shops stocking Linux (was Re: [ILUG] q3test and games )

[Mark Fallon]

Kenn Humborg wrote:
> 
> On Mon, Nov 22, 1999 at 02:20:28PM -0800, Mark Fallon wrote:
> >
> > > Well, here's an idea that one of the guys in my office had
> > > (thanks Brian)...
> > >
> > > How about setting up a kiosk with a web browser so that customers
> > > can check up on specs at manufacturers' sites or whatever _while_
> > > _in_the_store_?  Maybe you don't want to let any random idiot hog
> > > it or go hunting porn, so instead put it behind a desk and only
> > > let people use it while under supervision by a staff member.
> > >
> > > I think it's a good idea.
> > >
> > > Later,
> > > Kenn
> > >
> >
> > Why do you need it connected permanently to the internet. Just set up
> > your
> 
> Where did I say permanently connected?
> 

Sorry idea of a kiosk, bit more than a machine behind the counter.

> > own web server on the machine with the specs for everything you carry.
> > Then let whoever browse it. This way you could put in more information,
> > direct links to comparisons, reviews etc.
> 
> Because that would take time/effort/clues/etc.  What I mean is:
> 

Yes, but this is also the basis of a good web site for the store to sell
online,
something none of the current shops in Ireland seem to do or do well. I
have seen
Compustore's website. I am not sure if you would describe it as scary or
laughable,
especially when you think that these are the people who are trying to
sell the
computers.

> 1. I walk into store because I need an ethernet card.
> 2. I see these cheap 20quid cards on the shelf.
> 3. I ask the guy behind the counter "Do these work in Linux?"
> 4. He says "I dunno"
> 5. I say "What's the chipset?"
> 6. He says, "I dunno, but come around here and use this PC to
>    surf around and find out for yourself."
> 7. I bung the card type into www.deja.com and bingo - it's supported
> 8. I part with cash.  Store makes profit less 10p for the modem call.
> 
> This just seems like such a sensible thing to do...
> 
> Later,
> Kenn

But the problem with this scheme is that it relies on the customer to
come in
with the technical knowledge, or web site knowledge. Having the shop
collect the
data, with suggestions from customers about what they need to see
benefits more people.

Like how many people who want to start experimenting with Linux know
about
www.deja.com or has even looked at a hardware compatibility list. This
way the
store does not need to be filled with experts, and there is no way for
them to 
hold on to people with that sort of technical know-how anyway. Why stop
at Linux,
does BeOS have drivers for it. Will it work with my Mac do I have to
upgrade
to Win '98 or will it work with NT. Some of these questions can be
answered correctly by
reading the side of the box but not all.

Also how many people are going to ask questions about which chipset is
on the
card less than 1 in 10, so how long will it take for that extra machine
behind the
counter or that kiosk to pay for itself?

If you are going to provide a service you need some way that, that
service can 
add value to your business. Opening a second sales channel would be an
obvious
way to add value to your business, so we are back to the website.

So now you need a much smaller number of skilled people and you get them
to work on projects that will add enough value to your business so that
they warrant the salaries you will have to pay to hold on to them i.e..
website
design, database administration etc. Market in Ireland alone still might
not
generate the sort of revenue you are looking for here, but this does not
stop the Dixons / Currys of the world doing it.

Too many of the shops in Ireland sell computers like empty boxes to be
shipped,
this system usually works with home electronics and white goods, as it
does
not matter what sort of a video you sell someone because it should
always
work with their TV, this is because there is a very well defined
standard
that joins them. With computers this is not the case so you
need to add some value to your service and have more knowledge about
what
your selling and what they work with. Too many computer sellers neglect
this area. They do not care because 90% of their customers are using 
windows, if they sell you a box, windows will be on it and since it is
running windows of course it will work! But while different vendors
offer
different level of support for various operating systems this white
goods 
approach will not work. 

Regards,

Mark
______________________________________________________________________________

Mark Fallon					Phone  : +353-1-8033207 
Senior Software Engineer			Fax    : +353-1-8033221
Product Line Engineering			E-Mail : mfallon at ie.oracle.com
Oracle Corporation
______________________________________________________________________________