Fry’s Electronics

Whats the use of having an extensive inventory if the prices on the shelves dont match what comes up in the register when they’re scanned.
I tried to purchase three things and each item was scanned at atleast 2 dollars more than what they were advertised on the shelf. Needless to say i walked away from the registers annoyed and with empty hands.
Also i mean this in the most literal sense when i say that everytime i walked by an employee they would look down to the floor and avoid all contact with you.
Just put this place out of its misery already.

Great store, they have a lot of stuff you are looking for and good pricing, love it !

Go for the inventory and be able to deal with poor quality service depending on how much you’ll spend.
INVENTORY
The inventory is extensive in most consumer electronic categories (TV, computers, appliances, car audio, and media). They also have a large computer component inventory, which is kept broad and current.
SERVICE
Service is generally sparse, inattentive, and only scratch-​the-​surface knowledgeable. If you’re not familiar with the store’s large layout or a product category, good luck finding someone to help you without asking about something that will generate a fat commission.
There is a single checkout line, with a suitably extensive impulse purchase corridor to surround you. It’s mostly unnecessary, but reasonably priced if you’re feeling a purchase. They’re generally good about matching prices that they can repeat.
DECOR
This Fry’s has a country Western theme, including cacti, gallon hat wearing cowboys, and other wild west themed items. I’m not sure if it’s the décor, the largess of the store, or the infrequency of seeing other humans inside, but this store feels like it’s sadly dying.
It’s a great if you’re nearby and want a product quickly or with local return as an option.

Computer department’s manager is #1 reason why I will never return. Horrible customer service. I called to confirm that the part was there. Asked to have it held as I drove for an hour over, but he refused to hold it and when I arrived, the part was gone. He didn’t even apologize.

If you’re looking for decent customer service, don’t come here. If you’re expecting to see people enjoy their place of employment, don’t come here. If you’re wanting to ask a question, and receiving an a one word answer and then having department rep walk away from you because you’re asking a second question, then definitely come here.
I can’t believe just how rude you are treated here. Consistently.

As Seinfeld would say: «I got a guy.» A computer guy. And his name is Patrick, and he works at Fry’s, in the computer department. And if you’re looking to buy a laptop or desktop, he is THE guy to see!
This guy was soooooo helpful to me a few weeks ago. I went in to buy a morphie, that’s it. And next thing you know this guy is talking to me about used laptops and showed me a used one that I could actually afford (money is pretty tight right now). I have to say, I bought a computer from Fry’s over 10 years ago and didn’t feel great about the experience, but Patrick turned me around!
I was going to get one of the laptops he recommended and just needed my husband’s approval to put it on his card. Well, as it turned out, my husband was just given a really nice laptop from his employers, which made his current laptop available to me (mine has a screen flickering issue and is way too slow when editing video). Anyway, my husband’s laptop is like 3x faster than my current one, but honestly I would rather get one of the ones Patrick recommended. I know they’re probably out of the model he showed me but he was so knowledgeable about laptops, I am confident that when I go back he will be able to point me to another really good one. I’d been meaning to call the store and tell him thank you for all his help, but kept forgetting, so I felt like I owed him a good review, at least, because I really appreciated his help. That guy is a good sales person and Fry’s is lucky to have him!
I do want to leave one comment regarding their phone system…
To the upper management at Fry’s: can you PLEASE call Costco Redwood City at (650) 568‑4040, to get an example of what an efficient phone system (that doesn’t leave customers pulling their hair out) sounds like? The fact that I have to be on hold 15 – 20 minutes, just about every time I call, to do something so simple as check and see if Patrick is working, is just ridiculous. We should have the ability to transfer to a direct department. It’s a good thing you guys have people like Patrick working for you, because that alone would be enough to make me not even want to go into your store. It feels like a slap in the face to customers and it leaves you with an impression that Fry’s doesn’t really give a damn whether customers are happy or not.
— — — — — —
UPDATE 6÷7÷16:
Damn, Patrick is good. I was hell bent on getting an HP laptop. That was all I wanted. I was hoping they might have something refurbished in stock (since that’s what I looked at the last time). Well, the model I had looked at before, wasn’t there, and they didn’t have as many choices when it came to refurbished HP models. And Patrick told me about an Acer model they had, and he pointed out all the features of why it was a really good model. I was embarrassed to even be looking at it, I feel so loyal to HP since I’ve been using an HP laptop since 2009 and it’s been so good to me (I’m writing on it right now).
But he just said, look, no pressure, just have a look, and he got it from the back and brings out this brand new computer, lets me try it, and the thing was so damn fast (well I guess just about anything would seem fast compared to a 2009 laptop lol). And it looked nice because it was all white. He told me if I didn’t like it, he’d show me some HP models. It was Patrick’s whole no-​pressure attitude, and the fact that he said there is a 30 day no-​questions-​asked return policy on the computers so if for some reason I decide it’s not for me, I can return it, that got me. I kept thinking, I can’t believe this guy is selling me an Acer! He could probably have talked me into buying just about anything in that department, because he is SO knowledgeable about computers, and makes you really feel like there is absolutely no pressure at all, and he really does want you to have the very best deal there is. As you can see, I was super impressed with this guy. I asked him how long he’s been with Fry’s, and he said it’s been 3 years, he used to be a computer technician. No wonder! He also sold me on Microsoft office, Norton Anti Virus software, and a 3 year extended warranty. So even though it was a $ 450 computer the total price tag was over $ 800, but I still felt like I was getting a killer deal! I am going into the store today to pick it up.
I am just buying this computer as something temporary to get me through the next year (I just needed something really fast so I can edit video… my current model is soooo slow it can take me 6 hours to edit something I could probably finish in one hour on a new laptop). So I bought this knowing that I am probably going to be coming back at some point, to buy a more expensive system, maybe even a fancy Mac, when I am able to afford it. And if Patrick is still working there, when I am ready to buy something new, I plan to buy from Fry’s again. Hopefully they will have a new phone system by then so it won’t take me 20 minutes just to find out if he’s still there or not!

Fantastic service center. Very nice and competent staff. Chervin is very patient and always ready to help.
People should make an effort to keep those store alive. While i do enjoy the convenience of Amazon or Google express shopping it will never replace human connection.
Staff in the PC department made excellent recommendations for screen selection. Advice one could not find on Amazon.
I recommande Fry’s with my eyes closed

Horrible service.
We came here to return something and went to the service area. We then got scored to another place where we thought we were going to be helped.
But no.
We waited over 30 minutes and no one got to us or even acknowledged us.

I typically don’t go out of my way to write negative reviews, but in this case I made an exception. Fry’s has always been my go-​to for electronics (consumer and higher end) as the stores typically stock a variety of quality merchandise, sold by knowledgeable staff with decent customer service skills. This store is a stain upon that reputation, for the following:
1) Poor customer service: employees put minimal to no energy into their work, and reference the fine print to avoid truly helping/​taking responsibility when asked to rectify a problem. The only real source of enthusiasm, which is fake at best, comes from the occasional salesperson looking to score a commission from unloading a shoddy product.
2)The aforementioned shoddy product: Do not be swayed by the product nameplates or salesperson suggestions. While not every model of every device is going to be perfect, your chances are far higher if you do your research at home and — more importantly — shop somewhere else. Also, the notion that this is a discount electronics store is misleading, as the prices are pretty much equivalent to any other business (physical or internet based).
3)Environment: The place is just shabby, and said appearance is indicative of the service. Outdated and poorly maintained, the western themed features of the store are merely a cheap gimmick that is not embraced in any respect beyond decoration (which honestly, was probably left by the previous property lease holders and Fry’s management just decided to be lazy when they took over). Now one should never judge a book by its cover, as there exist many businesses that don’t look pretty while offering great service and products. However, in this case the tackiness simply solidifies the overarching, unprofessional theme of «we don’t care».
This establishment pushes me beyond anger, and into disappointment with Fry’s as a whole. When such a disreputable franchise exists, with no action taken by ownership to claim responsibility, I perceive such apathy as Fry’s condoning poor business practices. Disenchanted, I can honestly say I will never again give my business to any Fry’s electronics. If you want to keep your view of the tech chain store intact, in the minimum I strongly recommend never visiting this location.

I had a great experience recently. It is an electronics warehouse and many of the staff do seem pretty unconcerned with you (or customer service) until you walk out the door and then they are suddenly interested in your receipt to make sure you haven’t shoplifted anything. And it does have a dated-​seeming Wild West theme with basic interiors.
But if you take this place for what it is– an inexpensive alternative to shopping online for your electronics– you will appreciate Fry’s in the way it was meant to be appreciated: discount electronics. They do match Internet prices with manager approval, and I’ve heard that their inventory system isn’t very modern (and thus you get the tales of online orders paid that are then no longer available when you go to pick up– so don’t pay for an item online for pick up later!). And the staff who work there might need a bit more encouragement to work with you on a question (I get the impression that they aren’t very well trained and not all of them are knowledgeable although some are), but if you are friendly and polite you will get better help from the staff. I think if you take all of this into account, you may find that you get exactly what you need out of Fry’s: something that works at a discount price.
For example, I got a great 10ft long FireWire to HDMI cable recently and I paid a fraction of what I would pay if I purchased it from Apple. Happy camper.
And, Fry’s, if you are reading this, maybe investment in some better inventory software and a little more training for your staff would go a long way :).

This review is just based on the phone call to the store.
I called yesterday as soon as they opened because they had a deal on a micro sd card but only ‘at store’. So i was wondering if they could put one on hold for me and i would go and buy it after work. Didnt get to talk to anyone! Was on hold for like 10 minutes, listening to their music and i had to hang up because i was about to start working. I called within 15m of them opening. Are you THAT busy that you cant answer the phone??? Its a weekday and u just opened, come on now!!! So i called when i got a break at work. On hold for another 6 minutes, finally answered and was told they sold out on the product. Great! Thanks a lot.
Good luck trying to speak to someone over the phone.

This Fry’s is western themed! You feel as if you’re in the middle of the Wild Wild West or some cheesy themed amusement park rather than a hip high tech retailer. If you’re used to Best Buy and more modern tech retailers, this is definitely in a league of its own! It felt very old school the way things were advertised in stores, but nonetheless the western themed aesthetic is worth paying a visit.
I came looking exclusively for a new laptop. They carry an extensive selection of Window PCs and also carry Apple products. I got asked at least twice if I needed assistance. Not sure if the computer department is extra helpful because they’re on commission or not but I can’t complain about the lack of help here like others gripe about. It’s a big department store, so obviously kind of difficult to track staff down.
I walked through the aisles for funsies, really just to marvel at the western décor! There’s fun mannequins to look at. If you look up high you can spot western mannequins floating in hot air balloons. They also have an onsite café if you get hangry and overwhelmed at the gadget selection.
I did notice though that this store should be better at restocking items. A lot of SKUs were missing when I was browsing the iPhone and iPad case selection.
I think overall Fry’s should get with the times and be a little more modern with their in store displays, advertisements, etc.

I’m shocked this place is still in business. When you go there, you are treated like cattle. The cashiers are incompetent (either older white women or foreigners that barely speak English) and the interactions with them are robotic. Even worse, you have to «check out» with the guy at the front to make sure you’re not stealing. A few days ago I bought an energy drink and some food, no electronics and I was still treated the same as if I had a computer product.
Boycott this store. Walmart, Target, Best Buy are all better. Anyone who says otherwise works for Fry’s.

The boyfriend and I came in on a whim: he was curious to see if they had a particular monitor he was interested in. No one asked us if we needed help, everyone o the floor pretended to act busy when we passed or didn’t acknowledge us at all, and — what was a little worse — their products are not labeled properly? Sure, you could tell an ASUS from an HP or a Samsung, but there was no way to tell what models were which!
I’ll admit that it’s a *little* fun to go to (they have A LOT of stuff) but the store is so dusty and dirty that our eyes and throats were irritated by the time we left the building (without the monitor or any impulse buys (very expensive overall)). I actually came down with sniffles and a sore throat once we got home. I did notice though that a handwritten sign stated that they match Internet prices; if this is true, maybe it’s worth the trip. *Maybe.*
Skip the allergies and the poor customer service. Go elsewhere for electronics or an actual museum for shopping and fun.

Worst customer service ever. Seriously if someone makes an order online to come pick up an item don’t sell it to another person. Literally common sense! When the guy at the register went to check with staff in the back, the woman was incredibly rude and talked down to us. I simply asked can you check if the Fry’s in Fremont has the item in stock. She repeatedly told me that the stock is only updated in the morning and the item is discontinued. I understand this! That’s why I asked you to check Fremont. In this day and age picking up a phone and calling a sister store shouldn’t be the most difficult thing. I tried asking politely again if its possible to contact Fremont. She again repeated the same exact thing. At that point we called ourselves on our way out. It took 2 seconds. Its no wonder amazon and online retailers are stealing your business.

I don’t know what to say about Frys except I really hate the business practices of this company. They have the most deceptive and sketchy policies on earth involving online purchases and pickups. You buy something on line, pay for it, and then an email arrives saying «Sorry, we were just kidding about the product you just bought (supposedly)… its not available. Isn’t that bait and switch??? And of course there are the «deals» where they regularly advertise stuff they don’t have in stock and then refuse to give you rain checks. And their new «promo code» system has got to be one of the worst most customer-​hostile promotion programs in the consumer electronics industry.
The management is far more concerned with the bottom line then customer satisfaction, and have clearly drunk the Koolaid when it comes to towing the corporate line.
This of all stores in the Bay Area is completely a buyer beware store. They are scoundrels, but with so few big electronics retailers around, there aren’t many alternatives. I guess the wild west theme is fitting here… better watch your back or they’ll shoot you from behind.
Thank goodness for Amazon, which regularly beats their prices… without having to spend a half an our proving better pricing so Frys will match it, begrudgingly, bemoaning the fact all along the way…

I would give this Fry’s electronics –10 stars if it were possible. I walked in here and it smelled like rotten eggs, and there were wet floors where someone could have slipped and broken their neck. Next they did not bother greeting us once we got inside and avoided eye contact. I called them to make sure my item previously ordered was in stock and ready to be bought and they said yes. I drove all the way from San Francisco and when I got there they rejected the offer and said the offer was only valid for Saturday even though on the email it said valid for 72 hours. I even called to check to make sure before I drove all the way down. They probably just wanted us to buy stuff and make more profit since they do not get any. Hopefully no one gets played like I did and has a better experience at any of the other fry’s.

I like this Fry’s Electronics for the simple fact that is centrally located in the middle of a downtown area if a large electronics store has remnants of the former Radio Shack so if you need small components it’s a good place to come computer accessories computer peripherals and anything you need for a tablet phone or multimedia device. Come here for things such as an iPhone and even a Fitbit regardless of whatever you’re shopping for electronics this should be your first stop.

Literally the worst place to try and buy anything. Staff are incredibly unhelpful and incompetent.

So gross!
Such horrible customer service as I’m walking around aimlessly looking for help. I ask this gal for help who’s punching up some stuff into the computer and she tells me that she’s a «merchandiser» not sales, as if I know the difference. I have to ask her to ask someone to help me — for real!
Young scrawny kid walks up and I’m telling him I’m looking for a printer — cheap fast no color — he starts coughing without covering his mouth and touches a $ 200 printer. I ask about the daily deals and where are those printers — can I see them. Agitated coughing and more coughing — all uncovered out in the open and I’m thinking enough! Finally I ask if he’s sick and he says yes — me: I’m outta here!
Looking for anyone on a leadership role is not easy here so I just leave and go to Best Buy!