Samsung Malaysia executed a comprehensive promotional campaign for the Galaxy Note9 in 2018, characterized by nationwide roadshows and a structured trade-in program. These initiatives provided consumers with significant incentives to purchase the flagship device, primarily through bundled freebies and trade-up credits.
Galaxy Note9 Nationwide Roadshows and Freebies
Following the initial pre-order phase for the Galaxy Note9, which began on August 9, 2018, Samsung Malaysia extended its promotional efforts through a series of nationwide roadshows. These events took place across various locations from August 30 through September 16, 2018. The primary incentive for consumers attending these roadshows was the availability of complimentary gifts with the purchase of the new device.
While stocks lasted, customers who purchased the Galaxy Note9 at these roadshows were eligible to receive a set of freebies with a total value of RM459. The specific items included in this bundle were: * A Samsung Screen Protection programme (valued at RM140). * An anti-theft backpack (valued at RM199). * A Samsung selfie-stick tripod with an integrated phone holder (valued at RM156).
These roadshows were held at specific shopping malls, including One Utama in Petaling Jaya, Setia City Mall in Shah Alam, Gurney Plaza in Penang, Ipoh Parade in Perak, Batu Pahat Mall in Johor, and The Spring in Kuching. Although the dates varied slightly by location, the overall campaign window covered the end of August through mid-September 2018. To encourage attendance and engagement, the roadshows featured experiential zones where potential buyers could test the Galaxy Note9’s capabilities, such as the enhanced S Pen functionality (including its use as a remote control), the Dual Aperture rear camera, and the device's substantial internal storage capacity.
Trade-Up Programme for Purchase Credit
In conjunction with the roadshows, Samsung continued its Trade-Up programme to facilitate device acquisition. This program allowed consumers to exchange their existing smartphones for credit toward the purchase of a Galaxy Note9. The trade-in initiative accepted devices from a wide variety of popular manufacturers, including Apple, Huawei, Oppo, Vivo, and Samsung’s own other models.
Depending on the condition and specific model of the smartphone being traded in, consumers could receive up to RM3,200 off the purchase price of the new Galaxy Note9. Samsung provided a comprehensive list of eligible phones and their corresponding trade-in values to assist customers in evaluating their options.
Context of Samsung Malaysia Promotions
The Galaxy Note9 promotion occurred within a broader timeline of Samsung Malaysia’s consumer incentives. For instance, in 2020, the company launched a pre-order campaign for the Galaxy S10 Lite, Note 10 Lite, A71, and A51. Pre-ordering the Galaxy S10 Lite during that specific window entitled the buyer to a complimentary Galaxy Fit wearable. Similarly, pre-ordering the Galaxy A71 or A51 granted a Protection Plus plan, which included a one-year extended warranty and one-time screen protection.
Later, in November 2022, Samsung Malaysia ran the "Joyous Galaxy Gifting" campaign. This promotion offered various rewards, such as the Galaxy Watch4, Samsung Care+ extended warranties, and protective film replacements, depending on the specific Galaxy device purchased. Additionally, in May of an unspecified year, Samsung offered limited-time instant rebates ranging from RM200 to RM400 on Smart Monitors, accessible via the Samsung Members app.
While these later promotions demonstrate Samsung's continued strategy of bundling accessories and services with hardware purchases, the 2018 Galaxy Note9 roadshows remain a distinct example of physical events providing immediate tangible freebies to consumers in Malaysia.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy Note9 launch in Malaysia was supported by a robust promotional infrastructure that included both physical roadshows and financial incentives via trade-ins. The roadshows served not only as a sales channel but also as an experiential marketing venue, offering free accessories worth RM459 to early adopters. The Trade-Up programme complemented this by offering substantial credit for older devices, making the flagship phone more accessible to a wider range of consumers.