“We Are Planning To Reach Over 4 Million Potential Sohos By The End Of 2015”

“We Are Planning To Reach Over 4 Million Potential Sohos By The End Of 2015”

Printer market in India observing drastic shift in consumers demands from single function printers to multifunction printers. All the leading brands are bringing latest, innovative and affordable solutions for all set of consumers. Canon being industry leader has also stormed the market with launch of some very excellent products in laser as well inkjet. Gautam Paul, Assistant Director, CSP Group, Canon India talks exclusively with DT to share his upcoming market strategy and channel plans.

Q: What is the current trend in Printer Market in India?

A:We have observed a gradual shift from single function printers to multifunction printers since, customers look for overall solutions from printers and not just the standalone printers. Indian offices across various verticals are adopting Laser MFPs to improve their productivity, save cost, be more efficient and to simplify their printing infrastructure.From consumer perspective, customers are also getting more tech-savvy and their requirements have also changed as per the changing technology in market. With increased adoption of mobile phones by customers and their increasing online presence, demand for Cloud-printing and Wi-Fi printing has also seen a significant increase. At the same time affordability is also a key determinant for customers when they buy a printer

Q: Which printer (Laser/inkjet/MFP) as per you is leading the growth?

A:In both Laser and Inkjet, Multi-Function Printers are emerging as leaders in terms of growth. There is a gradual shift in preference from Laser printers to Inkjet printers, owing to significant reduction in the per page printing cost. Home printing has also given more meaning to Inkjet printers. Due to lowered running cost, smart-device connectivity in printers and Wi-Fi printers are rising and people at home are looking for these options in their Inkjet printers

Q: Where do you find Canon brand in India? Please tell us about your market share or position?

A:As per the latest IDC data, the market share of Canon for Q1’15 is 18.3% in Laser printer market and 22% for inkjet printer market. (IDC Q1’15). While the category has witnessed a decline, Canon has retained its share in the market.It has been observed that the inkjet printers have started gaining grounds in the commercial establishment, and Canon wants to see a significant pie of growth in that segment.Canon holds a strong position amongst all the players in the Printer Market in India

Q: Which among all your printers are doing well in India?

A:Canon laser printers have become one of the most trusted machines in print output performance in offices and homes today. Canon laser printers are evolving with new features, such as wireless connectivity, space saving design and less energy consumption. In Laser printer category as well as Inkjet printer category, we have observed that our Multi-Function Printers (MFPs) are doing very well. The recently launched MF200 series is doing really well amongst the wide range of laser products.Similarly, the newly introduced MAXIFY range of business printers are also doing very well for SOHOs.

Q: What is your current go to market strategy?

A:We are planning to reach over 4 million potential SOHOs by the end of 2015 through a sustained marketing campaign, easy upgrade offers and add-on solutions.Also, Canon has a new dedicated Partnership programs for VARs and SIs namely Canon Corporate Reseller Program (CCR) and Office Cartridge Reseller Program (OCR) to target the B2B markets. With their help, Canon will be focusing on cities namely Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad and Chandigarh.In addition we are working very closely with channel partners and Value Added Resellers (VARs) in all major cities to bring our printers and related services to SOHO consumers.

Q: How do you manage Services for your customers?

A:Service has always been our focus area and we have always tried to provide customers with products which will live up to their expectations. Canon has 41 printer care centres that extend to over 4000 towns which will address all the print related queries of customers and they can also rectify any problem they face with the products. Canon India also has 146 authorized service centres for printers and 180 camera collection points.

Q: What is your strategy for online retails? Do you sale your product though any e-tailors?

A:The core of any business activity is to reach consumers; therefore we will have to evolve the right strategic balance amongst various operating channels, the General and Modern Trade. At Canon we are committed to delight our consumers; the point is how we maintain a reasonable harmony amongst all our external stakeholders. Whilst channel remains the core of our opportunity to provide touch & feel for our consumers,as onlineevolves,we will have limited engagement to fulfil consumer demands.

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