Not Ready to Take International Orders

It may seem strange, but after speaking with Brian, it would appear there are some hurdles when it comes to selling products directly to overseas customers; some of which wouldn’t exactly be the first thing one would think of, like credit card processing. “Currently, we’re not even set up to take international credit cards,” says Brian.

I’m inclined to believe that, too. Not only are international customers unable to purchase SlingPlayer Mobile through Sling Media’s site, they can’t buy a Slingbox or any other product either. Currently, Sling has relied on the retail channel and other strategic partners to sell the Slingbox in the UK, Canada, Japan, and all the other countries they’ve launched in. Thus far, only US residents have been able to buy anything directly from Sling Media.

Good Things Come to Those Who Wait

Despite the rumors circulating SlingCommunity and the rest of the Internet, Sling Media really wants to provide SlingPlayer Mobile to their International customers. When asked how soon they expected to make SlingPlayer Mobile to become available to international Slingers, he stated, “While I can’t be specific, I would expect greater availability before the end of the year.” For many, the hope will be that it’s sooner rather than later.

I've always felt that Sling Media is a very consumer focused company, almost to the extreme. After speaking with Brian about the state of SlingPlayer Mobile, I can say my feeling hasn't changed; it rang loud and clear that customer satisfaction is their absolute highest priority. It’s for that reason they will not release a product like SlingPlayer Mobile without making sure there is a viable way to use it, and that it provides the same level of value and enjoyment their growing legion of Slingbox owners have come to expect. Rest assured, someday everyone will be able to connect to their Slingbox via a PDA or smartphone with SlingPlayer Mobile. Whether or not you’ll buy it directly from Sling… that’s still anybody’s guess.

<< Return to page 1 | Comment on this article

Page « Previous 1 2