How to compete/rival GEEK Squad..?

[tankman1989]

First off please give me your opinion of IT services offered by Geek Squad, Staples, OfficeMax, etc. Do they measure up to the average somputer store/shop? Do they offer professional services?


Do you think the below franchise would be capable and needed (US market)to serve clients in the proper way?

If another tech company started up that was a franchise model and covered every aspect of residential to small/medium business and large enterprise businesses on a case by case basis. This means that all your procedures would be available on line, like how to remove the newest Rouge anti-virus or whatever. There would be a TON of benefits as well like being able to get health care through the franchise, saving lots of money; and investment savings, etc. This company would put Geek Squad to shame (hopefully).

 

[Kitten Kong]

I like the idea of the franchise, but for the large enterprise companies, I would presume that they have their own IT team, therefore no need for outside techs.

I can't speak for the US market, but here in the UK, we have PC World. With their own team The tech Guys (Now Knowhow). From what my clients have told me of the tech guys, their service was really bad.

E.G. Report from PC World. Computer booked in 28.2.11 - completed 2.3.11 System tool malware removed. PC cleaned. MSConfig edited to remove unnecessary programs from start up. 0 Viruses found. 124 items of spyware removed. Tune up complete. Still running very slowly. Recommend full reload of windows to repair damage caused by the malware.

From this report, it looks like they only use(d) the one tool, not sure what it was, but if they could not remove a simple malware like system tool, then that speaks heaps and bounds. Btw this clients machine was booked into for a health check, which was free of charge to my client as part of their package.

(Mods please note, the report is exactly as printed off, nothing has been added or amended - a copy of this is kept on my machine).

 

[Eddie]

"How to compete/rival GEEK Squad..?"

Don't. Be unique in your service and sell what you are rather than what your competitor is or is not.

 

[RichmondTech]

"How to compete/rival GEEK Squad..?"

Don't. Be unique in your service and sell what you are rather than what your competitor is or is not.

+1. Discussion over. Close the thread. On to the next one!

 

[cmonova]

There are already a ton of threads on Geek Squad, Staples, and the others and the service they provide. I don't think many here are going to give them accolades to their service model.

As far as the franshicse concept I don't think so. There are already Franchises in place that provide exactly what you are saying and they are not putting a damper on the above mentioned companies work load to any extent so there is no reason to think a new franchise would do any different.

Would not get too wrapped up on the "TON" of benefits either, because there are probably just as many drawbacks to a franchise model.

 

[ljtechservices]

"How to compete/rival GEEK Squad..?"

Don't. Be unique in your service and sell what you are rather than what your competitor is or is not.

Yeah I'm not particularly interested in competing with them.
"Competition" may imply a level playing field where the competitors have the same opportunities.

In this community I can't hope to compete with the big box store budgets for advertising, branding, supply chain, etc.
However they can't compete with my local reputation, contact list, years in the field and "technical prowess" (quote from a customer)

With their resources I could make Geek Squad better. But it would be unrecognizable as the same service. Their service exists to take care of the most basic of computer & networking problems as a front to up-selling the products in their chain of stores.

With my resources Geek Squad couldn't function and would collapse in on itself. My business exists to provide computer and networking support to small businesses regardless of what product is popular at the time.

 

[JAG Computers]

+1. Discussion over. Close the thread. On to the next one!

Incorrect. I compete with them on a daily basis. Why? Because my main distributor gives me the means to. I can get any laptop or prebuilt desktop at prices that give me an edge. From them, I offer warranties on new computers that I otherwise would not be able to offer. And fortunately for me, they are local. That means faster turnaround time.

I love to tell potential customers that I compete with Best Buy. People love value.

I will PM anyone who wants to know my suppliers. USA only.

 

[Tony_Scarpelli]

hi Tankman,

I believe a franchise is a good investment if it has great marketing, name recognition that will bring business to you and/or great operations that will allow you to perform your functions effectively.

Your being in business already, you have no doubt learned much of what a franchise could offer you so it sounds like you mostly want marketing advise, name recognition and specific way to compare to the other guys.

Be careful in that most franchises will want about 10% of your gross sales so if they are not bringing you at least that or more then they will hinder your ability to compete rather than help it.

I believe that the talent and ideas on this forum represents a great deal of anything there is to learn about our businesses. You only need to understand when and where to apply those ideas and techniques to your situation.

I'd be happy to work with you on a private level through PM's emails and phone calls if you feel that I can help you in anyway.

I do think if you plop down $29k for a franchise you might be disappointed in what you get compared to what you already have.

The problem is "we do not know, what we do not know." So it is difficult to tell what help we need. In years of consulting, every client has always asked for help with more sales and revenues. Sure more sales is nice but these same clients had gaping holes in their system that wouldn't allow them profitability at any sales level.

So try to focus equally on operations, marketing, customer service and keeping up with technology and the best way of doing things. Your attendance on these forums is a great indicator of your already seeking these things.

So Congratulations to you as well as all of us for reaching this level of awareness.

Here is a quick list of things I think anyone should do (in our business)

1. Take an inventory of skills your organization offers compared to others.
2. Compare your prices relative to others who do the exact same thing.
3. Adjust your prices to make sure you are not undervaluing your self.

SBA studies indicate you are more likely to under price yourself out of business than over price. Everyone beleives price is the big motivator... its not...quality is, perception of quality, value and perception of value.

4. Don't give away free service, when someone is willing to pay for it, contrary to beliefs it doesn't cement relationships but turns good customers into mooches.
5. Read Gorilla marketing and apply the cheap and free ideas as needed.

I had many marketing classes but this book is a real eye opener. It levels the playing field for all of us non billionaire companies.

6. Always look for ways (in your operations) to do things quicker, easier, with less input from yourself.

7. Always do things the most expedient way even if you are slow, that way you develop good habits rather than expecting to easily switch when you get busy.

 

[RichmondTech]

Incorrect. I compete with them on a daily basis. Why? Because my main distributor gives me the means to. I can get any laptop or prebuilt desktop at prices that give me an edge. From them, I offer warranties on new computers that I otherwise would not be able to offer. And fortunately for me, they are local. That means faster turnaround time.

I love to tell potential customers that I compete with Best Buy. People love value.

I will PM anyone who wants to know my suppliers. USA only.

I think anyone in the US would be interested in picking up an extra supplier. Why don't you just name them? If you don't want to because of some arrangement, I'd be interested in a PM.

 

[silvano]

I think anyone in the US would be interested in picking up an extra supplier. Why don't you just name them? If you don't want to because of some arrangement, I'd be interested in a PM.

Same. I'm pretty happy with ours, but I'd love to see what else is out there. For anyone in the midwest, check out leadertechusa

 

[iisjman07]

Beat them with your outstanding customer service. If you go above and beyond, people will recommend you to everyone

 

[JAG Computers]

I think anyone in the US would be interested in picking up an extra supplier. Why don't you just name them? If you don't want to because of some arrangement, I'd be interested in a PM.

This is not the technician's eyes only forum. That's why.

 

[kevinjhaag]

@Jag...
I'd like to see what you have for suppliers. Please PM me too.

 

[maclaptech]

I really don't understand the point of trying to complete with a big box store. People who don't know any better, will go to Geek Squad and empty out the wallet and get sub standard service. Once they are burned, they will look for alternatives the next time they have any issue.

Offer services that Geek Squad can not offer or offer for a cost of new laptop such as motherboard replacements, keyboard replacements, screen replacements, etc.

 

[ubuzz]

Incorrect. I compete with them on a daily basis. Why? Because my main distributor gives me the means to. I can get any laptop or prebuilt desktop at prices that give me an edge. From them, I offer warranties on new computers that I otherwise would not be able to offer. And fortunately for me, they are local. That means faster turnaround time.

I love to tell potential customers that I compete with Best Buy. People love value.

I will PM anyone who wants to know my suppliers. USA only.

Hi JAG,

Please PM me a list of the suppliers. Thanks in advance,

Mike

 

[grayfoxcomputing]

Ditto - please PM me as well.

Thanks

 

[uprighttech]

Jag, would love to know what suppliers you are using. PM me please. Thank you!

 

[rsarceno]

I will PM anyone who wants to know my suppliers. USA only.

Please PM me your supplier. Thanks