“The growth estimate for 2015 is less than 10% from $83 million in 2014 to $89 million. The value will increase rather than the number of units, which, according to IDC, will stand at 267,000,” Simona Decuseara told ZF.
This is about the same thing that happened last year, because users choose to buy more expensive equipment, which comes with lower running costs, she added. This is the reason for the growth in value of the printer market in 2014.
“The printer market is estimated at 263,000 units in 2014, an increase of 5% on 2013. In terms of value, the growth is 15%, if the estimates confirm.”
The printer market, equally divided between inkjet and laser printers, most likely stood at $83 million in 2014, compared with $72 million in 2013.
The inkjet segment, which generates Epson’s highest sales, fell by 10% in terms of number of units but rose 10% in value.
“Users tend to buy more expensive products, with more features, whose running costs are better. They do their research first and are willing to pay a higher initial cost so as to get cheaper consumables and a very good running cost,” Decuseara explained.
Epson has a 15% share of the inkjet printer market, 4% more than in 2013, and plans to reach 20% this year.
“This year’s plans are to bring new products on the market and expand sales channels – partners, retail and online. We want a better national coverage so we will seek to sign partnerships with new dealers wherever we are not sufficiently represented.”
Romania accounts for about 12% of Epson’s revenue in Eastern Europe. The other markets in the region Epson operates on are Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and the Baltic countries.
(English version by Loredana Fratila-Cristescu)