Went down to my local CU to purchase one. Took a while before they could find them, ended up being in the
back on a palette. Brought one out, paid for it (no TOS) and left. When I opened the box at home it contained
all of the material for the other units they had including:
Web Surfer Sales Kit:
a. Information card
b. "the Internet on TV" 5"x5" label
c. "Important" sticker
d. Contract slip holder
e. 3 part contract
To quote the material intended for the CU managers:
Effective April 1, 2000
The following will define the new program for the Innovator Set Top Box powered by WebSurfer software with bundled Earthlink service being sold at CompUSA stores.
The 217 CompUSA stores across the United States, in conjunction with WebSurfer Inc. and Earthlink, will decrease the price of the Innovator Websurfer at store level to $49.99 from its original purchase price of $199.99 effective April 1, 2000. CompUSA customers can purchase the Innovator Websurferfor $49.99 off store shelves and must sign up for a new two (2) year Earthlink Internet account for $24.95 per month.
During the purchasing process from CompUSA, teh customer will be asked to sign a contract committing them to the two (2) years of Earthlink Internet service. This will be a three copy contract attached to the outside packaging of the Innovator Websurfer Pro box. One copy of the contract is given to the customer, one is retained in CompUSA and one to be faxed/mailed to Websurfer Inc.
Should the customer wish to return the unit for any reason, they must do so within fourteen (14) days from date of purchase. Should the customer also choose to cancel their subscription with Earthlink, the will be charged $200.00 on their credit card. The $200.00 charge will be refunded to the customer provided the unit is returned within 14 days of original purchase.
This price decrease will eliminate the $49.99 activation fee and the potential of a customer not being told about this fee at the time of purchase. The past program enlightened Websurfer Inc. to the potential for this problem. Many of our customers felt as if they were receiving mixed messages.
The "Mail-In Rebate" coupons will also be eliminated. All "Mail-In Rebate" coupons are to be removed from CompUSA stores by an independant detailing company provided by Websurfer Inc.
In addition to the promotion with CompUSA, an online promotion with Mindspring may also be directing consumers for fulfillment at CompUSA.
Another page talks about client objectives and in-store procedures:
Client Objectives:
Websurfer has contracted with Brann NRS for service in CompUSA for cycle 5. This promotion launch involves CompUSA, Websurfer, and Earthlink. Customers will be able to purchase Innovator Websurfer Pro at CompUSA stores and enter into a contract with Earthlink at a special price. Reps will be responsible for putting up a poster in support of this promotion, removing an old information card from the product box & replace it with a new one. In addition, to bring not only the customer's attention to the importance of the singed contract, but to the store personnel as well, reps will attach the actual contract along with labels to the top of the product box. Finally, reps will remove any old rebate coupons and conduct an on-hand inventory count.
In-Store Procedures:
1. Sign in and explain your objectives to the store manager. Present your letter(s) of authorization and reveiw with the store manager the Websurfer Program outline sheet (please stress the importance of the contract). Hand the Websurfer Program outline to the manager.
2. Ask teh store manager for permission to display the Websurfer POS poster on one of the stands at the front of the store (refer to your letter of authorization - attachment #1b)
3. The client has told us that in many stores the product was not out on the shelves but still in the backroom (please check with the warehouse manager).
etc.............................
There's more but I'm tired of typing. Sorry for the long post but I thought it was interesting. If anyone still wants one of these things, I would hurry before they get their act together.
