MAM
Sony to give VAIO a Rs 500 mn marketing push
MUMBAI: Sony India will be spending Rs 500 million on marketing its popular laptop brand VAIO as it pushes for a doubling in sales this year.
Sony will launch a new campaign, “More Colour. More Style”, with its brand ambassador Kareena Kapoor. It has allocated Rs 250 million for this campaign, leaving the other half to be spent on other promotional activities.
The brand campaign will be supported with above-the-line (ATL) and below-the-line (BTL) activities, including print and television commercial, Web, PR, cinema and shop-front.
Sony India MD Masaru Tamagawa said, “VAIO contributes 20 per cent to the total sales revenue of Sony India and, hence, is a very important part of our business. This year, our objective is to ensure that we offer a VAIO to meet the lifestyle requirements of every customer. We have an exciting product line-up of 62 models, a robust distribution network of 1500 outlets and heavy marketing investment of Rs 500 million to reach our business target of 500,000 units this year.”
Last year, Sony sold 250,000 units of VAIO and achieved a market share of 15 per cent. The company targets a 20 per cent share this year.
Kapoor said, “The essence of this new campaign is uniqueness, so there is VAIO to suit every style and speak every mood.”
Sony said it has a favourable record of Kapoor-led VAIO campaigns, doubling the sales of VAIO both the times. She was seen in 2009 (‘Size Zero’ campaign) and 2010 (VAIO E ‘Go Vivid’ campaign).
“The campaign is all about making a lifestyle statement and with Kapoor as the face of this campaign, we hope it will resonate well with our customers,”Tamagawa said.
Sony boasts of a laptop product line-up of 62 models, available in 16 different colours.
Sony is also ramping up its distribution network. “The distribution network will see an increase of about 700 outlets, raising the count to 1500 this year from 800 in the previous year. The company will also open 30 exclusive VAIO flagship stores this year, taking the total number to 50 as a dedicated VAIO channel,” said Tamagawa.
When you plan to buy medical insurance for your family, the first question is often about savings. You may assume that buying online automatically means paying less, but that is only part of the picture. The real issue is not just whether the premium looks lower, but whether the policy gives you suitable family health insurance without adding avoidable costs later.
Buying online can sometimes appear more budget-friendly because you can compare plans, review features, and complete the process without depending entirely on offline assistance.
Still, a lower visible price does not always mean better value. To understand whether you can truly save more, you need to look at the full buying experience and the policy terms together.
Why Online Purchase Can Look More Economical
When you explore family health insurance online, you usually get access to plan details in a more direct and organised way. This can make the buying journey feel simpler and more transparent.
A few reasons online purchases may seem cost-effective include:
● Easier comparison of policy features
● Direct access to premium details
● The ability to review inclusions and exclusions at your own pace
● Fewer chances of making a rushed decision
● More control over the plan selection process
This does not mean every online option is automatically cheaper. It simply means the online route may help you assess choices more carefully, and that itself can influence how much value you get from the policy you choose.
Saving Money is Not Only About a Lower Premium
A lower premium often catches your attention first, but that should not be the only measure of savings. If you buy medical insurance based only on what looks affordable at the start, you may overlook conditions that matter later.
A family health insurance policy should be judged on overall value, including:
● The scope of cover
● Waiting period terms
● Exclusions
● Room eligibility conditions
● Sub-limits, if any
● Claim-related terms
● Renewal conditions
If the premium is lower but the policy has stricter internal conditions, the apparent saving may not feel meaningful when you actually need hospitalisation support.
So, the better question is not only whether online purchase costs less, but whether it helps you select a plan that remains financially sensible over time.
Comparing Plans Online Can Prevent Overspending
One clear advantage of the online route is that it allows you to compare different options without pressure. This can help you avoid paying for features you may not need or missing features that matter for your family.
Before you buy medical insurance online, look closely at:
● Who can be covered under the plan
● How the sum insured works for the family
● Whether day care procedures are included
● How pre-existing illness rules are explained
● Whether add-ons are optional or built in
● How clearly the policy wording is presented
This level of comparison can support better decision-making. In many cases, savings come not only from the premium itself but from choosing a policy with fewer surprises.
Online Discounts Should be Viewed Carefully
Online discounts can make a plan look attractive, but they should always be read alongside the policy details. A discount may reduce the upfront cost, yet the true worth of the policy depends on what it covers and how it responds during a claim.
When reviewing discounted online plans, check whether the policy has:
● Treatment-specific limits
● Room rent restrictions
● Co-payment clauses
● Disease-wise waiting periods
● Claim deductions linked to the hospital category
● Limited cover for selected benefits
These points are important because a policy that looks cheaper at purchase may involve more out-of-pocket spending later. That is why discount-led buying should be replaced with detail-led buying.
Final Thoughts
Yes, buying online can sometimes help you save more when choosing family health insurance, but only if you look beyond the headline price. The online route may give you better visibility, easier comparison, and more time to review the policy terms.
That can support smarter choices and may reduce the chances of paying for a plan that does not suit your family well.
If you want to buy medical insurance online, treat savings as more than a discount. The real advantage lies in choosing family health insurance that balances affordability, clarity, and meaningful coverage for your household.
