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Akthar Hussain of Challenger Computer, Chennai is s true survivor, who has made a mark for himself in the channel business by relying on his instincts. When he hit upon the idea of dealing in PCs, many people discouraged him. But his instincts told him to go on, and he was one of the early entrants in state’s IT trading business.
Today, Akthar has proved his dissuaders wrong by building up a business with a turnover of Rs 55 crore in 2002-03. This growth has been possible by giving good after-sales service, rather than box-pushing products. “We give the best solutions to our customers and thereby ensure their satisfaction,” says he. He believes that volume sales might give immediate results, but it often leaves users disillusioned. According to Akthar, his team is always keen and willing to serve customers, which has stood Challenger in good stead in the market.
A CHALLENGING BEGINNING
Akthar got a first-hand feel of business, by selling electronics and components. This knowledge gave him insights into the opportunities and challenges in IT reselling. Buoyed by this wisdom, he set up Challenger Computer with an investment of Rs 2 lakh, looking forward to distribution tie-ups with leading brands in the industry.
| PROFILE |
| START-UP YEAR: |
1989
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| PRODUCTS: |
PCs and peripherals |
| ADDRESS: |
839A, Anna Salai, Heera Market, 1st Floor,Opp Karnataka Bank Ltd, Chennai - 600 002. |
| TEL: |
044-28591545/28591551 |
| FAX: |
044-28517770 |
| WEB SITE: |
chacomp@md5.vsnl.net.in |
Akthar’s only assets then were his marketing skills, that he had learnt while trading electronic products. In 1990, Akthar signed up with Samsung as its Elite partner and started with the regional distribution of its products. He kept adding other products and brands to his portfolio.
As business gained momentum, Akthar was appointed as a GID, which placed him prominently on the Chennai IT trade map. Today, the company deals in a whole range of Intel-based PCs, components and peripherals. “Our prompt after-sales service has contributed to 100% growth,” says he.
STANDING APART
Akthar’s in-depth knowledge about technology sets him apart from most of his peers in the city. “Technically, only a few partners at Ritchie Street can advise customers about the right products,” says he. Customers flock to him, confident that he will recommend the best product to them.
Not just customers, but even distributors and resellers are happy to do business with Akthar, because of his guiding principle to have transparent business policies. His service strategy, credibility and helpful nature has made Akthar an all-round channel favorite, a title he wears with aplomb.
SUNILA PAUL in Chennai Page(s) 1
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