Sprint tries something new
Sprint is changing the way customers buy or upgrade their mobile phones, tablets, and other connected devices by introducing a new program called Sprint Direct 2 You. This program will bring the “in-store” experience right to your home or office (or any other location you choose).
The experience includes a Sprint expert, who will hand-deliver your mobile device, then assist you in setting it up. They will transfer all of your content, including contacts, pictures, videos, and apps from your old device and make sure it’s all on your new device. The Sprint expert will also walk you through a tutorial and offer tips and tricks to using your new device.
Sprint said in a statement that they are expected to place about 5,000 Direct 2 You cars in major metropolitan areas by the end of the year to make wireless shopping more convenient.
This service was developed based on customer research that indicated a need for it. Some customers shared they were reluctant to order online and receive a new device at home because it could be difficult to set up and use.
Sprint CEO Marcelo Claure stated, “we’re constantly listening to our customers, and we learn from them what they want in a great wireless phone experience so that we can remove their pain points.” As a result Sprint Direct 2 You evolved. The service is expected to rollout today, in Sprint’s hometown, or the Kansas City metropolitan area.
Who can take advantage of the new program?
The Direct 2 You option will be available to all upgrade-eligible customers in the participating markets. Qualified customers will receive an offer via text message or email to upgrade, then you can call, text, or email to schedule an appointment with Direct 2 You.
While this sounds pretty awesome, what happened to figuring things out for yourself? We have Google now. Google is pretty much like your own in-house expert. I’m not sure why you need someone else to help. Not everyone is totally tech savvy, but there are countless YouTube tutorials and guides all across the Internet to help you understand how to operate your phone. I’m also unsure about the practicality of such a service.
How will this ever work?
How will Sprint be able to service communities with an individualized service, without people becoming frustrated they couldn’t get an expert exactly when they wanted one? This seems like another cog in the “instant gratification” machine to me: I’m too busy to come to the store, so come to me, right now, and teach me all the things. Crazy that we have gotten to this point, but genius of Sprint to be the first one to corner the market for this type of service.
#SprintDirect2You
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