Sony Financial Services Introduces New Web-Based, ""Instant Credit"" Program

Revolving Credit Program Offered With Tech Refresh Option

15-Mar-01

Ever walk through a consumer electronics store and dream of owning a state-of-the-art home theatre system, but are concerned about the typically long, complex financing process? Now, qualified consumers can get credit approval in a mere 30 seconds via Sony Financial Services' LLC (SFS) new Web-based, revolving credit program. The new SFS program is arranged through American Investment Financial, an FDIC-insured Utah industrial loan corporation. Beginning March 1, qualified buyers can establish revolving lines of credit with SFS at competitive rates for home, personal and mobile electronics, PCs, or other purchases, with values as low as $299. Bundled with the new credit program, SFS is also including its popular tech refresh program on all Sony products purchased with the new SFS revolving lines of credit. ""Consumers today are Web savvy and want instant credit approval for their purchases,"" said Jeff Dorn, president of SFS. The new SFS revolving line of credit program will be offered through Sony Electronics' nationwide network of authorized dealers and e-tailers in the U.S., as well as on sonystyle.com, the company's e-commerce site. ""Our new, Web-based revolving line of credit program, with the tech refresh addition, is unique to the consumer electronics industry,"" Dorn added. ""Providing this relatively simple, Web-based revolving line of credit program makes it that much easier for Sony dealers to close sales, and for qualified customers to own and easily keep their electronic gear up-to-date."" The tech refresh program allows consumers to trade-up to new Sony equipment as it becomes available after only 12 months. Consumers may enjoy the benefits of the program to acquire the latest Sony products, such as VAIOÆ personal computers and peripherals, home entertainment systems, Digital8ô HandycamÆ camcorders and other products. Consumers who qualify for the revolving line of credit can acquire Sony products with no money down and monthly payments tailored to their budget needs. In addition to the consumer financing program, SFS offers commercial financing programs covering the full breadth of Sony Electronics products, including broadcast and professional products and factory automation equipment. Sony Financial Services - LLC is a joint venture company formed in 1999 by Sony Electronics Inc. and Heller Financial, Inc. (NYSE: HF).