Small GSM retailers hurt by customers not paying mobile phone bills

The crisis hit small GSM retail chains significantly - they had to take some of the losses generated by clients who no longer paid their mobile phone subscriptions, says Mihai Cepeha, CEO of ProGsm retailer.

The abrupt rise in the number of unpaid mobile phone bills, combined with a decline in the number of new contracts and of mobile phone and accessories purchases significantly hurt small GSM retail chains, which had to restructure their operations drastically in order to stay on the market.
"Starting in March 2009 our sales target was missed month after month, we only managed to meet our target in May 2010," says Mihai Cepeha, manager of a small chain of stores in Moldova, summing up the problems faced in recession.