The dark side of bundling: exploitation

Iria · Nov 27, 2005, 11:01 PM

The Xbox 360 launch came and went, and while many happy gamers are out there playing their newfangled gizmo (except those for whom they're crashing), most people heading out into the wild hunting for this elusive beast failed to trap it. Supplies are very short, for now at least, and even when people have the option of snagging a Core System, they turn it down to wait for the real deal.

All of this adds up to a scenario the likes of which can be described as a retailer's wet dream: throngs of people, hot commodities, and accessories and impulse purchases galore! This is what the "bundle" was made for. Why just sell a US$399 console when you can add 3 games, a handful of accessories, and maybe even a warranty, and lure the frenzy-driven masses into dropping even more clams? In the dog-eat-dog world of consumer retail, this is Sales & Marketing 101.
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Read More / Source: Ars Technica

EcPercy · Nov 28, 2005, 02:04 AM

I think that bundling is good for those that want a system and games or memory cards, but I think that if what was said about BB is true then they are in quite a bit of trouble.

I am betting that other companies like EB had bundles and core systems available. Forcing someone to get a bundle is just another reason why I don't shop at BB. I think that the people working for BB are a bunch of lying POS's.

My bad experience at BB was when I was buying a couple monitors. The salesman was trying his best to get me to buy the warranty. I told him NO because the monitor said it has a 3 year parts/labor from the manufacturer. The guy flat out told me that it only had a one year so I showed him the sticker on the display model that flat out said, word for word, that they (Samsung) provided a 3 year parts/labor warranty. Then the guy proceeded to try and fill out the warranty purchase paperwork and slip it in with the purchase.

That's the last time I shop there. I can get better deals online and not have to deal with some salesman trying to be shady and cost me money so that he can get a commission payment off of the deal.

Nov 27, 2005, 11:01 PM	#1
Iria DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 7,275 Rep Power: 89	The dark side of bundling: exploitation The Xbox 360 launch came and went, and while many happy gamers are out there playing their newfangled gizmo (except those for whom they're crashing), most people heading out into the wild hunting for this elusive beast failed to trap it. Supplies are very short, for now at least, and even when people have the option of snagging a Core System, they turn it down to wait for the real deal. All of this adds up to a scenario the likes of which can be described as a retailer's wet dream: throngs of people, hot commodities, and accessories and impulse purchases galore! This is what the "bundle" was made for. Why just sell a US$399 console when you can add 3 games, a handful of accessories, and maybe even a warranty, and lure the frenzy-driven masses into dropping even more clams? In the dog-eat-dog world of consumer retail, this is Sales & Marketing 101. ___________ Read More / Source: Ars Technica

Nov 28, 2005, 02:04 AM	#2
EcPercy HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Iraq Posts: 1,535 Rep Power: 0	I think that bundling is good for those that want a system and games or memory cards, but I think that if what was said about BB is true then they are in quite a bit of trouble. I am betting that other companies like EB had bundles and core systems available. Forcing someone to get a bundle is just another reason why I don't shop at BB. I think that the people working for BB are a bunch of lying POS's. My bad experience at BB was when I was buying a couple monitors. The salesman was trying his best to get me to buy the warranty. I told him NO because the monitor said it has a 3 year parts/labor from the manufacturer. The guy flat out told me that it only had a one year so I showed him the sticker on the display model that flat out said, word for word, that they (Samsung) provided a 3 year parts/labor warranty. Then the guy proceeded to try and fill out the warranty purchase paperwork and slip it in with the purchase. That's the last time I shop there. I can get better deals online and not have to deal with some salesman trying to be shady and cost me money so that he can get a commission payment off of the deal.