Looking for those highly coveted and likely sold-out tickets to the Backstreet Boys? How about a digital image of the haunted trees in The Wizard of Oz? Now these requests are just a toll-free call or a finger touch away with Big Planet Concierge(TM), a live-operator and Internet search service from Big Planet that offers a personalized alternative to today's traditional Web-based search engines.
Big Planet, a wholly owned subsidiary of Nu Skin Enterprises (NYSE: NUS - news), today launched a premier solution for searching the Internet for information, goods or services by introducing Big Planet Concierge, one of the most comprehensive services for information on or off the Internet. Big Planet Concierge is a service that allows users to request information from experienced, live Big Planet operators who use the search technology of the Internet to make the Web a more valuable, user-friendly and life-enhancing tool.
``Big Planet Concierge offers certain advantages over today's traditional Web-based Internet search engines by combining the expertise of Big Planet's live operator assistance with the power of various Internet search capabilities and other sources available on the Internet today,'' said Scott Schwerdt, Big Planet senior vice president of Sales and Support. ``Our personal concierge service provides exceptional customer service not available with search engines on the Internet by giving users a live, personal assistant who researches and answers virtually any question.''
Big Planet Concierge, a live-agent service offering for Big Planet customers, Independent Representatives (IRs) and Big Planet iPhoneR owners, allows users with a Big Planet ID to submit questions via voice or online query and the Big Planet Concierge will attempt to fulfill the user's request.
The concierge service can also be accessed via a one-touch button located on the Big Planet iPhone. The iPhone is an advanced Internet-telephone appliance with a touch screen, a laptop-sized keyboard, software and a 56Kbps (kilobits per second) modem that quickly and easily connects people to the Web. The iPhone comes programmed with Internet access through Big Planet's nationwide Internet service, which includes one of the largest dial-up access networks in the nation offering 2,600 local telephone POPs (points of presence). Big Planet's Internet service is priced as low as $17.95 per month and iPhone customers receive 24-hour-a-day telephone support.
Pricing and Availability
A live Big Planet Concierge is available free to Big Planet customers between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., Mountain time Monday through Saturday by calling toll-free 1-800-211-6700, or 24 hours a day via e-mail submissions to concierge@bigplanet.net. When Big Planet Concierge requires comparison of multiple search results or the utilization of sources other than the Internet, the cost incurred is $20 per search event. Lengthy or labor intensive searches are available at a negotiated rate starting at $20.
About Big Planet
Big Planet, a wholly owned subsidiary of Nu Skin Enterprises (NYSE: NUS - news), is an innovative provider of communications and integrated technology products and services for individuals and small businesses. Through Big Planet's representative sales force, the company is vertically integrated to provide the device, connection and destination for customers to take advantage of the latest advancements in technology, including simplified access to the Internet and online shopping. The company's online store, www.bpstore.com, allows customers to choose from a wide variety of products in such categories as electronics, health care, books, CDs, videos, home and garden, jewelry, sporting goods, food services and apparel, as well as exclusive access to Pharmanex nutritional products and Nu Skin personal care products. For information about Big Planet and its products and services, visit the Big Planet Web site at www.bigplanet.com.
Please note: This press release contains forward-looking statements which represent Big Planet's and Nu Skin Enterprises' expectations or beliefs concerning future events, including the Big Planet Concierge service. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and outcomes to differ materially from those discussed or anticipated including difficulties or higher than anticipated cost and expense in implementing or providing the service and the risks set forth in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the company's most recent Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and the ``Risk Factor'' section of its most recent Registration Statement on Form S-3.
Nu Skin Enterprises, Nu Skin, Pharmanex and Big Planet are registered trademarks in the United States and/or other countries. Other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.
