Why do techs always try to rip me off?

[Insanepyro69]

Recently I got a job as a senior tech for a computer company, and And last weekend i was working a computer show.
And when i got some time I usally went and looked for some good deals on hardware, every guy I went up to either talked to me like I was, mentally retarded, or tried to tell me I need parts for my computer that were atleast 5-10 years old (300 Mb hard-drives, ect), or seriously overpriced their used hardware?

Now what I'm trying to figure out is why, what draws them into treating me like this and not the other techs? Is it the way i dress, or is it because i'm young(17yrs old 1 day ago)? I cant figure it out. But what i do know is next time i go, and am "mistreated" i think i'm going to go off.

What are some key things i should do, to alert them, that I'm not a roll over?

[pam123]

You've just met sleaze.
A search of this forum will turn up warnings about computer shows. They've gotten a rep ( deserved ) for scams.
If you had more patience I would suggest you keep looking till you find a good dealer but with your temper that's not a good idea.
Get your parts on-line, newegg or mwave, and you'll help put the sleaze out of business.

[ylen13]

been to local comptuer showed recently and actually no one really tried to sell anything really overpriced.Btw what computer show did u go to?

[Fastfly]

How do they know you know the stuff (exclude Pricing) Most people in the world dont know squat about computers so there just trying to help them out.

[mbossman2]

those traveling computer shows are really no different from the hucksters that show up at county/state fairs. They prey on the population that has little knowledge or beleives that everything marked "deal" is a good deal.

Most of these sleaze merchants will sell you garbage and my favorite part is you get to PAY for the priviledge.

My advice is to stick to recognized merchants, you may miss out on the rare "great deal" but in the long run, you will be better off.

[TwoRails]

Originally posted by Insanepyro69
...snip...
What are some key things i should do, to alert them, that I'm not a roll over?

Hi Insanepyro69,

Nothing. The harder you try, the worse you'll look. About the only thing is maybe giggle when they try to sell you the "bill-of-goods."

The thing about actually trying to show them is that approach doesn't work. For example, I was a "wrench" (aka professional automotive / truck technician) for many years. It seemed like every customer wanted to talk to the mechanic. And, it seemed, all they ever wanted to say was how good of a mechanic They were!!! The more they talked, the worse they sounded. A real mechanic (besides never taking his / her car to the shop) just talks "mechanics," and don't proclaim their prowlness with a wrench.

HTH

TwoRails

[Insanepyro69]

Thanks For All the replies, I appreciate the insite.

Oh ya the show i went to was in a gilabralter trade center

[Blakhart]

I disagree, you can find outstanding deals at a fleamarket. Yesterday I picked up tyan tiger100 mobo (dual p2 server goodness) and a uw adaptec scsi card for $25 total. Both are worth more each than the price I paid, by far. You must ask the dealer to prove the parts work though. I also picked up a voodoo3000 for my retro tribes1 box, from someone I have done much business with. He has never jacked me around, the parts have always been good. I told him $10 for the vid card(marked $15), and $5 for the brand new drive cooler(marked $7), that is the same as the one at compusa for $15. He said $17, and the deal was done. I have been taken by ppl who I thought a friend though, but they did say the dread words "as is"..... so I should have moved on. The bare slot A athlon 600 cpu that I got from them (doa) makes a nice weight to keep my mouse cord from scurrying behind the desk. Plus it looks cool. But not for $25.

[TwoRails]

No matter where your shop, you have to do your best to be a "smart shoper." I feel that the biggest worry with fleamarkets and the like is where are the venders going to be, later down the road, when / if a problem occurs. If I'm confident, and the price is right, then it doesn't really matter to me where I buy something.

TwoRails

[MrBigglesworth]

My advice is not to take it personally and next time take along a friend also "in the know", just enjoy the crap that they spew out and have a good giggle.

[AzCoastie]

Insanepyro69,

It's not you... They treat everyone like that! Just laugh at 'em! ;)

[Fastfly]

Yea Just play with them....its always a good time! :)


"So man you mean I cant Dual boot XP on a 150meg HD?"

[Insanepyro69]

Thanks for all the replies i'll keep in mind all of what you said next time i go..

Thanks,
Insanepyro69