First Cost vs Best Value

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I recently was walking through a local mega mall, and notice digital signage in the front window of a couple of stores. I took a moment to pause, and see how the retailer was digitally communicating their message. They had created a nice video loop (meaning nice graphics), but it did nothing to entice me into the store. But what was more interesting to me was the image quality. Some of my observations most likely would be ignored by a casual patron. But for us in the DS business this should be noted.

Being a little on the geeky side, I like to look at the hardware. The display was one of those available ad certain big-box member's only establishments. The display was manifesting noticeable image retention. I would attribute this to the video loop playing for over 12 hours a day with text (logo) remaining on the screen for an extended period of time. Maybe the retailer's integrator designed the system with the intention of having the merchant name appear (translucent) through the video image. A unique sales tactic for low cost alternatives (We do not support nor endorse this sales strategy).

The display was also operating in portrait mode. Well, actually the display wasn't, as they were not designed for portrait use, but the content was rotated 90 degrees to appear that it would be portrait. In this view, the display had the characteristic visual uneven light dispersion. The bottom and top of the image was darker. Again, this was probably not a big issue to the retailer.

I want to offer a brief unsolicited comment. Having been "around the horn" in business, I still find it interesting that business decisions are made on "First Cost". What has happened to the sales and evaluation process which demonstrates "First Cost" is not "Best Value". The paradigm which rewards buyers and purchasing agents (bonus) in reducing "First Cost", without a modicum of review of additional financial points of influence (Return on Investment, Cost of Ownership, Maintenance, Replacement, etc.) is an element of our current economic situation. One only needs to look in the parking lot of Walmart for a quick glimpse of this type of short sighted decision making. Sure we can procure low cost goods and services, but what is the impact of such a purchase? Well, enough of my pontification. I just desire to see a transition in the relationship between Clients, Vendors, and Service Providers. What started as the Ben Franklin Close, morphed into Dale Carnegie is left at the door. Today, IMHO, clients would be better served by a Carl Ichanesque/Gorilla Sales professional engagement.

Sorry for that interlude. Back to my original point. In an effort to support our clients with functional solutions, it is a real treat to find something local which demonstrates what you shouldn't do. BTW, I think the retailer may be unaware of this...When they opened the box, and installed in their retail establishment, the warranty...what's another word for, um, warranty less, oh yea void.

Mr. & Mrs. Retailer, we are here to help.