Microwaves from Japan and other countries are assembled in India and then exported to Nepal and the rise in customs evaluation and transportation cost explains the rise in prices of these products.[break]
“Due to the wedding season, sales have picked up because microwaves make one of the popular gifts. Yet the sales are low compared to last year and recent festive seasons,” explained Narayan Acharya, sales executive of Esquire TV Centre at New Road.
The price range of microwave in the domestic market varies from Rs 8,500 to Rs 31,000 according to the system, capacity and functions. Mainly three types of microwaves - micro, solo and convection -- are available in the market. They serve different purposes of heating, grilling and baking.
“Solo microwaves are used for re-heating and defrosting and their price range varies from Rs 9,000 and above. Micro type ovens are used for heating and grilling combinations and their price starts from Rs 14,000. Lastly, convection type offers four ways cooking that has all the functions of micro, grill and bake, therefore making it costlier. Convection microwave are priced between Rs 18,000 and Rs 31,000.
While some outlets are reporting good sales figures, the scenario is worrisome in other stores. Manu Sharma, sale executive of Namaste Electronics, Shukrapath, said, “Rise in prices is not that significant but the sales have gone down this year even though there is no massive power cut. Perhaps, purchasing power itself is down.”
Ravi Bhatt, deputy general manager-marketing of LG, said increase in load-shedding hours affect sales of electronic items. “As people choose microwave according to their needs, we cannot say which type is preferred the most,” he added.
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