Disrupting the paints industry…

What happens if the cement manufacturers start doing research and find a way to add color to the concrete itself? Will consumers accept this approach to color their homes? I do not know if this will disrupt the paints industry, but sure will open up a lot more opportunities for the cement companies to differntiate their offerings (as currently, all cements look the same and the only differntiation is in the branding). Add to this, if the cement manufacturers find a way to create concretes blocks with designs in different colors, I am sure that will make an interesting phase […]

Why don’t credit card companies understand customer service ?

I got an SMS from my credit card provider (IndusInd Bank) indicating that I am eligible for an increase in my credit limit. The SMS also informed me that I should send an SMS with a specific text to a specific number. I did exactly that. Guess what happens next? Nothing ;-( No response from the service provider whether my SMS was received or not! No response from the bank if the credit limit is increased or not! What can be worse? I get the same SMS again 10 days later and when I send the SMS again, nothing!!! Why […]

Changing the face of retail distribution of oil in India

I was in Mumbai today and was going back from the airport to my hotel in a cab. The cab driver stopped at a fuel outlet to fill-up his tank. It took us about 15-20 mins to get the tank filled up and start our journey back to the hotel. While waiting, I asked him if we could not fuel up at some other outlet rather than wait in the que at this outlet. He responded that the next petrol outlet was about 5-6 kms away and was not enroute to the hotel. He also said that wherever you go, […]

Death of the Car Audio Systems

After a lot of deliberation, I recently bought aSkoda Fabia for myself. As part of the negotiation, the dealer offered to providea Sony Car audio system for free (along with a few other goodies). I was happy withthe deal I got. When I was driving back home, I thought that therewas no need for a car audio system, if it was possible for me to connect myphone to the in-built speaker systems that is a standard fitting for the modelI bought. My mobile has all the songs that I like along with an FM/AM radio tuner. So, for all practical […]

Disrupting the photocopier, scanner & TV

I read a post from Fred Wilson where he contends that the traditional photocopier business is getting disrupted by the smart phone. I think so is case with scanners also getting replaced slowly but definitely by the smart phones or the digital cameras.Also, I think with streaming content becoming more and more mainstream and features like projectors and 3D rendering screens become more common on smart phones, they might also threaten the conventional TV’s. Add to this the fact that each member in the family most likely already owns a phone and more often than not, spends more time with […]