Damien Kantor
06/10/2020 - 6:01
Clarín.com
Economy
As programmed, cell phones
the benefits of Now 12 no longer reach cell phones
.
Since last Wednesday, chains, telephone companies, banks and cards have been negotiating new financing formulas, which implies an increase in the cost of fees and shorter terms.
It is a reordering of the entire marketing chain, which has a full impact on the main category of consumer electronics.
"We planned to sell 7.5 million units. Without a financial tool it
will be very difficult to reach 6 million,
" lamented Federico Hellemeyer, head of AFARTE.
This new edition of Now 12, which includes
the purchase in 12 and 18 installments with a three-month grace period
, came into effect on October 1.
New products and services were added, badly hit by the pandemic, such as hairdressers and home repairs, and the traditional ones (appliances, clothing, motorcycles and furniture) were maintained.
But surprisingly, cell phones were left out and industry benchmarks (manufacturers, brands and businesses) negotiate with the Secretary of Commerce, in charge of the program,
more flexible alternatives to reincorporate them to the program
.
At the request of the Government, AFARTE (Fuegian manufacturers) and the CAC (Chamber of Commerce) raised proposals to cushion the fiscal cost of financing, ranging from
shortening financing to eliminating the 3-month grace period
.
Last Thursday, they also presented production, employment and price evolution balances, all figures that are under analysis.
Officials
promised a quick response, but without deadlines
.
But time is running out.
Without the umbrella of Now 12 and with limited and very disparate financing plans, the category suffered.
"In these early days,
the sale of premium models fell 70% and the most basic, between 10 and 15%,
" said a qualified source from a multinational.
In this sense, Samsung and Motorola are the two most affected brands, since they concentrate 90% of the local market.
By way of balance, an industry source said that in general terms, the cheapest products are sold in 3 installments and the premium in 6. And that if no alternative arises from Now 12, "
an impact of 30 is expected. % in prices based on market rates
".
The withdrawal of interest-free quotas deepens a crisis for the segment, which is shaping up to close
its 4th consecutive year of contraction
.
The blow to the high-end is devastating, since it is the most profitable segment for companies.
The drop in the cell phones of Now 12 was surprising.
Especially to the two main marketing channels: telephone and specialized chains.
While they weave agreements with banks and cards, the operators temporarily implemented plans for the month of October of between 3 and 12 installments without interest or with variable rates depending on the brand, model and type of client.
The supply of the chains today is much smaller.
Most sell cash, except in cases of need to reduce stock.
