High Tech Marketing Blog

I saw this last night at the local mall.

I needed batteries for a couple of my watches. There’s a kiosk that fixes watches and replaces batteries, so I dropped them off.

During the process, the clerk asked me if I wanted to have the battery replaced for $20 or did I want the lifetime battery guarantee for $35?

“What’s that?” I asked.

The clerk said that for the life of the watch, I could come in and get the battery replaced for free.

Wow – an upsell on batteries.

I thought that was very clever, although I didn’t buy it.

Why?

Two reasons. First, because it’s a kiosk. That’s not exactly a commitment to longevity, so I’m not real sure they will be around to honor my “lifetime” warranty.

Second, because after 2-3 years when I need a new battery, the odds of me remembering and finding the paperwork I’d need are really, really tiny.

Still – I was impressed with the marketing creativity. And I bet they increase their bottom line nicely with that little technique.