Audiovisual (AV) distributor Imago has introduced a service for dealers that install technology for European customers with offices in China.
The service was launched to solve the problems that many AV resellers encounter when fulfilling contracts in China, particularly with customs.
Peter Nice, business development manager at Imago China, said: “With the language and cultural differences and the geographical chasm between us, many things can go wrong. AV technology is vital for doing business in China; demand is huge and our resellers are busy.”
Kit sourced over here and then sent to China rarely gets through customs, Nice said. Even recognised brands such as Polycom, Sony, Samsung and Panasonic can be denied passage to international clients in China, if they are already on sale in China, he added.
However, sourcing products locally also presents problems. “Even if the equipment makers are global, the product codes are local and it can be a nightmare,” said Nice.
Imago China has brought together a network of partners operating from its offices in Beijing. There are three ways Imago China claimed to make life easier for its channel.
“You can source the product in the UK, and we can get it through Chinese customs. Or we can buy it locally in China for you. Or we can source it and manage the installation,” said Nice.
Imago China has claimed that it can deliver to a customer site in China within three days of an order being placed.
Helen Halls, managing director of reseller AVR, said there is a contact in Imago China who surpasses UK expectations.
“We had picked up our first big AV contract, then found it could take months to get kit through customs. But [Imago’s] Ying Zeng sat in the customs office all day, until everything went through.”
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