Quote:
Originally Posted by Jason Dunn
In the many years I've been running my tech sites, I've never seen a company promote an unreleased, improved version of a product on the pages for a current product they're selling. Talk about killing sales! Nobody wants to order a product and find out that it's already obsolete before they order it. A Dell Mini 10 with all those features will certainly be more expensive than the already expensive Dell Mini 10 that's offered today, but most consumers doubtless want the option to have these improved features. Dell, where's your head at? |
I have to disagree, and give kudos to Dell for their "transparency." While I agree that this is a new way to handle upgraded products "coming soon" I have to say it is a good move. Let me explain why:
1) Honesty: First off, Dell is giving consumers a choice - get something basic today if you have the need and the price is right, or consider waiting for the "next big thing." It used to be companies fully knew what was coming, but for fear of not selling anything they wouldn't be honest about it. Then there would be a "backlash" of sorts when the new product came out 60 days later and the geeks would unite in their disdain for "not knowing".
2) Cost Savings: When I was a more avid Dell user, I'd follow message boards at Dell fairly regularly and I'd constantly see people sending back their computer within the 30 day "satisfaction guarantee" period because a new component was now available for the computer they had, and of course, everyone wanted it. Talk about an expense to Dell! Being upfront may help lower those return costs. Not everyone is a total geek, looking forthat "bump up" in component speed or capacity and therefore being upfront filters those people out. Someone who just needs it "now" without regard to specifications can do so.
3) Maintain "Interest": OK what better way to encourage customers to make repeat visits to your site!!! Tell them to be on the lookout for something new - and your geeks/early adopters will constantly be looking for the "new" product. Who knows what they'll look at and/or buy on those multiple visits!! I think everyone in business knows that repeat visits increase the odds of a sale so Dell might be on to something here.
4) Customer Satisfaction: I like dealing with companies that help me make a choice (#1) but don't treat me like an idiot. Giving me the facts and letting me decide is the better experience. The Apple Store is a good example - as a MSFT loyalist - I can honestly say that the multiple visits I've made to the Apple Store is getting me closer and closer to buying an Apple product. The people are generally unbiased and just state the facts. I like that - it lets me be comfortable with my decision. Customer satisfaction is driven by actions like this. Dell might be learning something about how to better deal with their customers in a direct buy/build environment. Certainly they have enough "transactional experience" to come to this conclusion based on their volume.
Bottom line: I'm liking the way Dell is operating. Although I haven't considered a Dell product in a long time (for no real reason other than I found better deals elsewhere) I might just have to put them back on the radar screen as a result of this new found "disclosure".
Dell Teases Inspiron Mini 10 Features
Linear Mode
