James Blog

    I often hear retailers say they can't sell mobile phones, or "technology" products because they "know nothing" about them.
    The good news is, selling these products today is a simple matter of having stock on hand, displaying effectively and having the right Point of Sale material in store.
    Consumers are very savvy, and generally will buy for convenience.  If they have been considering a new Mobile phone, or iPod Dock and find the item in a store that makes buying easy, then the decision to purchase is easily made.They know what they want and will generally only need reassurance from you

    My top tips for selling "Technology" are:-

1. Display product clearly in a dedicated area of your shop (maybe a cabinet, as supplied by Jenlist Distributors)
2. Increase your range to encourage browsing
3. Keep product clean and dust free
4. Make sure the price is clearly marked and current
5. Display up to date POS (Posters & brochures)
6. Rotate stock to keep it fresh

Remember, you have the relationships with your customers already, and they trust you, so you should feel good at being able to provide them with yet another product or service.

 

The flood waters are starting to subside a little now, and advice from the QLD Government is that water should contnue to subside over the coming days. The huge task of recovery has already started for many people and businesses. I wish everyone a speedy recovery.
Our courier company, Star Track, have advised this morning they expect to re-open their Brisbane depot on Monday. Click here to visit their website for a comprehensive update.
 

Android has something for everyone. The Android operating platform for Smart Phones and Tablets has something for everyone. Designed from the ground up, Android offers users simple and easy ways to get the most from their smart phone.
Have a look at this video on Android 1.6, the operating system of the LG Optimus and the Sony Ericsson X8 Shakira 

 

These images from the Queensland floods highlight the hardship and recovery process that will be ongoing for some time in QLD and Northern NSW. It is encouraging to hear the Premiers Flood Relief  Appeal has raised more than $33 million. No doubt this will help, and there will be more raised.
As a supplier to many flood affected newsagents and shops, we have sent out the following through the Industry bodies.

Jenlist would like to offer the following to affected Newsagency flood victims in Queensland and Northern NSW.

•  

  Suspension of debt collection for affected newsagents. They should contact us as soon as practical to ensure we suspend their account
• Assistance with damaged stock. Again, please ask newsagents to contact us as soon as possible
• Replacement of any damaged Jenlist supplied displays (Cabinets, frames, etc)

•  

Newsagents should call our hotline on 1300 781 758 and inform the operator they are seeking Flood assistance.  

Any stores that need assistance from Jenlist, please feel free to contact us as soon as practical

 

    I was in shock last night, as many others, to see the devastation the flooding in QLD  is having. The loss of life in such circumstances is felt by everyone, and my thoughts go out to the families.
 Toowoomba has been hit hard and it will be a long road to recovery for the people and businesses of this town, as it will be for many other areas in QLD. 
    As I mentioned in a previous post, one of our reps lives in Rockhampton, and we have 2 more in Brisbane. One of these (Karla) has family in Toowoomba but they are safe, thank goodness.
    I have spoken with some of our retailers today in these areas, and I admire these people who still turn up to work and open their doors to the public. I know there are quite a few that are not so lucky and are unable to open their doors due to severe flooding. I feel for these people and best wishes go out to you.
    If any of our valued retailers affected by the floods need assistance with their accounts or stock, or simply need to talk, please feel free to call me any time on 0411 683 131.    

 

Free TV on your laptop or PC is easy. We have just introduced the Laser Digital TV USB that allows you to watch High Definition Free to Air TV on your Laptop ot PC. This fantastic liitle unit retails for only $59.95 and comes complete with USB Tuner, digital antenna and remote control. Included is a Software disc for loading drivers and if neede, the dedicted software to watch and recard digital Television.
I have tried the Laser Digital TV USB Tuner and it works a treat. If using a Laptop or PC running Windows Vista or Windows 7, it is simply a matter of ensuring the USB drivers are installed (these are on the supplied CD) and then launch Windows Media Centre. From here it is a simple matter of following the on screen instructions to tune stations and start using the Laser Digital TV USB to watch and record Free to Air Digital TV on your computer. The picture and sound a perfect, and with the ability to record to your hard drive, this wonderful device makes the perfect addition for the teenager or family member looking to have access to Free to Air Digital Television in the sudy, spare room, or even by the pool !
At only $59.95 retail, this is fantastic buying. Retailers, don't forget to log in for your special pricing on the Laser Digital TV USB.

 

Last year I told my staff that 2011 will be the year of the Tablet, lead of course by Apple who have done a great job with the iPad marketing it as the device of the future... the must have personal PC!
This year, there will be a raft of competitors showcasing Tablet devices ranging in size from 5" to 12" and using a number of different operating systems. Sales of the iPad approach 3 million worldwide, while the 7" Samsung Galaxy Tablet launched later in 2010 sold a million units in the first 2 months.
Tablets sales in Australia are growing at a huge rate, and with the introduction of affordable Pre-Paid Tablets like the Optus 7" My Tab running Android 2.1 selling for $279, sales will sky rocket.
It is esimated that 9% of people  in Austrlia will own a Tablet by mid year, and as much as 23% will own or have access to a Tablet by year end.
2011 will indeed be the year of the Tablet. Check this article in The Australian newspaper.
Retailers need to ensure thay are following these trends. If you are not stocking Tablets yet, now is the time to start. It is also a good idea to promote recharge availablty at your stores to grab the attention of people using Pre-Paid mobile, Broadband and Tablet devices.
If you wish to discuss opportunites for your business you can call me anytime on 0411 683 131 or email me.
 

  
This sign is on the road from Gladstone heading into Rockhampton, which is where we all know the flooding in Queensland has been threatening this town for sometime. We have a Sales Representative (Julie) in "Rocky" and she sent me this photo yesterday afternoon.
Our thoughts are with all the residents and business owners in Rocky, and we hope you are all safe and get through the floods as best as can be expected.
We have many retailers that are serviced by Jenlist Distributors in this region (thanks Julie) including Emerald, about 4 hours west of Rockhampton which is severely affected as well.
I hope the flooding subsides quickly for all of you.


 

Well, I must say how pleased I was to see the retail sector getting a much needed lift post Christmas. It was one of the best Boxing Day periods for retailers I have seen in a long time. The build up to Christmas was slow at best, but the public came out with their wallets stuffed with cash and ready to spend in the couple of days leading into Christmas, then went absolutely crazy for Boxing Day sales, spending up big. I saw many shops stating they had sold out of products, and many of the retailers we service were desperately re-ordering as sales hit a high.
Well done retailers, for a successful Christmas! 
 

The Optus My Tab 7" tablet has arrived, and what a great device this is. I have just cracked open the box and activated the Optus My Tab, and I have to say, I am impressed. When Telstra released their Touch Tab, I bought one to try it out. Although it worked as expected, I was disappointed with the resistive touch screen on the Telstra Touch Tab.

No concerns with the Optus My Tab by comparison. I am impressed with the ease and responsiveness of the resistive screen of the Optus My Tab. Typing on the pop up keyboard is simple and easy. The My Tab is a light weight 403 grams and is easily popped into the back pocket of your jeans, or into a coat pocket. Even better for the girls, as the Optus My Tab will comfortably slip into most handbags. What better way to stay in touch with family and friends, complete with unlimited FaceBook, My Space and Twitter access, all using the fantastic Optus dual band "Open Network".
If you want to be one of the first to own this fantastic mobile broadband 7" tablet from Optus Prepaid, then click here to order today!