Computers, Tablets, Laptops, even phones.
You name it; there's tech support for it.
With the vast expansion of electronics and mobile devices, more and more businesses have been creating their own 'tech support' in store.
The biggest name businesses like Staples and Best Buy even have sections of their store dedicated to them.
Why do you ask?
Because they earn a major profit for the store. Some simple services such as an installation of software, virus removal, and even extra warranties can cost upwards of $200.
Me being a computer science major, the summer before my freshman year of college I worked as Tech Support and an "Easy-Tech" Associate at Staples in my hometown. After learning the ropes I learned many things in that job, and many of them good.
However, if you haven't worked in tech support in your lives...
Let me introduce you to ten things you'll learn while working in tech support:
1. People HATE change
People love consistency. They love knowing where their music is, and their favorite playlists' are. They especially love knowing what to do in times of crisis.
However, when it comes to the constant updating and upgrading of technology, people can freak out over the littlest things.
From an update to the IOS on their IPhone to buying a whole new laptop, someone is gonna be pissed because everything was not exactly where things were before.
2. Price isn't everything
The worst thing about working in tech support is that you have to convince people that the $600 laptop you're trying to sell them isn't being commissioned.
The price of an item is not everything, you have to think ahead of what you're doing. If you buy a cheap laptop, you have to understand that it's not going to be the best item for what you're doing, so don't be undersold just because you might have to spend a little up front.
3. Yes I know you were downloading porn
Don't be ashamed, just let me fix your computer.
4. I will always be team android and PC
Being in tech support has taught me a lot, but one of the biggest lessons is the pointless things that Apple and IOS have on their systems. Also that they are MASSIVELY overpriced.
With android and PC, you are able to run and create some of the coolest and most personalizable apps and systems that you can run just about anywhere.
Tell me when Apple can do that.
5. The extra warranty is not needed... kinda
Unless you drop your devices consistently or decide to download illegal and sketchy bittorrents online, the extra warrant is not needed.
In fact, when I worked at staples, they offered extra warranties on calculators and pencil sharpeners... Really?
Also, in most cases, if the device is going to break it would usually happen within the first six months to a year, and most manufacturers warranties cover this time period.
6. Price-Matching is everything
If the store you're in has a price-matching policy.
USE IT TO YOUR ADVANTAGE.
Because guess what, you know that $300 IPad you're looking at? It's $250 on Amazon.com.
You're welcome.
7. I can't "Rush" your computer
Most procedures with computers take some time, in fact, most major procedures can take upwards of a few days.
So when you say "I'll be back in a few hours", you can come back, but I can't guarantee it will be done.
8. Most grandparents are terrible with technology
Many elder men and women would come shopping for computers and it was the same story every time.
"Windows XP was the best OS ever"
"Can I still play solitaire?"
"Where's my email?
9. The customer is usually wrong
Being in Tech Support you are constantly being updated with the freshest news about the newest tech. After a while, it just becomes a habit.
However, many customers think that they know everything... But that's far from the truth.
Sometimes it's best to let them think they are right rather than correcting their every word.
10. It will always be one of my favorite jobs
There's something really fun about playing with the new technology on the market. Being the 'wiz-kid' on computers and knowing the answer to most computer problems.
No matter what job i'll have in the future it will still be one of my favorite jobs.
