By James Wells
SYDNEY: Fujitsu General has appointed three new sales representatives for its air conditioning team and announced the details of this year’s cash back promotion to encourage consumer sales within the product category throughout winter.
Fujitsu has appointed Jason Banicevic as sales engineer for southern New South Wales. Banicevic has previous industry experience with Airwell, Email Air and Haier Electrical. Prior to joining Fujitsu, Banicevic ran his own marketing business for two years.
Con Tryfonopoulos has joined Fujitsu as retail sales representative for southern New South Wales. Tryfonopoulos has seven years sales experience including five years at Asko Australia as account executive and prior experience as whitegoods manager at The Good Guys at Auburn.
Karl Atkin, who has more than 10 years retail experience with Harvey Norman and The Good Guys stores in Maitland, has joined Fujitsu as retail sales representative for northern New South Wales.
“The new team gives Fujitsu more feet on the ground to service retailers and dealers throughout NSW and better equips us to facilitate any sales enquiries,” said Fujitsu General – marketing and sales general manager, Philip Perham.
To boost sales of air conditioning throughout winter, Fujitsu has announced the launch of its Free Money campaign, which is designed to “put money straight back into the hands of customers”.
According to Perham, “the Fujitsu Free Money campaign sees the Australian air conditioning industry leader giving away pre-paid Fujitsu Visa debit cards up to the value of $500”.
From 1 May 2006 to 31 August 2006, purchasers of any Fujitsu conventional split, inverter split, inverter multi split or ducted systems will receive a pre-paid credit amount in the form of a Fujitsu Visa debit card.
“As the number one selling air conditioner brand in 2004 and 2005, Fujitsu General is determined to retain its title with both superior products and innovative promotions.
“Fujitsu has a reputation for delivering some of the most creative promotions in the category and we try to improve on that year-on-year.
“This customised Visa promotion is a first for the Australian air conditioning industry and we are confident it will help record our biggest winter sales ever,” Perham said.
“The promotion will really drive customers into stores so we encourage retailers to really get behind it and enjoy the success along with Fujitsu,” said Fujitsu marketing manager, Milton Kaloudis.
“Partnering with the Heritage Building Society, the Fujitsu Free Money promotion is uncomplicated and hassle-free.
"Customers simply claim their Free Money by completing the redemption form and posting it to Fujitsu. Their Fujitsu pre-paid Visa debit card will then be sent out to them,” he said.
“Customers can use their Fujitsu Free Money wherever Visa cards are accepted, including department stores, restaurants, petrol stations, theatres and taxis. They can even withdraw cash from virtually all ATMs nationwide.
“The campaign will again be endorsed by sporting celebrity and Fujitsu ambassador, Mark Taylor. This includes use of his photo on Visa debit card, which enhances its value as a collector’s item,” Kaloudis said.
Retail point of sale material, including grill faces, strut cards and posters have been developed to support the promotion in stores. Fujitsu is also running an extensive media campaign incorporating a mix of 30 and 15 second TV spots on Australia’s most popular winter programs as well as print and outdoor billboards.