MARKETING AND SOFTWARE INSTALLS
20
points posted to Advertising and Marketing, Software by daves
02/23/07
I hope--made to order,ship direct-- will continue as Dells major focus to serve the knowledgable PC consumer that doesnt want to compromise on configuration --that business model will keep prices low and ensure the most updated components will get installed.
Let the other competitors stock store shelves with "low cost" computers with limited upgradability that will be obsolete or even unusable in a few years. Let competitors create,support,and eventually eat the shelf dogs they create.
I feel if Dell decides to directly retail a large line of computer configuations and go head to head with competitors"toaster" models the increased costs to Dell will adversely affect all of Dells PC business. If Dell creates standalone stores it would be a disaster.
While "Pick up at a store option" and "immediate trade" could be plusses for some on-line Dell customers it would work only if the stores are widespread--such as Radio Shack. Dell --if it enters the retail business in existing stores -- should limit "buy at store" items to only high quality large displays, powerful workstations and notebooks--for the emergency business and impulse buyers.
If the store presents quality but minimal Dell shelf space/inventory and a "Direct to Dell" online access point booth--so walk-in consumers can view and try Dells best then custom configure and order a computer privately at the store-- costs might be limited.
My thought on the "free" Software---
Dell should refuse to offer and not install any software that doesnt meet minimum standards of quality and is not unobtrusive.
I do like --robust full version software suites --with a min. 60 day trial period supported by the software manufacturer--and an effective pay and download unlock key or a complete uninstall option.
I dont like--wimpy or less than full version "Trial software" that automatically grabs file extensions as their own,sprinkles shortcuts everwhere, bulls its way into the startup folder,start menu, and task bar, nags with reminders to buy at every mouse click, sneaks in additional ISP and email programs,and automaticaly signs me up for "upgrade" to the "fully working version", "news"--advertising, and "cannot be completely uninstalled".
