Best Buy launches program to assist small businesses

Michelle Swafford

Thursday, June 9, 2005 | 11:05 a.m.

Best Buy is increasing its focus on small-business owners and kicked off new features in Las Vegas and in 11 other metropolitan areas Wednesday.

The Minneapolis-based electronics retailer -- operator of four Las Vegas Valley stores -- launched a Best Buy for Business program that provides on-site consultations on hardware and software options, 24-hour technology support and a rewards program that offers store gift certificates.

"A lot of small-business owners, they already shopped Best Buy for their personal technology needs but hadn't thought about Best Buy for their business needs," Best Buy corporate spokesman Kevin Cockett said.

Best Buy's business consultants are available during store hours for advice at no charge to consumers. They can provide off-site consultations for a fee that starts at $129.99 an hour.

Barbara Harris, owner of Ma & Me LLC in Las Vegas, said she was excited to hear about the new program because it will help her select software and network her computer equipment for her real estate investment firm and Internet retailer.

"I need to have somebody show me how to make it happen," she said.

Tania Avelar, owner of a Casa Flooring in North Las Vegas, said the store's program would help her select her computer equipment, telephones and fax.

"I'm just getting started and this is a good opportunity," she said.

Phil Snell, business program manager of Best Buy's store at 2050 N. Rainbow Blvd., said the small-business program is part of an overall change in company philosophy.

"We at Best Buy are moving toward a customer-centric model where the customer is at the center of everything we do," Snell said. "We want to do a better job in developing relationships with small-business customers."

Best Buy not only added consultants but also expanded its selection of business software, servers and other hardware commonly used by business owners, he said.

For every purchase business owners make, they earn points toward store gift certificates, a bonus offered at no charge to business owners. Individuals can also earn points for their purchases but they pay a $10 fee to sign up for the program.

Business owners can take advantage of Best Buy's technical support by telephone 24 hours a day, in the store or offsite. Fees vary based on the package purchased but start at $60 for a diagnostics test.

All of the Las Vegas Valley stores -- located in Henderson, Summerlin, central Las Vegas and northwest Las Vegas -- offer the Best Buy for Business program. Other cities selected for the business program: Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New York, Phoenix, San Francisco and Washington.