I’m a proponent of justice; swift, hard, unwavering justice. So when I encounter an out of control predator stalking the meek, the one avenue of control that I have (short of dressing like a bat and executing street vengeance), is to let my fingers and keyboard regulate. Consider it my small, but vital, contribution to society.
This post is one such post of vengeance, inspired by a trip to Atlantic Ave over Memorial Day. Lauren and I wandered into Pro Line Home Theater, an electronics shop on the corner of Atlantic and 4th Aves. Normally, I avoid brick-and-mortar electronics joints like the plague as the tech-related online deals are deep and many, but I had damaged the power cord on my Acer Aspire One netbook in a freak accident and sought a replacement. Believing that a new power supply wouldn’t cost more than $10 to $20 after a brisk bout of online research the night before, we strode in with confidence that I’d be able to walk out with new cord in hand. Wrong we were, as the salesperson tried to violate my wallet–nay, Brooklyn’s collective wallets–in the most obscene manner possible.
We knew we were in for a doozy of a time when we waltzed into the joint and saw the very same netbook that I own (a $349 computer, mind you) “on sale” for $500. A kindly sticker positioned next to the PC highlighted the sweetness of the deal by showing that the $500 was “marked down” from nearly $700. Oh, kindly shopkeep, thanks for showing infinite mercy by not charging a full-on grand. It made we warm in special places to witness the fact that your greed isn’t totally unchecked.
So after the shock and awe of the moment subsided, I approached the clerk that was manning the floor (an Arabic kid in the standard baseball cap/oversized tee/hideously baggy shorts street punk attire) who quickly stated that it would be $69. Now, I understand that some high-end universal chargers with multiple tips and high charge storage are more pricey, but this was your run-of-the-mill laptop charger. When I chuckled and declined, the clerk, sensing that he was losing a sale, asked “how much you wanna pay?” When I mentioned the far more wallet-friendly prices that I found online, all I got was a “Sorry, can’t help you there, bud.” Nice.
Simply put, if you’re coasting down Atlantic and happen upon Pro Line Home Theater, give it the one-finger salute and keep a-steppin’.
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Hah, Proline. I used to work there once upon a time. Here’s the deal. Everything they sell at outrageous prices is refurbished at best and outright used at worst. The Proprieter, lets call him ‘dan’ (not his real name but close enough) has been known to pressure people to buy refurbished and used goods as new and straight up lied to thier faces about it. I’ve seen him sell damaged goods knowing full well they would come back and then refuse to give refunds. Ive seen him and his close guys actually put thier hands on customers. Half that blame is on the clientele, but still. most of the sales crew and the driver for sure are high on coke most days.
The place is a rip off. Stay away. If you must buy electronics in the Atlantic center area go to the target right across the street. You’ll be better off there, believe me.
Go to best buy or officemax and see what they charge for a universal laptop charger. If everyone went by tyhe prices they saw online then every single store should have the exact same price and life would be easy wouldn’t it? I’m pretty sure this person never heard the horror stories of customers getting shipped broken items from online stores, stolen credit card info and the sometimes hidden shipping and handling fees. As far as pricing everstore does the same thing. Go to macy’s you see orig $100, was $70 now $30. Best Buy MSRP $1999., sale $1199. and if you chenk online you might find it for $1099 so why doesnt best buy change thier price?
i am the arabic guy who work there,,the charger you wanted to buy is high protected for laptop not been damaged,best buy or radio shack have them for $119 ,beside that it has warranty for 3 years from the store and the factory,if u have on our wallet $15 for sure i can’t help becuase its below them cost,if you saw online chargers for $15-$20 those chargers works for couple days and then you can send it back to them ,i work on proline 4 years for now and i am happy to help a customer and proline home theater they do have deals and good deals for laptops and TV’s you dont see them other stores,,they open over than 20 years they still doing good everyday have deals,,but fopr sure you can’t make all people happy ,i say if any business can make $90 of the customer happy thats excellent business .