But I need it right away!

[PepperElf]

Not any customer in particular... just something I've seen several times already.


Yes, I understand sometimes your computer breaks right before you need to go away, or right before something important...

However here's what usually happens.

Me: <company> This is PepperElf, how may I help you?
Customer (C): *Whatever computer issue / followed by asking about turnaround*
Me: *I've been quoting around 7 days, though it depends on the backlog, and it also depends on the service... say a data transfer may only take 2 days*
C: o no that's too long. Can I get it done right away?
Me: Sure. It'll be XXX extra***
C: Never mind. *or something similar* <click>

*** I personally think it's a bit high too but, I also understand why. You do that and everyone else in line gets pushed back. So they're not going to piss off the other paying customers waiting for repairs/services without some kind of financial compensation.

[MoonCat]

"But I neeeeeed my computer for reallllly important stufff......!!"

Although apparently not important enough to want to pay extra to get back online.

[mikoyan29]

Well yeah, the crops are going to wilt away....the frontier will get overgrown....and all their properties in mafia wars will get destroyed....

[Moirae]

I'm a full advocate of the fact that most people need to learn how to do most of this stuff by themselves. None of it is very hard. A data transfer is simple and free if you do it yourself.

[protege]

None of it is very hard.

Unfortunately, for some people...turning *on* the computer is "very hard"

[Moirae]

Unfortunately, for some people...turning *on* the computer is "very hard"

lol. True. My sister only figured out how to load pictures onto her facebook maybe a year ago, and still can't get the "burning a cd" thing quite right. She's 32. I've tried to talk her through it but she says I make it too complicated even though I take her step by step. I think she just doesn't want to. I really wish she would though, she has some videos of my nephew in his school play and during his tai kwan do lessons that I want to see and she apparently can't understand how to just send them over skype.

[Argus]

Unfortunately, for some people...turning *on* the computer is "very hard"

The computer, and sometimes other things.

[Teskeria]

I'm a full advocate of the fact that most people need to learn how to do most of this stuff by themselves. None of it is very hard. A data transfer is simple and free if you do it yourself.

Simple, right, I'd just like to point out, that with an IT tech right beside me, talking me through, doing only exactly what they said, I have fried 2 computers completely.

simple. suuuuuuuure.

[CrazedClerkthe2nd]

That reminds me of a nasty customer I encountered at the computer shop in college. I'll post the whole thing as a separate thread shortly but this guy somehow translated my entire spiel on repair times to "it WILL be ready first thing tomorrow" and threw a huge fit when it wasn't.

[Ironclad Alibi]

All lot more stories of power problems. (Note: This site can eat a lot of your time.)

[PepperElf]

I'm a full advocate of the fact that most people need to learn how to do most of this stuff by themselves. None of it is very hard. A data transfer is simple and free if you do it yourself.

Yeah I've had some who have chosen to take the computer home, back up or transfer data themselves, and then bring it back in to save money.

and of course I had one who said that we must "think very highly of our services" because of what we charged. ... um yeah. having your buddy do it is going to be cheaper than going to a professional company.

Unfortunately, for some people...turning *on* the computer is "very hard"

Like the woman who called to complain that there wasn't any manuals on how to use the computer. I think she wanted me to suggest a discount but... that ain't my problem. It comes like that.

[MoonCat]

Simple, right, I'd just like to point out, that with an IT tech right beside me, talking me through, doing only exactly what they said, I have fried 2 computers completely.

simple. suuuuuuuure.

That's when the tech's eyes glaze over and they say "It's not supposed to do that."

[PatchO'Black]

I get some similar cases of "can't wait" as well, though in my case it is usually replacement items rather than repairs. Some people can't accept the fact that just because they "need" something sooner doesn't mean that they are entitled to it, or that it is even physically possible.

[Captain Trips]

I'm sure we all know that adage by now:

"A lack of planning on your part does NOT constitute an emergency on my part." If you don't do the preventative maintenance/update your anti-virus/surf for porn, then you have failed to plan for contingencies.

You no plan, I no hurry.

[Cerys]

Hang on - surfing for porn is a viable contingency plan? Excuse me for a moment.