Incorporated in the year 1999, UBON headquartered in Delhi, is India’s leading Gadget Accessory & Consumer Electronics brand that addresses the need of ‘Connected Consumers’ and ‘People on the go’.
During an exclusive interaction with Mobility Magazine, Mr. Mandeep Arora, Managing Director & Co-founder of UBON, takes us through his inspirational journey, on how the brand focuses on product and quality to solidify its position.
1) What inspired you to start UBON? And how did the brand play a role in bridging the technology gap in India?
When we started in 1999, there was a significant demand for high-quality, affordable mobile accessories, especially in regions where premium brands weren’t easily accessible. The idea was to bring innovative, reliable, and stylish products to consumers, who were often overlooked by bigger brands. With a vision to make technology accessible to everyone, UBON emerged as a brand that could deliver top-notch gadgets at reasonable prices. Our journey began with a clear mission to democratize technology for the masses, and that drive continues to inspire our growth.
2) How do you differentiate UBON from international competitors in terms of product quality and innovation?
UBON differentiates itself by blending international quality standards with a deep understanding of local market needs. We prioritize continuous innovation in our product development, ensuring that our gadgets are not just competitive, but ahead of the curve in terms of features and design. While many international brands offer high-quality products, they often come with a premium price tag. UBON’s strategy is to deliver the same level of quality and innovation, but at prices that cater to the Indian consumer’s expectations. We maintain rigorous quality checks, leverage cutting-edge technology, and stay attuned to emerging trends, allowing us to offer products that are both reliable and affordable.
3) How do you balance affordability and quality while developing products for the price-sensitive customers?
Balancing affordability and quality is at the core of UBON’s strategic positioning in the markets. We achieve this by optimizing our supply chain, managing costs efficiently, and focusing on value engineering during the product development phase. This approach ensures we can deliver products that meet high-quality standards without inflating the price. For us, affordability doesn’t mean compromising on quality; rather, it’s about maximizing the value we provide to customers. We meticulously source materials, streamline our manufacturing processes, and invest in R&D to develop products that are durable, feature-rich, and accessible to a wide range of consumers.
4) What challenges did you face while scaling UBON, especially in a market that has rapidly changing consumer preferences?
Scaling UBON in a dynamic market like India has indeed posed challenges, particularly with the rapid pace of technological change and shifting consumer expectations. Keeping up with evolving trends requires a proactive approach to innovation and a willingness to adapt quickly. We have to stay agile in our product development and distribution strategies to meet these demands. Additionally, navigating logistics and supply chain complexities across varied geographies, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, has been challenging. However, our strong partnerships with retailers and a well-structured distribution network have helped us overcome these obstacles and has ensured timely delivery of products.
5) Research and Development (R&D) is a fundamental aspect of UBON’s growth strategy. Please throw some light into these aspects.
We have a dedicated R&D team that focuses on identifying emerging trends, integrating new technologies, and continuously improving our product offerings. Our R&D efforts are driven by consumer insights and feedback, which allows us to innovate products that cater to real-world needs. From enhancing sound quality in our audio products to developing more efficient power solutions, we strive to stay at the forefront of the industry. This commitment to R&D ensures that we not only keep up with global trends, but also are here to set new benchmarks.
6) How do you foresee the growth of Tier 2 markets, and what future innovations is UBON planning to further strengthen its foothold in these regions?
We see tremendous growth potential in Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets, where there is an increasing appetite for quality technology products. With rising disposable incomes and greater internet penetration, consumers in these regions are becoming more tech-savvy and brand-conscious. UBON plans to continue expanding its retail network and introduce innovative products tailored to the specific needs of these markets. We’re also exploring localized marketing campaigns and product customization to establish a better connect with regional audiences. By staying close to our consumers and understanding their unique preferences, we aim to solidify our position as the go-to brand for mobile accessories in these areas.
Covered By: Mobility India / UBON
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