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Best Buy hopes to offer in-home tech advice

And you won't have to buy something when it visits.

David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Best Buy can already send Geek Squad and Magnolia to your home when you need a fix or some help setting up a new TV. But what if everything is running fine, and you'd just like to improve your tech? The retailer thinks it can help there, too. It's piloting a free in-home consultation service where staff will offer advice about your tech goals (such as home automation or multi-room audio), answer questions and send a customized plan. While you'll undoubtedly be pointed to Best Buy to purchase any missing pieces of the puzzle, there won't be an obligation to buy anything -- you can walk away when it's all done.

The trial run is only available in Atlanta, Austin and San Antonio, and it's not certain that it'll either expand or remain free. Clearly, it's a calculated bet: the company is hoping that the extra sales it gets from in-home visits will more than offset the cost of sending someone to your door. It may be a necessary move, too. Best Buy is trying to stem the surging tide of online sales, and home visits would discourage you from going on an Amazon shopping spree.