DSG introduces "The Techguys": So Men Need Tech Support Too?

Vero Pepperrell writes...
A few months ago, I wrote about Comet's research claiming that 75% of women didn't know how to use their gadgets. Comet's solution was to create a team of "Gadget Angels", a female twist on the Apple Genius Bar.

But now, lo and behold, DSG International, formerly known as Prince... I mean, formerly known as Dixons, are forming a technical support service called "The Techguys". So... men need tech support too? Well, we wouldn't have guessed!

John Clare, DSG's chief executive, says "Technology is the circuitry of modern day life and has become as important a utility as water, electricity and gas. Domestic technical support rapidly will become as commonplace, if not more so, as visits from plumbers and electricians."

Two thousand jobs were created as a result of this new venture, and a group of "experienced advisors" (Excuse the sarcasm, it's just that I've only seen spotty teens who's "mate has one and he loves it" working in Dixon stores) will be available for home visits to solve your technology problems 24/7, 365.

The DSG stats are even more alarming than Comet's, stating that "eight out of 10 adults routinely need help with everyday technology tasks". Industry stats say "There are 70 million computer crashes every day, many of which are due to operator error". Operator error? I call it ID:10T error!

Joking aside, it's true, technology is moving quickly and not everyone is keeping up with it. But in reality, only the basics are needed to get around.

Unfortunately, I can't get my hands on the actual cost of call-out for a Techguy, but it's clear that DSG isn't doing it out of the goodness of their hearts. It's a lucrative business to be in, and it's frighteningly simple work most of the time. If their call-out charges are on par with plumbers and electricians, we'll all be broke by the end of this year! And if their handiwork resembles my plumber's botch jobs, we better run for cover because it's all gonna blow!

"DSG international estimates that the market for digital support services is worth £1billion in the UK alone. With customers’ increasing reliance on technology throughout the day, DSGi predicts that this market could double in size within 5 years."

I believe customers need to be empowered, encouraged to take a step back when they feel overwhelmed by something new and try to figure it out. I genuinely think that no matter how young or old we are, we have the ability of understanding something new, if we just take the time and stop assuming it'll be impossible.

Sometimes, we're out of our depth and need the help of an expert. We don't try to replace the engine of our car ourselves usually, so we don't need to try replacing a motherboard, but you do fill your car up with petrol yourself, right? So why not try to install a piece of software or burn a dvd without assuming it's too hard!

But until then, one can only hope the Techguys won't be too opportunistic and rip off the less technology-savvy. [VP]

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