Re: Almost Impossible To Sell A Pre_loaded Linux Desktop Computer

From: TheLetterK (theletterk_at_nomail.spymac.com)
Date: 08/23/05 

Date: Mon, 22 Aug 2005 19:16:06 -0400

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.
Because your pathetic at marketing. Do you understand the concept of a
'demonstration'? Put up three boxes in the shop. One running Windows,
one running SuSE, and one running Mandriva. Let the people ask questions
about them on their own.

> 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.
Again, this is entirely due to your apparent lack of skill in marketing
a product.

>
> It's even worse for hardware, especially printers, many of which are
> windows only.
This is complete BS. No wonder you scared them off--you know jack ***
about GNU/Linux.

>
>
> 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
>

Pff, More like your not wanted in the industry.

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