Target is expanding its TV delivery and installation service to stores nationwide after offering it previously only for online purchases. The service is (still) being provided by Twin Cities-based Zip Express Installation and includes the following options:
- TV delivery and set-up starting at $99
- TV on-wall installation starting at $199
- TV recycling for $50
- Video game console set-up for $99
- Home network set-up for $99 (available on Target.com)
Wait a minute, $99 to set up a video-game system? Having spent a lot of time recently setting up a new projector, I know that installing a wall-mounted HDTV and other home-theater gear can be a daunting task for which some folks might want to hire a professional. But few electronic devices are as inituitive to set up as a Wii, Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 -- especially Sony's and Nintendo's systems, because they have built-in Wi-Fi. Zip is providing real services, which include configuring parental controls and configuring the console as a media center with your home network (probably the most advanced task). But most of those are easy to do by following easy-to-understand installation guides, on-screen prompts or toll-free customer service. As one astute customer notes in Target's online pitch for the video-game service: "If you are still stumped, find a neighborhood kid and pay him $[x] and a cup of hot cocoa to do it for you. They'll be done in 10 minutes and be able to play your console with you." Right on.
