Scum Files: Best Buy Forces Consumers To Buy iPhone Accessories To Provide What Apple Does For Free
As previously announced, Best Buy Mobile stores are now carrying the iPhone 3G, extending the list of places you can go and line up to get your hands on the Jesus phone, but a certain little marketing tactic Best Buy is running has qualified them for an entry into the Homotron Scum Files: If you buy a $100+ accessory package along with your iPhone 3G at Best Buy, Geek Squad will graciously set up your phone and e-mail for free!
What they don't mention is that the Apple Store will do this for free, no strings attached.
Best Buy: this is not a way to stay on Steve Jobs's good graces. He's been known to pull Apple products from retailers for less. Don't tempt him.
Best Buy iPhone 3G: Buy BS Accessory Package, Geek Squad Will Do What Apple Store Does for Free [Gizmodo]
Den Den Boy
Posted to Hot Stuff, In Your Pocket, In the World on 8 September 2008
· Comments (5)
Other stuff like this: Apple, Best Buy, Geek Squad, iPhone, iPhone 3G, scum files, scummy
While it's certainly not a big deal, there are places where Best Buy exist, but an apple store does not. Like, West Virginia, for example.
Doesn't make it right for them to force you to buy a $100+ accessory package just to get the same level of service.
"Best Buy: this is not a way to stay on Steve Jobs's good graces. He's been known to pull Apple products from retailers for less. Don't tempt him."
Not to step on your irritation because this definitely COULD seem shady...
but since I work at Best Buy let me just say that we are pretty restricted on the kinds of decisions we are even allowed when it comes to Apple products.
With that said, my question is this: what makes you think Steve Jobs isn't already aware of this sales tactic?
Oh, he could certainly be aware and just not care for the sake of market penetration.
I just know that he has pulled products from retailers for less, so Best Buy is risking straining their relationship on something that even taken by itself is pretty anti-consumer in the first place.
I mean seriously? Forcing people to buy a $100+ accessory bundle to help set up their phone? That's ridiculous.
I work for BBM this has to be a store special because i know our store doesnt do that offer and yes we do charge for it because you have a well educated person set up EVERYTHING on your phone! i think this writer needs to do his homework before he writes more about something he doesnt know much about.