THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Techies are potential buyers of a wide range of products. Most of the retail companies come out with various offers to woo them. These days, techies have sensed their purchasing power and are cashing in on the good effects of bulk purchasing. Bulk car purchasing is much popular among the techies and vehicle dealers have exclusive offers for them.
The trend started in 2007, when a group of 25 techies together purchased different models of Maruti Suzuki cars. Dealers and even banks reached Technopark offering discounts and loans. Each of the 25 buyers got discounts of ` 20,000 and free accessories such as underbody coating and central lock.
Now, most of the vehicle dealers have exclusive offers for techies. According to Jalak Bahadur Shahi, senior marketing executive of Popular Motors in Kazhakkoottam, dealers consider a demand for more than three cars as bulk and give special offers for it. “Recently too, we got a bulk purchase from techies. Mostly, Maruti products are popular. We have special offers for different models. Discounts range from Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,500,” he said.
For bulk purchase, techies usually depend on community websites such as tpbazaar.com and mytechnopark.com. Techies’ posts on bulk car purchase get response from persons with similar interests. “Bulk purchasers will negotiate with various dealers and finally choose the one who gives the best offer. The deal is usually beneficial for both the dealer and the buyer,” said Ajith Raj, a techie who is waiting for others to join him in buying Tata Safaris.
Technopark-based community websites are turning out to be local versions of alphabuyer.com, a group buying company that helps customers get the best possible rates.
Commercial dealers too are posting their offers on techie websites. After cars, techies are also opting bulk purchase of other products like laptops, mobile phones etc.