eStore selling direct to consumers.Samsung has opened an ‘eStore’ on its .com.au website, selling everything from Galaxy S5 smartphones, to Note phablets, tablets, cameras and accessories like S5 S View Cover.
The webstore is part of the revamp to the Samsung.com.au site and “is designed to help offer customers an improved experience with the brand online,” a company spokesperson told ChannelNews.
“Samsung’s Australian website will give customers the option to research and purchase smartphones, cameras, tablets, wearable technology and accessories.” The webstore went live on 26 June.
It comes complete with shopping carts, PayPal payment option and users sign up to a Samsung account, register products on Cyber Service Centre where they can request and track repairs.
Wearable tech which includes Galaxy Gear 2 and Neo are also on sale on eStore, as well as wireless Bluetooth speakers, on-ear headphones and a large range of Samsung mobile accessories.
TV’s and appliances are listed online but are not sold at eStore. Samsung already has two brick and mortar Experience stores located in Sydney and Melbourne CBD’s, so the ecommerce site is the latest extension to its retail strategy, and part of a global online store rollout.
Prices are in line with retailer recommended retail prices but the online shop is also offering customers free online delivery or next day ‘Express Delivery’ on orders placed before 2pm, with delivery before 12pm next day.
However, the technology giant denies the webstore is a snub to retailers whom Samsung insists it maintains good relationships with.
The eStore is “a natural extension of our business and will complement our existing retail channels, including Samsung Experience Stores in Sydney and Melbourne, as well as our retail partners who we maintain very close relationships with,” a spokesperson said.
However, the webstore is no plaything for the Koreans, now the world’s biggest smartphone maker and well on its way to becoming a fierce threat to Apple on the tablet front, as it launched high spec Tab S devices last week.
Samsung’s eStore is quite sophisticated and contains detailed product specifications along with explanatory notes, image galleries, user manuals, safety guides and also has ‘user recommendations’ based on previous searches, for the consumer to browse through.
Users create a Samsung account or can sign in via Facebook to purchase and there are also ‘my wishlists’. The site also asks for the users location.
eStore also runs online promotions including 30 day money back on the NX 30 camera and free personal training session on purchases of Galaxy S5.
