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The Drive to recruit more votes for ruling party !
Apr 2, 2010
Businesses fishing for expats
Melissa Sim
Said Mr O'Hagan: 'Having good knowledge of the business, and good after sales service makes a big difference. They also know what expats are looking for.' -- ST PHOTO: RAJ NADARAJAN
WHEN IT Manager Paul O'Hagan's car breaks down, he can dial a 24-hour hotline and his motoring consultants will be on their way to the scene immediately.
When the 37-year-old Briton was looking at buying a car, all the did was give his consultants - Presto Expat Motoring - his requirements, and they brought each car to his doorstep for him to test drive.
The company said these are the extra services offered to customers who are not familiar with Singapore and need some assistance. Said Mr O'Hagan: 'Having good knowledge of the business, and good after sales service makes a big difference. They also know what expats are looking for.'
Business experts said companies like Presto are rushing in to provide for the specific needs of foreigners living here.
Ms Sarah Lim a marketing and retail lecturer at Singapore Polytechnic said the expat business is a niche market and is viable because expats have the power to spend, and are 'not familiar with the new environment, thus require assistance'. She said more of such niche businesses will pop up as foreigners continue to come and work in Singapore.
Just last month, there was a fair dedicated to expats held at the Suntec Convention Centre. It is the first such event to be held here and provided information on services and products specifically targeted at the expat crowd and attracted about 2,200 people from 47 different countries.
Other businesses, which have the similar aim of helping expats find their Singapore legs include concierge services, pet sitters, cooking classes for expat helpers, and even expat insurance agencies. Even companies which are not set up for expats are looking at this market to bring in more business.
Apr 2, 2010
Businesses fishing for expats
Melissa Sim
Said Mr O'Hagan: 'Having good knowledge of the business, and good after sales service makes a big difference. They also know what expats are looking for.' -- ST PHOTO: RAJ NADARAJAN
WHEN IT Manager Paul O'Hagan's car breaks down, he can dial a 24-hour hotline and his motoring consultants will be on their way to the scene immediately.
When the 37-year-old Briton was looking at buying a car, all the did was give his consultants - Presto Expat Motoring - his requirements, and they brought each car to his doorstep for him to test drive.
The company said these are the extra services offered to customers who are not familiar with Singapore and need some assistance. Said Mr O'Hagan: 'Having good knowledge of the business, and good after sales service makes a big difference. They also know what expats are looking for.'
Business experts said companies like Presto are rushing in to provide for the specific needs of foreigners living here.
Ms Sarah Lim a marketing and retail lecturer at Singapore Polytechnic said the expat business is a niche market and is viable because expats have the power to spend, and are 'not familiar with the new environment, thus require assistance'. She said more of such niche businesses will pop up as foreigners continue to come and work in Singapore.
Just last month, there was a fair dedicated to expats held at the Suntec Convention Centre. It is the first such event to be held here and provided information on services and products specifically targeted at the expat crowd and attracted about 2,200 people from 47 different countries.
Other businesses, which have the similar aim of helping expats find their Singapore legs include concierge services, pet sitters, cooking classes for expat helpers, and even expat insurance agencies. Even companies which are not set up for expats are looking at this market to bring in more business.
