Microsoft has come up with a new upgrade and monthly financing plan called Surface Plus, which will allow Surface owners to upgrade their Surface computer every 18 months. The ambitious plan is open for the Surface Book, Surface Studio surface laptop, and Surface Pro.
What you get with Microsoft Surface Plus
Under the new plan, customers in the United States will be able to buy the high-end Surface laptop and products, and the payments are spread over 24 months with zero interest. Microsoft is looking to woo students and businesses with the plan.
For instance, the entry-level Surface Pro configuration with a core m3 and 4GB of RAM costs about $799, but under the Surface Plus plan, the total payment would be broken down to $33.29 per month for 24 months.
While the EMI payment option comes as a welcome change for those who cannot afford to buy the expensive Surface gadgets in one massive payment, the 18-month update plan is surely a head-turner. For now, Microsoft has not given any clarity on the discount that buyers will get upon exchanging the old Surface for the new one; the information should be on its way.
Microsoft has segregated the business package, calling it Surface Plus for Business, where it allows variable lease terms and upgrades every 12 months, notes CNET. Those who opt for the business plan will be able to add a number of devices into a single agreement. Surface Plus for Business will also let customers access financing on a 55-inch Surface Hub and other laptops and tablets in the portfolio.
The Microsoft Surface Plus plan also promises best-in-class customer service and the option to add the complete extended service plan. Further, all buyers from the Microsoft Store will be able to receive other benefits, such as the 30-day hassle-free return policy, a Surface training and health check, and one year of free in-store support and technical assistance.
Other terms and conditions
Until now, major network carriers such as AT&T and Verizon used similar plans, in which users could get rebates on their new smartphones by surrendering their old ones. Like any other EMI plans, the financing part of Microsoft’s plan will also be handled by a third party, the Swedish e-commerce company Klarna, notes ExtremeTech. Microsoft will not charge any interest until the customer is paying dues and completes it in two years. However, after that, interest will be somewhere around 19.99%.
The Surface device presented for upgrade under Surface Plus plan should be in a good condition, pretty much what every exchange offer demands. Microsoft will probably want to refurbish the product and resell it, and that could be the motive behind putting the good condition clause in the T&C.
Microsoft is eager to push its sales chart, and this is the latest effort to make it happen. The scenario for Surface devices has been grim, with sales declining over the past three quarters. Hopefully, the new plan will help Microsoft reverse this trend.
