Exemplary computer stores

This excerpt has been taken from the popular blog ko.offroadpakistan.com:

Written back in 2004, the writer later updated his post in January 2007. Things are pretty much the same, if not worse.

“Walk into any computer store in Karachi. The likelihood is:

• The person behind the counter doesn’t know much about computers.
• He (and it’s definitely going to be a he) doesn’t really use computers.
• The price will be as high as they think they can get away with.
• Does not realize that he can make his life much easier using the same computers he’s selling to automate much of the mindless software installation and troubleshooting they keep doing.
• Has never heard of automated installs and imaging.
• Customer support… ( no no no )
• Everything will be scattered about in a way to make even the simplest task take at least half an hour.
• Everything will be connected to a single overloaded stablizer, causing all the monitors to flicker like mad.
• There will only be a single phillips head screwdriver in the whole shop, which will be borrowed periodically by someone next door.
• Has never wondered why most of their customers come to him with the same issues over and over again.

The consumer is also to blame, for they are looking for the cheapest possible bargain. As shops mature and improve with time, their prices naturally go up and people shift on to the next crap store around the block. Of course, this being Pakistan, often times as computer shops get ‘established’ the prices start creeping up and the service down.”

Read the complete article here.