix. Mostly, they are not very well trained and their selection is typically limited. But, they also sometimes throw out a great sales price on a product. Still kicking myself for not buying the 52" Sharp I was looking at last Black Friday.


Sam's Club

0-1 - Their sales guys aren't sales guys. They just let you know the store policies, how returns work, how warranties work, etc. They don't care if you buy or don't buy. While this works for me just fine, it really doesn't help people which may actually have questions. BUT! They have excellent pricing almost always and I got my 60" Pioneer from them and couldn't be happier.


Kmart

??? - Really, I haven't asked them about their electronics. I probably should.


BJ's[/QUOTE]

Still shopping at Sams Club.

Since it is local, I'll add Myer-Emco (Washington DC)

Myer-Emco
6-8 - I would put this in the same class, if not a bit ahead of where Magnolia falls. They get product training, and they do lean towards the upsell of cabling, but they tend to know that they are doing an upsell. Their products tend to be a bit more expensive, but they also carry some top shelf products which other stores don't, or can't, carry which is nice for checking out.