GIGABYTE accomplished this remarkable YoY growth by successfully undertaking a number of sales & marketing initiatives through the year 2010. These initiatives included adding more channel partners, increasing channel penetration and spread in the upcountry markets, sustaining growth in established markets, reinforcing post-sales infrastructure for both partners and customers, and attaining the No. 1 position in terms of channel satisfaction. However, the major credit for the successful year goes to GIGABYTE’s innovative, result-oriented programs for its channels, which drive over 85% of the company’s business.
Commenting on the growth, Rajan Sharma, General Manager, Marketing and Sales, GIGABYTE India, said, “During Q4 FY10, we continued to successfully execute our proven programs and schemes for channel partners. We were able to leverage our distribution strength, spread and expertise to reach new regions and partners. Our local resources were spent more on channel building, education, training, marketing and brand-building activities that ensured sustainable and continuous demand generation.
“In Q4, we also continued with the smooth transition of our business model to Direct Shipment, which began in Q3. We thank our distribution partners for ensuring growth during this crucial period,” added Rajan Sharma. The company’s channel-focused initiatives helped in substantially increasing the number of partners committed to the GIGABYTE brand. While over 2,000 resellers registered for the Q3 2010 GIGABYTE Value Partner Program (GVPP), the company expects to increase its Value Partner base to over 2,500 with its current GVPP.
In mid-2010, GIGABYTE launched a DOA (Dead on Arrival) warranty policy for Channel Partners, who buy from its authorized distributors. To facilitate this policy, the company stocks adequate buffer quantities of motherboards at all branches and RMA locations. Its post-sales infrastructure includes a service network spread over 100 locations across India and a dedicated RMA team. During 2010, GIGABYTE India was also honored with multiple awards from recognized media houses and institutions, which included CRN, Chip, Digit, Tech2.0, Erodov and VARIndia.
GIGABYTE India began 2011 by launching a series of motherboards supporting Sandy Bridge, and based on the Intel® P67 and H67 Express Chipsets. It is geared up to make the most of the expected market demand for Sandy Bridge motherboards in India, vis-à-vis support, services, end-customer and channel engagement activities.
On how GIGABYTE plans to maintain the growth momentum, Rajan Sharma stated, “In 2011, we look forward to further increasing our presence in non-metros by focusing on product visibility, availability and channel penetration. We also intend to increase our Premium Partner base across locations, for ensuring smoother and more efficient supply chain. As always, our focus will be on ensuring the right Price / Performance ratio for our products and customers. We are also working closely with our distributors to leverage their strengths in warehousing and supply to reach more locations.”