8 Jun
2003
8 Jun
'03
4:52 a.m.
On Sat, 7 Jun 2003, Erik S. Klein wrote:
They have shrink-wrap machines at every location and
often re-wrap
returns to re-sell as new - even those reported as defective by the
customer returning them! (Hearsay from an ex-employee followed up by
observing stacks of items that, to me anyway, were obviously re-wrapped)
One fun game to play in Fry's is "Let's Try to Find a New, Un-opened
Package".
The fact that I haven't met a Fry's employee
who wasn't a drooling idiot
(my friend was obviously too bright for the place! :) and the fact that
the store always seemed to be out of the single thing you came in for
always bothered me as well.
And I don't mean to sound racist, but it would be nice if they could hire
people that could properly enunciate the English language. But I'm afraid
having them actually know anything about computers or electronics would
be too much to ask.
One fun thing to try, by the way: When the Fry's
bonehead at the guarded
exit tries to search your bag, just walk on by. As it turns out they
can't legally search your property (which the bag is the moment you pay
for it) unless they have some reasonable belief that you are stealing.
If they don't have this and detain you it is the equivalent of false
arrest.
I have never stopped for that clown and nothing in California law gives
them the right to detain you unless you either a) consent or b) they have
a reasonable suspicion as you've mentioned. It is one of the rudest
retail practices I have ever experienced. Other lame places like CompUSA
and some Home Depots have adopted this practice. It's fun when the
Simulation Guard feels jilted when you just walk by them and they call
after you. I usually tell them to get a real job.
The list goes on, I just wish Fry's wouldn't.
You're not the only one, brother. That they have managed to survive until
this day is one of the great Silicon Valley Mysteries (even more
mysterious than the Winchester Mystery House!)
--
Sellam Ismail Vintage Computer Festival
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