Best Buy’s Geek Squad is expanding to offer its tech-support service on eBay while also running a pilot program at 28 Target stores in Denver and one in Minneapolis.
The 24/7 Geek Squad support offered on eBay includes service plans that cost $30 for three months and $50 for six months.
Expanding the Geek Squad, the struggling electronics chain’s best-known brand, “fits with their strategy to deliver a connected experience to consumers,” explains NPD Group analyst Stephen Baker. “They’re trying to make Geek Squad a ubiquitous, stand-alone brand that stands for great help around your technical problems.”
Customer service is a major strategy in Best Buy’s plans to revive sales and better compete with rivals such as Amazon.
“Best Buy boosted U.S. revenue from services 6 percent in the quarter ended August 4 as comparable-store sales sank 3.2 percent, the eighth decline in the past nine quarters,” reports Bloomberg.
The company also plans to close 50 big-box stores and open smaller shops that offer primarily mobile phones, e-readers and tablets. Best Buy has experienced strong sales in those categories while TV and PC purchases have declined.
“Geek Squad was founded 18 years ago by Robert Stephens, who rode around Minneapolis on his bicycle, helping people with technology problems,” notes Bloomberg. “He sold the company to Best Buy in 2002, when he had 65 agents. He still serves as a consultant to the retailer.”
Best Buy’s Geek Squad is expanding to offer its tech-support service on eBay while also running a pilot program at 28 Target stores in Denver and one in Minneapolis.
No Comments Yet
You can be the first to comment!
Leave a comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.