MacShopper makes life easier

WHILE, computer expos such as MacWorld always play host to a torrent of product launches and announcements, this year's MacWorld Expo in Hong Kong was also the scene of a launch of a different kind.

Apple Developer InfoNet chose the event to launch a new catalogue sales service for Mac products, the second of its kind in Hong Kong, and a direct competitor to MacZone Hong Kong, the local branch of the large international mail order house.

According to Clement Yuen, director of InfoNet and MacShopper, the new service, which offers more than 10,000 products, has a lot to to distinguish itself from its competition.

'The difference is we have more technical support,' he said. 'If the customer wants me to go out and install machines, we can.' MacShopper also has a technical support hotline which, because InfoNet is an Apple Developer, has a strong background in hardware and software.

'People care about price and who can give the best service to them,' Mr Yuen said. 'We can guarantee that to them.' In addition, InfoNet also takes a pro-active role, going out to make sales to clients instead of passively waiting for them to order.

According to Mr Yuen, the market in Hong Kong for a catalogue approach to sales is quite strong, with a Macintosh community of about 50,000. Even though the territory is small, he feels there is also something to be gained by ordering by telephone.