Oh Gateway, what are you thinking?

Posted on July 28, 2008 4 Comments

[Just picked this up over at Tightwad Technica]

Gateway, in a never-ending quest to work their way backwards is going to shutdown their online store. Or, as they like to say, shift to a 100% indirect sales model. Sales will only be through “retail partners.”

Seriously? I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not a business wizard, but this just seems counter-intuitive to me.

I think retail partners sounds like a great idea — but why shutdown your own online store? Granted, this is the same company that sunk tons of money into opening (and subsequently closing) all those Gateway Stores a decade or so ago. Right before they laid off a huge percentage of the company if I remember correctly (and hey, one was my brother!).

Honestly though, not sure how much I’d really care except for the fact that I ordered a developer’s machine online just last week! Just couldn’t beat the price for a very nicely configured quad-core. If I want anymore just like it I guess I’ll have to try those retail partners.

But you know what? I bet those partners won’t be as cheap as the one I bought online. And that’s the pity.

Tags: Gateway, marketing

Possibly Related Posts

Comments

4 Responses to “Oh Gateway, what are you thinking?”

» pingback » RDPdd.dll failed to load » Solo Technology on July 30th, 2008 8:35 am
Paula on August 9th, 2008 3:36 am

I remember the old Gateway store when I lived in Brisbane (Australia) - then of course they closed it. Looks like they keep going backwards.
Chris on August 10th, 2008 8:56 am

I bought my Gateway P133 at a Gateway store. Around 1994 or 95? I bet I still have the 17″ monitor still out in the garage. All refurbs no less.

But yeah. I like their stuff but I sure don’t understand ‘em.
Tarris Rogers on August 13th, 2008 1:53 am

I remember when Gateway computers were pretty much purchased exclusively online and they were considered quite the top of the line machine. Interesting how perception of them has changed with the adjustments to their sales model. Two of the three computers I own are Gateways and I’ve been pleased with them, but they don’t have the same aura about them that they once used to.