Ask me anything about Future Shop.. (No longer work there anymore though)

[naxos98]

Monster products are marked up roughly 50-70%.

For example

a 30ft HDMI cable by monster, is about 399.99... Cost is about $130.

It varies depending on the quality of cable... Your average 69.99 HDMI cables is about $30 on staff.

If a $399 cable's cost is $130, then the markup is around 200%. $399-$130=$269 profit. $269/$130=207%

[flash67]

What's the amount for just a regular employee? And does Best Buy do the same too?

Yes I believe Best Buy has this program as well (I think thats where Future Shop picked it up from)...

For your regular average joe hire, its $50.

[flash67]

If a $399 cable's cost is $130, then the markup is around 200%. $399-$130=$269 profit. $269/$130=207%

I was just giving an example of how marked up they can be. Obviously thats more then 60-70%.

[crystallight]

Do they drug test new employees?

[mkfernandez]

Do they drug test new employees?

I've worked there before for seasonal (though they let me go early because I was trying to price match a ps3 for my family AFTER my shift finished -.- lame i know) and they didn't test me for drugs, it's only a retail business, not a professional or construction job, so most likely no.

[smitty9999]

What if I don't buy the warranty? Do the sales associates have the ability to negotiate on just the item itself. I.e. using the same example above, what if i offer to pay $479 for the TV alone and don't buy the warranty.

I used to work at futureshop so I can answer this. They can negotiate on the item ie TV, but depending on the cost price, it reduces the room for negotiation. So if the cost price is $5 below the retail, zero negotiation and if its $70 below retail, then there is some room. Also, as far as I know and remember, their commission decreases when things are discounted, so there is less incentive to sell a discounted item, which is why they like to throw in warranty and cables along with an open box item to keep their commission high.

[flash67]

Do they drug test new employees?

No you can come into work stoned as much as you want.

[flash67]

I used to work at futureshop so I can answer this. They can negotiate on the item ie TV, but depending on the cost price, it reduces the room for negotiation. So if the cost price is $5 below the retail, zero negotiation and if its $70 below retail, then there is some room. Also, as far as I know and remember, their commission decreases when things are discounted, so there is less incentive to sell a discounted item, which is why they like to throw in warranty and cables along with an open box item to keep their commission high.

Yep, well said.

[biznez]

Hi..i recently bought a TV and paid extra 299 for 3 yr warranty. Just say 2 1/2 year from now. something goes wrong with the tv and cannot be repaired. Will FS give me same new tv or something better of equal price that i purchased it for?

Thanks

[mbk.2k3]

this sounds more like it belongs in the computers and electronics thread.

good discussion and insight though.

[flash67]

Hi..i recently bought a TV and paid extra 299 for 3 yr warranty. Just say 2 1/2 year from now. something goes wrong with the tv and cannot be repaired. Will FS give me same new tv or something better of equal price that i purchased it for?

Thanks

IF IT CANNOT be repaired, then yes you will get a new tv, with either the same specs or better specs but equal value. If it does get repaired, the only way to get a NEW tv again is to have it break 3 times (and repaired 3 times)... then if it breaks for a 4th time, they wont even send it out, they will just replace it on the spot. Most of the time it gets sent out for repair. If its over 40" then a technician from your local repair shop will probably come to the house and diagnose the issue. If its anything smaller then 40" then you can bring it in directly to the store.

[mgronqui]

Why have FS employees resorted to the sympathy game? I've been told by FS employees that they don't make a lot of money on their products. I told them to cry me a river because they always manipulate customers. Besides, why do I care how FS is doing? You're in it to sell, I'm in it to buy. Since FS is unethical, then I will be too.

[flash67]

Why have FS employees resorted to the sympathy game? I've been told by FS employees that they don't make a lot of money on their products. I told them to cry me a river because they always manipulate customers. Besides, why do I care how FS is doing? You're in it to sell, I'm in it to buy. Since FS is unethical, then I will be too.

It's true, they don't make a lot of money on the products, its when they add a lot of high GM products to your cart, and attach an extended warranty or a service install that makes them the money..

A 799.99 laptop with
In-store setup
Bag
Printer
Wireless mouse
screen cleaner
microsoft office
3 year warranty


Will usually give the sales guy about $75-$100 in commission off that sale.