Dear Fry's Electronics, Frys.com and outpost.com, I am ending my relationship with you. After several years of what I thought was geek bliss, I have been made a fool of for the last time and will no longer deal with you.
How our relationship began:
I was first introduced to Fry's Electronics in May while attending a month - long Network Engineering boot camp in Irvine CA. Walking in the front door of Fry's, I fell immediately into geek love at all the options and cool electronics.
September:
Moved to within walking distance of Fry's Electronics in Renton, WA. Bought all of my computer parts there for myself, friends, family and the occasional customer that wanted an Uber system—around 40 computers (with LCDs to go with them).
May:
Moved into my new house 40 miles away from Fry's Electronics. Bought a new Harmon Cardon audio system ($2500 by itself) with an extended service plan (because, hey, I can fix computers, not audio equipment); Monster cable wiring for speakers, monster cables for a/v connections, upgrades for my computer, a new computer desk
Jan:
Convinced most of my non-geek friends that if they ever want anything, I'll take them down to Fry's Electronics (even though it is 40 miles away) and get what they need.
Feb. 2007 - March
Went out of my way to travel to Fry's Electronics to help my friends and family purchase:
Another Harmon Cardon system just like mine; A ~$1,800 Sony system, a 32" plasma TV, a 52" plasma TV, a 60 rear projection TV, 10 computers and numerous upgrades to older computers
April 20th
My Amp went out on my Subwoofer and my AVR was starting to "Protect" at low volumes. I called Fry's Electronics in Renton to make sure my service plan was still valid. They looked up my sales receipt and said it was good until June.
May 8
Detached my AVR and Subwoofer from the rest of my system. Traveled 1.5 hours (due to traffic) to Fry's Electronics to get them repaired. I had some other computer buying needs, so I figured I would research what I wanted while I was down there.
Waited patiently in line at the service counter and after a delay was told I needed my transaction number. Waited in another line at Customer Service to get it; went back to service and waited again.
Told them my issue. While slightly scowling at me, the Sr. Tech told the junior tech to check the transaction, because, "Maybe that will solve our problems" (Direct quote). Suddenly, to my surprise, they told me I didn't have a 3 year service contract. I said there must be a mistake. I know I purchased one. I wouldn't spend a total of $3,000 on a very nice audio system and after market wiring and not spend the comparable little bit of money to get the service contract—it was less than the monster cable wiring I bought at the same time for crap sake. They said I didn't have one. I asked to speak with the manager. End result: they wouldn't help me out. Basically said I was lying to them that I ever called down there. They asked me for a name. I asked Why should I need to bring a name of a person who confirmed what I already knew, that I had a warranty. I knew it for 3 years! I was just double checking the end date. Needless to say, I left without looking at new computer parts.
So, Fry's Electronics, I now know my geek love for you was a bug to flame. I got burned—scorched— especially when I got home to tell my wife the bad news. I've sent a couple requests to talk to your CS people, but have not had a response. So I say this to you now: You may have saved yourself a couple hundred dollars, maybe even a grand if my receiver had to be replaced, but without some recourse, you have lost all of my, all of my friend's and all of my family's future business. We won't be back to buy any electronics.
Brett
bothell, Washington
U.S.A.
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