Argomall strikes out on its own
While online marketplaces are all the rage among today’s consumers, a local online gadget store has chosen the more “difficult” path by passing up on offers to be carried by such marketplaces, and just stick it out on their own—a choice which has enabled them to responsibly tailor their products and services to their consumers’ needs.
Established in 2015, Argomall’s (argomall.com) primary value proposition is trust; therefore, they only carry authentic consumer electronics (smartphones, laptops, tablets) and accessories from official brand manufacturers and distributors, complete with warranty, says “chief argonaut” Karel Holub.
“We are focused on holistic service,” he adds. “We build relationships with each of our customers. The entire experience—from browsing our website to enjoying easy and secure transactions, chatting with sales personnel about which item suits your needs best, to receiving the items we deliver and getting good after sales service—should build trust between our customers and Argomall.”
Argomall is a member of the Transnational Diversified Group of Companies, which has over 30 members in industries such as logistics, ship management and information and communications technology services.
Its other value proposition is convenience, as consumers can shop on the site via their mobile device (they don’t see the need for an app, as the site is mobile-friendly) or computers, on Facebook Messenger, and, soon, on Instagram. Payments can easily be posted because of the variety of channels available: using credit/debit cards, online banking, G-Cash, Paypal, installment via Home Credit, or cash on delivery.
Holub emphasizes, too, their after sales service, which is an integral part of the company’s DNA. “If you buy an item for us and it needs repair while under warranty, we pick it up, ship it to the repair shop, and then return it to you once fixed—all for free. If it is no longer under warranty, we tell you the cost of the repair, then ship the item back and forth, which you can pay for by COD.”
As for delivery glitches, Holub assures consumers that they don’t hide behind their delivery partners. “If, for some reason, something goes wrong with your delivery, we are responsible for that. We chose the delivery partner; we are the people from whom the item was bought.”
While still focused on consumer electronics—with the smartphone still king among Pinoys—Holub says Argomall has plans to diversify its product lineup to include large appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines. They are also looking at how they can incorporate the installation of such items in customers’ homes into their service.
Ultimately, what Argomall promises is this: Despite the shop’s digital nature, what one can look forward to on the platform is a truly human-centric shopping experience.
