- Aug 25, 2001
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According to this, you now need to pay $200/yr for BestBuy's tech-support program, just for the chance to purchase a new console.
Is this "marketing genius" or "criminal mobster behavior"?
I read that too. Which is interesting, since I bought an RTX 3060 recent that I will have to pick up. I wonder if they will tell me that I need to pay them $200 in order to pick it up. I don't recall any other $200 line-item on the order.I read they recently did the same thing with GPUs as well.
But the people who really, really want a console/GPU, or people who are going to flip it on Ebay/other selling avenues for a healthy profit, it's not going to really lower demand.If you can't increase supply, lower demand.
I am not sure I agree with you analysis 100%, but I suppose it's reasonable to presume that some money will be shifted away from scalpers and towards Best Buy. I do think it's also reasonable to presume that this move might make more consoles available to Best Buy customers directly if they are willing to pay the naked cash grab of $200. Makes one wonder if simply tacking on $200 to the MSRP would generate as much discontent.But the people who really, really want a console/GPU, or people who are going to flip it on Ebay/other selling avenues for a healthy profit, it's not going to really lower demand.
Best Buy simply wants to get another $200 profit instead of letting flippers have it.
I'm not sure how it would play out with the majority of buyers.Makes one wonder if simply tacking on $200 to the MSRP would generate as much discontent.
I certainly understand the sentiment. I still buy hardware occasionally for DC, but at a much curtailed rate, and more often used than new at this time. The only things I've bought new at or near MSRP since fall of '20 have been a couple of 5950X's.I'm not sure how it would play out with the majority of buyers.
All I know is I'm personally not willing to pay extra for consoles or GPUs (or any component for that matter). This whole mess over the last two years has turned my interests/hobbies into other non-tech areas.
We all have things that are worth it to us. I mean I totally understand some people see some of the toys/statues I buy, and think "No way in hell I'd pay that for a freaking toy!".I certainly understand the sentiment. I still buy hardware occasionally for DC, but at a much curtailed rate, and more often used than new at this time. The only things I've bought new at or near MSRP since fall of '20 have been a couple of 5950X's.
Obviously it's garbage. But if you sell out of a product no matter how outrageous the markup/program, the temptation to maximize profit is pretty great. We can say avoid Best Buy all day long, but it's a good bet they'll still sell every unit they get their greasy paws on. The market is insane.
But.... FORCING the customer to purchase tech-support, before allowing a console purchase.Stores make almost no money on consoles. For the sake of staying in business I totally understand charging extra for tech support.
But.... FORCING the customer to purchase tech-support, before allowing a console purchase.
Stores make almost no money on consoles. For the sake of staying in business I totally understand charging extra for tech support.
BestBuy's attempt at emulating Amazon Prime? They already have their (tiered) member rewards program(s).Ultimately, I don't think Best Buy's intention (or rather, their end goal) here is to skim off the top of console sales. Given the nature of the Total Tech program, I think they're trying to push people to shop at the store more often. Essentially, it's the idea that you've "invested" into shopping at Best Buy because you've paid for a program with a bunch of perks. So, to get the most out of it, you'll shop their more. However, now they have to worry about the potential problem of turning people away due to what appears to be some hefty greed.
BestBuy's attempt at emulating Amazon Prime? They already have their (tiered) member rewards program(s).
I guess I just don't see the point, except for driving up subscriptions to their "total tech" program.
They do indeed. I always see the same ASUS monitor they are trying to tack on with the card and sell as a bundle. It's been months, lol.The Shuffle has the same crap attached to the scarce items over and over, I have to believe it's items that they have too much of and can't get rid of any other way. But at least you get something, I suppose. But I find being coerced to purchase products I don't want and would never buy (since there is way better stuff in those categories) almost as irritating as a large naked markup.