Report: Online giant creating its own ‘Geek Squad’

Amazon’s newest service is looking to give Best Buy a run for its money.



In a move designed to rival Best Buy’s Geek Squad installation and repair team, the online giant is quietly creating its own fleet of gadget experts, according to ReCode.



The team will focus on offering free Alexa consultations, as well as product installations for a fee inside customer homes. According to an Amazon job listing, the new field technicians will be responsible for setting up and troubleshooting technology products in customers’ homes, as well as providing expert product advice. Candidates must have “a curious mind and a desire to learn new technology, as the role will support a variety of products.”



The service is expected to be a boon among customers that are still feeling their way as they set up smart homes and learn how to use voice-activated commands to set thermometers or dim lights. It also gives Echo tutorials, and educates shoppers on how to better leverage their Wi-Fi connections. There is a $99 fee for the installation service, and multi-device set-ups that take more than an hour may cost more, according to ReCode.



The service has already rolled out to seven markets. To encourage more customers to give it a try, Amazon is offering 20% off of the service fee until July 18, according to the company.



These field techs are separate from Amazon’s marketplace of handyman services. Unlike this offering of third party services to assist customers in mounting their TVs, assemble furniture or solve plumbing issues, the field techs will be an in-house team employed by Amazon. The company also will provide technical and customer service training, and offers benefits, according to the job listing.