Is it possible to bridge the gap between global commerce and the needs of everyday Cubans, fostering economic growth while ensuring accessibility? Copextel, a Cuban company, is actively working to answer this question by offering a diverse range of products and services through online platforms, opening up new avenues for both consumers and businesses.
Copextel, a name that resonates with many Cubans, stands as a provider of comprehensive solutions, specializing in office automation, telecommunications, electromechanics, and energy. Its products are available through various channels, including the e-commerce platform Enzona and virtual stores based overseas. This strategic approach allows Copextel to tap into a global market while also catering to the specific demands of the Cuban populace.
The company's online store, developed using the Angular framework, facilitates business-to-consumer (B2C) and business-to-business (B2B) transactions, offering a user-friendly interface for its clientele. It showcases a wide array of products, from hybrid televisions and decoder boxes to induction and gas cookers, rice cookers, and pressure cookers. Moreover, the inventory extends to carpentry items and furniture, providing a one-stop shop for diverse household needs.
To further illustrate Copextel's offerings, consider the following table:
| Category | Products | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | Hybrid Televisions, Decoder Boxes, Bulbs LED, Electronic Protectors | High-demand items available through various online platforms. |
| Appliances | Induction Cookers, Gas Cookers, Rice Cookers, Pressure Cookers, Refrigerators, Microwaves, Washing Machines, Dryers | Available through online stores, providing options for modern living. |
| Furniture and Home Goods | Carpentry Items, Furniture, Mattresses, Office Supplies | Offered through the Copextel online store (TOC) in national currency. |
| Food and Groceries | Combos of Food, Hygiene Products | Available through online platforms, catering to essential needs. |
| Miscellaneous | Clothing, Leather Goods, Tools, Pet Accessories, Systems Photovoltaics | A broader range of products available for varied consumer needs. |
Moreover, Copextel has partnered with Haitech to launch an online store (Caimn 53) since December 2022. This platform specializes in offering appliances, electronic equipment, and essential goods to customers in Cuba. Customers can make purchases from anywhere in the world using Visa or Mastercard, with deliveries typically taking approximately 20 business days. Another avenue for purchasing is through www.compraspacuba.com, where high-demand products are available.
The online store operated by Copextel (TOC) provides a range of products in national currency, including electronics, hardware, furniture, and office supplies. Furthermore, plans were in place to introduce photovoltaic systems and induction cookers in 2022, diversifying its product portfolio to meet evolving consumer needs. These online platforms enable Cubans to access a wider variety of products from both domestic and international markets, helping to modernize the country's retail landscape.
The offerings extend beyond just electronics and appliances. Customers can find everything from food and beverages to clothing, leather goods, furniture, hygiene products, tools, and even pet accessories. The goal is to create a comprehensive online shopping experience for Cubans, ensuring that essential goods and modern conveniences are readily accessible.
The service extends to all provinces and municipalities in Cuba, demonstrating a commitment to nationwide accessibility. Payment is facilitated through Visa and Mastercard, making transactions straightforward for a global clientele. Delivery times are optimized, with orders typically arriving within 3 to 5 business days in the capital and 10 to 21 business days in other regions, although often sooner. This efficiency ensures that customers receive their purchases promptly.
For those seeking to send gifts or necessities to family and friends in Cuba, the online stores offer a reliable solution, covering the entire island. In addition to home delivery, Copextel offers in-store pickup options, providing customers with flexibility and potentially better pricing and service within the Cuban market for shipments.
The prices displayed are for retail sales to individuals. However, Copextel also caters to wholesale clients, including entities and management forms with existing contracts. This multi-faceted approach ensures that Copextel meets the demands of both individual consumers and business partners.
For any inquiries, customer service is available through the contact numbers provided on the website. Customers are encouraged to visit the Copextel point of sale at the Machetazo store, located on Aguilera Street between Padre Pico and Corona streets, to familiarize themselves with the products before making a purchase. Contact can also be made by phone at 22643633 or 22653550.
While Copextel's initiatives are generally welcomed, some perspectives highlight potential challenges. Concerns have been raised about whether the company's services will truly address the needs of the broader population or whether they might primarily benefit those with greater financial resources. This raises the question of how to ensure fair access and prevent opportunities for exploitation.
Product options and delivery speeds can vary based on the destination within Cuba, catering to the unique logistical realities of each region. Copextel is also focusing on a more customer-centric approach by integrating "access my account" options.
The company also offers a one-stop-shop experience by including food, beverages, appliances, hygiene products, gifts, toys, and computers to any location in Cuba. This enables customers to send anything from essential items to gifts to their families and friends. Copextel supports its customers to find their purchasing options in national stores like Copextel, CIMEX or Tiendas Caribe (TRD), choosing between payments in CUP or MLC based on the store. This includes the opportunity to explore online shopping alternatives within Cuba or internationally. The goal is to enhance access to essential goods and services through both domestic and international channels.
The territorial division of Copextel in Granma is actively engaged in e-commerce. They are marketing electronic products for Cuba and the rest of the world through the internet. Products for sale include everything from rice cookers to electric fans, two-burner gas stoves, 32-inch hybrid televisions, set-top boxes, LED bulbs, and electrical protectors, among many other items. The goal is to meet growing consumer demand by making these products more accessible and convenient to purchase.
The website also notes that the e-commerce division of Santiago de Cuba is in operation. The site acts as an online shopping center by coordinating its actions with relevant entities. The platform strives to offer various services, improving the convenience of shopping and overall customer service.
The commitment of Copextel is evident in its multifaceted approach to digital commerce. By offering a diverse product range, facilitating secure payment options, and ensuring timely delivery, Copextel endeavors to enhance the shopping experience for Cubans. The company strives to connect people with essential and desired goods through its online platforms, improving accessibility and providing opportunities for economic participation.
