User:Leah - Revision history

Leah at 21:39, 5 November 2008

2008-11-05T21:39:42Z

Leah at 19:00, 4 November 2008

2008-11-04T19:00:21Z

Leah at 19:20, 30 October 2008

2008-10-30T19:20:19Z

Leah at 19:10, 30 October 2008

2008-10-30T19:10:19Z

Leah at 18:15, 30 October 2008

2008-10-30T18:15:07Z

Show changes

Leah: format

2008-10-30T18:05:45Z

format

Show changes

Leah: further format

2008-10-30T17:35:18Z

further format

Leah at 16:59, 30 October 2008

2008-10-30T16:59:24Z

Leah: faq format

2008-10-30T16:58:30Z

faq format

Leah: added more!

2008-10-29T21:10:00Z

added more!

@@ Line 3: / Line 3: @@
 stuff comes into the store.
-Is it tested?
+Is it tested? yes -
-yes - is it a system? yes - follow pricing chart no
+put it in the bin to be priced.  items which are tested include motherboards, systems, monitors, roms, hard drives, anything marked 'ok' or 'good' or cards with the specs marked.  higher demand and easy to steal items and those priced above $10 are placed in the case or behind the counter
 no - is it worth more than $5 - put it in the bin to be priced
@@ Line 15: / Line 13: @@
 is it a cable?
 yes - see cable chart
 no
-is it hardware?
+is it internal hardware?
 Lists:

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:00, 4 November 2008
Line 1:		Line 1:
		+	Triage for shelving:
		+
		+	stuff comes into the store.
		+
		+	Is it tested?
		+	yes - is it a system? yes - follow pricing chart no
		+	Is is a monitor
		+
		+	put it in the bin to be priced
		+	no - is it worth more than $5 - put it in the bin to be priced
		+
		+	no to both - put in shelving bin
		+
		+	shelving
		+	is it a cable?
		+	yes - see cable chart
		+	no
		+
		+	is it hardware?
		+
		+
	Lists:		Lists:

@@ Line 272: / Line 272: @@
 * SD Ram
 : we always have some of this.  There are two different types we carry, PC 100 and PC 133.  Whatever we have is in the bins, and it's priced according to size.
-PC100/133 128
+PC100/133 128<br>
-PC100/133 256
+PC100/133 256<br>
 PC100/133 512
 * Rambus
 : This is the stuff in the case that has the extra cover.  Usually people won't want this, because it costs more, is less reliable, and is not necessarily more efficient or better in any way.  It's also known as RDRam, Dimm and So-Dimm (for laptops).   The pricing works like this:
+<br>
+<br>

@@ Line 267: / Line 267: @@
 When it comes to identifying Ram, and knowing what the customer is talking about when they ask for it, there's just a few basic things you need to know.  The easiest way to tell the difference between types of Ram is to look at the notches in between the connectors.  The spacing and the number will help you to figure out what you're working with.  However, this isn't too important for working in the store since the Ram we have is pretty much already sorted.  When it comes to finding Ram for the customers, if they don't know what kind they need, we can't help them, and they probably shouldn't be buying it anyways.
-* DDR:  we almost never have this in the store.  The reason for this is that it is put into all of the computers we build and : therefore, we don't have extra to sell.
+* DDR
-* SD Ram:  we always have some of this.  There are two different types we carry, PC 100 and PC 133.  Whatever we have is in the : bins, and it's priced according to size.
+* SD Ram
 PC100/133 128
 PC100/133 256
-PC100/133 528
+PC100/133 512
-* Rambus:  this is the stuff in the case that has the extra cover.  Usually people won't want this, because it costs more, is less : reliable, and is not necessarily more efficient or better in any way.  It's also known as RDRam, Dimm and So-Dimm (for laptops).   The pricing works like this:
+* Rambus
-−
-* Laptop Ram:  The only Laptop Ram we have in in a box next to the hard drives.  It's very small, the largest being around 32mg.
+* Laptop Ram
 === '''Power Supplies''' ===

@@ Line 91: / Line 91: @@
 [combination of a narrative and a q and a]
 '''Advice on how to handle customers/fellow volunteers/acclimating to working in the thrift store:'''
-Handling customers:  Certain customers can be a huge pain, but if you know a few tips for handling them, you'll fair a lot better, especially when new in the store.
+Certain customers can be a huge pain, but if you know a few tips for handling them, you'll fair a lot better, especially when new in the store.
-Types of customer:
+'''Types of customer:'''
-The newbie:  A lot of people don't know how best to describe what it is they are looking for and sometimes they don't even know what they are looking for.  If someone is looking for something, but they don't know the name for it, try asking them some questions about what they specifically need it for.  This also works for people who like to use the more esoteric names of items.  Chances are you know what they are looking for, or at least the area it would be located in, and you can direct them there.  If you are talking to someone on the phone try to just ask basic questions. Ask "What does what you are looking for do?" if they seem like reasonably with-it noobs.  Alternatively, "what are you not able to do now that you would like to do?" if they have a complete deer-in-the-headlights look. Many noobs are on a mission to get one simple thing: be nice to these people.  They are our most effective form of advertisement.
+=== The newbie: ===
-Generally items seem to fall into these categories:
+A lot of people don't know how best to describe what it is they are looking for and sometimes they don't even know what they are looking for.  If someone is looking for something, but they don't know the name for it, try asking them some questions about what they specifically need it for.  This also works for people who like to use the more esoteric names of items.  Chances are you know what they are looking for, or at least the area it would be located in, and you can direct them there.  If you are talking to someone on the phone try to just ask basic questions. Ask "What does what you are looking for do?" if they seem like reasonably with-it noobs.  Alternatively, "what are you not able to do now that you would like to do?" if they have a complete deer-in-the-headlights look. Many noobs are on a mission to get one simple thing: be nice to these people.  They are our most effective form of advertisement.
-sound: cards, cables, accessories (speakers, headphones)
+=== The super geek: ===
-video: cards, cables, accessories (monitors)
+These people will talk your ear off if you let them.  One of the best methods for dealing with them is to nod your head and walk away.  If you feel bad about deserting them in the middle of their rant, you can always do something menial in the area such as wrapping cables or cleaning up the shelves.  Remember the knowledgeable ones, they can be a good help for customers who have questions when you don't have time or the patience.  These guys love to talk.
-basic computer components: ram, motherboards, hard drives, cables
+=== Buy buy buy: ===
-items to assist in the construction of a case/computer:  screws, rails, cases
+=== The browser: ===
-the full package: computers, stereos, printers, sub-woofers
+As you spend more time in the store, you will get to know these people.  Some of them come in every day, and spend hours in the store just looking through stuff.  Most of them don't need help and can be left alone.  A few of them will get into trouble if you let them, there's a guy who will break stuff if you don't keep an eye on him.  Try to be aware of the customers in the store whenever you can, get to know who are the problem children.  There's also a few of them who will try to monopolize you and ask you questions they know you don't need to be answering.  Some of these guys fall into the super geek talk your ear off category.  Answer their questions, but don't spend too much of your time with them.
-computer accessories:  mice, keyboards, monitors, speakers, headsets
+=== The volunteer: ===
-home/personal:  phones, phone cords, chargers, tvs, random stuff people donate
+The rules and methods of dealing with volunteers are a bit different from regular customers.  When ringing up a person, always ask if they're a volunteer.  Even if they haven't logged hours in the past 90 days, you can put their number in the database for easy reference of purchases.  Some volunteers will try to take advantage of their 50% discount.  Make sure that they (and you) are aware of the [[Store_Sales_of_Rarer_and_Valuable_Items|sales of desirable items]] policy.
-The browser:  As you spend more time in the store, you will get to know these people.  Some of them come in every day, and spend hours in the store just looking through stuff.  Most of them don't need help and can be left alone.  A few of them will get into trouble if you let them, there's a guy who will break stuff if you don't keep an eye on him.  Try to be aware of the customers in the store whenever you can, get to know who are the problem children.  There's also a few of them who will try to monopolize you and ask you questions they know you don't need to be answering.  Some of these guys fall into the super geek talk your ear off category.  Answer their questions, but don't spend too much of your time with them.
+=== The artist/scavenger: ===
-The volunteer:  The rules and methods of dealing with volunteers are a bit different from regular customers.  When ringing up a person, always ask if they're a volunteer.  Even if they haven't logged hours in the past 90 days, you can put their number in the database for easy reference of purchases.  Some volunteers will try to take advantage of their 50% discount.  Make sure that they (and you) are aware of the [[Store_Sales_of_Rarer_and_Valuable_Items|sales of desirable items]] policy.
+Some people will come in looking for bulk items for a project.  Examples include people looking for magnets, broken cds, or broken motherboards.  If someone is looking for a particularly valuable or difficult to extract item, suggest they become a volunteer for recycling.  If it's something like broken cds, and you have the time, go ahead and take a look in back at what we have available.  If they want something like broken motherboards and they only want one or two, go ahead and pick some out for them.  Wednesday is dumpster day for artists.  Talk to Luiz about it, but he will bring out bins of clipped cords, broken cds and such for these people.
-The artist/scavenger:  Some people will come in looking for bulk items for a project.  Examples include people looking for magnets, broken cds, or broken motherboards.  If someone is looking for a particularly valuable or difficult to extract item, suggest they become a volunteer for recycling.  If it's something like broken cds, and you have the time, go ahead and take a look in back at what we have available.  If they want something like broken motherboards and they only want one or two, go ahead and pick some out for them.  Wednesday is dumpster day for artists.  Talk to Luiz about it, but he will bring out bins of clipped cords, broken cds and such for these people.
+=== For the ladies, the sexist male: ===
-For the ladies, the sexist male:  Unfortunately sexism is still a problem even at free geek.  If you experience yourself working with someone who is obviously sexist, just try to shake it off.  Leave for awhile if they are really unbearable, or talk to a staffer. Often times you will get asked a question, and then they will ignore your (correct) answer and proceed to ask someone who is male in the store. Consider yourself lucky!  You no longer have to speak to this person. Try to be firm, and do not let them second guess you, especially on the phone it can be difficult.  Some people just don't want to believe that you know what you're talking about.  Too bad for them.
+Unfortunately sexism is still a problem even at free geek.  If you experience yourself working with someone who is obviously sexist, just try to shake it off.  Leave for awhile if they are really unbearable, or talk to a staffer. Often times you will get asked a question, and then they will ignore your (correct) answer and proceed to ask someone who is male in the store. Consider yourself lucky!  You no longer have to speak to this person. Try to be firm, and do not let them second guess you, especially on the phone it can be difficult.  Some people just don't want to believe that you know what you're talking about.  Too bad for them.
 ----
@@ Line 146: / Line 145: @@
 Take breaks:  Getting lost in the melee, remember you can take breaks when you need to.  Try to be conscious of the other people working in the store but make sure you're taking the needed time to decompress.

@@ Line 22: / Line 22: @@
 ----
-'''Commonly asked questions:'''
+'''FAQ ATTACK:'''
 === Do you have laptops? ===

@@ Line 26: / Line 26: @@
 [q and a format is best]
-Do you have laptops? Unless there is one on the counter, we don't. Unless the person seems especially tech savvy, do not refer to "as is" laptops as laptops. Do not offer explicit times when laptops are more likely to arrive.  This only gets you into trouble by fostering false expectations.
+=== Do you have laptops? ===
-Do you have laptop parts? The only laptop parts we have are small hard drives (at most 12G) and power adapters (ac adaptors). And some really small memory.  These are located behind the counter, make sure that the Voltage matches, make sure the polarity is the same [picture?], the Amperage can be a bit under but not by too much otherwise it will drain the battery. Any amount over is okay. Any other laptop part refer to ebay.
+Unless there is one on the counter, we don't. Unless the person seems especially tech savvy, do not refer to "as is"     laptops as laptops. Do not offer explicit times when laptops are more likely to arrive.  This only gets you into trouble by fostering false expectations.
-Do you have wireless cards/routers? Chances are no. Find out when you come in if there are any. When we do they sell quickly.  Tell an advanced testing volunteer or production coordinator if there aren't any left.
+=== Do you have laptop parts? ===  [[Image:Polarity.png‎|frame|Polarity]]
-Do you have cell phones? No.
+The only laptop parts we have are small hard drives (at most 12G) and power adapters (ac adaptors). And some really small memory.  These are located behind the counter, make sure that the Voltage matches, make sure the polarity is the same (see image), the Amperage can be a bit under but not by too much otherwise it will drain the battery. Any amount over is okay. Any other laptop part refer to ebay.
-Do you have LCD screens? No, unless they are on the counter. We seem to receive about 5 a day.  All are tested.
+=== Do you have wireless cards/routers? ===
-Do you know how to use this {insert device i.e. palm pilot, obscure gizmo}? We're not here to coach people through using these things. If you know a little feel free to tell them the basics, but we're not trying to send people away with a device that's more complicated than their ability level allows. Especially because we don't offer user manuals for a lot of things, people need to know what they're doing.  Also consider your fellow coworkers when offering information:  if I help someone fix their computer for an hour when we are slow, they'll still expect that from someone else, even if they don't know how or if we are very busy.
+Chances are no. Find out when you come in if there are any. When we do they sell quickly.  Tell an advanced testing volunteer or production coordinator if there aren't any left.
-Is this device compatible with x? If you don't know offhand, you can always refer people to the computer to do product research. This works especially well for people who want to know about certain software we sell, or whether the computers we sell are going to work with the software they want to use.
+=== Do you have cell phones? ===
-Is this device good enough to do x?  Try to get the customer to self-research these words via google: "[the name of the software goes here]" and "recommended hardware requirements."  Example: "world of warcraft n" and "recommended hardware requirements."
+No.
-Why are all of your computers booted with Linux? Linux is a user friendly free-ware OS, it's also extremely resistant to viruses. We have basic user guides and can walk users who are especially timid through some of the first steps.  If Linux is kept of the machine we offer 1 free session of tech support for one issue and we will follow this through until the issue is resolved. Also any software needed can be downloaded for free, instead of having to pay exorbitant prices as with Microsoft or Apple. Finally, Linux is free, so it allows Free Geek to offer legal systems at much more competitive rates to the poor, thus satisfying our mission.
+=== Do you have LCD screens? ===
 Anytime anyone asks for something you think we might have but is probably buried in a bin (i.e. a six foot ethernet cable, or a specific charger for a cell phone) refer them to the bin where it would be. Don't bother spending time digging for them.  Possible exceptions:  mothers with children having a blood-sugar meltdown and the elderly.
-Do you have SATA drives?  If we do they're behind the IDE drives at the far right of the shelf.
+=== Do you have SATA drives? ===
-Will this video card make me able to play my game?  Our video cards are usually 128mb, every now and then we'll have a 256 one which will help, but ultimately this is a time to refer people to product search, unless you know off the top of your head.  Also make sure they know whether they need a PCI or AGP card...  Many new games require more modern APIs (link) like DirectX 9.  The customer needs to research this.  See the above "recommended hardware" question.
+=== Is this item tested? ===
-Do these headphones work?  Does this TV work?  If people want to plug something in to see if it will turn on, they can use the power strip near the speakers and subwoofers.  As far as headphones, some of which are tested, you can always plug them into the freek box at the counter to let them see what the sound quality is like.  Many cheap items are not feasibly testable in the store, especially when there are other people ready to buy stuff.  Once in a while, someone will get bent out of shape about this.  Be polite, but ultimately, its better to let them leave.  This way, you will not risk throwing other coworkers under the bus when they come back and want other nearly-free merchandise tested.
+Items marked 'as is' are not exchangeable and purchased at the buyer's risk.  Items which are tested i.e. cards, hard drives are ''exchangeable'' for store credit within a week.  If people have accidentally bought the wrong thing and they were just in, we will usually just switch out the items.  Use your discretion here.  Should we bother to make a list of things that are tested? [yes, we should]
-Tested vs. As is.  Items marked 'as is' are not exchangeable and purchased at the buyer's risk.  Items which are tested i.e. cards, hard drives are ''exchangeable'' for store credit within a week.  If people have accidentally bought the wrong thing and they were just in, we will usually just switch out the items.  Use your discretion here.  Should we bother to make a list of things that are tested? [yes, we should]
+=== I bought a printer here 6 months ago and just replaced the ink and now it doesn't work! ===
-I bought a printer here 6 months ago and just replaced the ink and now it doesn't work!  If someone is having issues with a printer unfortunately we do not offer tech support on these.  When we sell them we should make the customer aware that we are selling them tested, yet as is as far as ink and quality.  While printers are exchangeable within the week, if it's been months or longer, there's not much we can do.  Suggest they seek tech support elsewhere.
+If someone is having issues with a printer unfortunately we do not offer tech support on these.  When we sell them we should make the customer aware that we are selling them tested, yet as is as far as ink and quality.  While printers are exchangeable within the week, if it's been months or longer, there's not much we can do.  Suggest they seek tech support elsewhere.

@@ Line 211: / Line 211: @@
 '''RAM'''
-Things to add:  types of RAM, link to identifications.
+DDR:  we almost never have this in the store.  The reason for this is that it is put into all of the computers we build and therefore, we don't have extra to sell.
-power supplies
-cd/dvd roms
+SD Ram:  we always have some of this.  There are two different types we carry, PC 100 and PC 133.  Whatever we have is in the bins, and it's priced according to size.
-KVM cables/switches
+PC100/133 128
-USB hubs
+PC100/133 256