New partners for Epson photo printers

Subbalakshmi BM Bangalore, Jan 11

Epson India has appointed a new set of retail partners for its
newly launched series of photo printers (which include Epson Stylus Pro 3850
Epson PictureMate PM210 equipped with the new Epson Claria Photo Lab system).
Around 150 of these 'photo' retail partners have been appointed all across
India. According to SM Ramprasad, Manager-Consumer Products, Epson India,
"Our photo printers are targeted at professional photographers and labs,
and come equipped with 'claria' photographic inks. Therefore we have focused
on appointing partners who have been selling photo (camera) accessories and
therefore have the technical edge. Partners appointed for this product are
required to do more than box selling. They need to have a passion to explain to
the customer the feature benefits of the new product."

Thus far partners have been appointed in the metro and mini
metro cities and Epson would look at B and C class cities at a later date. Epson
has already begun the first level of training for its key partners on the new
products and the next level of training is to begin very soon. As an additional
benefit, photo printers have been included into the channel partner incentive
schemes announced from Epson this year.

	Partners appointed for this product are required to do more than box selling. They need to have a passion to explain to the customer the feature benefits of the new product
	-SM Ramprasad Manager-Consumer Products Epson India

"The returns and payoffs from the incentive schemes would
get reinvested into the partner sub-activity," said Ramprasad while adding,
"Focusing on all-in-ones and stand alone systems this year around, we would
continue to bring out more customer friendly products and focus on growth in the
home and small office segments."

Among the new products in the pipeline from Epson are the soon
to be launched 'Multimedia Storage Viewer'. This devise would help to store
data-picture, music and video as well as view and print the same. A handheld
devise, this would be targeted at customers who are looking to store large data
files, especially pictures and videos. Set for a Feb launch, this product can be
connected to a printer or PC as and when required. In addition to this product,
Epson would also be ready with all-in-ones, which would come with higher speeds
and additional features by September this year.

"Through our products we are attempting to consolidate on
our market position and we would use our channel partners to help us get there.
While one set of partners would continue to drive our volume products, the other
group would help us in selling our technology and lifestyle products so that we
reach out effectively to our customers," Ramprasad added.