Survey Finds Channel Dealer Recommendation Key to Printer Purchase
Announcement posted by Oki Data Australia 23 Jan 2017
Sydney, 23 January 2017 – OKI Data Australia, a global manufacturer of business printers and multifunction devices, has announced the findings of a customer survey which identifies channel dealer recommendations as the key influence in printer purchasing decisions in Australia.
While 20 per cent of respondents claimed that channel dealer recommendations was the most important consideration in influencing their choice of printer, 17 per cent highlighted warranty as being more important than printer functionality and price.
Antonio Leone, Marketing Manager ANZ, OKI Data Australia, said, “This survey shows how influential channel dealers are and how importantly customers perceive their recommendations to be when it comes to purchasing a product.
“The other fascinating insight has been how important the factor of warranty is taken into consideration, indicating that customers are very focused in today’s economic climate on ensuring there is no extra expense and disruption in the daily running of their activities. The peace of mind that comes with our three year warranty and reliable LED technology, directly addresses these goals."
The importance of features and price in the survey, which were highlighted by 16 per cent of respondents, demonstrates that as long as a product is meeting business requirements, the price is not as important.
Interestingly, personal referral only accounted for being important by five per cent of respondents, highlighting yet again the important role that channel dealers play in guiding customers to purchase printers based on their recommendations.
“This survey has demonstrated how critical it is that vendors provide their channel dealers with ongoing and up-to-date selling tools and training, so that they can guide customers to products that will deliver maximum return on investment," said Leone.
The online survey conducted monthly by OKI during 2016, asked customers to provide feedback into their ownership experience, as well as reveal the factors deemed influential in making a decision to purchase an OKI product. These factors ranged from price, print costs, dealers recommendations, previous ownership, referral and warranty to design, features, and catalogue information.
About OKI
OKI is a global manufacturer of business printers and MFP’s. OKI Data Australia commenced operations in 2009 following the acquisition from long-time master agent and distributor, IPL. OKI Data New Zealand was established in October 2015, following the announcement by OKI’s then master distributor in New Zealand - Comworth Technologies, to realign its business focus and exit distribution. Over 30 years ago OKI pioneered LED printing technology, an advanced form of printing using fewer parts compared with the more widely known laser printing. This in turn provides many benefits to users including longer product life, fewer operational issues, increased reliability and better image quality over the entire life of the print engine. All OKI LED printer products are backed by 3 years warranty*.
*Upon customer registration, within 30 days of purchase.
While 20 per cent of respondents claimed that channel dealer recommendations was the most important consideration in influencing their choice of printer, 17 per cent highlighted warranty as being more important than printer functionality and price.
Antonio Leone, Marketing Manager ANZ, OKI Data Australia, said, “This survey shows how influential channel dealers are and how importantly customers perceive their recommendations to be when it comes to purchasing a product.
“The other fascinating insight has been how important the factor of warranty is taken into consideration, indicating that customers are very focused in today’s economic climate on ensuring there is no extra expense and disruption in the daily running of their activities. The peace of mind that comes with our three year warranty and reliable LED technology, directly addresses these goals."
The importance of features and price in the survey, which were highlighted by 16 per cent of respondents, demonstrates that as long as a product is meeting business requirements, the price is not as important.
Interestingly, personal referral only accounted for being important by five per cent of respondents, highlighting yet again the important role that channel dealers play in guiding customers to purchase printers based on their recommendations.
“This survey has demonstrated how critical it is that vendors provide their channel dealers with ongoing and up-to-date selling tools and training, so that they can guide customers to products that will deliver maximum return on investment," said Leone.
The online survey conducted monthly by OKI during 2016, asked customers to provide feedback into their ownership experience, as well as reveal the factors deemed influential in making a decision to purchase an OKI product. These factors ranged from price, print costs, dealers recommendations, previous ownership, referral and warranty to design, features, and catalogue information.
About OKI
OKI is a global manufacturer of business printers and MFP’s. OKI Data Australia commenced operations in 2009 following the acquisition from long-time master agent and distributor, IPL. OKI Data New Zealand was established in October 2015, following the announcement by OKI’s then master distributor in New Zealand - Comworth Technologies, to realign its business focus and exit distribution. Over 30 years ago OKI pioneered LED printing technology, an advanced form of printing using fewer parts compared with the more widely known laser printing. This in turn provides many benefits to users including longer product life, fewer operational issues, increased reliability and better image quality over the entire life of the print engine. All OKI LED printer products are backed by 3 years warranty*.
*Upon customer registration, within 30 days of purchase.