Vietnam Mobile World Smartwatch Project

Vietnam – Mobile World Watch Project Overview

Client Profile: MWG Group, along with its subsidiaries, specializes in the sales and maintenance of telephones, IT equipment and accessories, cameras, digital and electronic devices, home appliances, and related accessories throughout Vietnam.

With over 2,300 local 3C stores, MWG commands a 65% market share in Vietnam. The BEFIT brand, established in August 2020 by MWG Group, has quickly become a prominent name in smart wearables within the country. In May 2022, MWG is set to introduce an attractively priced smartwatch that combines a slim design with sporty, fashionable, and youthful aesthetics.

The Product Was Successfully Introduced to the Market, Commencing Local Sales and Media Promotion in Vietnam.

Following 25 days of collaborative efforts and coordination among LeelineSourcing, the manufacturing facility, and MWG, which included proofing and sample approval, coupled with a month dedicated to production processes (from raw material procurement and production quality checks to quality testing reports and pre-shipment inspections), the launch was achieved.

Following market research, the MWG client in Vietnam submitted a purchase request.

Due to feedback regarding unsatisfactory user experiences with the previous Befit S1 product launch, the client emphasized the necessity for LeelineSourcing to methodically resolve these critical issues for the upcoming Befit B3 project.

• Client’s Specification:

Target Market: Vietnam

Product: BEFIT BEU B3 Smartwatch

Quantity: 15,000 sets

Budget: $~$

Product Enhancements Required: Demo mode, high-end finish, and tailored optimization

Specific Requirements:

1. Development of an engaging demo mode to captivate offline customers.
2. Comprehensive customization of the APP and watch interface to align with the preferences and habits of the Vietnamese market.
3. Enhancement of the product’s texture and resolution of the gold oxidation issue.
4. Correction of identified functional shortcomings.
5. Personalization of packaging to suit the product and brand image.

Initiating Factory Selection and Sourcing

We engaged in initial conversations with three established factories from our trusted supplier network, focusing on product specifications, customization needs, and potential challenges.

Smartwatch Production Partner – Shenzhen **** Technology Co.

CPU Solution Provider – Shenzhen **** Technology Co.

The LeelineSourcing Team convened internally to establish a project group

Following detailed discussions with factories and communication of specifics with the client. The meeting led to the identification of several challenges that needed resolution:

– How to design the demo mode of the watch to match the client’s needs

Reason: Creating a demo mode for the watch tailored to the client’s requirements, essential for enhancing in-store customer engagement by showcasing the watch’s features in a continuous loop, similar to mobile phone displays in stores.

 1. This type of product has not been used as a demo product and there are few similar demo products on the market at this price point.

Solution:  Addressing the novelty of utilizing this product as a demo model given the scarcity of similar demo products in this price range on the market. A dedicated team was formed with the motherboard solution provider to analyze existing watch brands with demo modes. By leveraging the watch’s built-in UI, a dynamic demo software was crafted to comprehensively exhibit the watch’s functions.

2. How to balance the tipping point between demo products and conventional commercial products so that the demo product can be used as a commercial product without having an effect on the experience of the product itself?

Solution:  Finding the equilibrium between demo and regular commercial products to ensure the demo model could double as a commercial product without compromising user experience. The developed demo script, occupying minimal memory (8.3KB), does not affect the watch’s stored UI images and algorithms, remaining inaccessible to users unless disclosed.

3. If the watch is left in demo mode for a long time, this is bound to cause irreversible damage to the product’s battery. What should be done to solve the problem of aging and overcharging damage to the battery?

Solution: Addressing the potential for battery degradation if the watch remains in demo mode for extended periods, which could lead to overcharging and aging issues. An adaptive charging strategy was implemented to allow for trickle charging at high battery potentials, thereby minimizing the risk of high-current charging over long durations.

4. The existing watch charger is a wired charging cable, which conflicts with the placement of the display stand. (Imbalance in the focus of placement).

Solution:  Resolving the conflict between the existing wired charger and the display stand’s setup. A compatible carrier charger was identified to securely support the watch on the display stand.

– The problem of electroplating oxidation in zinc alloy watch cases.

Reason:  Tackling the issue of electroplating oxidation in zinc alloy watch cases, a significant challenge due to the preference for zinc alloy in affordable smartwatches for its cost-effectiveness and aesthetic appeal. Special emphasis was placed on solving gold oxidation, particularly for the Vietnamese market, where gold is highly favored.

Solutions:

A. Internal Solutions:

1. Comprehensive cleaning processes were employed to remove material debris, chemical residues, and static electricity from the zinc alloy surfaces post-CNC machining. The cases underwent copper plating to enhance adhesion and corrosion resistance, followed by nickel plating for increased durability and chrome plating to boost rust resistance and surface smoothness.
2. Post-plating, assembly workers wore gloves to prevent any marks on the freshly plated cases. Each case then underwent a 72-hour salt spray test to ensure durability.
3. An anti-fingerprint coating was applied to the cases post-plating to prevent smudges and oxidation, improving the tactile experience without affecting the case’s appearance.
4. A thorough inspection was conducted for all incoming cases to ensure electroplating standards were met.

B. External Solutions:

1. To prevent oxidation, a desiccant packet was included in each package, and the packaging was securely sealed to keep the watches dry and isolated from external oxygen.
2. The outer packaging was reinforced with multiple layers of transparent film to protect against damage and moisture, further isolating the products from oxygen and extending their shelf life.

– Addressing watch strap oxidation:

Solution:  UV modification of silicone straps was employed to cure the silicone surface, enhancing its durability and preventing dust accumulation without the need for additional materials, offering a more sustainable solution.

1. Elevating the e-commerce appeal to mirror big-brand aesthetics:
2. The base of the original watch was upgraded using the IML process to enhance durability and visual appeal, ensuring long-lasting color and a smooth touch.
3. The watch strap was crafted from liquid silicone for a superior feel and look.

Packaging Enhancements:

1. The packaging design was revamped to a minimalist, white theme to appeal to a younger, fashion-forward demographic, with structural improvements to the EVA material for better support and aesthetics.
2. A custom transparent blister layer was added to the packaging for added protection and visual appeal, inspired by leading mobile phone brand packaging practices, enhancing both protection and presentation.

LeelineSourcing Colin Organized The First Version of The Sample Output.

Colin from LeelineSourcing, serving as the procurement agent, coordinated with the motherboard solution provider **** and the smartwatch manufacturer ****. They held discussions to determine and set the groundwork for the initial sample production, covering aspects like material quality, manufacturing processes, customization specifics, packaging guidelines, and quality acceptance criteria.

Sample Confirmation within 25 Days

Over a span of 25 days, we delved deeply into the client’s specifications, meticulously refining every aspect for optimal enhancement. Our goal was to ensure the client received precise data feedback, an intuitive user interface, and a comfortable wearing experience.

All modifications, functional enhancements, and packaging nuances were verified with the client through video conferencing. Following this, a pre-production sample was dispatched via DHL for the client’s final approval.

Order Confirmation and Shipment.

On March 20th, 2022, following the client’s review and approval of the samples, an order was placed with LeelineSourcing with a request for delivery to the designated logistics center within 30 days.

By April 20th, 2022, we conducted individual inspections at each of the three factories. Upon successful spot checks, we instructed the factories to proceed with shipping, completed the necessary export documentation, and declared the goods for shipment.