Today, the smartphone has integrated into nearly every aspect of our modern lives. Whether we use them for calling, texting, emailing, or even just playing a game, we’re living in a generation of smartphone owners.

However, people don’t just own a phone; they own phone accessories. When a phone is purchased, so are charging docks, screen protectors, cases, holsters, and more.

When business booms for smartphones, it booms for smartphone accessories, and that’s exactly what’s happening at Lux Wireless. Any phone retailer knows that phone accessories are the driving force behind the retail up-sell. Accessories make up a generous portion of sales and demand is high. Whether customers want to be practical and protect their phone, or just want to spice it up with a fashionable case, Lux Wireless has everything under the sun when it comes to cell phone accessories.

The cell phone accessory industry is huge and with so many competitors trying to get a piece of pie, how does Lux Wireless stay ahead of the game?

SUPPLY & DEMAND

We had the chance to speak to Sean Davis, the Director of Sales at Lux Wireless. As Davis explained, aside from carrying a massive selection of cell phone products and accessories, for a variety of different carriers, Lux Wireless also has an impressive track record of having products as close to launch as possible, sometimes even before. That means you aren’t waiting to carry the most popular and sought after accessories on the market; Lux Wireless is always working hard to supply the demand. But this is only scratching the surface.

Davis explained that he believes Lux Wireless is a fierce competitor in the cell phone accessory industry because of they have a solid grasp of their customer base.

Lux Wireless currently carries products for all the big players such as ATT, Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile, but specializes in prepaid carriers such as Boost Mobile, Cricket Wireless, Metro PCS, and Open Mobile. If one of these carriers takes on a new phone, you can bet your bottom dollar that Lux Wireless will have accessories for it.

PLACING AN ORDER

Lux Wireless understands that their customers’ time is valuable, so they strive to deliver everything in a “neat, organized fashion” As Davis explained, when you place an order, “every item you receive will have its own unique SKU, as well as its own unique barcode.”

These unique barcodes and SKUs makes matching the packing slip to your shipment a piece of cake. Lux Wireless also links their website to their inventory software, so if an item is no longer in stock, it will show up on the website – say goodbye to tracking down backorders!

Many of Lux’s competitors have multiple warehouses and while this might seem like an advantage, products coming from multiple warehouses only hike up shipping costs, not to mention shipping products from multiple warehouses is a recipe for disaster. Lux Wireless can ship to virtually any address on the planet and all shipping is centralized. They have one warehouse, based out of Atlanta, Georgia, where they mail out all shipments. This organized method keeps your shipping costs low. Davis told us that Lux Wireless pride themselves on having a strict shipping policy: “All shipments are made no later than one business day after you place an order.”

STAYING AHEAD OF THE GAME

Lux Wireless is constantly looking to add new products to the mix. They work hard to have new products stocked as soon as they hit the market. Lux Wireless also doesn’t ‘cherry pick’ the phones they support. “If Boost Mobile, for example, is going to carry the phone, we are going to carry products for it,” Davis said. Moreover, retailers rarely come to Lux Wireless for a one-time purchase. Lux Wireless works hard to build lasting business relationships by making sure their customers are satisfied with every purchase made. In fact, not only will you be getting the hottest products on the market, Lux Wireless is going to help you show them off.
They offer a store fixture program that provides fixtures at a subsidized rate, or even no cost, to clients who commit to easily obtainable monthly spending minimums.

Lux Wireless makes getting in contact with them easy. As previously mentioned, their website is built for ease, all products are linked to their inventory software, so the website always shows exactly what Lux Wireless currently has to offer. This technology will save you the time and hassle of dealing with back orders. You can order directly from the website, or you can get in contact with them by phone at 1-855-589-9473, or by email. As Davis explained, “whatever method is easiest for you, is easiest for us.”

CONTACT-US : WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD?

Lux Wireless is currently looking to expand their product offerings and take on some new products due to hit the market in the following months. They see and understand that the market is constantly evolving, and they want to remain at the head of the pack by continuously offering new and more advanced products to suit their customers’ needs. At CTIA 2016, Lux Wireless plans to demonstrate some new and advanced devices that they are adding to their product line. Lux Wireless comes backed with an impressive track record of consistency and exceptional turnaround times. This is what keeps their customer base growing. If you are a pre-paid cell phone retailer, Lux Wireless should be your first point of contact for all your accessory needs. With fast shipping, prompt delivery, and a sea of products to choose from, you won’t find a better, or more reliable, wholesaler than Lux Wireless.

Visit www.LuxWireless.com

The post ACCESSORIES DON’T MAKE THE OUTFIT, THEY MAKE THE PHONE! appeared first on Wireless Dealer Magazine.

Every day, businesses strive to keep track of inventory, supply chain issues, costs, and market conditions in order to remain competitive and viable. Oftentimes, it can be difficult to manage all of these aspects at once without the proper resources and tools on hand. In this case, a point-of-sale system would be a helpful tool for business owners since they could easily track inventory, receive alerts about potential supply chain problems, and quickly respond to customer requests. However, business owners should remember that while a point-of-sale system can help in some ways, it is still necessary to have a human touch for various aspects of the business.

Tracking Sales and Inventory

Manually checking inventory and tracking sales can be time-consuming. By automating these tasks, business owners can save more time and money while focusing on other aspects of the business. The POS system can be a helpful automation system for business owners who need to manage their inventory better and reduce time spent on manual data entry. The system can provide sales data for a day, month, or year, allowing owners to determine which items are their best sellers.

That way, business owners can prepare and evaluate what items they need to order for their customers. The inventory management system can also notify owners when stock is running low, allowing them to plan ahead and order items.

Managing Inventory Remotely

If store owners can’t find the time to go to the store, managing inventory remotely can be convenient while they are on the go. Store owners can manage inventory from a remote app or web portal that links to the point-of-sale system. That way, they can order items from their phone and get updates while they aren’t in the store. It can also help reduce the need to hire extra employees for tasks the system can handle. It is well worth researching a strong point of sale system that includes inventory, tracking, monitoring, and alerts as part of the broader technology ecosystem to help grow the business and succeed.

Don’t Waste Inventory

Avoid Supply Chain Shortages

When ordering new incoming items for the store, supply chain setbacks and shipping delays may occur, affecting the store’s ability to keep up with customer demand. For this reason, it is essential that store owners order ahead in case any of these occurrences happen. If it isn’t planned accordingly, the store may have difficulty maintaining customer loyalty and satisfaction, ultimately resulting in fewer sales and lower profitability. To combat this, store owners should closely keep track of inventory, look into alternatives, research pricing deals, and communicate with their customers.

Offer Better Deals to Customers

While ordering inventory from a distributor, it is important to look carefully at cost and profit and evaluate the best way to stock inventory. Store owners should compare prices from each distributor to see what works best for their profit margins and gets them the most value. For example, store owners need to look into distributors’ bundle deals. This can help store owners save money while providing the same deal to their customers. It is also critical for store owners to research what their competitors offer and provide better pricing to customers. Customers enjoy saving money, and if they see a store advertising better deals, this can lead to increased sales and revenue for store owners.

Stocking the Shelves

The post Harnessing Technology to Maximize Your Inventory Management appeared first on Wireless Dealer Magazine.

THE CELLULAR ACCESSORIES MANUFACTURER PRODUCES SMARTPHONE CASES

THAT ARE WATERPROOF, DURABLE AND BARELY-THERE.

With phones becoming thinner, sleeker and more expensive, finding the right phone case is crucial. Sometimes it’s not enough for people to find a case that just covers their phone— now it has to be slim enough to show off the phone’s style while still protecting it from water, drops and scratches. Ghostek, a manufacturer of cellular accessories, focuses on creating cell phone cases that cover all of the above. “We provide cases for the high-end phones,” said Vadim Abramov, senior distribution manager at Ghostek. “We try to come up with the best design and the slimmest case. Our waterproof cases are the most durable.”

GREAT CASES AT GREAT PRICES

Ghostek puts great emphasis on making sure the look of their cases are slim and attractive. A big part of their focus is working with engineers to come up with a product that customers want to buy. They describe themselves as the source for rugged mobile accessories, built with the toughest materials to protect your smartphones. They use the latest in phone case technology, making them competitive in the hot, overcrowded market. Their waterproof cases use IP68 protection, which shields against dust and deep submersion in water, while their TPU cases contain a thick, durable frame that makes the phone drop-resistant. They fit all of these features while maintaining a thin, sleek design.

The best part? While most waterproof cases in the market sell for over $100, Ghostek keep their cases at a reasonable $50-$65, depending on the phone model. “Our goal here is to make sure the customer sees an affordable product that, obviously, looks good and has a nice design, but that’s not too bulky, so it can fit in their pockets. It also has to protect their phones,” Abramov said.

A UNIQUE BRAND AND AN ESTABLISHED TRACK RECORD

Ghostek has been around for five years and recently started branding their cases two years ago. Since they started, they’ve found success and remain popular on Amazon, consistently getting good reviews. But perhaps what makes them so unique is their branding. There’s a theme behind the company’s products— a fun and creative way to attract customers. They treat each customer as if they were agents, like James Bond or a part of the CIA, and the buyers need to find the perfect accessory to protect their phone to maintain an “air of undetectability” while they’re on a mission.

THE TOP SELLERS

Ghostek sells three models of cell phone cases: the Cloak, the Covert and the Atomic series. Both the Cloak and Covert are slim cases that protect the phone while showing off each smartphone’s unique
style. The Atomic series is waterproof. They are coming out with new cases all the time for upcoming phones, such as the iPhone 7. They also offer warranties ranging from one year to lifetime limited. Moreover, Ghostek offers a variety of products outside of cell phone cases. They sell chargers and book bags, which were, at one point, ranked in the top 20 and 50 on Amazon under the bag/outdoor categories.

Ghostek also sells the NRG bag. By September 2016, five different colors are due for release. This backpack is water resistant, contains a rechargeable battery pack, and includes USB cables for charging any device including laptops, iPads and smartphones. The next NRG bag will include a solar panel for recharging purposes. It’s a great item for those who love the outdoors.

The post GHOSTEK IS LIVING UP TO ITS NAME appeared first on Wireless Dealer Magazine.

WHY DRONE REPAIR IS A NATURAL FIT FOR WIRELESS REPAIR SHOPS

1. Less experienced drone operators are entering the drone industry.

2. Drones purchased before the FAA grounded commercial use of drones are now out of warranty.

3. America’s dependence on drones will become similar to the dependence we have on our smartphones today. By 2025,

America is expected to have an $89.1 billion drone industry. Congratulations CPR for integrating drone repair! JOSH SEVICK, President of the electronics repair giant, Cell Phone Repair, agrees. “Do we see drones as being a relevant technology in the next few years? Absolutely! … We see it as an opportunity that we have to be prepared for (for when drones become mainstream). … We are piloting a whole drone repair process, and we’re partnered with an early-stage company that’s looking to create a professional, secondary market for drones in the U.S. and Canada. … Do I think this is going to have a significant financial impact in our stores in 2016? No. But we’ve been seeing, certainly, as we get into 2017, 2018, and 2019 that drone repair will become a significant portion of our revenue.”

Basically, as with any form of technology, issues will occur when using drones. Whether it’s due to human error or faults in the software or hardware, it’s essential for consumers to know that there’s someone who can fix these problems. And for the average consumer, the local electronics and wireless repair shop owner is the natural first contact they will turn to when something goes wrong with their drone. For this reason, alongside the drone industry’s booming growth mentioned earlier, drones represent the next frontier of revenue for wireless repair professionals.
JOHN PATTERSON, Head of Digital Content Production with Heliguy, a CAA approved supplier and drone trainer based in the UK, adds, “There’s definitely money to be made as more and more people turn to drones for both recreational and professional purposes. Clients will range from amateur filmmakers who try (and fail) an overly ambitious shot to companies who require regular maintenance on their equipment, especially those using drones in challenging environments such as offshore surveyors.

Patterson goes on to forecast that this market is only going to grow year over year, especially as mainstream media outlets continue to both report on and use drones. This media exposure is compounded by the proliferation of amazing and viral drone videos taken by everyday consumers, then uploaded to sites like YouTube. As such, the amount of repair work required will ride along this upward trend. This forecast is shared by WESLEY FLIPPO, Co-Founder at Buy the Best Drone, a fast growing drone startup based out of San Diego, US. He says, “We believe that drone repair will become a very profitable business, much like computer repair companies and auto shops. As drones become more popular, more people will be flying them and even with increased training, by a sheer percentage factor, there will be more mistakes that lead to necessary repairs. I predict we’ll see a major company pop up in the near future, similar to the automobile industry’s Auto Zone or Jiffy Lube that specializes in drone repairs.”

Thankfully, the FAA’s $63.4 billion modernization plan of the country’s air traffic control systems will also expand to accommodate the commercial use of drones. And once the current regulatory constraints are modified, the FAA forecasts that commercial markets will quickly develop, generating demand for additional hobbyist and commercial drones, as well as their accessory market. Commercial drones are “currently the most dynamic growth sector within the aviation industry.” In fact, a market study by the Teal Group forecasts the global market for drones will grow to $89.1 billion by 2025. Meanwhile, in the US, the FAA estimates small, hobbyist drone purchases will grow from about $1.9 million in 2016 up to $4.3 million by 2020. Commercial drone sales are expected to grow from $600,000 in 2016 to $2.7 million by 2020. And keep in mind, these growing sales levels are being generated during a period when the government is actively limiting select forms of drone sales due to there not being enough laws to regulate them.

MOST COMMON TYPES OF DRONE REPAIR ISSUES

According to experts in the field, the most common types of repair issues that affect drones include: 1. Outer shell replacement, due to general wear and tear that causes dents or gashes.
2. Motor maintenance, as these components are often one of the main points of contact during a crash. Additionally, drone motors are prone to overheat when propellers are incorrectly positioned, thereby creating additional motor stress. 3. Mainboards & ESCs (Electronic Speed Control), as crashes and contact with water are likely to damage these intricate electronic components.
4. Aircraft leg replacement, due to the wear they endure after frequent landings. 5. Gimbal replacement, as their usual placement beneath the drone ensures they are likely to be the fi rst thing to hit the ground in accidents.

Josh Larson, founder of the drone consultancy, Breakover Services, adds that the majority of drone crashes leading to drone repair business tend to occur from two sources:
● FLYAWAYS: This is where there is a software or GPS problem, and the drone just flies away from the operator.
● OPERATOR ERROR: This is where the operator crashes the drone due to an error while flying. These crashes usually result in a range of potential damage cases, including damage to the propellers, the motors, the aircraft body, the landing gear, the gimbal and the camera.
Larson adds, “Due to the increase in drone use by hobbyists, as well as commercial operators, there will subsequently be an increase in drone crashes and a higher demand for drone repairs. That’s why right now is the best time to look into getting a drone repair company going.”

Drone accessories! Yes! The Repair Upsell!

As any store operator knows, the real money is in the upsells. Drone repair is no different. The most popular upgrade that people opt for when purchasing a drone are gimbals, the mechanism which attaches the camera (and other gear) to the drone. Other upgrades include antenna upgrades, speed modifications, and first-person view (FPV) cameras that allow pilots to operate the drone through the drone’s visual perspective beamed into a video display or VR goggles—these upgrades will become ever more popular once recreational drone racing grows in popularity.

Conversely, the most frequent accessory repairs also happen to be gimbals and FPV mods. With gimbals, any issues with their alignment can spell disaster for an aerial filmmaker trying to get their perfect shot. Meanwhile, FPV cameras often get damaged in a nose-first crash. What all this means for the wireless repair technician is that profit can be made twice: first by installing these add-ons for customers and the again when these add-ons require servicing.

WHAT IT TAKES TO GET STARTED IN DRONE REPAIR

Just as you wouldn’t try and fi x your car without any background mechanical knowledge, you shouldn’t try and work on a drone without a basic understanding of engineering and electronics. “Getting started in drone repair requires an interest in electronics, as well as a passion for the machines themselves,” says Patterson. Luckily, these interests and passions are commonplace amongst wireless repair professionals. In fact, being a smartphone repair technician may give you a leg up on the general drone repair business. Patterson explained, “The large majority of popular drones on the market right now actually use smartphones to stream and sync their devices. Having a strong understanding of how this technology works can help troubleshoot
issues users are experiencing.

WHAT KIND OF TOOLS WILL I NEED?

Patterson adds, “Also, when it comes to the tools you’ll need, the basic tools required include a range of hex and torx screwdrivers, soldering irons, wire cutters and strippers, as well as a number of devices able to run the necessary software to perform analytics on the drones you’re repairing. Aside from these essentials, if you’re looking to scale your aspirations within drone repair, then you may also consider purchasing a 3D printer that can print high performance drone parts.”

The post The Next Blockbuster Revenue Category! Drone Repair appeared first on Wireless Dealer Magazine.

If you’ve ever waited patiently as your mobile device marinated in a bag of rice, you may understand the
anxiety of water damage.

Don’t worry; most of us have been there.

Hoping for a successful rice bath resurrection is, unfortunately, a common occurrence in the tech world. Water damaged electronic devices can be a huge pain in the neck, not to mention very costly to replace.

However, you can now breathe a sigh of relief and rest assured that the rice in your cupboard will never again be used for anything but dinner, thanks to technology from Liquipel.

Liquipel is a California based company which created a specialized process to keep electronic devices WaterSafe. This means saying adios to the dreaded rice revival!

[This compelling technology sprouted from a single idea]

Liquipel’s WaterSafe technology process involves placing the electronic device into a special proprietary
machine which creates a vacuum. Once the vacuum process is complete, the Liquipel formulation that is
injected turns from a liquid to a gas as it enters the chamber. The final step involves plasma, which decomposes the liquid repellent molecules, polymerizing them to themselves. Liquipel becomes the new surface of your device, and its components.

Basically, this complicated high-tech process results in providing electronic devices with a safe haven from water damage.

This compelling technology sprouted from a single idea, which came about from two partners. Liquipel co-founders Kevin Bacon, and Danny McPhail owned a previous company that dealt with applying military grade films to electronics to prevent them from scratching. There was a special solution necessary for applying the film, and as phone designs changed and evolved, the process started to water damage the phone. This was when Bacon and McPhail’s idea for waterproof protection began to take hold.

Development for Liquipel began in 2009, and Bacon and McPhail left no stone unturned as they searched to assemble the perfect team to commercialize their technology. By 2011, they built the first machine and landed in the US. Liquipel launched during the 2012 CES and overnight the company exploded.

“We were listed in publications
ranging from Forbes to the LA
Times,” Bacon said, “it was
very exciting for us.”

THEIR SUCCESS DID’NT STOP THERE.

iquipel gained even more momentum as they received media recognition from the BBC, CNN, and even the Today Show. All that media attention, matched with a top notch executive team, made it easy for Liquipel to expand their product offerings.

THE FUTURE OF LIQUIPEL

Liquipel is now beginning to apply their technology in areas outside the electronic devices department. Liquipel  as recently begun working with clothing manufacturers, using their waterproofing technology to allow fabrics to dry faster and resist odor.

Liquipel QuickDRY is an eco-friendly way of applying a water repellent to fabrics. It also has zero water or solvent usage, very little power consumption, no hazardous waste generation, and no storage needs. This new water repellant technology quickly caught the attention of big brand clothing manufacturers.

Liquipel has recently teamed up with O’Neill to launch the fastest drying board short in the world. Customers will no longer need a towel to dry off; the shorts will be dry by the time they reach their car.

If you want an inside look at Liquipel’s strategic vision, CEO, Rod Nakjavani, has your answers. “We are focusing on three main verticals. First are consumer electronic water safe technologies.” Liquipel is currently working with several original equipment manufacturers and handset refurbishing houses to expand their business. The next focus is on “major apparel brands.” Liquipel wants to offer their eco-friendly water-resistant technology, allowing fabrics to dry faster and resist odor, without sacrificing performance. Finally, “complete mobile device protection;” you can easily find this in the SafeGuard and Liquipel 360 packages.

Liquipel is always looking for strategic partnerships. Their business model can effortlessly span across the globe, and they are always interested in partnering with big businesses, military, or commercial clients.

Liquipel’s success is spreading like wildfire as many major online and big box retailers have picked up the Liquipel products. Liquipel products are now offered in over 1,600 Radio Shack stores, hundreds of wireless dealers and online on www.amazon.com.

In a short period, Liquipel has turned a single idea into a well-established success story. But how did they do it? What was the key to this success? As the old saying goes, you’re only as strong as your weakest link, and it would appear that there are no weak links in the Liquipel team.

“If there is anything I’ve learned in watching our company grow, it is about having the best possible management available,” Bacon said, while talking about his exceptional executive team. Liquipel assembled their team from across the globe. This is why it should come as no surprise that their team is the driving force behind this company.

Whether you’re an everyday, accident prone customer, or a retailer just looking to expand your offerings, Liquipel is your new saving grace against damage. Never again will there be a need to worry about a cracked screen or a water-clogged phone. The future is bright (and dry) with Liquipel.

If you are interested in potentially partnering with Liquipel, please visit www.liquipel.com.

JOIN THE LIQUIPEL NETWORK

The post Liquipel Is Making a Splash in Waterproof Technology! appeared first on Wireless Dealer Magazine.