‘Epson printers to turn slimmer, compact, and faster,' Minoru Usui

Minoru Usui, president, Seiko Epson, in an exclusive chat with DQ Channels, shares his views on the Indian market, plans for the channel partners and technologies of Epson

You have been with Epson for a long time and tracking Indian market. What is the transition you see in the printing market from the past to the present?

If you see over the last many years, advent of PC getting more, the usage of printers is also escalating. It is true that in late 90s, the impact printers were popular. Inkjet printers entered in the mid-90s.In late 90s, Inkjet printers started turning popular along with the photo applications. In the later part of 2000, penetration of PC increased. Home, commercial and corporate requirements were more. We were at par to the global trends. Our features of the products were well-appreciated. We use the best technologies. We always had strong eye over the cost-for-printing. With that being single objective we at Epson, spend a lot for research and development. Refilling was not done properly. We were able to achieve the cost efficiency for 10ps for black and 20ps in color for one page. We are also concentrating thoroughly on the quality and durability of the printers and ease of operations.

How much are you serious about Indian market?

India is an emerging country. The market scenario in Japan and Europe and US is different. In other countries, every PC holder has a printer. In India, printer is something different. However, in other countries, printer comes as a package along with a PC/Laptop. Also, in India the cost-consciousness is high. Consumers give more attention to the cost-per-page. Be it a business customer or home user, they are much concerned about the cost. In India, we are expanding our business. We are more focusing on textile and label printing.

Can you please compare Indian channel partners with the partners in the other countries?

The entire scenario is different in the Indian market. In advanced countries, the concept of buying in retail is dramatically at its peak. They are so strong in price. In Japan, one can find large number of huge retail stores. Major part of the sale comes from LFR in other countries. However, we have not compromised the prices at any point of time. We are having a harmonized price across the countries. In fact, the Indian price is the lowest. In some cases, we take the heat by the duty-structure for importing printers in India.

What is the roadmap for Indian channel partners?

India market has always been very important for Epson. We have planned to focus more on L and M series. We would like to expand line up.

 

Blue-tooth printing, cloud printing are few of the offeringgs from Epson. Will there be anything new coming in terms of technology?

We have brought advancement and explored all forms of technology for a better printing. However, now we will focus on aesthetic part of the printers. The coming days will witness the Epson printers looking slim and smart. For instance, compared to the earlier versions, some printers have reduced their size to 40%. Also, our concentration would be on the performance and print speed.

You claim that Epson is environment-friendly. How you are going to bring awareness among the channel partners?

We are now on the path. Bringing awareness has always been our key focus area. At first, we make very suitable products and expand them in the suitable market. Next stage is that we invest on improving awareness among all stakeholders-channel partners and customers, etc.

How much is Epson concerned about the fake cartridges?

We think that our L-series and M-series will combat against the concept of fake cartridges. Apart from India, there are also other countries like China, Indonesia, Philippines which are dealing with the issue of fake cartridges. We are working hard on registering our products and acquire patents.

Which are the countries where you find fake cartridges an issue?

Apart from India there are also other Asian countries like China, Indonesia, Philippines which are dealing with fake catridges.

Why Epson does not believe in Celebrity endorsement?

We firmly believe that building up of products and creating awareness is the need of the hour. We have the brand identity and image and we have our own ways of brand-value enhancement.

B Swaminathan

(swaminathanb@cybermedia.co.in)