As is usually the case with “innovative technology”, PlayStation VR in-store demos started popped up following Sony’s VR headset’s release earlier in October. These are where retailers like GameStop let customers try out the product in the store before they decide to purchase it. Most of these demos are free to try, but not in UK retailer Game, where it costs £15 ($18) to try out Sony’s virtual reality headset. Game justifies this by saying “we provide [customers] with the opportunity to get a feel for VR before they commit to buy” and by refunding this cost if the consumer ends up buying a PSVR or a PS4 console.
Most of these demos are free to try, but not in UK retailer Game, where it costs £15 ($18) to try out Sony’s virtual reality headset. Game justifies this by saying “we provide [customers] with the opportunity to get a feel for VR before they commit to buy” and by refunding this cost if the consumer ends up buying a PSVR or a PS4 console.
Unfortunately, this approach offers more restrictions than opportunities. If there’s a price gate, a lot of people will choose to not try the product altogether to save a few bucks; while in the opposite scenario the same person might have bought a headset. With technology so new and uncomfortable, it’s important to take care of the consumer. It’s also basic marketing that if you make a person feel safe they’ll spend more.
Fortunately, most worldwide retailers including the major US ones like Best Buy or Gamestop have free PlayStation VR in-store demos as well deals if you buy the device together with a PS4 console.
