YMS Mobitech Pvt. Ltd was set up in October 2014 with an aim to disrupt the distribution landscape in India through its pioneering e-distribution platform. The founding members include Ajay Laddha and IITians Ajit Maheshwari and Aakash Kasaundhan. In January 2015, the company launched its Mobile Insurance and doorstep pickup & drop service. August 2015 marked the launch of Extended Warranty for Mobile Phones while Extended Warranty for other consumer electronics was launched in December 2015.
In an interaction with Sujata Sangwan of BW Disrupt, Ajay Laddha, Co-Founder, YMS Mobitech, talked about his company and shared details.
Excerpts: What were the biggest challenges of setting up your firm?We were the first in the country to come up with an app to carry out complete business operations on a phone. The biggest challenge we faced was convincing our partners (retailers and distributors) of the concept of using an app for their business. They were used to doing the things the old way. Slowly when they started using the same they found out how easy and convenient it was. The English language was another impediment in the way of introducing our app in small towns with mom and pop stores. We made our app so user friendly that it could be understood by anyone. Just with a few clicks you can get anything done. Today, all our associates are using our app for their complete operations.
What is the USP of YMS Mobitech?The YMS e-distribution platform helps maintain an optimum inventory level at all the retail outlets, thus minimizing two major problems associated with all retail distribution systems- loss of business opportunity and dead stock. It has an in-built analytics where distributors transfer the inventory via the YMS platform and track the status real time. Distributors can also transfer wallet balance to retailers by the click of a button and retailers use the same to sell any product.
Along with a technology-driven platform to sell and monitor products, we also create and sell financial products for the electronics industry, under our brand Apps You Need. Not just that, in Feb 2016, we took the next big leap with the launch of our accessories and IoT brand CULT. Our product range includes app-driven Smart Devices, Chargers, Power Bank, Selfie Stick, Cases and Covers and more.
Who all are your competition?E-distribution platforms like ours is helping brands make a successful transition from just online to offline presence as manufacturers can directly bill to Retailers as per their need – making it more efficient and at lesser cost. As far as we know, no one in the country is offering Distribution 2.0 – combining the online and offline sales model.
Your Clientele?Recently, YMS Mobitech inked a strategic partnership with CAPDASE, a global pioneer in mobile accessories, to offer its complete product range in the Indian market.
YMS Mobitech has also tied joined hands with leading smartphone manufacturer, Mi India to distribute its range of accessories in key states of Eastern India. The partnership will focus on offline distribution of Xiaomi accessories including Mi In-Ear Headphones, Mi Capsule Earphones, Mi Bluetooth Speaker, Mi Band 2, Mi Power Bank and other accessories. YMS Mobitech will make all Xiaomi accessories available to 2000 stores immediately across West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, Assam, Sikkim and all North Eastern states.
In May 2016, we collaborated with LeEco Smartphones for end to end sale in West Zone.
Tell us about your traction?The YMS e-distribution network has spread far and wide in a short span of time. As of now, we currently have 11,262 retailers and 361 distributors across 383 cities.
How the YMS distribution platform is revolutionizing distribution for mom-and-pop stores?YMS Mobitech is India’s first and biggest technology-driven ecosystem in distribution. Our efficient e-distribution system gives partners a unique ability to sell even products which are considered niche for Indian market.
The YMS e-Distribution Ecosystem helps in: · All retailers, distributors and sales team operate via YMS app
· Distributor can transfer wallet balance to retailers by a click of a button and retailers can use the same to sell any product
· Distributor can check outstanding amount of any retailer and enter details of payment collected
· Distributors transfer inventory via YMS platform and track the status real time
· Retailers can sell any product from their app and view transaction details
· Channel partners get SMS and email for all transactions and notifications
· Distributors can check real time reports of sales done in their channel
YMS client base, growth figures and future targets?Apart from our current partnerships with MI India, LeEco and Capdase, we are eyeing tie-ups with 3-4 smart-phone brands in 2017. For CULT, we are targeting 10 million loyal customers by the end of 2017.
Current scenario and future of these kind of start-up in India?While the accessories segment mirrors growth in the smartphone market, demand for varied and top-of-the line accessories is set to grow multi-fold in India. There is an impending boom in the high-end accessories market with 2017 likely to be the tipping point. Also, lot of International brands are expected to come to India. For example, CAPDASE, a global pioneer in mobile accessories, has set an aggressive sales target of 60 million dollars over the next three years, taking advantage of the YMS distribution platform.
