PCR Tech and IT retail, distribution and vendor news
We talk to Paul Butler Regional Sales Director AOC and MMD, both partners of PCR Boot Camp about super high res monitors and the importance of meeting partners face to face.
If you’re a dealer you can sign up free to Boot Camp here.
What do you see being the biggest challenge facing PC retailers at the moment?
The biggest challenge is definitely the ever-growing share of sales from the online markets. We still see a decisive advantage with shop front retailers, as they meet customers face to face. Our mission is and will be to maintain and further develop the store sales on the one hand, and not to lose out to online retailers at the same time on the other.
In your opinion, what’s the most important thing for retailers and resellers to bear in mind when dealing with customers?
The internet has brought a new culture to purchasing; but in the end, people still buy from people. Those who can demonstrate technical know-how as well as market expertise and combine this with a friendly interaction on the phone or in person are on the right path to a long-term relationship with satisfied customers. Innovation is key for finding the way to make the end client buy – the one who brings across the benefits the best will create the market and win.
What gadget can’t you live without?
I couldn’t get along without my smartphone any more.
What do you think will be the next big thing in tech?
I expect the most stunning future developments in mobile technologies will be the evolution of smartphones in combination with stationary screens. These mobile devices will take over parts of the desktop market. We expect screens to become more flexible in terms of connectivity, offering wireless connection via Miracast or via cable with MHL or USB. They will be used with desktops, notebooks, tablets and even smartphones – every time the convenience and productivity advantages of a large screen are required.
If you could wave a magic wand, what would you change about the channel?
All customers would get unlimited credit, but would pay on time, there would be no bad debt, all resellers would buy only my products and I would have unlimited supplies and resource – oops no that was a dream… In reality it would be nice to have a fair competition and a clean channel without sharks.
What is your proudest moment as a company?
In the last quarter of 2013, we achieved a double digit market share for the first time. A result we can definitely take pride in.
What products and services will you be promoting at Boot Camp this year?
Our new monitors include ultra-high resolution screens (4k2k) in various sizes, Windows 8-based touch display solutions and Smart displays / All-in-One devices which run on Android operating systems.
What distinguishes you from your competitors?
We value a personal approach to relationships and believe that business is best when run as a partnership. Also, there are no other companies such as MMD and AOC which combine dedication with such a strong manufacturing background as the companies which are wholly owned by TPV – the world’s largest monitor manufacturer and a leading display solution provider, specialised in the design and production of a wide range of monitors and LCD TVs.
What are the key brands/lines you carry?
The TPV Tech group supplies AOC and Philips branded monitors. Both brands take advantage of TPV’s enormous strengths, when it comes to economies of scale and leading technologies. But we never simply take the same product and just put another label on it. The products are different from particular specifications up to the design.
What are you most looking forward to at PCR Boot Camp?
It is a great opportunity to meet up with a lot of familiar contacts and begin some of those new relationships which start with a simple ‘Hi’ or ‘hello’ at Boot Camp.
