Re: Almost Impossible To Sell A Pre_loaded Linux Desktop Computer

From: Franz Fripplfrappl (FFf_at_haus.com)
Date: 08/23/05 

Date: Tue, 23 Aug 2005 15:48:47 -0500

On Mon, 22 Aug 2005 13:26:07 -0700, Josh wrote:

> This past summer holiday I work at small computer store who sell custom
> built computer system. We also sell refurbished units that we purchase
> at auction and liquidation sales. We are a Microsoft partner and thus
> we are able to legally install Windows on these machines although we
> must wipe any version of Windows that might be on our refurb units and
> install our own.
> We have built up a good reputation in the community, which is a poor
> section, for offering decent computers at very low prices to people who
> could not afford to buy a computer otherwise.
> Of course we also sell to businesses as well, but only desktop systems
> not servers.
>
> Last year the shops partners decided to try and sell Linux based
> systems (Suse and Mandriva) both on our new units and more so on our
> refurb. units.
>
> The idea was to save the customer even more money by not installing
> Windows and also to save the shop technical support issues by not
> having to deal with Windows virus and adware programs. All our systems
> come with a 1 year warranty which includes software as well.
>
> To say the Linux experiment was a disaster is an understatement.
> We found out rather quickly that people are just not interested in
> Linux.
> It's that simple.
> Talk to them, explain to them the advantages of Linux, the security,
> the cost savings the immunity to virus and the stability and you will
> be met with a blank stare and a question like:
> Can I use iTunes /Quicken / Microsoft Office ---add application here-
>
> The other problem is the person upgrading from an older machine that
> has a lot of software as well as a printer scanner or other hardware.
> When we inform them that most if not all of their software will not
> work with Linux, but Linux does have replacements, they are just not
> interested because they have an investment already and don't wish to
> switch.
>
> It's even worse for hardware, especially printers, many of which are
> windows only.
>
>
> While we have sold a few Linux systems, almost every single one of them
> has been returned to the shop and usually by very angry customers who
> for some reason think we clipped them.
>
> We regularly entertain representitives from hardware software companies
> that also sell to our competition and they forewarnwed us about Linux
> being the kiss of death as far as trying to sell a preloaded boxen with
> Linux.
>
> We sure found that out the hard way and the shop no longer offers
> Linux.
> I am back at university but I plan on keeping in touch with the shop to
> see if anything in the market changes.
>
> I really doubt it though because Linux is just not wanted by users.
>
> Please excuse my English
> Josh Andersen

Maybe so, but the trick these days is to sell service and ideas, not just
hardware and software. Put ideas into heads and the sales come.

Talk potential and not limitations. Many sell Linux by dissing Windows.
Forget Windows. Give 'em what they want, a computer that addresses their
needs.

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