Will I regret getting my system installed at Best Buy?

[Boris 10+ year member]

I'm in Naples but I'm in no way shape or form an installer. I tinker with my own stuff and learn as I go along.

It's true that in our town it is hard to find anyone competent that doesn't want to charge you out the a$$ for kicker equipment.

That being said, I do see some nice cars roll through that BestBuy. Don't know how all the work gets done as I'm on the other side of the lake (or in the lake riding my ski) but I do hear some loud systems from time to time.

What time are you getting the install done ?

Would love to see how they mount the door speakers.

 

[forbidden 10+ year member]

Consider this. I know you don't work for free, neither should installers. BB has some incredible installers that you never hear about. General rule of thunb for anything that is a bad experience, you tell people about it and that is how "BB has crappy installers and it will never be good etc." Yet you don't hear that BB did a great job of looking after me and I am happy with their quote. (which it appears you are).

Now you need to weigh the likelihood of some backyard butcher (who installs for all his friends for only $100) doing real damage to your vehicle and telling you that you are on your own (or knowing what is in your vehicle and where you live) vs. BB and their install bay and a total commitment to making sure that the job is done properly. If they muck something up, they fix it. If there is a problem, they fix it. Use the BB and get a proper install job.

 

[Ken448 10+ year member]

Id go the BB route personally. If Joe Forum Installer gets ahold of your ride, and rips a panel in half because he forgot to remove that last hidden screw, youre screwed. If Mr BB installer does this, you are covered. Same goes with down the road issues that can occur. They are odd, but can happen every now and then gremlins do appear after the fact. Are you going to HOPE you can reach the guy on the forum and he fully cooperates with you if you need something repaired?

Personally, if you were in MI, I would do it for free if you came to me, just because I like the hobby and enjoy making new friends. But thats just me.

 

[mjf 10+ year member]

Consider this. I know you don't work for free, neither should installers. BB has some incredible installers that you never hear about. General rule of thunb for anything that is a bad experience, you tell people about it and that is how "BB has crappy installers and it will never be good etc." Yet you don't hear that BB did a great job of looking after me and I am happy with their quote. (which it appears you are).
Now you need to weigh the likelihood of some backyard butcher (who installs for all his friends for only $100) doing real damage to your vehicle and telling you that you are on your own (or knowing what is in your vehicle and where you live) vs. BB and their install bay and a total commitment to making sure that the job is done properly. If they muck something up, they fix it. If there is a problem, they fix it. Use the BB and get a proper install job.

there are more than enough instances where this is not the case, especially when you dont buy equipment from them, and you'll get "thats the way he brought it in"

 

[forbidden 10+ year member]

And that is also the reason why BB uses work orders on everything, to provide a written and signed off by both parties document that says otherwise.....

 

[Saint211 10+ year member]

there are more than enough instances where this is not the case, especially when you dont buy equipment from them, and you'll get "thats the way he brought it in"

Wow the second thread in 2 days about best-buy with people bashing the hell out of them.

Like I said in the other post I've worked for best buy... And I've went to extreme lengths to help people and do warranty work. Just like a mom and pop go to the local stores and meet the installers, each location is likely to have atleast 1 or 2 skilled people and 1 or more trainees. Pick an installer you like that is knowledgeable and always use him.

If you dont buy equipment from them and you get stuff installed.... The labor is warrantied still. How could they warranty an amp you bought from a buddy or flea-bay!? Name one place that WOULD do that, my guess is there isn't one.

Like I've said, extreme lengths. Like spending hours troubleshooting a vehicle and re-working it... swapping parts or even equipment. Bench-testing, repairing subs.... I could go on

Just make sure they have completed the pre-check and look over it before you sign.

 

[Limey turncoat 10+ year member]

Dropped it off this morning. The installer didn't fill me with confidence, frankly, and he was a bit of a prick about it too. It's going to cost me a little more than I expected because he threw in some bullshit charges I'm not informed enough to debate, and the only thing that really worries me now is that I forgot to talk about where the tweeters would be mounted. There's no way he could just stick them behind the grill with the woofer, right? I want a nice little mount in the door somewhere, but I expect he'll just put them in the factory tweeter location below the windscreen.

Pray for me, I'm terrified.

 

[Boris 10+ year member]

Take some pictures of the doors when they are done.

 

[Limey turncoat 10+ year member]

Will do. I'll post shots of all the work he does.

 

[Limey turncoat 10+ year member]

Guys, before I pick it up: how do I tell if the gain controls are all over the place? The amps are much more powerful than the speakers so I need to make sure it doesn't overload.

 

[mjf 10+ year member]

Guys, before I pick it up: how do I tell if the gain controls are all over the place? The amps are much more powerful than the speakers so I need to make sure it doesn't overload.

im betting the gain will be cranked when you get it back.

 

[Jakeeck 10+ year member]

Literally, I don't even know how to explain this to you guys. I don't know what a "negative terminal" is on my battery. Or where my battery is. I would cut my truck to pieces, and probably kill myself at the end of the day.

thats got to be an exaggeration.. u really dont know where your battery is?

 

[Limey turncoat 10+ year member]

thats got to be an exaggeration.. u really dont know where your battery is?

Nope. This is the 2nd car I've ever owned. No one ever taught me that kind of thing.

 

[99grandprixGT 5,000+ posts]

when do you pick it up?

 

[Fiercetimbo17 10+ year member]

Against company policy? That's insane. It weights over 100 lbs. If I crash it's going to kill me :/

exactly, if they do secure it down and it comes loose for some reason and then kills you then they are liable and your family can sue..