R
Ray Stafford
Hi All
As I have mentioned on other threads, we are working on an ecommerce site to sit alongside our brick and mortar business.
I have been doing some research in the last week, particularly looking at sites offering boilers and other heating products online.
The ones I have researched most thoroughly are Plumbnation, Discounted Heating, Boilers2Go, BHL, Direct Heating Supplies, PTS CEN and Ultimate Discount (also known as Mr Central Heating and Compass).
I have been looking at their prices, delivery costs and times etc, but what I can't tell easily is the quality of service that they give.
A few questions:
1) Do any of you use them occasionally/regularly?
2) If so, what is the service like?
3) If you don't, is there any reason why not?
4) I see that most of them say 3-5 day delivery. Is that any good? I had expected to offer next day delivery, or 48 hours latest for orders placed late. Are we trying too hard?
5) Have I missed any really important ones? (I also have a Plumbfix book). There are loads out there, but most seem to be offering either indifferent pricing or a narrow product range.
Our aim is to set up an ecommerce site that mirrors our normal business - ie trade-only, human service, known brands, cheap nett prices, no frills. Although anyone will be able to view the site, prices and "buy now" will be hidden unless you log in, and you will only be allowed access if you are genuinely in the trade. That allows our trade customers to show the end user what they are getting, without compromising the trade prices. (although to be honest, on boilers particularly, there ain't much in it). Existing Williams customers will get access by using their account ID, and GSRs by using their GSR number and postcode - we can automate this. Others potential customers will need to prove their trade status manually.
We also want to make it a bit more human than the average web-purchase experience, so we will encourage people to call us, and we will actively try to call customers with queries about their orders - rather than email or text.
I would be interested in any views - what you love about sites you buy from, and what you hate about others.
When we are closer to launching, we will also be looking for a small and select band of site testers to give us feedback before we launch, and to test the various carriers and packaging. There will be some freebies etc for those who help, so PM me if you are interested. (But it will require some work, and being prepared to engage in some real transactions).
One final question - would the fact that we sponsor the forum make you more likely/less likely to trade online with us? Or no difference? You can answer that privately in a PM if you prefer 🙂
Thanks in advance.
Ray
As I have mentioned on other threads, we are working on an ecommerce site to sit alongside our brick and mortar business.
I have been doing some research in the last week, particularly looking at sites offering boilers and other heating products online.
The ones I have researched most thoroughly are Plumbnation, Discounted Heating, Boilers2Go, BHL, Direct Heating Supplies, PTS CEN and Ultimate Discount (also known as Mr Central Heating and Compass).
I have been looking at their prices, delivery costs and times etc, but what I can't tell easily is the quality of service that they give.
A few questions:
1) Do any of you use them occasionally/regularly?
2) If so, what is the service like?
3) If you don't, is there any reason why not?
4) I see that most of them say 3-5 day delivery. Is that any good? I had expected to offer next day delivery, or 48 hours latest for orders placed late. Are we trying too hard?
5) Have I missed any really important ones? (I also have a Plumbfix book). There are loads out there, but most seem to be offering either indifferent pricing or a narrow product range.
Our aim is to set up an ecommerce site that mirrors our normal business - ie trade-only, human service, known brands, cheap nett prices, no frills. Although anyone will be able to view the site, prices and "buy now" will be hidden unless you log in, and you will only be allowed access if you are genuinely in the trade. That allows our trade customers to show the end user what they are getting, without compromising the trade prices. (although to be honest, on boilers particularly, there ain't much in it). Existing Williams customers will get access by using their account ID, and GSRs by using their GSR number and postcode - we can automate this. Others potential customers will need to prove their trade status manually.
We also want to make it a bit more human than the average web-purchase experience, so we will encourage people to call us, and we will actively try to call customers with queries about their orders - rather than email or text.
I would be interested in any views - what you love about sites you buy from, and what you hate about others.
When we are closer to launching, we will also be looking for a small and select band of site testers to give us feedback before we launch, and to test the various carriers and packaging. There will be some freebies etc for those who help, so PM me if you are interested. (But it will require some work, and being prepared to engage in some real transactions).
One final question - would the fact that we sponsor the forum make you more likely/less likely to trade online with us? Or no difference? You can answer that privately in a PM if you prefer 🙂
Thanks in advance.
Ray
