Epson India is on an expansion spree not on its sales but in terms of service network across the western region in India. This fiscal year the
western region will be the vendor's main focus, as this region gives high volumes--to an extent of 50,000 dot matrix printers out of one lakh unit
sales in a year. In inkjets, the figures are up to 40,000 printers comparedÂ
to the 1.3 lakh unit sales across the country.Â
"For this fiscal year, we want to focus primarily on the western region and then go on to other geographies. DoA (Dead on Arrival) being a major
problem, Epson decided to set up Express Service across the region sometime back. This service was first set up in Delhi and later on in Pune, in
January. In this service, the faulty printers can be replaced during aÂ
period of 30 days from the date of purchase," elaborates RV Ramprasad, Regional Manager (West), Epson.Â
Epson is presently looking at setting up express service centers at Ahmedabad in June and Nagpur and Indore in the second quarter. The vendor is
only looking at setting up service centers at targeted cities, which are connected to the rest of the region. "It does not make sense to set up
service centers all across the region. Therefore, Epson is taking up thisÂ
route. This year our focus is on infrastructure, therefore, setting up service centers at the correct location is essential," says
Ramprasad.Â
The company is also looking at expansion through OEMs in the consumable market. "On the consumables front, Epson is looking at capturing the entire
stationery market. By doing this, the consumers will come to know the difference between the fake and original cartridges," states he.Â
NANCY SUDHEERÂ
MUMBAI