Svyaznoy: Russians start buying insurance for new gadgets more

MOSCOW, Dec 23 (PRIME) -- Russian multi-channel retailer Svyaznoy sold about 1.5 million additional service products for gadgets in January–October, and buyers insured some 40% of purchased smartphones and tablets, the company said in a statement Wednesday.

Additional services include packages of extra maintenance and protection of a purchase. Insurance allows clients to have their devices serviced after the guarantee expires and return money in case of a theft of a gadget or other incidents.

“A growing popularity of insurance products results from the current economic situation,” Daniil Pokolodny, director for the company’s financial services, said.

“At the turn of 2014–2015, prices of gadgets soared by at least 30% because of the ruble’s tailspin; replacement of gadgets became more expensive, and a period of exploitation of a new device forcefully extended. That is why buyers who invest an amount of 15,000–20,000 rubles or more in the acquisition try to secure devices for as long as possible.”

Additional services were also popular among owners of flagship gadgets: every third user of the most expensive smartphones preferred buying an extra insurance.

(71.1211 rubles – U.S. $1)

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