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Best Buy's new laptop sales model includes Internet service, steep discounts

July 26, 2009 by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

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Electronics retailer Best Buy has tried a lot of strategies in recent months to stay ahead of its discount competition, everything from expanded Geek Squad offerings to high-end home theater installation to customer service via Twitter.

Now it's dipping its toes deeper into the wireless waters. Customers shopping for a laptop at selected stores will have the option to get a steep discount — in some cases, as much as 100 percent — if they sign up for a two-year wireless service plan. According to a Bloomberg news report, the retailer will get a cut of that sale.

Best Buy already sells contracts with its netbooks, portable personal computers with limited capabilities, mostly used for e-mail and Web surfing. For example, last month it offered the Compaq Mini for 99 cents with a two-year contract. The current test involves better-equipped laptop computers.

About James Bickers

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James Bickers is the former senior editor of Retail Customer Experience, and also manages webinars for Networld Media Group. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist and innovative content strategist, with publication credits in national, international and regional publications.

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