At MediaMarkt, we have found a way to force the hand of customers by selling them products and services that they do not necessarily need. Luc experienced this when he went to MediaMarkt last weekend.My son needed a laptop. I looked around at the offers in different major stores before coming across an interesting promotion at MediaMarkt. A PC for €429 instead of €579. As I didn’t see it on the shelves, I contacted the salesman. Very friendly by the way, he offered me a configuration of the PC and the installation of an antivirus. I found the price excessive because configuring a PC is not that complicated and the antiviruses they offered cost more than those you can find online.”
So we head to the checkout where Luc sees that the cashier is asking him for €458 and not €429.”I asked her if there was a mistake, but she told me that the PC was already configured and that I had to pay €29 for this service. If you don’t want it configured, you have to get another one from the shelf. Impossible, all the PCs were already configured. Behind me, another customer was also forced to pay for a protective screen for his smartphone because they had all been equipped with it. And in the television section, I noticed that most models also had a label indicating that they had been calibrated. The cost: €99. While I understand that many customers take these products and services and that MediaMarkt takes the initiative to be able to serve them more quickly, it is regrettable that in many cases, there is simply no choice.”
The Pressure of “Pre-Configured” Products: Is MediaMarkt Forcing Customers’ Hands?
MediaMarkt, a popular electronics retailer, has been facing criticism for its alleged practice of pressuring customers into purchasing pre-configured products and services they may not need. One customer, Luc, shared his recent experience at a MediaMarkt store, highlighting the tactics that left him feeling pressured.
Luc’s Experience
Luc was searching for a laptop for his son and found an attractive promotion at MediaMarkt. When he inquired regarding the advertised PC, the salesman eagerly offered a pre-configured version with antivirus software installation. Although Luc found the price excessive, he was told that the PC was already configured and that he mightn’t choose a different configuration. The only alternative was to pick a PC directly from the shelf, but these were all pre-configured as well.
Luc’s experience was further compounded by witnessing another customer being pressured to purchase a protective screen for their smartphone because it came pre-installed. He also observed that several television models had a label indicating “calibrated,” with an added cost of €99. Luc felt that these tactics left customers with limited choice and potentially forced them to pay for services they didn’t want.
MediaMarkt’s Perspective
MediaMarkt likely aims to streamline customer service by offering pre-configured products and services. This allows them to offer faster processing times and potentially save customers the hassle of configuring their own devices. However, the line between convenient service and pressure tactics can become blurred when customers feel they have no other options but to accept the pre-configured offerings.
The Rise of “Pre-Configured” Products and Services
MediaMarkt’s approach is not unique. It reflects a growing trend across various industries where pre-configured products and additional services are frequently pushed upon customers. This practice can be attributed to several factors:
- Increased Complexity of Technology: With technological advancements constantly evolving, consumers may find it difficult to navigate the complexities of configuring their own devices, leading them to seek assistance and pre-configured offerings.
- Time Efficiency: Pre-configured products offer convenience and efficiency, as customers can walk out with a ready-to-use device without needing to spend time customizing it.
- Maximizing Revenue: Retailers often attach a premium to pre-configured products and services, increasing their profitability. This can create an incentive to push these offerings to customers.
Is It Really a “Scam”?
While there are undeniable advantages to pre-configured products, it’s crucial to approach them with a critical lens. Customers should consider the following:
- Transparency and Choice: Retailers should clearly inform customers of the availability of pre-configured vs. customizable options. The decision ultimately needs to be in the customer’s hands, not driven by pressure tactics.
- Price Comparison: Look for alternative options outside the retailer’s offerings. Research online for comparable products and services to ensure you’re not overpaying for pre-configured functionalities you may not need.
- Understanding Your Needs: Before visiting a store, consider what functionalities are truly essential for your device. This will help you resist unnecessary upgrades or services that add to the cost but offer little practical benefit.
While MediaMarkt’s approach to pre-configured products may be a reflection of a broader industry trend, consumers should be aware of the potential for pressure tactics. By being informed and proactive, customers can make confident choices without feeling forced into unnecessary purchases.
