Best Buy Unapologetic About Charging For PS3 Firmware Updates

Posted by Soulskill on Wednesday October 6, 2010 @05:12PM from the a-fool-and-his-money dept.

donniebaseball23 writes "After discovering that electronics retailer Best Buy was charging ignorant customers $30 for the 'service' of installing updated firmware on PS3s, IndustryGamers got word from the company on its policy. Best Buy sees no problem with charging for this convenience, even though it's something Sony provides to PS3 owners completely free. 'While many gamers can handle firmware upgrades easily on their own, those customers who do want help can get it from Geek Squad, and we continue to evaluate this offering to ensure it meets their needs. The service goes beyond a firmware updates, and includes user account setup, parental control setup and other components,' a representative said."

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Because? by Gareman · 2010-10-06 17:17 · Score: 5, Insightful

Are you appalled by the charging or the ignorance? The entire IT service industry works on this principle.
Re:but best buy is pre doing and forcing you to bu by Osty · 2010-10-06 18:17 · Score: 5, Insightful

But what is unethical about it?
In the pre-installation case? They're selling open-box hardware at premium prices? And yes, it should be considered open-box, because who knows what they did once it was opened? They could have dropped it, lost cables and manuals, swiped free software/coupons, etc. Once the manufacturer's seal is broken, you can't be 100% sure what you're getting and thus the merchandise should be discounted appropriately.