Comet on Call gears up to battle TechGuys
Retailer launches PC and notebook support service to rival DSG's UK service offering
Electrical retailer Comet has gone head to head with rival DSG’s TechGuys service with the launch of a PC and laptop support service called Comet on Call.
Sold in-store, online and via a national phoneline, Comet on Call offers computer and wireless network set-up; health and security checks; upgrade, repair and advice services; and remote software support. Currently only available in two-thirds of the UK, roll out across the rest of the country is expected to commence post-Easter, a company statement said.
Hamish Thompson, director of media relations at DSG, pointed out that DSG’s TechGuys service, which was launched in September, is available nationally and covers all types of technology, not just PCs and laptops.
“However, it is further evidence that there is a substantial market for this type of service in the UK,” Thompson said. “We are very pleased with the way TechGuys is growing – our call centre is handling thousands of calls every week. From the Comet on Call prices I’ve seen, TechGuys’ prices are highly competitive.”
Alastair Edwards, senior analyst at Canalys, said: “There is a growing level of complexity with technology which is where retailers can add value by providing support to consumers. We believe that micro-businesses are more likely to buy their business equipment from a retailer, but whether that is more likely to be from a Comet as opposed to a PC World, remains to be seen.”
Lee Bevan, managing director of Leapfrog Computers, said: “Comet is grasping at straws. It is trying to offer something it should have offered first time around instead of just shifting tin. You wouldn’t get businesses using the service – from an overall service delivery point of view Comet could not compete with VARs like us.”
Comet refused to comment on its strategy as CRN went press.