Industry Voice
Companies new and old to the Middle East visit Remanexpo@Paperworld Middle East 2013
March 7, 2013
The Recycler gathers the opinions of companies well established in the Middle East as well as those testing the water in the region as the trade show bustles through its second day. With Remanexpo@Paperworld Middle East being a relatively new trade show and the industry beginning to gradually develop in the Middle East and Africa, this year’s show has been attended by companies old and new to the region as the area increasingly shows business promise. US toner cartridge manufacturer Color Imaging Inc. is attending the event for the first time, with Kathy Tripp, International Sales Manager of the company explaining that their aim is “to see if there is any interest in Dubai and the Middle East and learn about the market and who are selling”. Tripp added that they also used the show to meet with some of their customers, one of whom is based in Dubai and “is already a sizeable business in its first year”, indicating that there could be potential for further business in the region.
Asked what the Middle East’s main barriers would be for the company, Tripp said: “The cost of shipping from the US could be a problem. Also, some of our products would probably be too early for the Middle East and African market, but it’s good to get contacts now, it’s about finding the right partner. I’m also interested in seeing if it would be an issue for a female to sell and do business in the Middle East due to the cultural differences.”
Also new this year to the show is Italy-based inkjet remanufacturer Serica di Franco Sergio, whose outlook regarding the market potential in the Middle East is fairly optimistic so far. Director of the company Sergio Franco told The Recycler: “We are here to test the market, and have been gathering forms of prospective clients. However, we will see in about a year what the results will be. Of course we want to dabble at this kind of market and expand, but we need to see how the situation develops”
At the other end of the spectrum is Australian toner cartridge manufacturer Calidad Distributors, whose products are mainly distributed throughout Australia and New Zealand but which has also been doing business in the Middle East for 15 years.
“We have seen and continue to see steady business here, we’re well known and well regarded in the Middle East,” said Robin Kenyon, Managing Director of the company. “We have customers in a number of different countries in the region.”
Describing Calidad’s business relationship with the Middle East, Kenyon said: “The Middle East is a very vibrant region, and as a company we really enjoy working with our customers here.”
Consumers advised how to notice counterfeits
March 8, 2013
A South African publication has given consumers tips on how to identify fake cartridges.
Gadget.co.za stated that whilst counterfeits are “an attractive buy for many”, they are a “trademark violation and consumers need to be able to spot the difference between fake and legitimate”. The article, written by supplies distributor DCC’s Tyrone Makan, points out why counterfeits are so dangerous as well as how to identify them.
Makan emphasises the illegality of counterfeits and makes the key distinction that counterfeits are “different from refilled or refurbished cartridges which are legal”, though these products should “clearly indicate that they have been refurbished in order to accurately inform consumers””.
He cites the Imaging Supplies Coalition’s figure that losses to the imaging supplies industry from counterfeits total $3 billion (€2.3 billion), and adds that the impact is felt “up and down the value chain” with manufacturers losing “revenue and brand loyalty” whilst consumers lose faith and receive “inferior, possibly defective” products for their printers.
The low quality ink used in the cartridges are just one issue, with leakages and cracks “potentially damaging the printer” as well, whilst toner cartridges see “low quality powders” and “lack structural integrity”. Noting that it is unfortunate that “uninitiated” consumers are conned by counterfeits and their cheap costs, Makan adds that “there are hidden costs”, and identifies a few “fail-safe methods” to help consumers “distinguish fake from fabulous”.
Among his “common sense” recommendations are “only buy from an authorised dealer”, “beware of products priced way below the market standard”, “avoid products that look like they have been used or tampered with”, beware of ‘odd’ packaging” and “look out for sub-standard performance”. Makan also notes that serial number or barcode checks are important, as they are “quick and easy means to establish the authenticity of products”.
Makan concluded: “The bottom line is that using counterfeit is risky as well as being a false and illegal economy. With low quality prints and low yields, and the very real risk of damage to the printer or voiding of the warrantee, you really are just getting what you pay for. Be aware; use common sense; put your business first.”
