Free Geek — Local services in Portland

(Store Review: Does not apply to any other services such as recycling ,tech support, community help etc)

Summary: Old school big corporation hurdles and bureaucracy despite being a small business (Like AT&T type where trying to do anything is super inconvenient and kind of illogical, not like something like Best Buy where it's usually pretty pleasant to be a customer.)

Explanation I went in looking for a laptop with a long battery life. That was basically my top criteria.

I had seen some on their website and wanted to look at them but I was told that those could not be looked at physically unless they were purchased first.

I'm not sure what the reason for this was other than policy. I read some reviews and picked out a thinkpad. Purchased it on eBay and the person behind the counter went and brought it out.

I open up the laptop and find that it's got a 3 hour battery life, which really wasn't what I was expecting. I ask if I can return it or swap it for something with a longer battery life.

Another individual hops into the conversation and recites the return policy, a 20% restocking fee and 80% store credit. I think damn I've lost some cash here in the last 5 minutes (50ish dollars), but no problem I support the cause. I'm ok with that.

Then he says since their eBay team isn't in they can't do it for another 3 days.

I ask if I can leave the laptop with them because Its going to be to returned anyway.

Response: "No I will not be liable for your property."

I felt leaving kinda bad and just bummed by the bureaucracy and general curtness and I don't know if I would really recommend the place.

Impacts of bureaucracy: Couldn't see the laptop even though it was in the same building before buying. Returns policy is pretty harsh for a place that strives to help out people. Couldn't return the laptop 5 minutes after purchase because "ebay team wasn't in". Basically real strict division of labor. They weren't even willing to hold the laptop until the ebay team came in, so now I have to hold the laptop for the next 3 days and go back again on another day.

Edit: I just found out that this place is not categorized as a non-profit in terms of tax anymore either.

Apparently Free Geek was started by super passionate guy that wanted to teach people about computers but retired from the project and sold it a while ago. He was the reason a lot of people used to speak so positively...

Unique thrift store dealing ONLY with computer items and electronics. Very knowledgeable staff who seem to be all volunteer. For sure most were younger than 40 something. We had been here several times before when we needed to update our computer systems and needed some place to gift our old stuff. The idea that you can volunteer somewhere and learn how to do computer tech work, well, if that's not unique I don't know the meaning of the word.

Our visit this time wasn't to donate, literally because when you bring old equipment, don't bring your junk and you should bring at least a $10 bill to donate with the goods. What we needed this time were screws. Yup. Screws. Particular kinds that fit together a hard drive and another unit. The manufacturers must have figured out they save all kinds of money if they just omit the screws.

Free Geek got us out of a bind with time and they kept me from having to go to commercial electronics store, like Be-- B-y and navigate their system just to find out that we would be paying outrageous price for four screws. Instead, we had a likable guy Chad. He was cordial, but not overly so. Uniquely professional. He was able to go in the back and find the exact thing we wanted. He wasn't going to charge us, so we donated a few dollars and were on our way.

Highly recommend, especially if you need a computer and can donate your time for one, as well as find a geek society to hang with. If I were younger, I know I'd have been a regular. It's definitely a haven for those who want to learn Ubuntu and other OS's besides Gates's OS. Love the concept. Like the People and the shop's...

My friends at 12:01 computer repair referred me to Free Geek to unload-or donate some electronics. This place is great. I researched them on-line before I went in...their website is very thorough in describing their services.

You are allowed to safely donate your unused electronics, most items accepted. No household appliances of course.

I walked through their thrift store first. Like a mini-store of cords, old computers, keyboards, tablets, cases for phones, computers and more.

Then I went to the donation counter. The host was so cheerful. She explained how it works. I just gave my unused printer to the receiving clerk. I had forgotten some software and manuals, but he declared they didn't need any of those items.

After leaving the receiving area I headed back to the host-counter. She drew up a receipt and suggested donation - for handling my item and putting it back into the community. They suggest an amount, but feel free to give what is comfortable.

What a great resource: They offer training, volunteer opportunities, free classes. If you make a donation you can receive a discount in their thrift store.

Easy access in and out of this operation. Street Parking. Felt better donating here than a Goodwill...