Enthused at the response it received recently to the marketing of ‘unboxed’ handsets and tablets, online marketplace ShopClues plans to sell ‘unboxed’ computers, printers and other electronic appliances as well in the next couples of months - at a discount.
The company, which mainly markets fresh products, will start marketing unboxed computers and printers this month and electronic appliances in September, Nitin Kochhar, Assistant Vice-President, Categories, told Business Line.
Unboxed products are neither defective nor previously used. This category simply refers to unopened items returned by the customer to the seller for one reason or another. The items are as good as new since they come with the original box and accessories as well as brand warranty of 6 months. Unused items returned eventually land at the merchant’s doorsteps, from where ShopClues sources, he said, adding his company has also tied up with some merchants for this category.
ShopClues offers 20-25 per cent discount on such unboxed articles, Kochhar said.
Launched in June on its platform, ShopClues’ unboxed category, within a month, recorded a 200 per cent growth in smartphone top brands like Samsung, Asus, Lenovo, Xiaomi and OnePlus. “More brands will be launched under this category, buoyed by its popularity and demand.”
The unboxed handsets’ markets in India are witnessing an ever-rising demand from those aspiring to buy high-end phones but are price-conscious as well. “The reason we have registered 2X growth in only a month since launch is that the quality of the handsets we are selling is as good as new,” he said.
Unboxed’ smartphones are preferred as the prices of mobile devices drop frequently. This new category allows price-conscious consumers to access the perfect blend of high quality at discounted prices. Additionally, customers can visit the nearest service centre with the invoice and claim warranty within six months of the purchase, just as they would do with a new phone, Kochhar said.
ShopClues.com is an Indian subsidiary of Clues Network Inc., a US-headquartered corporation. Based out of Gurgaon, it is funded by leading institutional investors.