Complaint Review: Circuit City

I work for cityadvantage plan and know for a fact the laptop is in toshiba's hand, why do I know this. well for one, ccity and cityadvantage cover defective dc ports, Toshiba does not. Two, if it did go to a servic center the service center sent it to oem since it was under oem at time of claim. Just because some computer said it went to altant doesnt mean it stayed there. how big of a dumbass is your wife and you for thinking circuit city was the last stop for reais for the laptop. I have administrated the warranty for a few yers now and now for a fct that the laptop would have not ever been serviced by ccity or cityadvantage because it was under toshiba warranty.

Thank You Denice! As stated above, I work at the Circuit City in Port Charlotte and know about this particular situation quite well. I also know how management and other associates in my store act and react to customers and situations. I actually work in the computer department. I try very hard to always do the right thing, within reason of course. I also believe that the managers in my store go out of their way quite often to help customers out...even some that they probably shouldn't. I don't agree that the customer is always right...neither is the store. I do feel that, when adults are level-headed about things, the situation will almost always work itself out. I'm glad that there are customers such as yourself that actually appreciate what some of us try to do. Thanks again! :)

I feel sorry for the Circuit City employees who take crap from the customers who have that "customer is always right " attitude. Every piece of electronic, computer, television equipment i own was purchased from the store in Port Charlotte. When I stay calm and need help or have a problem( i have had to return things) the employees were nice and helpful. Because I don't break my things and try to get Circuit City to pay for it I don't have any problems. Great prices, helpful employees, great service. I think all of you are great. If you have to deal with people who think they deserve things for free all day, nasty customers, and just plan rude people CUDOS for blowing off some steam. Going to the store now for some DVD's at a great price, don't worry guys nothing to return.

hi, im a CSA at circuit city in ohio... I do all the returns and take care of customer issues... First of all, if you have only had the laptop for 8 months, you call the manufacturer unless its power surge related,not bring it into the store or call City Advantage.... also, someone above stated that yelling and throwing a fit during rush hours will make us help you more, in fact that will not...

we will try our best to make you stop yelling and send you on your way because i do no try to deal with hysterical customers... if you are very nice and honest, i personally will try everything in my power, even call service for you to get your issue resolved... yelling will only make me care less about your laptop.... i hope you get it fixed... you need to call toshiba service and dont deal with circuit city until the first year is over....

I worked for cc for 6 years,i know how they give the people the run around. Go to the stores at the prime times sat.morn friday night,late sunday and go to the return area and get very loud and you will get what you paid for. We were wrote up if we were not at aleat 6 percen on the plans. People have to lie to keep there jobs. AT LEAST FOR THE TIME CC WILL BE IN BUSINESS,go the the investor part of cc.com and listen to the latest conference call.Said the worst in 18 years for the business side of cc.

My suspicion is that this customer (or someone with access to the product) damaged the computer and wants it fixed for free. It's common sense that the outlet on a laptop where you connect the power supply wouldn't be damaged unless it is caused by force or abuse. Service plans never cover abuse, neglect, accident, etc. In my professional opinion - even without seeing the computer it would be clear that the mentioned part is not eligible for repair under a service plan. The laptop power supply adapter socket will NOT break under normal use. It is very similar to a wall outlet receptacle, phone jack or light switch - without force or accident - IT WILL NOT BREAK! It would be extremely rare for a manufacturer defect to occur in that specific part. I believe this consumer is trying to get something for nothing. The item was probably dropped or abused and the consumer is "playing dumb". Circuit City not the manufacturer should be responsible for repair of this item. I too have had service issues with Circuit City in the past. You win some and lose some. They seem to have improved when Best Buy appeared. On a positive note, the one item that I did purchase a service plan for was indeed defective and Circuit City honored the plan. Product was repaired and returned to me as promised.

I'm sorry Debbie and Albert, but if it was sent to Atlanta, then it was checked out by Circuit City! Not the manufacturer!

My information comes from my wife, witch worked at CC!
Trust me it's true!

I think the best option would be a class action! Circuit city stinks!

I AM ALBERTS WIFE AND I AM CURIOUS AS TO WHY SOME OF YOU SAY WHEN THE COMPUTER WENT TO ATLANTA IT WENT TO TOSHIBA AND SOME OF YOU STATE IF WAS CURCUIT CITY. SOME OF YOU EMPLOYEES DEFENDING THE HONOR OF YOUR COMPANY SAY IT WAS TOSHIBA. I AM LEANING IN THE OTHER DIRECTION WITH IT WAS CURCUIT CITY.

I SAY THAT BECAUSE WHEN WE STOOD IN LINE AT CUSTOMER SERVICE AT CIRCUT CITY THE MAN IN FRONT OF US WAS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH HIS COMPUTER AS US. HIS WAS ONLY A MONTH OR TWO OLD AND A HP. THEY SAID THYE WOULD SEND IT TO ALANTA. I KNOW THEY WERE NOT SENDING A HP TO TOSHIBA. SO WHO EXACTLY MADE THE BOGUS DIAGNOSIS ON OUR COMPUTER??

WHO EXACTLY TRIED TO GET 1100.00 OUT OF US FOR REPAIRS NOT NEEDED? REGARDLESS, I DO AGREE WITH ALBERT, IF YOU CANNOT STAND BEHIND A PRODUCT YOU SHOULD NOT SELL IT. IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS WE SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS AT CURCUIT CITY. A HITACHI WIDE SCREEN, THE MOST EXPENSIVE SONY HOME THEATRE, COMPUTER, XBOX, DVD AND MORE. WHAT A DISSAPOINTMENT

Lets get a few facts straight. To dismiss 200+ complaints as opposed to the millions of customers who have gone through the doors at Circuit City is baloneys. What those 200+ complaints represent is just the tip of the iceberg.

How many people are there who have complaints don't even own a computer? How many people are there who have complaints and own a computer but don't know how to use it? How many people are there who have complaints who don't even know about this website?

It doesn't take an idiot to understand that what your seeing here is not the total number of complaints (which you can be assured are a much larger number than 200+), but a broad cross section of what the complaints are.

Have people posted information here that is factually incorrect? Yes! Have people posted information here that is correct? Absolutly!

While there is no doubt that there are people here who are so angry that they are posting whatever they think will hurt Circuit City, there are definately a large number of people posting accurate information and deserve the opportunity to have their complaint heard. The fact that so many people from different parts of the country are posting the same type of complaints means that there is a high probability that their complaints are valid and stem from Circuit City policies, which these consumers consider unfair.

It doesn't matter whether or not you agree or disagree with the people who post complaints here. They have a right to be heard and Circuit City has an obligation to address those complaints AS STATED AND AGREED TO in Circuit City's Code of Business Conduct. Obviously, They have a long way to go.

Wait a second, i didn't.
All i have previously asked was if the original poster had submitted for a manufacuter's warranty or Cirucit City.

I am pointing outt hat someone is saying that 200 complaints over the course of 5 years is a lot. I don't happen to believe that.
The origianl post, didn't have ground to make a complaint on Circuit City. His Circuit City warranty had not come into effect. Thats what drives me nuts. People who do not know who to complaint about, or to, and so they just go off the handle on the closest thing they can find. It's not right. and this site is full of it.

If I got a complaint at the Rebate Centre, it was fixed if the consumer qualified for the rebate. Hell, we would even send a rebate to a conumer that was a few days out because someone misinformed him, or they took it upon themselves to look at a rebate form but not the dates. Don't tell me who i do and do not care for. i care about consumer complaints, when they are aimed at the corect company. If you have proof of a situation, go forward with it, and don't sit and whine on a website.

Again, I don't work in a store, nor have I ever wanted to. In fact, I am CANADIAN, and there is no Circuit City stores in my area. i worked for the rebate center, and every consumer I dealt with that qualified for a rebate, got one. I left the rebate Centre due to my own business becomming popular, not due to any other reason.

Mentioned above CC employee's are the only one's who don't se problems is wrong. I guarentee that CC is doing everything wrong. Just look at thier competition Best Buy they have ahlf the amount of stores and sell twice as much. Sure everone hates best buy but even i still shop there. CC has always try to mirror the competition, The problem is that they will try somthing that other stores are doing but wil change parts of it. GIving them more than one varible. I have often witnessed CC being stupid with decisions, As a former employee of the store i wouldn't be surprised that in ten years that they are the Kmart of the Industry.

200 complaints or so, many are actually about rebate issues (most of which are rebates by the manufacturer, NOT Circuit City). That isn't that bad considering the millions of people that have been through the doors at Circuit City!!!

I'm not saying all of these complaints are false or unjustified, however, many are not the fault of Circuit City. I know that my store managers make it a point to do everything within their power to help the customer!!! I take pride in making each and every customer I encounter smile and purchase what is right for them...not more than they need and not less than they need. I try to make sure customers are well educated so that THEY make the decision.

If you look at all of the complaints about all of the major retailers, they are all very similar. People complain about false rebates (mostly NOT from the retailer) and about being mistreated. Unfortunately, some of these are valid complaints. Also, it happens EVERYWHERE to EVERY company. Customers can't expect the retailer to take responsibility for the manufacturer though.

Your response shows your level of ignorance of the problems stated and is a perfect example of Circuit City cavalier attitude toward its customers and their complaints. If you had bothered to read a number of the reports, you would have realized that the same complaints are being posted from all over the country. Maybe you would like us to believe that all these people somehow get together and agree to exchange complaint information to exagerate the problem or is it that you think all these people are the problem?. It might also be of interest to you, that currently, there are a number of individuals who have contacted the Federal Trade Commission with complaints and who are asking for a Federal investigation of Circuit City and its business practices. While the complaints began appearing in 1999, as you stated, they certainly haven't decreased any have they?

What is even more interesting is, by your own admission, you never even worked in an actual Circuit City retail outlet but only worked in a rebate center. How is it that you are so knowledegable about problems in the retail sector?

Sarcasm? Look in the mirror Sweetie! Your post is dripping with it-and so is your attitude!

Have a nice day

200 Reports, in a span of 4-5 years. The first complaints on the website from 1999. Gee, that really proves something doesn't it?

Did you catch that sarcasm?

And just to clarify, I used to work for the Cirucit City rebate Center, not the stores.

200 Reports, in a span of 4-5 years. The first complaints on the website from 1999. Gee, that really proves something doesn't it?

Did you catch that sarcasm?

And just to clarify, I used to work for the Cirucit City rebate Center, not the stores.

200 Reports, in a span of 4-5 years. The first complaints on the website from 1999. Gee, that really proves something doesn't it?

Did you catch that sarcasm?

And just to clarify, I used to work for the Cirucit City rebate Center, not the stores.

After reading a number of the 200+ complaints about Circuit City, I find it interesting that only Circuit City employees seem to be the only ones who don't agree that Circuit City has a problem.

C'mon people! 200+ complaints?? Then why did they almost go bankrupt recently.? Get a life!
(and a spell checker while your at it!)

Circuit City is nothing but a perfect example of a corporate preditor out to take as much money from the customer as it can legally get away with.

On the net find a place called [DELETED]. Type 3 w's first and c o m last.

Albert--
I'm trying to be professional about this and I am trying to be as helpful as possible. But, I'm also looking at this from BOTH sides. I gave you the best advice that I could think of. You made your purchase at Circuit City... but, it is not Circuit City's responsibility to keep you from getting ripped off by another company.

Circuit City is not a law firm or a buffer zone for the customer, we are a retail electronic store. I personally don't feel that you are being "ripped off" as you put it. I'm not saying that you DID drop it, but I'm not a technician and I didn't look at the computer...therefore, I cannot diagnose the problem. All I can do is give you advice on how to get your issue resolved.

M. Lynn--
I do want to thank you for believing that I'm remaining professional. I try to be very professional, honest, ethical and helpful to EVERYBODY I encounter in life. I feel that my morals and values will allow me to prevail and be happy in life. I DO NOT agree that CityAdvantage is a big ripoff. I do know MANY people that have been helped very much because of the plan.

I have many customers buy it on everything because they have been taken care of very well when they have had problems and purchased this plan. I'm not saying it is 100%, NOTHING IN LIFE IS! However, it is not a ripoff either. I have known it to work for far more people than not. Your experience may be different than mine; or, you could be a bitter ex-employee.

I don't know because I do not know you and will not make accusations. All of us have different personal experiences in life...that is just how it is. I make sure that I base my decisions and comments based on what I KNOW TO BE FACT...not assumptions and/or rumors.

Dear Sir,
First,I worked at the corporate office call center of Richmond Va. (excalations dept.) I handled many incidents just like yours.

It's appalling how the employees and managers of the Port Charlotte, Florida Circuit City are misleading you! They should all be fired!
If your laptop was sent to Atlanta, Ga. it was checked out by a Circuit City tech. not a Toshiba tech.
When products are sent to the techs. 99% of them will be diagnose as customer misuse. As far as a second opinion goes, take the laptop to your local computer shop that's Toshiba certified, or contact Toshiba personally.

As for Nick, He should not have made an diagnose(to a customer) of the problem and then later claim not to be a tech that's what techs are for! And furthermore the statements he made in his rebuttal were very unprofessional! His manager should think his job is funny and send his a*s packing!

Kristopher, good job on being professional and trying to calm the situation, but come on, we all know the CityAdvantage Plan is one big rippoff! Knowone successfully completes a claim.

Albert, keep all copies of the service reports including the second opinion (go get it!) and make a copy of this rippoff report, including all rebuttals and file your complaints (store manager for Nick, the BBB, Dept. of consumer affairs, and small claims court!)

Also, using your IM case number, you can have everything said to you, faxed to you! Think! There are over 200 complaints on just this website( enough for class action!), ther are alot more out there!

I wish you all the luck in the world! For what it's worth, I believe you! For more help go to [DELETED]

Ps.
The service center will have different records than the call center, including all of there statements about the customer! It's a little work but it's worth it!

I would like to thank everybody for your input regarding my experience regarding Circuit City. I would like to add a couple of comments. Toshiba's diagnosis of my laptop was that the computer was dropped, and that was the reason that the inside of the inside of the ac adapter input broke off. They also stated that the motherboard was shot, and I would need to pay a total of over $1100 to get it repaired.

First of all, there is not a single scratch or ding on the casing of my computer. It doesn't take a genius to know that the machine was not dropped. Even if you took the machine and threw it on a concrete floor with all your force, it would not be possible to break the inside of the ac input. Even if you're not a tech you could figure that out.

Second, the motherboard is not shot. My laptop still works fine if you charge the battery on an external charger. That claim is totally bogus, and an outright lie. Or perhaps the Toshiba "tech" is just not competent.

As far as calling corporate and trying to get help as one of you guys suggested, that does not work. I tried that 3 times, and the person you need to speak with is always in a meeting, out of the office or some other lame excuse. We left messages each time to return our call, and received zero response. Basically, you already have the consumer's money, and you no longer need to deal with it.

Bottom line, and I speak for all comsumers, I purchased this computer from Circuit City, not Toshiba. I gave my money to Circuit City, not Toshiba. It is Circuit City's responsibility to ensure that their customers are not being ripped off by the companies they deal with, and to make sure that their suppliers don't get away with lame excuses like "Oh, he must of dropped it, I guess we don't have to cover this one".

Oh, one more thing. I went out and bought a new laptop for $ 1300. I had no choice, I needed it, so I had to lay out the cash. Of course, I didn't buy it from Circuit City. That would be foolish, wouldn't it.

I would like to thank everybody for your input regarding my experience regarding Circuit City. I would like to add a couple of comments. Toshiba's diagnosis of my laptop was that the computer was dropped, and that was the reason that the inside of the inside of the ac adapter input broke off. They also stated that the motherboard was shot, and I would need to pay a total of over $1100 to get it repaired.

First of all, there is not a single scratch or ding on the casing of my computer. It doesn't take a genius to know that the machine was not dropped. Even if you took the machine and threw it on a concrete floor with all your force, it would not be possible to break the inside of the ac input. Even if you're not a tech you could figure that out.

Second, the motherboard is not shot. My laptop still works fine if you charge the battery on an external charger. That claim is totally bogus, and an outright lie. Or perhaps the Toshiba "tech" is just not competent.

As far as calling corporate and trying to get help as one of you guys suggested, that does not work. I tried that 3 times, and the person you need to speak with is always in a meeting, out of the office or some other lame excuse. We left messages each time to return our call, and received zero response. Basically, you already have the consumer's money, and you no longer need to deal with it.

Bottom line, and I speak for all comsumers, I purchased this computer from Circuit City, not Toshiba. I gave my money to Circuit City, not Toshiba. It is Circuit City's responsibility to ensure that their customers are not being ripped off by the companies they deal with, and to make sure that their suppliers don't get away with lame excuses like "Oh, he must of dropped it, I guess we don't have to cover this one".

Oh, one more thing. I went out and bought a new laptop for $ 1300. I had no choice, I needed it, so I had to lay out the cash. Of course, I didn't buy it from Circuit City. That would be foolish, wouldn't it.

I would like to thank everybody for your input regarding my experience regarding Circuit City. I would like to add a couple of comments. Toshiba's diagnosis of my laptop was that the computer was dropped, and that was the reason that the inside of the inside of the ac adapter input broke off. They also stated that the motherboard was shot, and I would need to pay a total of over $1100 to get it repaired.

First of all, there is not a single scratch or ding on the casing of my computer. It doesn't take a genius to know that the machine was not dropped. Even if you took the machine and threw it on a concrete floor with all your force, it would not be possible to break the inside of the ac input. Even if you're not a tech you could figure that out.

Second, the motherboard is not shot. My laptop still works fine if you charge the battery on an external charger. That claim is totally bogus, and an outright lie. Or perhaps the Toshiba "tech" is just not competent.

As far as calling corporate and trying to get help as one of you guys suggested, that does not work. I tried that 3 times, and the person you need to speak with is always in a meeting, out of the office or some other lame excuse. We left messages each time to return our call, and received zero response. Basically, you already have the consumer's money, and you no longer need to deal with it.

Bottom line, and I speak for all comsumers, I purchased this computer from Circuit City, not Toshiba. I gave my money to Circuit City, not Toshiba. It is Circuit City's responsibility to ensure that their customers are not being ripped off by the companies they deal with, and to make sure that their suppliers don't get away with lame excuses like "Oh, he must of dropped it, I guess we don't have to cover this one".

Oh, one more thing. I went out and bought a new laptop for $ 1300. I had no choice, I needed it, so I had to lay out the cash. Of course, I didn't buy it from Circuit City. That would be foolish, wouldn't it.

I would like to thank everybody for your input regarding my experience regarding Circuit City. I would like to add a couple of comments. Toshiba's diagnosis of my laptop was that the computer was dropped, and that was the reason that the inside of the inside of the ac adapter input broke off. They also stated that the motherboard was shot, and I would need to pay a total of over $1100 to get it repaired.

First of all, there is not a single scratch or ding on the casing of my computer. It doesn't take a genius to know that the machine was not dropped. Even if you took the machine and threw it on a concrete floor with all your force, it would not be possible to break the inside of the ac input. Even if you're not a tech you could figure that out.

Second, the motherboard is not shot. My laptop still works fine if you charge the battery on an external charger. That claim is totally bogus, and an outright lie. Or perhaps the Toshiba "tech" is just not competent.

As far as calling corporate and trying to get help as one of you guys suggested, that does not work. I tried that 3 times, and the person you need to speak with is always in a meeting, out of the office or some other lame excuse. We left messages each time to return our call, and received zero response. Basically, you already have the consumer's money, and you no longer need to deal with it.

Bottom line, and I speak for all comsumers, I purchased this computer from Circuit City, not Toshiba. I gave my money to Circuit City, not Toshiba. It is Circuit City's responsibility to ensure that their customers are not being ripped off by the companies they deal with, and to make sure that their suppliers don't get away with lame excuses like "Oh, he must of dropped it, I guess we don't have to cover this one".

Oh, one more thing. I went out and bought a new laptop for $ 1300. I had no choice, I needed it, so I had to lay out the cash. Of course, I didn't buy it from Circuit City. That would be foolish, wouldn't it.

Hi,
This is Nick of Circuit City. Sir, I find it funny that you brought an "Expensive" laptop that you knew you dropped and expected for us to fix. From what i could see it was not dropped, but not having X-ray vision I can't see the inside of this laptop. I only saw the ac adapter input was poor metal and did not work. But not being a Tech and you knowing we have no Techs at Circiut City, I would not be able to give you 100% analysis on your laptop. But Toshiba not being Circuit City said that it was dropped. (Toshiba is not Circuit City just so you understand). Toshiba being the people who made the laptop would be able to tell if it was dropped or poorly made. So sir if you brake it it is your fault no one elses.

As poseted above .....you might as well give your money to the manager of that store. Those extended warrenties you buy are completes ripoffs and really don't get you fixed if your s**t breaks. Sure we employees aren't on commisson but They check our number liek every five minutes and if we don't sell service there is hell to pay. So my advice is to not buy service no matter how many people reccommend it...unless you want to fatten the managers bonus.,

Dear Albert,

You are NOT being ripped off. I work at the very Circuit City that you are talking about and actually work with Nick and Nicco both. I am also very aware of the situation that you are upset about.

First of all, let me say that I'm sorry that you are not happy with the service that you have received. I'm going to TRY to explain things as well as I can. At least they might make sense, even if they don't solve your problem.

The CityAdvantage Plan that you purchased (extended service plan) covers repairs and such after the first year. During the first year the plan covers your shipping costs and power surge issues, which the manufacturer normally will not touch! Other than that, what the manufacturer says pretty much goes. The plan does NOT cover software (such as viruses), loss, theft or physical damage (abuse/misuse).

If Nick told you that it was a "manufacturer defect" I'm sorry. However, he (as well as the rest of the sales people in the store) are NOT "certified technicians." Many of us are quite knowledgeable, but we are not technicians. The technicians that the computers get sent to are paid very well for a reason...they have taken classes and gone to school to do what they do.

As far as Nicco not being more help, you must understand that he has rules that he has to live by. If a "certified technician" says that it is physical damage, Nicco cannot say that the technician is wrong and cannot undo what is done. Nicco also can't just give you a new machine. That is NOT within his power. I'm not saying that you DID drop your machine, I'm just trying to explain why things at the store level were handled as they were.

Here comes the good news...well, at least helpful I hope! We cannot do anything if it is deemed to be misuse or abuse. However, this is what I would suggest and it MIGHT work. Talk to our store manager (Josh) or Gordon that you mentioned speaking with. Explain your situation in a calm and cooperative manner (calm allows us to actually attempt to help, within reason). Ask if there is any possible way for you to have a different technician look at it and get a second opinion. I'm not saying this will fix your problem, but it can't hurt to try.

Once again, I apologize for your situation. We would like to be able to help you more, but our hands are tied once it is deemed misuse or abuse by an actual technician. You can always cancel the remainder of your CityAdvantage plan if you are not happy with it. I'm not sure what else to say other than I hope I've shed some light on this side of things and I hope my advice actually gets you somewhere.

Having worked for Circuit City for over two years I can state from personal experience that the extended warranties (computers and cameras) are not worth the money. Like some other individual said, "you might as well set fire to your money if you purchase an extended warranty". In the time I spent at CC, at least once a day, either a customer came into the store or called on the phone complaining that they could not get something repaired through their xtended warranty.

Now granted, most of those customers problems fell within the first year of ownership, but the ones whose problems were during their xtended warranty period, were never able to get a repair done. In my time there I never heard of anyone getting a succesful repair done.

The closest I heard was a couple came in with their computer that were by now totally frustrated with the process. Their video card died, they called and scheduled to have a tech come out and replace it, but that took two weeks because the had to order the part. When the tech came for the install, it was the wrong video card for their OS (operating system). "Sorry, it may take two more weeks to order another card". This is what brought them back to the store. They used their computer for a home business and they couldn't go 4 weeks without a computer.

Eventually, management buckled and they gave them money off towards a new computer. Do you think they purchased another warranty? I even heard the manager telling them that the only reason they were getting another computer from him was that they had the xtended warranty. Their reply was just "if it goes bad again, well call or take it in and have it fixed within a day, for less cost than what we pay to have this d**n warranty!" I had customers who were not able to get on the internet and xtended warranty people told them it was a "software" issue.

After having listened to their problem ( I am a MCSE, CCNE and A+ tech) I knew it was their network card. I went over and replaced it and they were off and running. No I know what you may be thinking, NO I didn't sell a lot of or even believe in the warranty plans. In my time their I never exceded the stated goals. I was never close. In my heart I couldn't sell what didn't work. I did what was required by the company by offering the warranties but that was it. They tried and tried to get my "numbers" up. I asked other sales counselors how they sold so much and answers would vary from , "just don't tell them everything" to "tell them everything is covered". I did notice that when you don't explain exactly what is covered and how it is covered, customers won't ask and buy it with blind faith.

You as customers have to know exactly how the warranties work and what is and isn't covered. The sales counselors will lie to you because of the pressures on them to meet their sales goals. I know, how did I last over two years having never met my sales goals? I believe it was because of my knowledge in computers and cameras.

I was the go to guy when they needed assistance in computer repair or questions. As you know, most of the sales counselors had either a minimal or no knowledge of the product they were selling. TIP: when buying a computer, ask the sales counselor what their experience is in computers, ask them if they are certified and to see any credentials. Otherwise your grandmother could know more than these guys! Ask them too, to give you a list of people that have had their computers fixed by using the warranty plan. Not just one name but 5 names.

I guarantee, they won't have 2 names. Have them totally explain the warranty, what it covers and what is expected of you should something go wrong. Get everything in writing and have the store manager sign it! CYA! I just completed helping some former customers who I became friends with get their computers fixed with the warranty. I took two solid weeks to get their hard drive replaced.

First they were told that they didn't have warranty coverage, which of course they did, then when that was established they were told they couldn't fix the machine because it didn't have a serial number sticker on the back of the computer, even though they did have the serial number from the original box sticker. It's not their fault Sony didn't put a sticker on the back.

So two weeks and the tech finally came out and installed the HD, stuck in the first restore disk and was done. The customers asked about setting up their printer etc... "nope, I'm only here to install the hard drive". That was it and out the door. I finished setting everything up for them. So you decide, is this the type of coverage you want? Yes the sales counselors will lie to you and not explain everything to you, so if you purchase the warranties thinking it will cover you for future repairs, GOOD LUCK. All Circuit City cares about is their money from the warranties.

Their advertising tag of "we're with you", yeah only till you walk out the door, then you're on your own.

I was finally terminated for not selling enough extended warranties. ( the 3rd store manager in 2 years didn't like that I wasn't putting money in his pocket. I was replaced by a 19yr old that could sell warranty.)

Having worked for Circuit City for over two years I can state from personal experience that the extended warranties (computers and cameras) are not worth the money. Like some other individual said, "you might as well set fire to your money if you purchase an extended warranty". In the time I spent at CC, at least once a day, either a customer came into the store or called on the phone complaining that they could not get something repaired through their xtended warranty.

Now granted, most of those customers problems fell within the first year of ownership, but the ones whose problems were during their xtended warranty period, were never able to get a repair done. In my time there I never heard of anyone getting a succesful repair done.

The closest I heard was a couple came in with their computer that were by now totally frustrated with the process. Their video card died, they called and scheduled to have a tech come out and replace it, but that took two weeks because the had to order the part. When the tech came for the install, it was the wrong video card for their OS (operating system). "Sorry, it may take two more weeks to order another card". This is what brought them back to the store. They used their computer for a home business and they couldn't go 4 weeks without a computer.

Eventually, management buckled and they gave them money off towards a new computer. Do you think they purchased another warranty? I even heard the manager telling them that the only reason they were getting another computer from him was that they had the xtended warranty. Their reply was just "if it goes bad again, well call or take it in and have it fixed within a day, for less cost than what we pay to have this d**n warranty!" I had customers who were not able to get on the internet and xtended warranty people told them it was a "software" issue.

After having listened to their problem ( I am a MCSE, CCNE and A+ tech) I knew it was their network card. I went over and replaced it and they were off and running. No I know what you may be thinking, NO I didn't sell a lot of or even believe in the warranty plans. In my time their I never exceded the stated goals. I was never close. In my heart I couldn't sell what didn't work. I did what was required by the company by offering the warranties but that was it. They tried and tried to get my "numbers" up. I asked other sales counselors how they sold so much and answers would vary from , "just don't tell them everything" to "tell them everything is covered". I did notice that when you don't explain exactly what is covered and how it is covered, customers won't ask and buy it with blind faith.

You as customers have to know exactly how the warranties work and what is and isn't covered. The sales counselors will lie to you because of the pressures on them to meet their sales goals. I know, how did I last over two years having never met my sales goals? I believe it was because of my knowledge in computers and cameras.

I was the go to guy when they needed assistance in computer repair or questions. As you know, most of the sales counselors had either a minimal or no knowledge of the product they were selling. TIP: when buying a computer, ask the sales counselor what their experience is in computers, ask them if they are certified and to see any credentials. Otherwise your grandmother could know more than these guys! Ask them too, to give you a list of people that have had their computers fixed by using the warranty plan. Not just one name but 5 names.

I guarantee, they won't have 2 names. Have them totally explain the warranty, what it covers and what is expected of you should something go wrong. Get everything in writing and have the store manager sign it! CYA! I just completed helping some former customers who I became friends with get their computers fixed with the warranty. I took two solid weeks to get their hard drive replaced.

First they were told that they didn't have warranty coverage, which of course they did, then when that was established they were told they couldn't fix the machine because it didn't have a serial number sticker on the back of the computer, even though they did have the serial number from the original box sticker. It's not their fault Sony didn't put a sticker on the back.

So two weeks and the tech finally came out and installed the HD, stuck in the first restore disk and was done. The customers asked about setting up their printer etc... "nope, I'm only here to install the hard drive". That was it and out the door. I finished setting everything up for them. So you decide, is this the type of coverage you want? Yes the sales counselors will lie to you and not explain everything to you, so if you purchase the warranties thinking it will cover you for future repairs, GOOD LUCK. All Circuit City cares about is their money from the warranties.

Their advertising tag of "we're with you", yeah only till you walk out the door, then you're on your own.

I was finally terminated for not selling enough extended warranties. ( the 3rd store manager in 2 years didn't like that I wasn't putting money in his pocket. I was replaced by a 19yr old that could sell warranty.)

I worked at a Circuit City store for just over eight months. I have seen first hand what you are experiencing. Cirucit City requires the employees to sell a certain percentage of city advantage to keep their job.

The salesmen are coached to lie to customers, and pressured to make exceedingly bigger numbers of sales and city advantage(the extend waranty) to keep their job.

Circuit city then coaches the city advantage hotline workers to deny the claims of defective equipment saying that if it is on a computer it was a software error caused by the user, or, it was a problem caused by the user on any other product.

I have seen this happen to relatives on several occasions. Do not feel like you are the only one. My advice to you would be to get on the phone and ask to talk to a supervisor.

Tell the supervisor that you belive it was a manufatuers defect, you have never dropped the laptop, and that in the brouchure it says that if they cannot repair it, they'll replace it. If they still deny the claim threaten to get a lawyer. That usually will work.

All circuit city cares about is money. They don't care about customers, or employees. Circuit city not only steals by city advantage, they steal by rebates. Half of the time if you send in your rebate, you never get it. They will also say it was mailed too late. They will keep your rebate money.

Not only does circuit city steal from the consumer but also from the employee. First off, employees are no longer paid on comission. They are not paid on comission because of new "e-learning" programs that teach you the basics of what you need to know. This way they can pay you a signifigantly lesser ammount.

Also in October 2003 they increased their employee discount to "more accurately reflect the cost of shipping the company recieves". A usb cable used to cost me $4. It's average price is $25 in the store. My new employee discount drops the price to $14. $10 shipping on one usb cable? I think not.

These are just a few of the ways circuit city has their hands in the pockets of honest hard working people. All they are driven by is money. That is the bottom line. Most of the lower employees of circuit city are just that. Decent hard working people who are trying to make a living.

The corporation enforces policies and coaches the employees on how to lie to sell city advantage, and most people do not contest it. It is a shame, Dignity, loyalty, and honor are all gone in this corporation just like many others, and money is the motivation of it all.

I am jsut trying to understand how Circuit City has dropped the ball on this one.
Did your product have a Manufacturer's Warranty? is this the center it was sent to to be fixed?

From my understanding, the Circuit City Warranty would only come into effect after the Toshiba Warranty has run out

I am jsut trying to understand how Circuit City has dropped the ball on this one.
Did your product have a Manufacturer's Warranty? is this the center it was sent to to be fixed?

From my understanding, the Circuit City Warranty would only come into effect after the Toshiba Warranty has run out

I am jsut trying to understand how Circuit City has dropped the ball on this one.
Did your product have a Manufacturer's Warranty? is this the center it was sent to to be fixed?

From my understanding, the Circuit City Warranty would only come into effect after the Toshiba Warranty has run out

I am jsut trying to understand how Circuit City has dropped the ball on this one.
Did your product have a Manufacturer's Warranty? is this the center it was sent to to be fixed?

From my understanding, the Circuit City Warranty would only come into effect after the Toshiba Warranty has run out