So I went to BB last week and asked about having my stereo done there. I know... some people will tell me this is mistake #1, but they did a great job on my last car. I just wanted it done at some sort of well-known place, rather than a mom-n-pop type outfit. The guy last week told me it would be something like $150 to get the install done (amp, deck, components). I figured okay... that's not bad.

I show up today and a different guy is working. He expresses no actual interest in answering my questions, and continues to jot down stuff on the price worksheet while ignoring me. Finally he hands it over and its "$388+" for the install. WTF? They were charging me $99.95 just for the amp wires

I burned out of there in no time. I could tell the guy didn't want to do the car and was trying to price me out the front door... so I guess it worked.

Now I've had this stuff for over a week and it's still not installed. I called around and got a price of around $290 including parts... but that still seems ridiculous. I'm probably just going to bite the bullet and do it myself this weekend. It's not the cost, I'm just mad Best Buy would me like that.

 

That's what happens when you have non-commissioned sales people. You might be able to find someone else at BB, and you might not... There is also Circuit City, and the Good Guys... What's your location?

 

have you tried to go back there and speak to the same guy who did your first quote???

 

exactly what do you need installed?

i can guaruntee you'll take more time and care than anyone else. the EJs can talk you through the installation of just about anything.

 

typical...


for wiring check out www.knukonceptz.com

as far as the 'mom and pop shops'... sometimes, you can get your best install work done out of those guys. find the ones who have been around for more than 5+ years. then, ask to see their photo book on installs. if they don't have one or something like that? blow. generally, any shop worth anything will have a sample installs photo book.
also, press hard on having any install work done by a lead installer vs a newbie.

what are you having installed? a HU, speakers, several amps, etc.? if just an amp, components, and a HU, then that shouldn't be much more than $200 or $250 depending on wiring and how much custom work they are doing... (amp rack? carpeting? unique mounts?)
(btw, my prices are assuming you did NOT buy the gear from them... most places will make the price of installation a little easier if you buy from them)


oh, and thinking about it? if you've got some basic tools, a little understanding, and the time -- an amp, HU, and components are a day's work. there are plenty guides here to help you, and we can help you troubleshoot as well.

 

Thanks for the feedback everyone

It's a 4-channel amp, component set, and deck. The amp will only be powering the components for now; I'm running cables and leaving 2 channels open for a steathbox later on. I purchased online, so I'm sure install places will charge a little bit more for outside merch.

I'm planning on mounting the amp in the spare tire well. It doesn't have to look great, as I'm going to replace the tire cover when I'm all done. I have little concern about doing it myself, other than finding the correct places to draw power for the amp and such.

I wouldn't mind paying $200 including parts, but anything more seems excessive to me. Is it really that simple for a first-time installer like myself? I told my father this morning that I'm considering it and he just about fainted.

 

I'm pretty sure this is what Circuit City would charge...

Deck Labor: $45
Amp Labor: $45
Components: $60

Wiring Harness: $15
8 gauge amp kit: $50
RCAs + speaker wire: $20-50 depending on quality

$200 seems kinda tight to me unless you do some things on your own and get a discount on the parts(300% marked up normally BTW).

 

I never recommend those large stores, go find a smaller store. You may pay a little more but its worth it.

Like Phil said look for a shop that has good pictures of there work.

However like others have said already just do it yourself

 

I hear ol' Shifty can set people up with a great Circuit City install

(yet another in a long line of inside-EJ jokes)

 

and seriously? what you're considering is a moderate install. if you're not one who's handy, don't attempt it. if you're generally pretty handy? go for it. (my opinion of course)