Computer sales and rental offers adapted for outbreak

Computer makers and IT retailers are gearing up for direct sales, instalment payment programmes, online communication and rental services to offset lower sales at shops amid the coronavirus outbreak.

The move also aims to reach out to those without computers at home and support online learning.

Narathip Wirunechatapant, chief executive of Jaymart, a mobile phone and IT gadget retailer, said the outbreak has led to 50-70% lower customers at popular branches, although the overall sales drop has not yet reached double digits.

To offset the decline in sales at retail shops, Jaymart is using a team from the Singer brand to proceed with door-todoor direct sales, offering more than 15-month instalment payments for mobile phones and special prices for mobile SIM cards from Advanced Info Service (AIS).

Some sellers at quiet stores will be asked to actively seek customers instead of waiting for customers to walk in, said Mr Narathip.

The company also offers coronavirus insurance spanning 30 days for customers who purchase a mobile phone priced 8,000 baht or more.

The firm has started live product sales on its Facebook page, offering special prices.

Jaymart also sells other computer accessories with special prices to support people working from home during the outbreak.

“Although online sales remain small through jaymartstore.com, we saw rising growth from February to March,” he said.

Online sales are still insufficient at replacing offline channels, said Mr Narathip.

According to him, Jaymart expects sales growth from 5G-enabled smartphones, including Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G. More 5G-enabled smartphones from China are expected to be offered in the future.

Sura Khanittaweekul, chief executive of IT retail chain Com7, said the outbreak would trigger demand for IT devices and high-speed internet connectivity at home from office workers.

Banana stores run by Com7 are offering rental services for corporate users for the first time, including selective computer notebooks and iPads, which are bundled with Office 365 and pocket WiFi.

The rental contracts run for 3-12 months, starting at 499 baht per month per device. The rental model can serve as a cash cow and is better than keeping devices in stock, Mr Sura said.

“In February, the company’s revenue rose by 10-15% because of the outbreak,” he said. “Online sales increased by 20-30% over the past two months.”