The PC Buddha
When it was invented first, it needed a room full of space to be used as a device. But, as time passed, the shade of trees seems to be enough for it. Ladies and gentlemen, we are talking about none other than Mr
Computer or the PC, which is at present connecting me and you.
Intel Computers has set up a
mobile showroom under a tree to promote its latest brand, at a very cheap rate, near the popular
Jeeva Park at G N Chetty Road. When the whole world is stressing on green, this showroom is sure following it.
On display is a complete set of home PC, an attractive offer at Rs 14,990 and a sorry-looking attendant trying to cope with queries you fire at him. Luckily, we had the boss, A.
Deva Prabu, who was only too willing to answer our queries on the new-found marketing technique.
Prabu, as he likes to be called,
believes that under-the-tree pattern is quite an unique way of selling for the primary reason that this is a busy road, used by all kinds of traffic, (including the four-legged - bullock cart). He adds that there has been quite a significant jump in sales as they have sold around 50 PCs in the last one month, a number quite high, compared to the air-conditioned showrooms in
Chennai.
PCs for Rs 15,000 is quite a bargain for the average monthly wage-earner and this has been the USP (unique selling proposition) of this "exclusive green showroom" which receives a minimum of 100 queries per day with 40-50 per cent of them turning out to be sales later.
When asked about the need for the promo, Prabu added that the 'showroom' lay in the way of the people, making it easier for them to make up their minds instead of searching for a proper showroom and then deciding on what to buy.
The PCs come with a 3-year warranty and Prabu takes all care for a free installation. He also said the 'under-the-tree' campaign was also initiated to break the illusion that branded computers were a distant proposition when it came to middle-class families,
the majority of the Chennai population.
The PCs, draped in black, are quite eye-catching in terms of the sleek and trendy designs. Small wonder
'Sathyam Cinemas', the premier multipex in Chennai, has placed an order for 20 PCs a month starting this September.
We did ask Prabu about the legal aspects such as parking space, fee for the corporation, etc. He said all the formalities were thoroughly fulfilled and they leave the place by 6 p.m., when the park is most preferred by car-owning walkers.
So, here you are. A PC at Rs 14,990 and at a relatively cool place. For more details, please contact... actually, just stop by at the Jeeva Park entrance to discover the guys negotiating with some would-be customer or counting the number of vehicles being towed up and down the G N Chetty Road.
P.S: If this trend catches up with other manufacturers, the competition will grow. Who knows, we may get computers that are even cheaper - Moonu Pathu
Rooba?
C S Sathish Anand
