Kashif Ahmed
WITH each passing day, as the personal communication and IT devices become more and more sophisticated, the consumers face an increasing challenge of protecting them, against damage or malfunctions, while the frequent expenditures on getting these devices repaired are also rising.
In today’s hyper-connected world, a personal hand-held telecom device is among the most critically important possessions of a consumer who is socially and professionally active. The smart devices have totally transformed our daily lifestyles by empowering us to instantly access any kind of information, content, images, videos or Apps, available in the endless treasures of the internet. The smart devices have brought a paradigm shift in the way we access or use information from across the continents to enhance our productivity, knowledge and outreach. Instant global connectivity and superlative camera technologies converge into one device to multiply our capabilities to access or share any required data, videos or images, anywhere, anytime. These devices are also enriched with countless entertainment and social-networking applications to fulfill our desire to interact or learn from the world around us.
The increasingly expensive smart phones, used by an increasingly larger segment of the market, are quite costly to maintain since these devices are adorned with delicate and sensitive screens, enriched with spectacular features and cutting-edge technologies. The sophisticated nature of these devices makes them prone to frequent damages and vulnerable to technical malfunctions. Although, it is a delightful experience to use such advanced devices in our daily lives, but what happens if your phone-screen breaks or if the device is accidentally doused in water. Many such unfortunate incidents occur all around us and may cost a fortune to the user, who often wishes for some sort of protective insurance policy or compensation, which will help him in reviving his phone’s functionality or to buy a new phone.
Over the years, such unfortunate incidents have led many consumers to urge the smart phone companies to enrich their device warranties, by adding accidental insurance against damages. It is the need to the day, to create package deals to safeguard or compensate the customers against any major repair costs.
Consumer-protection communities can urge the device manufacturers to provide accidental insurance to safeguard the interests of the growing number of users. In case, a customer accidentally drops his device in water, or on a concrete floor, causing damage to the screen or hardware, an insurance package should provide sufficient financial-cover against all hardware breakages or malfunctions. Damages caused by electrical surges may also be covered by insurance. Reputable and reliable insurance companies can also be engaged to take this initiative and capture this fast emerging market. Package deals and combined offerings can be designed by the quality-conscious device makers, in collaboration with the insurance companies, to reap mutual benefits and growth opportunities. Repairing the damaged devices with a “no questions asked” policy and “zero additional cost” will add immense value to the smart-devices, and will inspire many more customers to switch to the expensive devices, knowing that the “risks” are covered.
It is comforting to note that one of the global leaders in technology has recently addressed the issue of accidental coverage for damages and expenses incurred by the users of its smart devices. According to a recent agreement, signed between Samsung and the multinational insurance firm - AON Pakistan, all Samsung smart devices, purchased since 2012, will now be covered under a reliable and safe insurance solution, for free repairs of accidental-damages. The basic package includes; Fixing shattered or cracked screens or restoring devices that have been damaged by getting drenched in water. Even the devices which suffer from any electrical surges will be repaired free of cost.
Such product-enrichment strategies, in the high-valued device market will ensure complete peace of mind for the customers, while they enjoy the powerful and futuristic features of their smart-devices. This is a rightful expectation from the customers of any sophisticated, high-end product, in a quality-conscious market.