Customers Stick With Technology Services During the Downturn
Most public-opinion surveys seem to confirm what one would expect. But every once in a while there’s a paradox or two, as in some recent findings by Accenture (ACN) in the area of technology services.
The consulting firm discussed some of its research in advance of the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show, which formally kicks off Jan. 7 in Las Vegas.
For starters, service contracts associated with technology products might seem like an area that cash-strapped consumers might forgo in tough economic times. Yet some 49 percent of the vendors surveyed by Accenture said consumers had increased purchases of new service contracts during the downturn; 22 percent said sales hadn’t changed, and 18 percent said sales had declined. (The remainder said they don’t offer service contracts).
