Vivo India said that it is setting a new model that helps the customers and retail partners amid of lockdown. The company will accept product related queries and help customers to get rid of it.
Vivo India Director (Brand Strategy) Nipun Marya said that about 20,000 retailers will be part of the program, and about 30,000 staff who were working in stores offering product details and demos (Vivo brand ambassadors or VBAs) will help address consumer queries.
Nipun Marya says “We are starting with an SMS number that customers can send in their queries to. The VBAs will connect with them and address their concerns. This lead will then be passed onto the retailer, who can decide whether they can deliver the device or the VBAs can do it.”
The customers can also share their interest through Vivo’s social media channels and website on May 12. Firstly, this will begin in phase-wise and then will be available across India. The retailers in the red zone are also there in this program. Also, this service will be available in green and orange zone in accordance with government rules.
Marya’s predictions:
Nipun Marya says” There is definitely pent-up demand for smartphones. People are working from home, there are online classes and therefore, people are looking at buying devices. A majority of Indian smartphone consumers still prefer to buy smartphones offline but we think the current scenario may see people still preferring to stay indoors. This model can help users get access to a wide portfolio of devices. The model will also help retailers whose sales have been impacted severely by the lockdown that started from March 24”.
When reporters asked about manufacturing, Marya said Vivo’s manufacturing units are not operational yet. The manufacturing units are located in red zones and the company will wait for government orders for opening.
Smartphone Shipments:
Smartphone shipments in India is expected to decline by 10percent. Earlier, in January to March smartphone shipment has seen a growth of 4 % selling over 31 million units. Xiaomi stood first with a 30% percent market share. After Xiaomi Vivo(17%), Samsung(16%), Realme( 14%) and Oppo(12%) are in the next places.
A research firm says” any signs of recovery will likely only start from the third quarter onwards”. However, the government has extended the lockdown till May 17. There are some relaxations for orange and red zones.
The shops in urban areas are not allowed to open. These include malls, supermarkets, theatres, market complexes. The stand-alone shops both essential and non-essential are allowed to open in urban areas.