Fixed-rate pricing is not a new concept – several sectors, such as plumbing and electrical, have been known to adopt such a scheme to make it easier for tradesperson and consumer alike.

Now retail giant Harvey Norman is applying a similar system for the installation of consumer electronics in customers’ homes.

The installation partner is tech2home, an outsourcing AV product installer that has 10 years’ experience dealing with the Optus cable network.

The new fixed-rate pricing system aims to meet the demand for a comprehensive, professional solution in an increasingly complex AV market – along with convergence of IT products in the home.

A wide range of services are on offer, including flat panel TV and home theatre installation, speaker mounting, antenna and antenna outlet installation, and home networking.

“The system was implemented to provide a better service to all consumers,” project manager Peter O’Connor says.

Peter is also working on the development of formal qualifications for the AV industry, skills recognition for installers and a schools-based program to bring ‘fresh blood’ into the industry.

“Until now, consumers would in many cases have to arrange multiple companies or tradespeople to complete an installation.”

Under the new One Tech, One Visit system, customers will have the convenience of arranging a time and date for the installation while they are in the Harvey Norman store.

Fixed-rate pricing refers to a structure with a single fixed fee for most services, regardless of the scenario in individual homes.

In the case of tech2home, this means the installation of your home theatre will cost you the same as it would your neighbour, if you were to purchase identical products. It also means there are no unexpected bills at the end of the process.

“The system is designed to offer consumers a consistent product across Australia, maximising the use of fixed-price offerings,” Peter says.

“And anyone can access the service in Harvey Norman stores, by booking online or phoning the customer management centre, which manages day-to-day operations such as keeping the customer updated on a technician’s arrival time.

“This system offers a whole range of possibilities for consumers as more and more technology is absorbed into homes. And, as complexity and convergence increases, consumers are looking for the type of complete solution tech2home has to offer.”

Peter says it was a challenge to create a ‘live’ booking solution that takes into account the broad range of times and skills needed for an installation.

Raising the awareness of tech2home’s products and services has also been important in getting the new scheme off the ground.

“There were a range of installation offerings in Harvey Norman stores, so implementing a consistent model has required a lot of ongoing training and education of the store staff.

“But tech2home and Harvey Norman management recognised the increasing demand for the full-service offering of product and installation in the AV market.

“And tech2home was well placed to work with us, thanks to its experience managing more than a million field-based customer visits with Optus.”