How to dial for your basic needs<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The term virtual shopping is usually identified
\nwith shopping on the Internet. It could, however, easily be used
\nfor any retail activity that maximizes the exchange of
\ninformation through intangible channels. DialMart and Bebita
\nimplement the concept using telephone lines.<\/p>\n
DialMart's membership applications are obtained from the
\ncompany's flashy newspaper advertisements, the Internet or an
\nautomated fax on demand. Potential members are required to
\nprovide personal and financial information along with their bank
\naccount or credit card to be debited.<\/p>\n
Preferred brands and usual quantities of groceries bought are
\nalso asked. This information is stored in the company's database
\nto assist customers during transactions.<\/p>\n
Bebita's application forms are only available through Bank
\nUniversal, its ATMs and branch offices. DialMart said it would
\nstart taking orders on Sept. 9, Bebita on Sept. 15.<\/p>\n
There is an annual membership fee of Rp 25,000 for Bebita and
\nRp 30,000 for DialMart. Members receive a monthly catalog
\ncontaining pictures, prices and order numbers of household goods
\navailable. Most of the items are offered in bulk.<\/p>\n
To shop at DialMart, members only have to call the company's
\nshopping hot line number before their designated shopping day,
\nand order their commodities. The company, which is targeting
\n240,000 clients, claims to have 660 phone lines and 300 fax lines
\nready to take orders. A company called Asiatel provides the call
\ncenter catering to these numbers.<\/p>\n
Bebita's services are similar. Yet, as of this week, getting
\nthrough to the customer service department at DialMart took quite
\nsome time, while Bebita's line only provided information on where
\napplication forms can be found.<\/p>\n
After entering the membership and PIN number, members dial the
\ncode numbers of items they would like to buy, which is then
\nfollowed by verbal confirmation. This loop continues until the
\norder is finished.<\/p>\n
At the end, a voice states the total cost and asks the
\ncustomer for payment preference. The bill is then instantly
\ndebited from the customer's choice of payment and the customer is
\nbe given a confirmation number. Currently, DialMart accepts debit
\naccounts from four banks, Visa and MasterCard. As of last week,
\nBebita could only accept debit accounts from Bank Universal.<\/p>\n
An order call to DialMart should average six minutes according
\nto Sahat P. Siagian, the company's commercial director.<\/p>\n
A minimum order with DialMart is Rp 200,000 and Rp 250,00 for
\nBebita. Both limit their customers' purchases to Rp 1.5 million
\nper order. DialMart allows more than one member per household.<\/p>\n
DialMart's number is 21491998 and Bebita's is 21491677. (46)<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/how-to-dial-for-your-basic-needs-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }