Aggressive marketing

Press, 20 April 1982, Page 27

Aggressive marketing

New Zealand’s largest microcomputer systems house, Interactive Applications, Ltd, has adopted an aggressive marketing campaign aimed at first-time computer buyers in the Auckland area. The Auckland based company, in association with Commodore Computer (N.Z.), Ltd, has put together two special hardware and software packages aimed at the small business sector. In addition to discounting the price of the packages lAL and Commodore are offering a 30 day money back guarantee. lAL’s managing director, Mr Phil Norman, believes that no other company involved in the computer industry has ever put its repu-

tation and products on the line with a performance guarantee, money back situation. He said lAL recognised the difficulties small business operators faced when making a first-time computer buying decision. “Having taken a decision to move into the technology, these business people face a barrage of salesmen more concerned with selling hardware than the software programs needed for the business to function efficiently.” Mr Norman accepts that his company’s money back guarantee may force other firms to review their own marketing positions. "It is not our intention to upset the traditional market-

ing techniques within the industry,” he said. “But we are concerned that we help develop a confidence in the technology among potential first-time users" One package, costing 89995, is based on a Commodore 4000: The other, costing $12,495, is based on a Commodore 8000. The price includes installation, training and three lAL application software packages. lAL software packages are sold with a life-time unconditional warranty against faulty programming. The offer is only available in the Auckland area, where lAL have a strong presence. Are any of our mainland microcomputer suppliers prepared to match this offer?