Why doesn't Malaysia have an online computer dealer like ebuyer. If I want to buy a computer in Malaysia - my only option is Dell. Where's the competition. Wait. Let's see what my options are at the moment. Hmmm... I have the option of viewing photostated pricelists of computer parts, maybe a phone number, that's it....if its even been updated at all circa 2005.
So where's the online bit of this in Malaysia. We've got pretty cheap web hosting with pretty good quality services and applications. The infrastructure is almost there. What's the difficulty? Well what's the main challenge in this business model, I guess are a very non-trusting Malaysian public of online shopping at the moment. I don't know how do the big suppliers or dealers react to this, perhaps all this will change the landscape and pricing of how computer parts are currently dealt with in Malaysia. A lot of computer shops will be put out of business or at least will have to change how they operate and earn their profits from already slim pickings in this ever competitive industry.
Prices do change pretty fast in this industry. But that doesn't stop Dell does it, or even ebuyer in the UK, or Amazon in 'everywhere'. Whoever, succeeds to be the first in Malaysia or even in this region will do well to keep that position at least for a time. Look, its unlikely I will buy from an online dealer that is based in Kyoto, San Francisco or Hong Kong if I can help it.
We have the components - at least the supply of it, like any electronics consuming country in the world. I am sure we have the market. Is it because Malaysians at the moment lack the sparkle to start something entrepeneurial like this. The risks too high? Should I do it? Perhaps I am only writing this to challenge myself.
Is it much easier to open tuition centres and colleges instead?
I am pretty sure in the next two years if someone doensn't do this soon enough someone else will. Its got a website that works with a wide repertoire of products that seem to be moving off the shelves, at least. Its not perfect, with a fair share of fans and detractors of the service. But which company in the world doesn't, even Toyota the car company, or ...errrr, Proton.
It even lets buyers comment on the products once they've bought it, so that's Web 2.0 for you i guess.
In Malaysia, it would probably see the light of day once internet broadband starts expanding and 25 hours internet is more commonplace. Once government applications start moving online as well, like driving licences, small steps, will definitely change the way we use the internet beyond youtube, blogger, mp3s, MMS and photo sharing. I am pretty sure this definitely will see the light of the day, the question is who?
I am already beginning to see bits of this. Perhaps I am ignorant of what's already out there by entrepeneurial Malaysians or Singaporeans out there already like games downloading services hosted at The Star malaysia, one of the premier pioneers of Malaysian online newsites, for years. Must they also be the next pioner of setting the trend for online shopping in Malaysia as well?
Why do i have the inkling feeling, that someone in Penang will be the one to try this first?
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