Hollywood: Pictures 5

IT Shoptalk

We’re sure that you readers have had experiences of looking for either a whole PC package (hardware components) the whole day and ended up getting frustrated. So, what’s the difference among computer shops that you know of? It may either be a mixture of computer peripherals, mobile phones, and other services. But when it comes to computer peripherals, you may want to visit Octagon Computers for they have a lot.

Octagon SM Mall of Asia branch officer Mr. Pedro Bacar, Jr. shared with us their marketing strategy and some of the products that are doing well in their shop. Customers going to their branch will be surprised with the variety of multimedia accessories like headphones, speaker systems, and CD media.

“We’re now focused on marketing laptop notebooks to our customers,” he said. “Our products include Acer, Neo, Compaq and Presario. Among those brands, the most saleable is the Presario. We also sell branded and clone desktops, but the Acer desktops leads that category.”

Bacar also revealed that most customers seek Core 2 Duo processors. “Most of our regular clientele seek the latest and the fastest desktops available with us,” he added. “They are focused on having computers with multi-tasking capabilities, and at the same time, real value for their money.”

Wireless PCMCIA cards, wireless routers and access points are also becoming a hot commodity since most customers don’t like getting tied up with a lot of cords with their computers. The ease of having wireless connectivity is that it is ready-to-use after being installed

Octagon also carries digital audio players. Bacar said that the Creative MP3 player series are currently the most sought-after digital audio player by audiophiles (which is the same revelation from one of the previous stores we’ve featured).

“The most saleable printers for us are the mid-range level printers of Canon, HP, Epson and Brother. Most of our consumers buy them for home use. Aside from the end-users, other clients include office employees,” he said.

So far, Octagon is the only shop we’ve seen to carry a small selection of laptop bags and sleeves by Belkin, Sony Vaio, Manhattan, Exagerate and elecom.

The thing about Octagon is that they don’t just sell, but also give much emphasis on educating their clientele. “We always ask our customers what are their needs and requirements for their PC, laptop, or any peripheral that they want to buy,” Bacar said. “Our staff explains to the customer, gives them choices, and advises them on what package is recommended based on their requirements. The price is what some people are always aware of. But when we thoroughly explain to them about it, they consider our recommendations and eventually buy the IT products. It doesn’t en there also because we have after sales service and support on all our branches nationwide (we have about 80). We are ready to support them with all their needs even if they come from the provinces.”

Filipina: Karel Marquez

Biography

Real name: Karla Ysabel Marquez Santos
Nickname: Karel, Karl, Kaye, Reli, Penoy
BirthDate: December 21, 1986
BirthPlace: Manila
Star Sign: Sagittarius
Height: 5'3"
Weight: 95 llbs
Ethnic origin: Mixed Race
Siblings: 2
Profession: Freshmen at Thames - Comms. tv & ads. - VJ - Reporter