Anyone been contacted by a company looking for AV technicians to do installs for the Geek Squad? They are looking for LICENSED techs that want to drive to a Best Buy with a 2 man crew, use fuel, pay insurance, pick up gear and immense TVs, perform all of the tasks listed below and dispose of the boxes and styrofoam for the princely sum of $103.00! AND if the client has more than 1 TV, you'll do any additional ones for $40.00!

To anyone looking here that is not an AV Pro, there are some important takeaways from my diatribe to follow.

1. Best Buy is a great place to buy gear but they are CLUELESS when it comes to custom installation... so much that while 7-10 sweetly equipped and wrapped Sprinters generally sit motionless in the far reaches of the parking lot, they've now decided to see if they can find some mercenary to do the work they heavily mispriced. Takeaway: THEY LOST BOATLOADS OF MONEY BECAUSE SUITS PRICED CUSTOM WORK LIKE A SKU THAT YOU CAN SELL INCREASING AMOUNTS OF BY BEING THE LOWEST.

2. They are looking for LICENSED techs. Takeaway: THEY COULDN'T HIRE A LICENSED TECH AT $11.00 AN HOUR SO THEY SENT OUT ROOKIES. DAMAGE CLAIMS, UNEXPECTED EXPENSES AND THE FEAR THAT AN ELECTRICAL INSPECTORS WILL FOLLOW THEIR TRUCKS AND FINE THEM MEANS $100k WORTH OF TRUCKS DON'T HIT THE ROAD.

3. The guys and gals posting here do this for a living. They pay liability insurance, auto insurance, unemployment insurance, fuel, contractors licenses, electrical CEU training, business licenses for multiple municipalities, utilities, workmans comp and a ton of other expenses. They will be 5-20 times more than the price above but the care, experience and knowhow they bring is worth every penny. Don't even ask them to match big box store hang and bang prices... just take your chances with the bargain basement or buck up and have it done right.

Ask yourself...would you and a buddy put $20 in your tank, drive to Best Buy, load a couple 100 pound 82" TV and mounts, drive an hour in traffic, unload the gear. Do everything listed below, throw the empty cartons back in your vehicle and pay to dispose of them after spending another hour in traffic... for $143.00???

Here's what is expected for that $143.00

51" And Larger TV Connect w/ Mounting (2 Person Crew)
Intermediate AV
Prepare:
Assess client needs by asking lifestyle questions.Perform pre-installation site survey and review scope of work with client.Ensure that services purchased meet client needs and expectations.Make recommendations on additional solutions based on client needs and expectations.
Perform:
Uninstall existing TV and video devices as needed (when replacing an existing TV)Connect one new or existing television to up to the corresponding video components in a single room (i.e. TV & cable/satellite box, DVD/Blu-Ray player, etc.).Add any TV/Video network-capable devices in the system to an existing wireless network.Perform any critical software/firmware updates.Configure up to two Smart TV/Blu-Ray player apps for media streaming (i.e. Netflix, Pandora, CinemaNow, etc.)Secure the client-supplied mounting bracket to a standard frame wall. (wood studs & drywall).Mount and secure Flat Panel TV to above bracket.Route client-supplied, in-wall rated cables for A/V devices through a standard frame wall (within a single stud bay). (Custom Wire Run must be used when crossing stud bays, headers, floor joists or an attic with cables)Connect the TV power cord to an existing AC power outlet (non-concealed only).Ensure all wall-fished cable exit points are finished off with either a wall bushing or wall plate.Program a non-learning type, manufacturer supplied, remote.Set parental controls upon customer request.Perform recycling and haul-away as customer transaction dictates.Clean-up work area and remove packaging.
Present:
Provide an educational demonstration of the new technology.Ensure that services rendered meet client expectations.Provide a copy of Agent notes with details on services rendered, troubleshooting tips, educational information, and how to contact Geek Squad for future support.Provide a service order receipt, via email or printed copy.


If you answered "yes"... good luck... but now ask yourself why the plumber charges $650.00 to install your new toilet.