Damn Laptop Repair Shops....
 

I have a Sony Vaio given to me by my brother for the kids to use. Problem is it has a broken DC jack (common problem). Googled Vancouver laptop repairs and see there are numerous shops (and most of them always have DC Jack Repair listed on their website as it's a popular repair).

So I start calling them up and trying to find someone who will sell me a jack. They all said the same thing - "we don't sell parts to customers, you have to bring it in and we will repair it for you". I tell them that I can fix it myself and only want the jack and don't care if they charge me $10-15 for the part (they probably paid $1-2 for the part, if that). They still say they won't sell parts. After calling 4 shops and getting the same answer I give up. I had a buddy at work call a couple back and gave them the model number of the laptop and they actually had parts in stock so they could repair it "same day".

These guys are acting like they're rocket scientists or something performing some super-complicated and top secret procedure that very few "specialists" can do. It reminds me of why I got out of tuning cars as many shops have the same attitude, acting as if they have some "proprietary knowledge" about what they're doing and can't risk letting anyone else know what "magic" they perform in the back.

/rant


So anyone know any shops that sell parts? I found a couple places in the US and I can get a jack for $20, but it would be more convenient to get it locally.

Try calling Sony of Canada. They are located in Coquitlam under the Port Mann bridge. Maybe they could sell you parts only.

I think the reason why they wont just sell you the parts is because its the labour where they make their money.

65 North Bend Street Coquitlam, BC V3K 6H1
(604) 945-8088

The bottom line is the repair shops are not in business to sell parts. They would go broke if that's all they did.

That's what Chinese wholesale sites are for try dx.com etc
I'm pretty sure you can fix it yourself with the use of YouTube tutorials and common sense
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/501235/201079184-445783875/New-DC-Power-Jack-For-Sony-VAIO-PCG-5N4L-5P2L-5P4L-PJ373.html
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Can't blame them bro. They've gotta eat too. And pay rent. And pay employees salaries.

I'm aware of that, hence my suggestion to sell me one for $10-15 (which is a huge markup for them). I have nothing against people making profit running a business. Hell, I rarely even bother to "haggle" for lower prices on products because I hate when people do that when you're already offering a fair price on something.

I'll try Sony, or if I can get a part number maybe Digikey has them.

I know it's possible to get parts direct from Sony since my company does it all the time. However, the sticking point might be you're a random off of the street whereas I'd be dealing with an entire billion dollar company behind me. Good luck, though. I know how hard it can be to get parts like that when you're capable of DIY'ing it.

Worse comes to worst, I can try getting the part for you myself if you'd like.

they won't sell you parts for all they know you could be buying the part to repair for someone else for profit. i mean you can't blame them.. on top of they make a living from fixing stuff not selling parts.. they might be thinking you are buying the parts to repair for someone else and making a huge profit like $100bux when they are only making a few bucks from selling u the part. so why bother going thru the trouble of selling you the parts and then having to restock it themselves?

Have you checked eBay for the part?

You tried any electronics stores?

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Ask them how much it is to fix. If it's an easy fix maybe they won't charge much

^ $75 to fix. Found a jack that fits the case, but has a different plug. Had to buy the matching pair of jack/plug, and change the plug on my power supply. Cost me a whopping $3.99 for both parts.

Imagine if automotive shops acted that way. You could never buy parts for your car unless you got the shop that sold them to also install it, even if you have a "preferred" mechanic you like to use. Or if car stereo shops wouldn't sell you gear unless they installed it for you.