HD DVD "Best Buyers" Get $50

Now that the Toshiba has exited the HD format war, many companies are supporting Blu-ray with full force. Some, like Circuit City, offered an extended return policy on HD DVD players.  Others are just dumping their players at drastically reduced prices.  Today, Best Buy announced that it will be giving away $50 gift cards to everyone who purchased an HD DVD player at their store before February 23, 2008.  This is no small giveaway for Best Buy, as they estimate the cost at around $10 million.  This means that nearly 200,000 lucky Best Buy customers will get some extra cash to blow on new Blu-ray hardware, software, or perhaps even some close-out specials on HD DVD movie discs.  It feels like a pretty generous donation on the part of this big box store, but it will surely mean a jump in sales for the new format, and some extra revenue to match.  It's not every day you see smooth business tactics like this.  I know I'll spend more than my gift card next time I am in the store...  Here's a quick except from the press release:

"Most Best Buy customers won’t have to do anything to receive their gift card. As a demonstration of its commitment to its customers, Best Buy will proactively mail cards to all customers that the company can identify as having purchased an HD DVD player. Members of the Best Buy Reward Zone program, customers who purchased Performance Service Plans (PSPs) or who made their purchase on BestBuy.com should look for their gift cards in the mail by May 1. Other customers who may not be easily identified can call (888) BEST BUY to receive their gift cards with proof of purchase through a credit card or their Best Buy receipt."

Now that's service. Please visit Best Buy's News Site for the full press release.