For Indonesian Mobile Phone Vendors, Ramadan Means Big Business

Nexian Mobile Promo

Attention mobile phone vendors: Ramadan and Eid are coming. It is a common tradition in Indonesia during Ramadan and Eid celebrations for people to change their old mobile phone to a new one. And just as things get busy for the country’s mobile operators, the holy month can mean big business for handset makers too.

Since I was little, it has been a tradition when celebrating Eid to have something new. New clothes, new shoes, and of course these days, new gadgets. This is actually a somewhat misguided Eid tradition, which is about starting a new life after forgiveness among fellow Muslims. But in fact this wide perception is so strong in Indonesian society that “something new” eventually became a tradition.

Given Indonesia’s love for mobile, don’t be surprised public enthusiasm for phones is very high. For most, having the latest mobile phone is very important – not because of practical reasons, but rather because of the prestige in the eyes of family when they return home.

For the urban workers, having a new mobile phone can be seen as an indication that he was successful in the big city. Shallow? Perhaps. In some form or another, this kind of things happens everywhere. But what’s remarkable is that after the Eid celebration is over, some people will sell the phone back and exchange it for something cheaper and functional.

An owner of a mobile phone shop in Bandung Trade Center revealed:

Since a few years back, the mobile phone sales before Eid was increasing. Especially as now local phones with good features are available and affordable for middle class workers like housekeepers or regular employees, who usually will go to their hometown for Eid. But usually they (the buyers) will sell their phones again and exchange it with a cheaper one. We still make a profit because of the replacement fee. “

Such a trend opens up an opportunity for phone vendors in Indonesia. Like any other shops during Ramadhan, they are all making big sales promotions. Some well-known vendors such as Nokia, LG, and Nexian have held cell phone promos for the Ramadan and Eid. Some online stores such as RakutenIndo and sellers at Tokobagus are also getting ready to launch special promotions with attractive discounts for gadgets.

This phenomenon lasts for only one or two months every year. But it’s an undeniable trend that gives a noticeable bump to the mobile phone industry each year in Indonesia.