So
Best Buy is going to
start promoting the "smarts" of its consumer electronics sales staff as compared to mega-retailer
Wal-Mart.
As someone who has shopped at both retailers often, I can attest that this is a woeful mismatch. Not because Best Buy has a knowledgeable sales staff (they don't, although your mileage may vary) but because they
have a sales staff. Wal-Mart, as far as I've been able to tell, has people that mill around and/or wander aimlessly.
The truth is, if you walk into a retail store needing to be sold a product, you're on your way to a bad experience. With the glory of the Internet, you should be able to access a wealth of information before you buy. That doesn't mean old fashion, brick-and-mortar stores aren't important. I actually think they're vital - especially for major purchases. There's nothing like actually holding or seeing a product in person before parting with your hard earned cash. Depending on where you shop, you can get competitive pricing in stores, with the ability to wheel and deal (of course, you can also be wheeled and dealed into buying warranties or over-priced accessories).
But put not your faith in sales people. Even, or perhaps especially, the smart ones.
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Photo via Andrew Currie under a CC License.
Print | posted @ Thursday, June 18, 2009 10:07 AM