The competition in the IT business is incredibly tough. These days, anyone can enter the hardware business because access to products and supply chains has become more straightforward. However, the real challenge lies not just in selling the hardware but in providing excellent after-sales support.

Dil Kumar Shrestha

Managing Director

 R.D. Suppliers P. Ltd.

What is the current state of the IT sector and its impact on businesses and the economy?

The IT sector today is at the core of every business and industry. In fact, it’s hard to imagine a world without IT, as it drives innovation, efficiency, and overall growth. From small startups to large corporations, IT solutions are integrated into every process, making operations smoother, faster, and more efficient. The demand for IT goods, equipment, and devices has been growing steadily over the years as businesses increasingly rely on these technologies.

However, we are now witnessing a significant shift in how technology is used, especially with the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI). AI is transforming industries in ways we never thought possible. For example, AI-driven chatbots are now handling customer service, replacing traditional customer service executives. This not only reduces the need for human resources but also minimizes the requirement for IT peripherals like laptops, communication devices, and printers that would typically be assigned to those desks.

Being in a country that primarily consumes AI technologies rather than creating them, I am concerned that this shift could potentially lower the demand for IT peripherals in the future. As AI continues to streamline processes and replace human tasks, the landscape of IT products and services might also evolve, requiring us to rethink the role of traditional hardware in business.

How competitive is the IT industry today, and what makes your company stand out?

The competition in the IT business is incredibly tough. These days, anyone can enter the hardware business because access to products and supply chains has become more straightforward. However, the real challenge lies not just in selling the hardware but in providing excellent after-sales support. A small error or system failure in the IT department can bring an entire office or industry to a standstill, which is why trust, credibility, and dependable service are crucial to our customers.

What sets us apart is our deep understanding of this. We know that IT systems require constant attention and quick responses. That’s why we focus heavily on after-sales service, offering 24/7 support to our clients. Whether it’s a minor glitch or a major issue, we are there to assist our customers with the utmost level of attention and care. This level of service has helped us build a strong reputation, and we’ve earned the trust and loyalty of our clients over the years. It’s this credibility that makes us stand out in a highly competitive market.

What do you believe is the key to the success of R.D. Suppliers?

The success of R.D. Suppliers lies in several key factors. First and foremost, we’ve built a strong network of resellers across the country, with almost 200 counters actively selling our products nationwide. This extensive reach has helped us maintain a steady flow of business, ensuring our products are available in every corner of Nepal.

Additionally, we have been very selective in sourcing quality products. Locally, we have identified reliable suppliers, and internationally, we’ve imported trusted brands into our portfolio. This balance has allowed us to offer a diverse range of high-quality products to our customers.

However, our real strength comes from our corporate business, which is the core of our operations. We have a robust B2B segment, working with corporations, banks, and INGOs. Beyond just supplying products, we offer annual maintenance contracts (AMCs) and provide continuous support whenever required. This end-to-end service has built strong relationships with our clients and cemented our reputation for reliability and excellence. Altogether, these elements have become the solid foundation of our success.

What challenges do you face in this business?

One of the primary challenges we encounter in the corporate sector in Nepal is a lack of awareness regarding technology choices. Many companies request factory-installed Windows on their laptops in tenders but frequently end up receiving laptops with locally installed genuine operating systems. This discrepancy can lead to significant price variations, impacting their overall technology budgets.

Additionally, there is a general lack of understanding in most offices about the differences between consumer-grade and business-grade products. By addressing these knowledge gaps, we can improve the reliability of the devices we sell, ultimately enhancing customer satisfaction and outcomes.

Another major challenge we face is intense price competition. As we import goods at full invoice value, we incur higher tax rates. In contrast, some importers engage in under-invoicing, paying lower taxes, which gives them more flexibility to engage in price wars. This issue needs to be addressed by the government through appropriate policies.

For instance, the government has established a valuation slab of USD 500 for i7 laptops. However, there are laptops priced up to USD 3,000, which creates a substantial gap for those who practice under-invoicing. This not only results in revenue loss for the government but also fosters unhealthy competition in the market.

What are your future plans for R.D. Suppliers?

In the coming days, we plan to adopt a more aggressive approach by expanding our portfolio to include a wider range of products and brands. A critical component of our strategy is to educate our customers about the various products and services we offer, as well as the key distinctions between them. We recognize the need to stay updated with market trends, and we acknowledge that we have fallen behind in terms of branding. Currently, our presence in media and on social platforms is limited. Until now, we have primarily relied on our public relations and competitive strengths. However, moving forward, we are strategizing for stronger growth through enhanced branding and promotional efforts, transitioning towards pull marketing to attract and engage our target audience more effectively.