By Charles Mgbolu

Sole distributor of Panasonic and Canon’s office jet printer machines in the country, Panabiz International Limited have reacted to the influx of substandard printer and toner parts that have continued to flood the nations market by partnering with the media to raise levels of awareness.

This was achieved in a recent media parley with brand and technology correspondents in her head office in Lagos.

Panabiz through it’s national sales manager, Mr. Asok Kadidi stated categorically that the fake products were a growing concern to the company as consumers who have purchased it have unwittingly brought destruction of their printer machines. “By our right as sole distributor of these products, we owe the public the duty to address this issue and sensitise them on the disadvantages of going for counterfeit printer products.”

The low price tags dangling from these fake printer parts in comparison to original versions is the bait that continuously draws ignorant consumers,” he said.

Panabiz’s consumable’s and contract manager, Mr. Ogunmola Jacob, said “The problem with their decision is that, if for example our toner which costs N15,000 and could roll out 20, 000 copies are left and clients go for adulterated toners that costs N5,000, these toners will only roll out 3000 copies before it goes bad and even when the toners are bought three times, it would still not be able to hit the 15,000 copy mark. Again, because these toners are adulterated, the life span of the machine will be greatly affected.”

The Panabiz team had insisted that it was a clear case of ‘penny wise, pound foolish’ and hoped the media would further push this message.

But then, the company knows it is fighting a faceless enemy as Mr Kadidi says “We are not sure where the fakes are coming from. We do not know if they are coming from China or Hongkong as some of the labels have read. We are just not sure”.

The situation however is being combated strongly with help lines in the form of customer care toll free lines. Panabiz regional sales manager Mr. Omodiaogbe Monday said: “It is essential for clients to know that whenever they are in doubt of any Panasonic part or product they can call our toll free lines 080-123-0123 for guidance.”

At this point in the briefing, things went practical as Panabiz’s consumable and contract manager together with the company’s regional service manager took time to show samples of real and fake toner machine products and the clear features that distinguish the two product types.

Journalists had reacted with questions and one had been how strongly Panabiz was reporting the case to regulatory authorities in the country, especially the Standard organisation of Nigeria SON, Mr Kadidi had given the reply. He said “Yes, in the past we have reported the case to authorities and they have responded appropriately but we have not been able to pursue it further as we do not have the genuine details of these fraud stars. Some of these products have no names or manufacturer’s details, that is why it has been difficult to prosecute them.”