PC buyers wait for the price reduction effect when Vietnam enters the WTO

Compared to the same period last year, consumption at computer companies is now down by 20%, despite being a purchase. Consumers are hesitant, waiting for goods to drop in price, and informatics companies are . impatient because the volume of products sold drops.

Mr. Hoang Anh Tuan, Business Manager of computer company Tran Anh, lamented: 'Customers wait until after January 1, 2007 to decide to buy computers. But if it is carefully calculated, such a wait is not necessarily a high effect. '

Many people hope to buy cheap computers when Vietnam enters the WTO.Photo: VNE .

Currently the import tax rates apply to full-scale computers and their components are between 0% and 5%. Meanwhile, the Government of Vietnam committed to entering the WTO, it is not until January 1, 2009 that the import tax on computers and components is reduced to 0%. That is, from now until the moment . computer price attraction is about 2 years. ' But in case the tax rate is 0%, the cost of a computer set will be reduced to a maximum of 5% rather than a very strong reduction as rumors ', Hoang Anh Tuan analyzed. ' For example, when the tax rate is 0%, a computer set worth 5 million VND will be discounted 250,000 VND. The reality will be like that . '

To save the situation, businesses find ways to attract customers. It is noteworthy that Tran Anh's commitment to accept refunds if computer prices fall due to WTO. Accordingly, from November 28, 2006 to February 28, 2007, if customers buy a full set of computers at this enterprise, they will be refunded 100% of the difference if the computer price falls due to the impact of Vietnam joined WTO.

Meanwhile, other computer retail businesses such as Mai Hoang, Phuc Anh, Hanoi Computer . have implemented big promotions such as buying from two or more devices and paying immediately will receive a discount of 5 % of total value of purchased goods. If you buy a complete computer with CD-ROM and speakers, you will be awarded 7% cash value. This year, promotional products are accompanied by a rich set of computers including software, hardware such as Epson, USB, ADSL modems, memory cards, copyrighted anti-virus software .

Computer companies all hope at the end of this December - when projects are disbursed and then retail will accelerate from January to March. ' Consumers won't be able to wait . I believe that by March, computer products will be sold very strongly , 'said a manager of a Hanoi computer enterprise.

Currently, computer component prices tend to decrease. CPU costs from 5% to 10%, depending on model. RAM and hard drive drop from 3% to 5%. The motherboard also dropped about 5% -10%. The cause of this price reduction is due to the introduction of stronger new technologies that push the same products backward into the secondary. That's not to mention the market share of desktop computers is being dominated by cheap laptops. If nearly 2 years ago, laptops accounted for only about 6% of the market share, now this product has shot up, holding 12% of the overall market with the consumption increased by 3 times.

Statistics of GfK market research firm showed that leading the low price race and consumption volume is Acer brand laptop with a market share of 41%. However, according to experts' forecasts, next year, Acer will have to cede the market 'piece of cake' to HP because the brand is also pursuing fiercely with its remarkable product price reduction strategies. There is still a chance to win big brands of computers in the country that seem to be too far ahead of the big competitors from abroad.

Nguyen Hang