Craigslist Hall of Shame

[14049752]

Little bit of a slow day today, so I was checking out the local Craigslist ads. Here are a few funny tidbits:

"I have been building computers for about 9 years. I can even run a reformat and do data backup on dvd/external hard drive/thumb drive." - Good thing! 'Running a reformat' is tricky stuff.

I have lots of experiance with all types of computer problems. for 80% of my calls i only charge $25. i am up from noon till 5 a.m.. - I should start offering computer repair in the A.M. hours, too, if there's THAT kind of money to be made!!!

Today only { 3/16/2009 } { until 9pm tonight} I am offer a complete spyware/virus removal from your desk or lap top computer windows based PC. - Holy crap. Can we say "Fly By Night"

hi my name is --------. I run a pc repair company from home, eventually I will open a shop. My charge is flat rate $35 for all repairs. My webpage has more information - The best part about this was that his "webpage" is a MySpace page and includes a picture of him standing in some living room with a cut-off tee. Way to present the professional image!

If windows needs reinstalled its 40 bucks you will get a valid key and a copy of Windows XP Pro. If Vista is requested I have Vista Ultimate and it will cost 80 bucks. - Would have been reported if there was any real contact information.

 

[Tiddle]

When i started putting my name out there. I took off all the unprofessional stuff off my myspace, because ppl can find you if they want to. I do use myspace as a form of advertising and it works fairly well for me since i do have alot of friends from hs and from the lil college i went to.

I was gonna put an ad on craigslist but i read the others that were on there and i laughed...and said to myself. "I dont want to be seen as one of these ppl."

I go solely by face to face biz card transaction, word of mouth, and my myspace.

 

[dhrandy]

I too started to do a craigslist add until I saw some that were on there.

Found one that said $20 an hour. Lol.

 

[AtYourService]

I've seen some gems there, but all and all craigslist is good for 1 or 2 customers a week for me

i was bored the other night and posted this

Free Adult Hot Porn!! Anything you can imagine! FREE!
Reply to: serv-6ctwg-1070919293@craigslist.org
Date: 2009-03-11, 7:49PM EDT


OK by clicking this ad for free porn, you most likely click other porn site links
How many popups does your computer have??
Is it running slow?
Chances are, you're full of viruses and spyware.
Good news is we can fix it! Give us a call!

 

[arrow_runner]

http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/cps/1079260277.html

ME:

My son got his laptop infected with some virus. It keeps popping up asking us to buy something to remove it (yeah right). How much would that cost to fix and how soon could it be done?

Them:

Hi,
Thank you for interesting. All the computer problems usually take least 1 hours and most 24 hours except the part change. And you will pay only $18.00 for all the services.
Please call 513-205-****and make an appointment.
I hope hear you soon.
Thank you,


<email address>@gmail.com
0-513-205-****

 

[Andyuk2007]

The people on there are desperate. From time to time I call them up pretending to be a customer, you should hear some of the non-sense that spews from their mouths. It makes me sick.

Can you give us some examples ? maybe next time you could record the conversation for us all to have a listen too there excuses.

 

[geekhelp4u]

Here in the states it's illegal to record someone without them knowing.

Here in Texas it is not!

 

[Daifne]

Recording is a state regulation. Some allow and some don't.

 

[Tiddle]

Here in Texas it is not!

lol good to know

 

[14049752]

I just wrote an open letter to my local craigslist readers. I'd like some input from Technibble before I post it.

___________________________________________________


An Open Letter to Craigslist Readers; How to Choose a Computer Repair Company


Hi,
Since you're reading, you're probably in the market for computer repair.
Before I get started, let me introduce myself and tell you why I'm writing this letter.
My name is ************, I co-own ***************, here in **********. I'm writing this letter because I've been in the computer repair field for 13 years, now, and frankly I'm tired of seeing some bad techs giving us all a bad name. I'm not going to name names, but I'd like to give examples of what to look for (especially here on Craigslist).


1 One of the biggest considerations you probably think about when your computer breaks down is "What's this going to cost me?" That's completely understandable. Lots of the guys here on Craigslist advertise things like "lowest in town", "$35, I'll fix any problem", or "80% of my calls are just $25." $25 or $30 bucks sounds pretty tempting, and maybe they know their stuff. Here's the truth about that, though: At $25 or $30 bucks, they probably don't have insurance, probably aren't registered with places like the Better Business Bureau for dispute resolution, and probably won't reasonably warrant any of their work. Again, with this point, I'm not touching on their ability to do the job, but accidents do happen and nobody's perfect.

2 A question we always get at my shop is "What if you can't fix it?" I understand where this question comes from; Lots of people advertising on Craigslist say "If I can't fix it, there's no charge." To me, this speaks volumes about a lack of experience in repair. Nobody would take their car to a mechanic and then be happy when he's had it for a few days only to tell you "I can't fix it." Every computer problem is fixable. I won't lie, some problems can be very difficult to discover because they're intermittent or very specific, but once they're discovered and reproduced a good technician can (and will) find the cause and figure out a fix. Speaking with other fellow technicians, opinions on this vary, but that's mine.

3 Be wary of anyone that promises goods for an extremely low price, especially software. I saw an ad on here a few days ago, advertising Windows XP Professional for $40, and Vista Ultimate for $80. Let me tell you, those prices aren't legit. Wholesale prices of that software isn't even nearly that low. Software such as Microsoft Windows is, frankly, easily pirated. If you run pirated software, or counterfeit software, it may stop working because of a blacklisted serial number. Someone playing by the rules will get you legit software at a fair market price, not three or four times less than retail.

4 My forth topic may be the hardest to gauge, but it's one of the most important: Try to have a reasonably good idea that who you choose is qualified for the job. If you're having your computer repaired, it's probably difficult to judge technical ability based on your own personal knowledge, so try to judge based on the expectations you're given, others' reviews at places like Yelp, Yahoo, CitySearch, etc. Unfortunately, I've seen plenty of laptops come to us needing DC power jack repair, that have been to another tech. Since I promised not to name names, I will honor that, but that tech is clearly learning to solder on his customers' parts. The new solder on the jacks simply falls off of the contact points and doesn't form a bond. I really hate to have to tell my customer what I've found, because it means their system wasn't fixed right the first time.

5 Finally, check the business out. Find out basic things like how long it takes to start to work on your system, if references are available, any certifications or memberships, and what kind of workmanship warranty is offered. Ask if they're a registered and licensed business. If they answer the phone "Hello?", instead of with a company name and "How can I help you?", that's not a professional. If they only list a phone number, and no website, they're probably just a fly by night looking to make a quick buck. A reputable company would have even the most basic website with contact information and a little bit about their company (trust me...webhosting is cheap!). A reputable company tries to make it extremely easy to find them among the crowd.




Hopefully I've given you good advice and have pointed you in the right path to getting the repair service you need. I welcome any questions or comments at *********@************.com
Thanks for reading
My Name
My Company
My Phone Number

 

[Tiddle]

I just wrote an open letter to my local craigslist readers. I'd like some input from Technibble before I post it.

___________________________________________________


An Open Letter to Craigslist Readers; How to Choose a Computer Repair Company


Hi,
Since you're reading, you're probably either in the market for computer repair.
Before I get started, let me introduce myself and tell you why I'm writing this letter.
My name is ************, I co-own ***************, here in **********. I'm writing this letter because I've been in the computer repair field for 13 years, now, and frankly I'm tired of seeing some bad techs giving us all a bad name. I'm not going to name names, but I'd like to give examples of what to look for (especially here on Craigslist).


1 One of the biggest considerations you probably think about when your computer breaks down is "What's this going to cost me?" That's completely understandable. Lots of the guys here on Craigslist advertise things like "lowest in town", "$35, I'll fix any problem", or "80% of my calls are just $25." $25 or $30 bucks sounds pretty tempting, and maybe they know their stuff. Here's the truth about that, though: At $25 or $30 bucks, they probably don't have insurance, probably aren't registered with places like the Better Business Bureau for dispute resolution, and probably won't reasonably warrant any of their work. Again, with this point, I'm not touching on their ability to do the job, but accidents do happen and nobody's perfect.

2 A question we always get at my shop is "What if you can't fix it?" I understand where this question comes from; Lots of people advertising on Craigslist say "If I can't fix it, there's no charge." To me, this speaks volumes about a lack of experience in repair. Nobody would take their car to a mechanic and then be happy when he's had it for a few days only to tell you "I can't fix it." Every computer problem is fixable. I won't lie, some problems can be very difficult to discover because they're intermittent or very specific, but once they're discovered and reproduced a good technician can (and will) find the cause and figure out a fix. Speaking with other fellow technicians, opinions on this vary, but that's mine.

3 Be wary of anyone that promises goods for an extremely low price, especially software. I saw an ad on here a few days ago, advertising Windows XP Professional for $40, and Vista Ultimate for $80. Let me tell you, those prices aren't legit. Wholesale prices of that software isn't even nearly that low. Software such as Microsoft Windows is, frankly, easily pirated. If you run pirated software, or counterfeit software, it may stop working because of a blacklisted serial number. Someone playing by the rules will get you legit software at a fair market price, not three or four times less than retail.

4 My forth topic may be the hardest to gauge, but it's one of the most important: Try to have a reasonably good idea that who you choose is qualified for the job. If you're having your computer repaired, it's probably difficult to judge technical ability based on your own personal knowledge, so try to judge based on the expectations you're given, others' reviews at places like Yelp, Yahoo, CitySearch, etc. Unfortunately, I've seen plenty of laptops come to us needing DC power jack repair, that have been to another tech. Since I promised not to name names, I will honor that, but that tech is clearly learning to solder on his customers' parts. The new solder on the jacks simply falls off of the contact points and doesn't form a bond. I really hate to have to tell my customer what I've found, because it means their system wasn't fixed right the first time.

5 Finally, check the business out. Find out basic things like how long it takes to start to work on your system, if references are available, any certifications or memberships, and what kind of workmanship warranty is offered. Ask if they're a registered and licensed business. If they answer the phone "Hello?", instead of with a company name and "How can I help you?", that's not a professional. If they only list a phone number, and no website, they're probably just a fly by night looking to make a quick buck. A reputable company would have even the most basic website with contact information and a little bit about their company (trust me...webhosting is cheap!). A reputable company tries to make it extremely easy to find them among the crowd.




Hopefully I've given you good advice and have pointed you in the right path to getting the repair service you need. I welcome any questions or comments at *********@************.com
Thanks for reading
My Name
My Company
My Phone Number

Very well put together. I may steal this from you and modify the ******* with my name..haha.

Is that cool?

 

[dhrandy]

@ 14049752

Seems a little long for Craigslist. I think I would shorten it up.

 

[Andyuk2007]

a great letter there lets hope people read it.

 

[14049752]

Very well put together. I may steal this from you and modify the ******* with my name..haha.

Is that cool?

Of course.

 

[Bryce W]

Here is a good one. Having all these skills isnt uncommon, just means they have a few macs, pcs, routers and network drives...but check out the location (for cost of living) and Pay:

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/tch/1076628764.html

Computer Technician (Santa Monica, CA)

Reply to: job-hqzj8-1076628764@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]
Date: 2009-03-15, 5:38PM PDT


Post Production Company in Santa Monica is looking for a highly motivated, fast learner, multi-tasking, experienced computer technician.

This is a full-time position.

Requirements – must have at least 3 years experience in all of the following:
- Server 2003
- X OS
- XServe
- XSAN
- NAS
- Domain Controllers
- VMWare
- Wireless, WiFi
- Networking
- Router
- Subnet
- TCP/IP
- Active Directory

Must be able to lift up to 30 lbs.

Serious candidates only -- will be tested during interview. Send detailed resume as a PDF attachment. Include two professional references and a cover letter. References will be verified.

• Location: Santa Monica, CA
• Compensation: $13/hour
• Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
• Please, no phone calls about this job!
• Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.

PostingID: 1076628764

 

[14049752]

Wow! Nice find, Bryce.
The worst part about that is, there are probably plenty of desperate people that will work for that, just to have a job.

 

[14049752]

Alright, well, I posted that letter. I guess we'll see if I get a flood of angry e-mails from local "techs".

 

[14049752]

@14049752; That letter is awesome! Good work on that, I may have to borrow that too, if it's ok with you?

Of course.
I think I've decided in the past couple of weeks that I want to make it my agenda to try to raise public awareness of these things. I'm considering writing to a few news stations to see if they'll hear me out.

 

[14049752]

I actually just got a call about my letter.
The guy gave me "Kudos" on the letter. He did mention that he doesn't currently have a website. I asked him "Why?" and he said that he just hasn't had the time.
I told him that, in my opinion, he should get something up as soon as possible. It helps set us apart and goes a long way to helping a professional image.

 

[Kyrus]

@14049752 Very nicely said.

Look at this one, this guy wants you to work for parts..

Fix my computer - get free computer equipment!
Here's the deal, I have two computers that I am stuck trying to get fixed. I have my main computer, but my wife and kids never get to use it since I'm always working on mine, so I need to get one (or both preferably) working soon. I usually fix my own computers, but I'm just stumped by these!

One is a Compaq Presario SR1123WM with a 2.53Ghz Celeron cpu added in:
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c00192728&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en

and the other is some gateway case with this motherboard and a 2.8Ghz Pentium 4 CPU inside:
http://support.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop/d845hv/sb/CS-008815.htm

The Compaq was given to me with no CPU inside it and I added in a Celeron chip to no avail. No beep codes, no display. This is the one I will want fixed - probably need another CPU/fan.

The Gateway was working fine, I unhooked it for a couple months and now nothing. Needs an AGP 4x compliant video card and some memory I think, not sure otherwise. I don't see how the CPU could be bad, but maybe you'd know better.

I have boxes of hard drives, cards, expensive adapters and cables, a few PDAs, some game systems (GBA, N64, PS2, Xbox), and lots more available! I have also a IBM Lenovo Thinkpad T22 laptop with a flickering screen issue (works fine on external display - new battery lasts forever) that I could pay you with.