FS customer service

[smartie]

I am not sure whether I asked the right question when I was in Future shop for a laptop. I asked a customer service rep whether I could get a discount for a laptop, she gave me a cold face and said it is on sale now and price is low(sounds like I owe her money!). I don't know whether it is on sale or not,but even if it is on sale,didn't I have right to ask discount I could not believe her attitude. I tried to ask another guy,but he pointed to that woman and said "she is an expert",what an expert in FS!

[carmaster]

She must be an expert in BS. Futureshop sales rep are really annoying and they aren't properly trained and aren't very knowledgable. They can give you a discount on the package if you purchase a warranty. Which is a scam.

[Samster]

If you really did ask a CSR they wouldn't know because they don't technically do sales. Also laptops and PC's have slim to no margins so you're not going to get a discount on those items. You might get something off of accessories if you bundle it in the purchase of a PC/laptop.

[punisher101]

If any of those brain dead salepeople are Product Experts then I'm a Navy Seal

[hi-tech]

Doesn't surprise me...who walks up to someone and just randomly asks them for a discount? Did you build repertoire or anything? Interact with the sales rep?Seems like you just went in to FS and expect to be given a discount for no reason what so ever.

I worked at FS and I personally dislike the company and they way they made us sell that scam of a warranty, but people who expect to be given a discount for no reason what so ever need a reality check. First off, on "sale" price laptops, computers sales reps make $2-3 commission, and there is no margin to play with. The only discounts that can be given are on things like accessories, or a "bundle", where you can increase the baseline margin by bundling in the warranty (which=100% margin in the computer).

[number8888]

Sounds like OP doesn't know how to negotiate properly. You don't just go up to a person and ask for discounts. At least strike up a conversation first. Also a laptop on sale usually has no room for discounts, and you just have to ask for some bundle to make it a better deal. Also you complain about her attitude but what about yours? Seems like you were pretty negative to begin with?

[LonesomeDove]

Like previous posters say, you likely will get a discount if you buy the extended warranty. FS and BB make money from the extended warranty, not the product itself. Buying the warranty, however defeats the purpose of the discount. Unless you really want the warranty.

[iamnotamerican.com]

didn't I have right to ask discount I could not believe her attitude.

You have the right to ask, she has the right to tell you to take a hike. My guess is you just came out and asked "can I have a discount?", which is the wrong way to go about it.

Getting a good deal is kinda like sex. You don't just say "hey...wanna f*ck?" (though I knew a guy in Australia who had a pretty good batting average with that line). You've got to get to know the person and maybe have a bit of a kiss and cuddle first.

[glamvancity]

Like others have already said, you cannot just approach a salesperson and expect a discount. Ask the salesperson if they can throw in a printer or other accesories along with the computer for discounts. If you want to get deals, create a relationship with that salesperson, if you have a friend that needs to buy something as well recommend that salesperson. I used to work at futureshop and salespeople were more likely to give discounts to friendly people not ones that just assume they're entitled to a discount.

[smartie]

Sounds like OP doesn't know how to negotiate properly. You don't just go up to a person and ask for discounts. At least strike up a conversation first. Also a laptop on sale usually has no room for discounts, and you just have to ask for some bundle to make it a better deal. Also you complain about her attitude but what about yours? Seems like you were pretty negative to begin with?

Thanks and you might be right. But what's the point if I give them 100 dollar more for bundle and ask 50 dollar back. I still spend 50 dollar more.

[smartie]

Sounds like OP doesn't know how to negotiate properly. You don't just go up to a person and ask for discounts. At least strike up a conversation first. Also a laptop on sale usually has no room for discounts, and you just have to ask for some bundle to make it a better deal. Also you complain about her attitude but what about yours? Seems like you were pretty negative to begin with?

Excuse me, I don't know why you thought I was negative.

[mmmken]

Thanks and you might be right. But what's the point if I give them 100 dollar more for bundle and ask 50 dollar back. I still spend 50 dollar more.

The point is that you're getting more. You aren't giving them a bill more and nothing in return. The reason why you're paying a bill more is because you're adding another thing to the deal.

Advertised prices are there for a reason. The price posted is the price everyone pays. You have every right to ask for discount, but they have every right to deny you. Do you ask for discounts while shopping for your groceries?

What makes you think you're better than any other regular customer to receive a special discount?

[jacker]

Is this really how customers think?

I used to work at FS. This entitlement that people have to pay a lower price than anyone else at the store always intrigued me.

I actually had a guy come to look at a computer package once (PC+monitor+printer). It was $599, 0-1% profit margin.
His first question, before even introducing himself: "What can you throw in if I want to buy this computer?"

I said: "Nothing, for $599 you get the computer, monitor, and printer. It's on sale already."

He turned around and walked out. I loved it.

[smartie]

The point is that you're getting more. You aren't giving them a bill more and nothing in return. The reason why you're paying a bill more is because you're adding another thing to the deal.

Advertised prices are there for a reason. The price posted is the price everyone pays. You have every right to ask for discount, but they have every right to deny you. Do you ask for discounts while shopping for your groceries?

What makes you think you're better than any other regular customer to receive a special discount?

Thanks again. If you think asking a discount is a privilege,yes,nothing made me feel I am special. But I loss nothing by asking,right? Just like those phone companies, you can ask them to give you extra benefit for retention, but certainly,you can argue "What makes you think you're better than any other regular customer to receive a special benefit"?

[darkprince]

Sounds like OP doesn't know how to negotiate properly. You don't just go up to a person and ask for discounts. At least strike up a conversation first. Also a laptop on sale usually has no room for discounts, and you just have to ask for some bundle to make it a better deal. Also you complain about her attitude but what about yours? Seems like you were pretty negative to begin with?
+1


LOL "can I get a discount on this laptop?"

I would have response "how bad do you want this laptop?"
Customer: "not really that bad"
resp: "then don't waste our time"
Customer: "I really want it"
resp: "then the price is what it is"

[chshwong]

Well true that the OP could have worked a bit more on bargaining strategically.

But on the other hand, it's the saleswoman's loss for not taking that opportunity to sell to her customer.
Come on guys, unlike Best Buy, FS is commission-driven and thus should expect to bargain, and not simply stand here and read the price off the tag.

On top of that, this thread's main purpose was really to show you how rude or passive the staff at future shop are.

If you already read my other thread about future shop:
http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/fraudulent-act-futureshopa-807819/4/

You'll realize that they are not very professional to start with.

Just don't go there anymore seriously. Especially for computers, any Chinese store would have better deals with geeky staff that can explain things top to bottom. (of course.. there's a tradeoff in return policy)
:)

[Shaner]

I have a strong feeling the OP thinks the staff member was rude simply because the OP wasn't given a discount. The staff member appropriately stated that the price on the product was final, there's nothing rude about that.

[number8888]

Excuse me, I don't know why you thought I was negative.

I am just presenting the possiblity, but my wording might be interpreted otherwise. I apologize if you felt offended.

Still, there's always two sides to a conversation. I have read many "complaints" where the poster accuse the other side as being rude when the truth is that both sides are to blame, and once the discussion becomes an argument, both side gets defensive and will be less likely to work out a deal.

Thus when the sales associate shot you down so quickly I am actually surprised. If she is truly motivated to make the sell then I think she would at least present some counter offer (for example gives you a laptop mouse at 50% off) to you despite your upfront bluntness.

[grego9198]

Were you just asking for a deal on the laptop by itself? If so I can see why she refused.

I used to work at Henry's and when people would ask for a discount when purchasing just a camera I'd tell them unless you've seen it cheaper elsewhere (so I can price match) I can't help you. These items don't have a whole lot of margin on them so there isn't room to play with.

But if you were buying some extra stuff, memory cards, filters, case, then something can be done.

But walking in and asking for a discount on one low margin item? Doesn't really work, as you can see.

[carmaster]

Futureshop is not a flea market where you can bargain the price of the item alone. You have to be a serious buyer and willing to purchase that dreadful extended warranty in order to get a "discount".

[smartie]

I am just presenting the possiblity, but my wording might be interpreted otherwise. I apologize if you felt offended.

Still, there's always two sides to a conversation. I have read many "complaints" where the poster accuse the other side as being rude when the truth is that both sides are to blame, and once the discussion becomes an argument, both side gets defensive and will be less likely to work out a deal.

Thus when the sales associate shot you down so quickly I am actually surprised. If she is truly motivated to make the sell then I think she would at least present some counter offer (for example gives you a laptop mouse at 50% off) to you despite your upfront bluntness.

No, You didn't offend me. Thanks for your advice:) I was surprised too actually because she could have suggested other "cheap" models to me or told me opitions if I want discount like extended warranty or discount computer bag. Bottom line is she shouldn't give me stone face.

[smartie]

Were you just asking for a deal on the laptop by itself? If so I can see why she refused.



Yes, I agree. That is what I learned from this experience. I used to buy a HDTV from same store and got 100 dollar off from the TV table,but they didn't give me discount on TV itself. I guess the only way to get discount is to give them more moeny:)

[Winkle]

Yes, I agree. That is what I learned from this experience. I used to buy a HDTV from same store and got 100 dollar off from the TV table,but they didn't give me discount on TV itself. I guess the only way to get discount is to give them more moeny:)

Usually they'll give you discounts on the extras, the accessories but generally not the main product itself. You can try to get a discount on a laptop bag or a wireless mouse or something for example if you buy the laptop, but probably not the laptop itself unless you also volunteer to purchase a PSP... they will usually get their attention.