1.What are some of the big priorities for Zebronics today?
We aim to utilise the R&D Division to further strengthen our product portfolio, making it more consumer centric, suited to Indian operating conditions and user preferences. We would like our designs to be based on Indian consumer preferences in terms of both aesthetics and styling as well as technologically suited to local usage conditions. Once we have our own designs, we can get our empanelled OEMs to manufacture to our specifications. We will be giving the OEMs, the design parameters to which we want them to conform.” This initiative will also help Zebronics in reinforcing its brand differentiation and uniqueness among the value-conscious consumer segment, and staying ahead.
We also hope to enter to be entering into new markets in tier 3-4 locations across the country. That is very bold proposition for a vendor with low value products, as our products are well backed by warranty. Making sure that the backend in terms of support is well established, will be another of our priorities.
2.Where is the big growth likely to happen?
As stated above we are focusing to enter into tier 3 and 4 cities. We have a very wide network of channel partners numbering over 12,000, where products under the Zebronics brand are available. These offer unsurpassed reach even into next-tier markets and are backed by more than 100 service locations spread across cities and major towns.
As far as products are concerned, this year we plan to enter those parts of the consumer electronics segment that really widen the addressable market in terms of consumption. That is, we will soon be announcing LED television products where we promise to deliver at the same pocket friendly levels that the Zebronics brand is known for. We also have products and models lined up for the security/surveillance/CCTV segment and in tablet PCs.
These new product lines will help us achieve next phase of growth.
Besides, this year, we plan to establish a Zebronics branded line-up for personal and corporate gifting. Many new products are planned in this segment and will include products priced at several levels such as portable speakers, power banks etc.
Mobility and music are becoming major drivers of growth with younger consumers being the ones spending most. As a result, further expansion and aggressive focus of our very popular and appealing Sound Monster range of speakers and headphones is on the anvil.
3.How important is the channel partner community for Zebronics? How can Zebronics products help channel partners in terms of growing their business prospects?
We are extremely strong with the channel and there has been increasing good recognition and acceptance of the Zebronics brand.
We are introducing at least 4-5 new products every month, to which, again, the channel reacts extremely well. Our partners were able to go back to consumers with attractive products every so often, that helped in spread of word-of-mouth and took our business forward.
We want to re-assure our partners that increasing awareness and brand presence of Zebronics will mean good times for the channel community.
4.How do you see online business as a future?
The online business has become important from the point-of-view of building the brand profile. Of course, many recent studies and news reports have reported of its growth in recent times. At Zebronics however, our direct online sales contribute to only a very small percentage of the overall business. We are still very strong in the traditional Indian business models, in which personal equations, bonding and relationships play a role. I believe, in our Company, the channel partners will continue to play an important role for quite some time to come.
5.As government is promoting MAKE IN INDIA, do you think IT hardware and accessories manufacturing will increase in India due to the new government plans?
Yes. With labour costs increasing in some of the Asian and far-eastern countries that have traditionally been the source, and the improvements in logistics and supply-chain mechanisms in India, local manufacture and assembly should surely pick up. However, it is a little too early to comment in detail as the government’s push has just about begun. As far as Zebronics is concerned, we are gearing up for a major announcement. This has been a part of our long-standing goals and planned accordingly since quite some time. Though, it will get impetus with the government’s make-in-India programme.
6.Can you please brief us about your manufacturing capabilities in India?
We are expecting to make a major announcement related to our manufacturing in the late part of this year, it would be premature to say anything on the subject at this time.
7.As Zebronics is into different segments like Electronics, Mobiles & IT, which segment will be the main focus in 2015?
As mentioned above our focus in 2015 will be on the consumer electronics and new product areas that we are planning to enter, like TVs and tablets, security equipment. Our sound monster range of speakers would be further expanded and be aggressively focused upon.
However, we will continue to introduce new models in our traditional product lines, consumers should expect many innovations resulting from our R&D in the popular line of Sound Monster speakers and headphones, laptop accessories, the wide range of peripherals and other accessories.