Mobile accessory purchase via websites is on the rise
According to ABI Research, online e-commerce sites managed to be the preferred retain channel for accessories for smartphones and tablets etc. Among the accessories, chargers and protective cases were in most demand. And yes, it does make sense. Given that the smartphones barely give 12 hour life, demand for chargers that are compatible with QuickCharge and power banks have increased a lot in recent years. Also, thanks to the glass body and brittle display covering, more and more buyers are going for protective cases and screen guards. Every one at GadgetDetail have a protective case and a screen protector for their smartphone.
“Mobile service providers are the main channel for purchase of mobile phones, but they are quite selective with the accessories they offer,” says David McQueen, Research Director at ABI Research. “As such, fewer consumers choose to purchase mobile accessories from mobile operators. Accessory purchases within the online store segment are increasing due to rising Internet penetration rates and the ease of access to a wide variety of products.”
“The market is highly fragmented, making it relatively easy for an accessory manufacturer to hone in on a specific segment, such as Zagg’s focus on screen protection or OtterBox’s specialization in protection cases,” concludes McQueen. “To stay in the game, accessory manufacturers need to be smart in anticipating product launches and disruptions to the market, adapting their products accordingly so that they neither become obsolete or late to market. Branding strategies are also important; Zagg uses InvisibleShield for screen protectors, iFrogz for audio, and its own branding for keyboards and select cases.”
The report does seem to be accurate. In India, flip cover and tempered glass screen protectors are in huge demand. Thanks to Xiaomi and OnePlus selling power banks for throw away price (around 1100 for 10000mAh+), more and more consumers are willing to carry a power bank and not worry about phone turning off mid day or in the evening. And there is a huge difference in price when we compare the products in brick and mortar stores and online. One example is that I purchased a tempered glass screen protector at Apple Store for 1999/- and it was said to be made of Gorilla Glass 3. The glass cracked within a week and then I purchased a Nillkin tempered glass for 599/- on Amazon. It has been more than three months there isn’t a single crack. Same is the case with cases. Either you go and buy really cheap looking ones in bazaars or you go online and get quality branded ones for very good price.
