Each of us periodically has problems with gadgets: the laptop button will get stuck, or the screen will crack from falling or the speakers will be treacherously loose. And one question always arises – where to fix it qualitatively and at the same time not to fall for the bait of scammers making money on non-existent “problems”.
Pay attention to the various methods of deception that are often practiced in service centers in Los Angeles and what it is worth following up so as not to overpay for repairs.
Read also: How To Choose An IT Solution Provider In Los Angeles
METHODS OF DECEPTION
So, let’s look at the main ways of deceiving customers that exist in service centers, as well as in private craftsmen who do not particularly value their reputation.
1. Imposed additional services. For example, you bring a laptop to a repair center in Los Angeles and say that it does not work and simply does not turn on. They tell you that there are problems in the motherboard, and additionally offer to clean the ventilation system, replace the power supply or any other service that is not particularly necessary at the moment.
Tip: always ask what the specific problem is, and never go on about the consultant: “And it would be nice for you to do this and this.”
2. Reinstall the Windows system. As experienced programmers say, reinstalling Windows is a classic, which is always used by users who are poorly versed in technology. The most effective way to cheat is licensed versions of the operating system.
Tip: if you want to buy Windows on the site, you can do it yourself, and ask a specialist to do the reinstallation in Los Angeles in your presence.
Read also: Microsoft 365 Business Premium Is The Best Plan For Most Businesses In Los Angeles
3. Differentiation of the cost of repair and the cost of spare parts. Suppose the display on the phone costs $50, and additionally its installation costs $15. In total, it turns out to be 65 dollars. But some service centers in Los Angeles make a distinction between this, and some do not. As a result, you may overpay for what you are able to do yourself.
Tip: specify what exactly is included in the cost of replacing the spare part. Often you can easily install the part yourself and not overpay for the service.
4. Installation of old (used) parts. Unfortunately, it is difficult for an ordinary user to notice whether it is a new part or not. If it was not opened from the factory package in front of you, then there is a possibility that it has already been used before. In principle, some used parts may work well, but still this is a deception on the part of the seller. He can put the extra money in his pocket.
Tip: ask the seller for a receipt for the purchased part. For greater reliability, you can inform that you need to present this document at work or that you are collecting receipts for household budget management.
5. Prepayment. You bring a laptop with a broken screen to a service center in Los Angeles. On the spot, the cost of repairs is immediately announced to you without an initial inspection and diagnosis. In fact, the master estimated the cost of repairing the screen and named the amount, and upon careful inspection it may turn out that the cable simply broke, the replacement of which costs much cheaper.
Tip: it is important to insist on diagnostics (usually it takes no more than half an hour if there is no large volume of orders) and ask for a price list that shows prices for all types of work.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
Before choosing a repair service or calling an unfamiliar master at home, call several different companies and consult remotely. Even from talking on the phone, you can easily determine the degree of competence of the consultant: how carefully he listens to you, what additional details he asks, and how quickly he answers questions.
IT specialists advise to record the characteristics of the computer (which processor, RAM, etc.) before going to the service center in Los Angeles. You can take photos of the serial numbers of parts and components, as well as screenshots of settings. When returning the device, ask to provide you with the parts that have been replaced for review and disposal.
However, most professionals still advise contacting trusted specialists, and if there are none, read reviews about services on the Internet.
If there is a good friend who understands technology, it is better to contact him. No need to try to do it for free, you can always agree on a price that is comfortable for you. In any case, it will be more economical and many times more reliable. If there is no such person, you can view reviews on the Internet. It sounds corny, but if people are dissatisfied with some service center or were deceived there, then they immediately write about it on websites, because the topic is painful.