Second-hand PCs to rake in Rs 300 crore business

The second-hand PC market is expected to generate over Rs 300 crore of business for the channel. Channel magazine DQCI has predicted that five lakh used PCs would be up for sale over the next two years, at an average price of Rs 7,500 per machine. The main market for these machines will be the B, C and D-class towns and villages.

According to MAIT figures, 80 percent of annual PC shipments go into the business segment. 30 percent of the users will continue using PCs in its initial configuration, while another 30 percent may have opted or will opt for upgradation. Also, 10 percent of PCs will become non-functional and another 10 percent would be donated to NGOs, schools or given away. This leaves 20 percent computers in good working condition, which will be sold by business organizations.

Currently, the second-hand PC market remains largely unorganized. Most partners are ignorant about the potential usage of these used machines and hence, many machines end up in scrap.

There is an immense scope for the second-hand PC market, given that the PC penetration in the country is only 1.25 percent.

The number of partners into this business is no more than 75 throughout the country. Also, their operations are often restricted to certain regions. This makes it difficult for the channel to harness the immense business potential in this segment

Goldie

(CNS)