News
Best Buy® Introduces Next-Generation, Geek Squad® - Backed Service Plans
Geek Squad Black Tie Protection Delivers the Peace-of-Mind of Service Support for Hundreds of Tech GadgetsMINNEAPOLIS — September 16, 2008 — Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE: BBY) announced today that it is further improving its services support for customers with next-generation protection service plans across hundreds of popular CE products. Called Geek Squad Black Tie Protection, the service plans provide more coverage options supported by the Geek Squad services organization, and other benefits not found in traditional retailer service plans.
“Geek Squad Black Tie Protection delivers the support our customers tell us they want to safeguard their gear, a level of support that only Best Buy is able to provide,” said Brian Dunn, president and chief operating officer of Best Buy. “Best Buy led the industry with protection service plan offerings a decade ago. By listening to our customers, we’re evolving service and reliability to a whole new level.”
Geek Squad Black Tie Protection is available exclusively on products purchased at Best Buy, and leverages the extensive, fully-owned Geek Squad services infrastructure for support. The service plans are designed to provide options in scope and term of coverage to suit the varying needs of customers, covering a wide array of computing, home theater, digital imaging, mobile phone, car electronics products, as well as major appliances.
“We have a responsibility to be there for our customers, and a unique capability in Geek Squad to serve them,” added Jeff Severts, vice president of Services at Best Buy. “The combination of Best Buy product support with Geek Squad service has produced one of the best protection and service plans available anywhere.”
Each service plan provides:
- Complete coverage for product failure due to normal wear and tear usage or power surges
- Access to Best Buy personnel by phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week to report problems and obtain guidance on service support options
- A comprehensive service plan portfolio for customers to file at home for future reference
- The ability for all service plan holders to conveniently locate service drop-off locations and track details about their individual plans at a web portal located via bestbuy.com and geeksquad.com.
In addition, a new premium-level plan for popular products such as TVs, laptops and digital cameras, provide other customer benefits. For example, customers with a Geek Squad Black Tie Protection premium plan for their televisions will automatically receive a loaner TV if their TV cannot be repaired on the first visit. Premium-tier Geek Squad Black Tie Protection plans for laptops provide preventative services such as optimization, virus/spyware protection and online data back-up.
Geek Squad Black Tie Protection even has advantages for those plan holders who make no claims on their plans. These customers qualify for additional points in the Best Buy Reward Zone member loyalty program, which they can use toward the purchase of products at Best Buy stores and online.
Since its expansion nationally in 2004, Geek Squad has grown to nearly 20,000 technicians who support consumer install and repair for computing, home theater, auto electronics, mobile devices and appliance products. Today, Geek Squad technicians are available at Precincts in all 973 Best Buy U.S. stores, through house calls and on-line. In addition, the tech support organization operates Geek Squad service centers throughout the U.S., anchored by Geek Squad City, its largest repair facility, in Louisville, Ky.
About Best Buy Co. Inc.
With operations in the United States, Canada, Europe and China, Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE: BBY) is a multinational retailer of technology and entertainment products and services with a commitment to growth and innovation. The Best Buy Co., Inc. family of brands and partnerships collectively generates more than $40 billion annual revenue and includes brands such as Best Buy, Audiovisions, The Carphone Warehouse, Future Shop, Geek Squad, Jiangsu Five Star, Magnolia Audio Video, Pacific Sales Kitchen and Bath Centers, and Speakeasy. Approximately 150,000 employees apply their talents to help bring the benefits of these brands to life for customers through retail locations, multiple call centers and web sites, in-home solutions, product delivery and in our communities. Community partnership is central to the way we do business at Best Buy. In fiscal 2008, we donated a combined $31.8 million to improve the vitality of the communities where our employees and customers live and work. For more information about Best Buy Co., Inc., visit www.bestbuyinc.com.
