News 2004
Virgin Mobile targets distribution into approximately 500 independent mobile retailers
01/06/2004
- Virgin Mobile to sell products through independent mobile retailers for first time
- Virgin Mobile signs up third party distribution partners
- Target of approximately 500 stores for launch
- Tailor-made range of phones
Virgin Mobile, the fastest growing mobile communications provider in the UK for the 12 months ended 31 March 2004, is to launch into independent mobile retailers in partnership with established distributors in the next step of the company’s distribution programme.
Independent mobile dealers now have the chance to offer Virgin Mobile’s fast-selling phones for the Pay As You Go and Pay Monthly market. Virgin Mobile has taken an innovative approach to targeting independent mobile retailers spearheaded by three key distributors: 20:20 Logistics, Data Select and Unique Distribution who sell through Virgin Mobile approved dealers. The distributors source their own stock and offer a one-box solution to the dealers. Products are dovetailed and priced accordingly to appeal to the type of customers that Virgin Mobile wants to acquire. The new range of phones available to dealers differs from Virgin Mobile’s current range. Highlights of the broad range include an entry level Siemens phone for £49.99 and a Nokia camera phone for only £149.99. This unusual method of selling provides a range of good quality phones at great value prices.
Virgin Mobile is providing the independent mobile retailers with staff training, point of sale materials and dedicated support to assist the new channel to operate smoothly.
Graeme Hutchinson, sales and marketing director at Virgin Mobile said: “This is a very exciting time for Virgin Mobile to move into independent mobile retailers, it will increase the number of retail outlets we sell in by approximately 10% and we currently have around 5,000 stores that sell our products and services. We have listened and met with the dealer community to understand how we can best service their needs. We are offering a point of difference to dealers and we are committed to ensuring the trial of this new channel is a success and provides good customers for us and them.”
Virgin Mobile has no line rental, voicemail is free and one simple tariff applies whether you choose Pay As You Go or Pay Monthly, with standard calls charged at 15p/min for the first 5 minutes of use each day, and 5p/min after that. It is only 3p per message to text another Virgin Mobile customer in the UK. Virgin Mobile also offers a ‘Big Bonus’ to any registered customer spending £30 or more on calls in a month – they get 10% of their monthly spend as an airtime credit the following month. It is available to anyone on Pay Monthly by Direct Debit or Pay As You Go by credit/debit card – both are free to set up.
