DM News reports that The Direct Marketing Association filed a lawsuit in federal court June 30 claiming a Colorado law requiring out-of-state marketers and multichannel merchants to charge state tax and deliver customer information to state officials (which we have reported on several times here) is unconstitutional.
“The law forces out-of-state marketers to keep records and contact every Colorado consumer at the end of the year with what they've purchased, and then send a report to state of Colorado listing names, addresses and how much each state residents spent in the previous year with that retailer,” said Jerry Cerasale, SVP of government affairs at the DMA. “From a consumer standpoint it violates privacy, because in some cases just the name of company will tell what was purchased. We see that as violation of consumers' privacy.”
The case was filed by Lewiston, ME-based law firm Brann & Isaacson, which Cerasale said has long handled the DMA's taxes,
“There are eight different counts in this complaint, and one of the counts is based upon the Quill vs. North Dakota standard that established limitations on the scope of the state's regulatory rights over out-of-state companies, specifically finding that in connection with sales and use taxes, the company must have a physical presence in a state before it can be subject to that regulation,” explained George S. Isaacson, tax counsel for the DMA and senior partner at Brann & Isaacson.
In addition to the 1992 Quill case, there is ample precedent for the other seven counts in Supreme Court case history, Isaacson said.
The current law, which became effective March 1 after it passed the Colorado General Assembly as part of the state's budget plan, also requires out-of-state marketers to send a list of purchases to Colorado residents detailing what each consumer bought, as well as a report to the state of Colorado with names, addresses and amount spent.
The suit is being funded in part by money raised by the DMA and the American Catalog Mailers Association.
Isaacson said the state has notified the firm that the case will be accepted tomorrow. At that time, the state of Colorado has 21 days to file a response to the complaint.
The bill's sponsor, state Sen. Rollie Heath, a Democrat, told the Associated Press in February that lawmakers are protecting in-state stores that contribute property taxes.
“There's no new tax,” Heath told the AP. “We're just collecting what's already on the books.”
* * * * * *
betanews reports that: On July 1 Rep. William Delahunt (D-MA) introduced the "Main Street Fairness Act" in Congress that would allow states to collect sales tax for online purchases. The bill, H.R 5660 is described as an attempt to "promote simplification and fairness in the administration and collection of sales and use taxes, and for other purposes."
The bill was praised by the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) yesterday as an equalizer that creates a level playing field for all sellers, regardless of their status as a brick-and-mortar retailer or as a purely online seller.
"Congressman Delahunt's willingness to work with everyone involved in the sales tax simplification effort is to be commended," said Iowa Representative Christopher Rants, co-chair of the NCSL Task Force on State & Local Taxation of Communications and Electronic Commerce. "With the adoption of the Delahunt legislation, at a time when states are facing historic budget gaps, Congress can provide fiscal relief, $23 billion, for the states without a single penny of cost to the federal government."
Online retailer eBay today, however, aired its opposition to the legislation.
"Year after year supporters of increased Internet sales taxes recommend legislation that would impose significant new costs on hundreds of thousands of online small businesses and ecommerce entrepreneurs, which is sure to harm the economy and kill small business jobs," a statement from the online auction company said today. "At a time when unemployment rates are high and small businesses across the country are closing shop, we are confident that Congress will protect small internet retailers and the consumers they serve from another Internet tax scheme."
To date, 24 states have enacted similar legislation that requires collection of sales tax records from all remote sellers not qualifying for the small business exception. Some of these are being challenged on the state level as well.
+ + + + + + +
CNet News has some good additional insights on this developing story.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Network Solutions Offers New SEO Service
Network Solutions has introduced "nsMarketing SEO for Ecommerce," a "do-it-for-me" solution featuring search engine optimization (SEO) for product groups designed to meet the distinct needs and tight budgets of those who sell products online.
nsMarketing™ SEO for Ecommerce begins with a website analysis provided by an expert SEO developer. From the analysis a custom roadmap of activities is developed based on the site content and budget parameters, and is presented to the online retailer. The strategic monthly onsite and offsite activities are designed to improve the eCommerce Website and build quality links.
The overall objective of the roadmap is to boost search engine rankings, drive more traffic to the site, and increase onsite conversions.
Some of the activities may include: writing new product descriptions that contain targeted keywords; adding title tags; updating or adding page content; submitting to directories; writing blog posts; writing and distributing articles and press releases; and engaging in social media activities, as well as other custom onsite and offsite improvements.
Network Solutions SEO for Ecommerce offers these advantages for business owners who sell online:
* Affordability: one-time site analysis fee, starting at $300, and flexible monthly budgets, as low as $500
* Flexibility: monthly budgets can be increased or decreased, and product groups can be added or changed at any time to accommodate the budget and marketing plans of the customer.
* Ongoing, custom SEO management: Network Solutions experts select, monitor, and adjust keywords over time to drive best results.
* Trackable progress: customers have access to real-time reporting through their online Account Manager.
"Our research found that online retailers have not had access to an affordable search engine optimization product tailored exclusively to their business model," said Jennifer Dobberfuhl, product manager for Network Solutions. "The process of optimizing for many keywords within product groups, combined with the ability to modify keywords and monthly budget allocation makes this an ideal solution for online retailers."
Customer service is a key focus of this new offering. Customers work with a dedicated Network Solutions Account Manager who will address issues and field questions; and all activity is tracked and reported in the online Account Manager so the customer can view activities and their results at any time.
It doesn't look like there are any deep, dark secrets to SEO management with nsSEO for Ecommerce, but there is the distinct advantage of having an experienced outsider work on the project at a very reasonable price (especially since they can give you a focus on product groups, which is very useful, to say the least), and an Account Manager that will keep the project going consistently. If you wing it in-house (assuming you don't already have your own in-house expertise), you are more likely to get off to an unpromising start (by neglecting something important) and then not following through over time. So it's definitely worth exploring.
By the way, for those "rolling their own," here are some free resources: Free SEO Tools
nsMarketing™ SEO for Ecommerce begins with a website analysis provided by an expert SEO developer. From the analysis a custom roadmap of activities is developed based on the site content and budget parameters, and is presented to the online retailer. The strategic monthly onsite and offsite activities are designed to improve the eCommerce Website and build quality links.
The overall objective of the roadmap is to boost search engine rankings, drive more traffic to the site, and increase onsite conversions.
Some of the activities may include: writing new product descriptions that contain targeted keywords; adding title tags; updating or adding page content; submitting to directories; writing blog posts; writing and distributing articles and press releases; and engaging in social media activities, as well as other custom onsite and offsite improvements.
Network Solutions SEO for Ecommerce offers these advantages for business owners who sell online:
* Affordability: one-time site analysis fee, starting at $300, and flexible monthly budgets, as low as $500
* Flexibility: monthly budgets can be increased or decreased, and product groups can be added or changed at any time to accommodate the budget and marketing plans of the customer.
* Ongoing, custom SEO management: Network Solutions experts select, monitor, and adjust keywords over time to drive best results.
* Trackable progress: customers have access to real-time reporting through their online Account Manager.
"Our research found that online retailers have not had access to an affordable search engine optimization product tailored exclusively to their business model," said Jennifer Dobberfuhl, product manager for Network Solutions. "The process of optimizing for many keywords within product groups, combined with the ability to modify keywords and monthly budget allocation makes this an ideal solution for online retailers."
Customer service is a key focus of this new offering. Customers work with a dedicated Network Solutions Account Manager who will address issues and field questions; and all activity is tracked and reported in the online Account Manager so the customer can view activities and their results at any time.
It doesn't look like there are any deep, dark secrets to SEO management with nsSEO for Ecommerce, but there is the distinct advantage of having an experienced outsider work on the project at a very reasonable price (especially since they can give you a focus on product groups, which is very useful, to say the least), and an Account Manager that will keep the project going consistently. If you wing it in-house (assuming you don't already have your own in-house expertise), you are more likely to get off to an unpromising start (by neglecting something important) and then not following through over time. So it's definitely worth exploring.
By the way, for those "rolling their own," here are some free resources: Free SEO Tools
A SaaS Model for 3PLs
Adrian Gonazlez contributed the following to the Logistics Viewpoints blog:
Time-to-value is among the most important criterion companies look for today when investing in software. It is one of the main reasons why software-as-a service (SaaS) has gained so much traction in recent years, especially in the transportation management systems (TMS) market. And during this recession, as customers have become more risk adverse and more focused on quick ROI, even traditional enterprise software vendors like SAP have aligned their product offerings and messaging around “easy-to-consume” solutions.
Time-to-value, however, has not caught on as much in the 3PL industry. The 3PL evaluation and selection process often takes many months to complete, sometimes more than a year. And the rollout, in many cases, is no different than a “big-bang” ERP implementation: long, painful, and risky.
Has the time come for the 3PL industry [and third-party fulfillment sector] to develop a SaaS equivalent—i.e., an easy-to-consume, quick (less than a year) time-to-value service offering?
...if you are a 3PL, ask yourself these questions:
Time-to-value is among the most important criterion companies look for today when investing in software. It is one of the main reasons why software-as-a service (SaaS) has gained so much traction in recent years, especially in the transportation management systems (TMS) market. And during this recession, as customers have become more risk adverse and more focused on quick ROI, even traditional enterprise software vendors like SAP have aligned their product offerings and messaging around “easy-to-consume” solutions.
Time-to-value, however, has not caught on as much in the 3PL industry. The 3PL evaluation and selection process often takes many months to complete, sometimes more than a year. And the rollout, in many cases, is no different than a “big-bang” ERP implementation: long, painful, and risky.
Has the time come for the 3PL industry [and third-party fulfillment sector] to develop a SaaS equivalent—i.e., an easy-to-consume, quick (less than a year) time-to-value service offering?
...if you are a 3PL, ask yourself these questions:
- Do we have service offerings that are “easy to consume” and provide quick time-to-value or is our sole focus on selling big ticket, large scope, hand-everything-to-us offerings that are risky and time-consuming to implement? There is still a market for the latter, but the market for quick time-to-value offerings is even greater.
- How can we package together some of our existing IT capabilities, assets, partnerships, and talent to create quick time-to-value service offerings? For example, can we create a service that combines all of these elements, priced in a subscription model, to help companies gain greater control and visibility of their inbound operations?
- If we are increasingly competing against software vendors, and we sell to the same audience, what is our response to their time-to-value proposition?
16 Multichannel Marketing Myths
Kevin Hillstrom, President of MineThatData and one of the leading practitioners in the multichannel marketing field, has a myth-busting, "Emperor's New Clothes" post on his MineThatData blog. Here's the list of "myths," many of which may surprise you. I urge you read the blog itself to benefit from Kevin's authoritative insights:
Myth: E-Mail marketing has the best ROI (return on investment)
Myth: Multichannel customers are the best customers
Myth: E-Mail and Social Media are the Dynamic Duo
Myth: Brands utilizing Social CRM are reaping rewards
Myth: Bricks 'n Clicks are the future of marketing
Myth: Customer Centricity is the key to increased profit
Myth: Customers love interacting with brands on social media
Myth: Customer Engagement is the key to unlocking profit in a one-to-one world
Myth: E-Commerce is the future
Myth: You'll be out of business in five years if you don't jump on the social media bandwagon
Myth: Integrated campaigns are the secret to success
Myth: Businesses fail because decisions are made by the highest paid person's opinion (HiPPO)
Myth: If you had the right metrics posted on a dashboard, executives would make better decisions, and the business would be more successful
Myth: If you continually test and optimize your Website, your business will significantly outperform the competition
Myth: Make cultivating your social media presence a ten-minute task
I don't think there are any "sacred cows" left standing here, do you? Be sure to read Kevin's pithy insights in his MineThatData blog entry to see just how compellingly he debunks these myths, and how knowing what to measure and how to measure it trumps the blue smoke of trendy buzzword bingo every time!
Myth: E-Mail marketing has the best ROI (return on investment)
Myth: Multichannel customers are the best customers
Myth: E-Mail and Social Media are the Dynamic Duo
Myth: Brands utilizing Social CRM are reaping rewards
Myth: Bricks 'n Clicks are the future of marketing
Myth: Customer Centricity is the key to increased profit
Myth: Customers love interacting with brands on social media
Myth: Customer Engagement is the key to unlocking profit in a one-to-one world
Myth: E-Commerce is the future
Myth: You'll be out of business in five years if you don't jump on the social media bandwagon
Myth: Integrated campaigns are the secret to success
Myth: Businesses fail because decisions are made by the highest paid person's opinion (HiPPO)
Myth: If you had the right metrics posted on a dashboard, executives would make better decisions, and the business would be more successful
Myth: If you continually test and optimize your Website, your business will significantly outperform the competition
Myth: Make cultivating your social media presence a ten-minute task
I don't think there are any "sacred cows" left standing here, do you? Be sure to read Kevin's pithy insights in his MineThatData blog entry to see just how compellingly he debunks these myths, and how knowing what to measure and how to measure it trumps the blue smoke of trendy buzzword bingo every time!
Theory Implements Demandware eCommerce Platform
Demandware, Inc., a global leader in on-demand eCommerce, has announced that Theory, the global fashion brand, recently launched a new online retail site using the Demandware eCommerce platform. The site is Theory's first foray into eCommerce and part of a broader strategy for expanding its reach to dedicated consumers.
Theory required an eCommerce platform that would enable it to get to market quickly and provide the flexibility and control to translate the distinctive Theory brand experience found in stores to the online channel.
SiteGenesis and LINK
Theory selected Demandware because its SiteGenesis pre-built storefront application and LINK integrations made it possible to develop a best-in-class eCommerce site quickly and efficiently. In addition, Demandware's robust merchandising tools, multisite capabilities and proven scalability provide Theory with all of the functionality it needs to support its fast-growing global business.
"Theory is known for its iconic fit and a sophisticated approach to the modern wardrobe. We wanted a platform that enables us to provide an integrated content, commerce and branding experience that matches our aesthetic and innovative approach," said Tracey Strauss, vice president of eCommerce at Theory. "Demandware delivers the tools to develop an eCommerce site that conveys a sophisticated brand interaction, yet does not require us to get mired in technology infrastructure. It simply lets us focus on delivering the best consumer experience possible. We now have the foundation and confidence to move forward with deploying multiple ecommerce sites."
Fast Time-to-Market
The site was developed using the SiteGenesis pre-built storefront application included in Demandware eCommerce. The SiteGenesis storefront includes best practices in usability, site merchandising and technical architecture, along with hundreds of apparel-optimized ecommerce features. Theory leveraged the SiteGenesis storefront as a starting point for building its new site, and then fully customized it to meet unique requirements.
In addition, Theory tapped Demandware LINK to access pre-built integrations to leading third-party technologies from Adobe Scene7 and CyberSource, significantly reducing the cost and complexity of integrating these technologies.
"We're delighted to welcome Theory to the Demandware community," said Jamus Driscoll, vice president of marketing at Demandware. "Demandware is a perfect solution for brand manufacturers such as Theory who are new to eCommerce. Without the burden of expensive IT infrastructure and maintenance, Theory got its site up and running quickly, and focused on merchandising the high value of the brand and products to its customers."
Theory required an eCommerce platform that would enable it to get to market quickly and provide the flexibility and control to translate the distinctive Theory brand experience found in stores to the online channel.
SiteGenesis and LINK
Theory selected Demandware because its SiteGenesis pre-built storefront application and LINK integrations made it possible to develop a best-in-class eCommerce site quickly and efficiently. In addition, Demandware's robust merchandising tools, multisite capabilities and proven scalability provide Theory with all of the functionality it needs to support its fast-growing global business.
Fast Time-to-Market
The site was developed using the SiteGenesis pre-built storefront application included in Demandware eCommerce. The SiteGenesis storefront includes best practices in usability, site merchandising and technical architecture, along with hundreds of apparel-optimized ecommerce features. Theory leveraged the SiteGenesis storefront as a starting point for building its new site, and then fully customized it to meet unique requirements.
In addition, Theory tapped Demandware LINK to access pre-built integrations to leading third-party technologies from Adobe Scene7 and CyberSource, significantly reducing the cost and complexity of integrating these technologies.
"We're delighted to welcome Theory to the Demandware community," said Jamus Driscoll, vice president of marketing at Demandware. "Demandware is a perfect solution for brand manufacturers such as Theory who are new to eCommerce. Without the burden of expensive IT infrastructure and maintenance, Theory got its site up and running quickly, and focused on merchandising the high value of the brand and products to its customers."
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Alibaba Buys Vendio
The Wall Street Journal reports: Chinese Web giant Alibaba.com agreed to acquire e-commerce services provider Vendio Services Inc., marking the company's first U.S. acquisition.
The acquisition of Vendio, which helps merchants sell their goods on sites such as Amazon.com and eBay is part of Alibaba's larger push to penetrate the U.S. Terms weren't disclosed. David Wei, chief executive of Alibaba.com, said he is looking for similar opportunities to expand the company's "B2B2C," or business-to-business-to-commerce, model in the U.S, but added that while Alibaba runs Taobao, China's largest Internet retail platform, the company has no plans to expand into the U.S. online retail market.
Accoring to Alibaba., the deal will give the company access to more than 80,000 small U.S. businesses, most of which have not previously used online supplier services to source products and materials.
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Enewsletter practical ecommerce adds these insights:
PEC: Why did Alibaba purchase Vendio?
David Wei, CEO, Alibaba: “Vendio supports over 80,000 small and medium online retailers in the States, and the U.S. from day one has been a very important market to Alibaba.com. Those 80,000 retailers are generating over $2 billion U.S. worth of GMB every year, but most of them have a sourcing issue to be solved, and we believe there will be great synergy for us to provide unique and exclusive offers to Vendio-supported merchants, and then Vendio merchants can continue to offer the value back to U.S. consumers. So, it's a win-win-win—U.S. consumer win, U.S. merchants supported by Vendio win, and our factories based in Asia will have a direct access to the US markets.”
PEC: Why Vendio, as opposed to another platform?
Wei: “Vendio is one of very few that offer a multi-channel solution for retailers, which we believe is the future for small online retailers; not relying on just one platform, but diversifying their channels to as many areas as possible. And, of course, we like Vendio's management team, which has been there since day one. Its technology also impressed us a lot. Vendio is the right size to kick off our $100 million U.S. investment for AliExpress.com.”
The term "multi-channel" in Wei's answer above refers to being able to support both B2B (supply chain) and B2C transactions, as well as its links to eCommerce Marketplaces like Amazon and eBay.
The acquisition of Vendio, which helps merchants sell their goods on sites such as Amazon.com and eBay is part of Alibaba's larger push to penetrate the U.S. Terms weren't disclosed. David Wei, chief executive of Alibaba.com, said he is looking for similar opportunities to expand the company's "B2B2C," or business-to-business-to-commerce, model in the U.S, but added that while Alibaba runs Taobao, China's largest Internet retail platform, the company has no plans to expand into the U.S. online retail market.
Accoring to Alibaba., the deal will give the company access to more than 80,000 small U.S. businesses, most of which have not previously used online supplier services to source products and materials.
============
Enewsletter practical ecommerce adds these insights:
PEC: Why did Alibaba purchase Vendio?
David Wei, CEO, Alibaba: “Vendio supports over 80,000 small and medium online retailers in the States, and the U.S. from day one has been a very important market to Alibaba.com. Those 80,000 retailers are generating over $2 billion U.S. worth of GMB every year, but most of them have a sourcing issue to be solved, and we believe there will be great synergy for us to provide unique and exclusive offers to Vendio-supported merchants, and then Vendio merchants can continue to offer the value back to U.S. consumers. So, it's a win-win-win—U.S. consumer win, U.S. merchants supported by Vendio win, and our factories based in Asia will have a direct access to the US markets.”
PEC: Why Vendio, as opposed to another platform?
Wei: “Vendio is one of very few that offer a multi-channel solution for retailers, which we believe is the future for small online retailers; not relying on just one platform, but diversifying their channels to as many areas as possible. And, of course, we like Vendio's management team, which has been there since day one. Its technology also impressed us a lot. Vendio is the right size to kick off our $100 million U.S. investment for AliExpress.com.”
The term "multi-channel" in Wei's answer above refers to being able to support both B2B (supply chain) and B2C transactions, as well as its links to eCommerce Marketplaces like Amazon and eBay.
Privacy Concerns Fail to Slow Social Activity
From eMarketer Digital Intelligence: Facebook, which stirred consumer privacy worries in spring 2010 with its rollout of new opt-out initiatives, has not experienced an exodus of users, leaving many industry watchdogs wondering whether web users really do care about online security.
According to a May 2010 study by privacy researcher the Ponemon Institute sponsored by identity theft prevention service ProtectMyID.com, more than three-quarters of US social media users have at least some concern about their privacy and security while using social media, including 28% who say their concerns are serious.
About a quarter of social media users are worried about identity theft on the sites, according to the study, compared with 54% who thought their information might be stolen while banking online and 42% while shopping online. When asked about the consequences they attribute to their own use of nonsecure social sites, the greatest number of respondents cited an increase in the frequency of online ads they see.
That topped the number of people who had had secrets revealed or downloaded viruses, and outpaced by far the number who had had their identity stolen.
While three-quarters of social media users said their security was either important or very important to them, almost half admitted they used social sites that they didn’t trust. Further, only 35% said they chose high security settings for their social media profiles.
And many were still willing to share large amounts of information that, in combination, could potentially be identifying.
According to a May 2010 study by privacy researcher the Ponemon Institute sponsored by identity theft prevention service ProtectMyID.com, more than three-quarters of US social media users have at least some concern about their privacy and security while using social media, including 28% who say their concerns are serious.
About a quarter of social media users are worried about identity theft on the sites, according to the study, compared with 54% who thought their information might be stolen while banking online and 42% while shopping online. When asked about the consequences they attribute to their own use of nonsecure social sites, the greatest number of respondents cited an increase in the frequency of online ads they see.
While three-quarters of social media users said their security was either important or very important to them, almost half admitted they used social sites that they didn’t trust. Further, only 35% said they chose high security settings for their social media profiles.
And many were still willing to share large amounts of information that, in combination, could potentially be identifying.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
iCongo In the "Magic Quadrant"
iCongo Inc., an eCommerce platform provider with B2C, B2B, multi-channel, Order Management and Marketing systems, has announced that it has been positioned in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant for E-Commerce, published by Gartner Research.
“iCongo is pleased to be recognized by Gartner.... Our solution has an ever-expanding footprint with a sophisticated and diverse user community. We feel that our position in the quadrant confirms our strong standing in the market segment in which we serve,” stated iCongo CEO, Irwin Kramer.
“B2B organizations are being asked to be more 'consumer-like' with their Web experiences for their retail and wholesale customers.” says Gartner Analyst Gene Alvarez. iCongo’s eCommerce Platform offers eCommerce capabilities for both B2B and B2C with strengths in catalog management, merchandising, personalization, guided selling, cross-selling, promotions, order management and warehouse management.The company’s platform and modular approach enables brands and retailers alike to configure and leverage required functionality for their business model, with support for most complex B2B business requirements.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
TheFind Overtakes Yahoo! Shopping As No. 2 Shopping Search Engine
TheFind, which grew by 175 percent year-over-year according to ChannelAdvisor, recently passed Yahoo! Shopping to become the second largest shopping search engine (after Google) according to comScore’s measure of total visits to comparison shopping engines.
According to ComScore, TheFind is the fastest growing site in its category: #1 in repeat visits and #2 in overall visits.
TheFind.com and the shopping sites it powers saw between 2.3 and 2.7 average visits per visitor, as compared with 1.9 average visits per visitor for the next closest competitor.
TheFind continues to make key hires in engineering and marketing that will nearly double the company’s size by year end. To meet its expansion requirements, TheFind this week also celebrated the opening of a new San Francisco office in the heart of the financial district and convenient to all of the Bay Area’s best public transportation.
According to ComScore, TheFind is the fastest growing site in its category: #1 in repeat visits and #2 in overall visits.
TheFind.com and the shopping sites it powers saw between 2.3 and 2.7 average visits per visitor, as compared with 1.9 average visits per visitor for the next closest competitor.
“Our formula is pretty simple: make it easy for people to find the things they want to buy, and without bias, show them every available purchasing option.” said Siva Kumar, CEO of TheFind. “When you do that, people come back because they both trust you and like what they find.”
TheFind continues to make key hires in engineering and marketing that will nearly double the company’s size by year end. To meet its expansion requirements, TheFind this week also celebrated the opening of a new San Francisco office in the heart of the financial district and convenient to all of the Bay Area’s best public transportation.
Check LinkedIn for the latest on hiring at TheFind. http://www.linkedin.com/companies/thefind-inc
About TheFind
Founded in 2005 and profitable since late 2008, TheFind makes it easy to shop for anything in every store, all at once. TheFind is built on patented search and crawl technology, backed by Bain Capital Ventures, Lightspeed Venture Partners and Redpoint Ventures, and is headquartered in Mountain View, Calif. with offices in San Francisco.
TheFind Partners With BuySAFE
TheFind, the Number 2 shopping engine, and buySAFE, Inc., a leading provider of consumer confidence and Website conversion solutions, have announced a partnership to enable merchants to easily extend the buySAFE 3-in-1 Guarantee to shoppers on TheFind.com – for free.
Through TheFind's merchant center, registered stores can sign up to offer the buySAFE Guaranteed service which provides shoppers on TheFind with an enhanced level of confidence, increasing conversions and repeat purchases for participating merchants by as much as 15%, according to buySAFE.
Shoppers who start their shopping on TheFind.com will automatically receive a free buySAFE 3-in-1 Guarantee from all merchants displaying the buySAFE Guaranteed Seal. The buySAFE guarantee specifically offers shoppers a $500 guarantee on all purchases, up to $10,000 in identity theft protection, and a same-store low price guarantee of up to $100.
Through TheFind's merchant center, registered stores can sign up to offer the buySAFE Guaranteed service which provides shoppers on TheFind with an enhanced level of confidence, increasing conversions and repeat purchases for participating merchants by as much as 15%, according to buySAFE.
Shoppers who start their shopping on TheFind.com will automatically receive a free buySAFE 3-in-1 Guarantee from all merchants displaying the buySAFE Guaranteed Seal. The buySAFE guarantee specifically offers shoppers a $500 guarantee on all purchases, up to $10,000 in identity theft protection, and a same-store low price guarantee of up to $100.
Monday, June 14, 2010
NetSuite Adds Social Media and SEM Functions
NetSuite Inc., a vendor of cloud computing business software suites, has announced a new version of its eCommerce cloud platform that incorporates new social media and search engine marketing (SEM) capabilities, tightly integrating them with its end-to-end eCommerce business management suite to bring together applications for eCommerce, customer relationship marketing (CRM), and finance/accounting.
Advertisers looking to optimize their ROI from search engine marketing will be heartened by NetSuite’s unique closed-loop approach to campaign management. New, scriptable checkout capabilities ensure that merchants can support a limitless range of custom processes as a purchase is committed. And because the new platform offers unparalleled open access to third-party developers, NetSuite can offer an "ecosystem" of specialized sales, marketing, merchandising and payment capabilities.
NetSuite claims to be the only fully-integrated cloud computing platform which can directly correlate content from blogs, forums, product reviews, gift registries, and live chat with complete customer activity and purchase history, and tie that information directly to a complete CRM system and product database, making NetSuite a truly actionable social commerce platform. Capabilities provided by NetSuite partners such as PowerReviews, Fluid, LivePerson, and MyRegistry enable companies to market, sell, and support customers based not just on purchase history, but the complete social trail left by that customer.
"Companies merchandise better when they understand thoroughly how their customers are responding to their purchases." says NetSuite. For example, a customer’s positive review of one product can be used to personalize the eCommerce experience for that customer, leading to the recommendation of a similar product. The wisdom of the crowd can also be considered in aggregate. Merchants can analyze trends in forum, blog, and comment discussions about needs, wants, and preferences, and recalibrate marketing campaigns and inventory to match customer demand.
Search engine marketing is the single most important eCommerce expenditure, yet for most businesses, it is also the most opaque. NetSuite, in conjunction with development partners KENSHOO and myDIALS, merges the art and science of search engine marketing in an end-to-end solution that enhances ROI by providing complete visibility into every step of the marketing process, and by tailoring campaigns to tangible business goals.
Closed-loop marketing and actual profitability measurements track true lifetime ROI of every marketing campaign. With NetSuite, each campaign is tied in real-time to the revenue generated and the cost of the goods sold, providing true profitability analysis. Campaigns are also tied to lifetime revenue, as each shopper’s purchase history is tracked seamlessly across all sales channels.
Goal-Driven SEM
Also important is the introduction of goal-driven search engine marketing campaigns. After defining targets, such as visitor generation, revenue, or product sales, the NetSuite eCommerce platform, working with KENSHOO technology, can automatically realign keywords and change spending patterns in order to reach those goals. MyDIALS provides direct feeds of Google AdWords campaign success to the NetSuite dashboard, enabling managers and executives to evaluate the profitability of campaigns in real time.
Because NetSuite is both powerful and easy to customize, workflow and business logic can be carefully tailored to match back-office requirements and customer experience goals. Nowhere is this more critical than at checkout — the consummation of the transaction. NetSuite’s scriptable checkout enables merchants to define rules and procedures to determine promotions, discounts, inventory selection, complex global taxation rules, and more. Shipments can be quickly allocated to the right warehouse to meet cost or service considerations based on each shopper’s address or other key order characteristics.
SuiteFlow, NetSuite’s integrated workflow management solution, empowers merchants to quickly create point-and-click rules-based workflows that automate, streamline, and improve common business processes, without pricey IT support. Merchants can automate their workflow based on business logic to trigger fraud reviews, speed up fulfillment processes, and set up purchasing rules.
Advertisers looking to optimize their ROI from search engine marketing will be heartened by NetSuite’s unique closed-loop approach to campaign management. New, scriptable checkout capabilities ensure that merchants can support a limitless range of custom processes as a purchase is committed. And because the new platform offers unparalleled open access to third-party developers, NetSuite can offer an "ecosystem" of specialized sales, marketing, merchandising and payment capabilities.
NetSuite claims to be the only fully-integrated cloud computing platform which can directly correlate content from blogs, forums, product reviews, gift registries, and live chat with complete customer activity and purchase history, and tie that information directly to a complete CRM system and product database, making NetSuite a truly actionable social commerce platform. Capabilities provided by NetSuite partners such as PowerReviews, Fluid, LivePerson, and MyRegistry enable companies to market, sell, and support customers based not just on purchase history, but the complete social trail left by that customer.
"Companies merchandise better when they understand thoroughly how their customers are responding to their purchases." says NetSuite. For example, a customer’s positive review of one product can be used to personalize the eCommerce experience for that customer, leading to the recommendation of a similar product. The wisdom of the crowd can also be considered in aggregate. Merchants can analyze trends in forum, blog, and comment discussions about needs, wants, and preferences, and recalibrate marketing campaigns and inventory to match customer demand.
Search engine marketing is the single most important eCommerce expenditure, yet for most businesses, it is also the most opaque. NetSuite, in conjunction with development partners KENSHOO and myDIALS, merges the art and science of search engine marketing in an end-to-end solution that enhances ROI by providing complete visibility into every step of the marketing process, and by tailoring campaigns to tangible business goals.
Closed-loop marketing and actual profitability measurements track true lifetime ROI of every marketing campaign. With NetSuite, each campaign is tied in real-time to the revenue generated and the cost of the goods sold, providing true profitability analysis. Campaigns are also tied to lifetime revenue, as each shopper’s purchase history is tracked seamlessly across all sales channels.
Goal-Driven SEM
Also important is the introduction of goal-driven search engine marketing campaigns. After defining targets, such as visitor generation, revenue, or product sales, the NetSuite eCommerce platform, working with KENSHOO technology, can automatically realign keywords and change spending patterns in order to reach those goals. MyDIALS provides direct feeds of Google AdWords campaign success to the NetSuite dashboard, enabling managers and executives to evaluate the profitability of campaigns in real time.
Because NetSuite is both powerful and easy to customize, workflow and business logic can be carefully tailored to match back-office requirements and customer experience goals. Nowhere is this more critical than at checkout — the consummation of the transaction. NetSuite’s scriptable checkout enables merchants to define rules and procedures to determine promotions, discounts, inventory selection, complex global taxation rules, and more. Shipments can be quickly allocated to the right warehouse to meet cost or service considerations based on each shopper’s address or other key order characteristics.
SuiteFlow, NetSuite’s integrated workflow management solution, empowers merchants to quickly create point-and-click rules-based workflows that automate, streamline, and improve common business processes, without pricey IT support. Merchants can automate their workflow based on business logic to trigger fraud reviews, speed up fulfillment processes, and set up purchasing rules.
PayPal Changing Terms and Fees
PayPal has announced the following changes in its charges and terms:
American Express Card Acceptance – On July 13, PayPal and American Express will enter into a new card processing arrangement that requires merchants to establish a direct contractual relationship with American Express. You will need to accept a new agreement with AmEx if you want to continue to accept American Express cards directly through Website Payments Pro and Virtual Terminal. Of course, PayPal will continue to service American Express transactions. As part of this new agreement, American Express pricing will change to be on par with their typical industry rates. This only applies to taking American Express credit cards directly. There’s no change if a consumer chooses to pay with PayPal, no matter how the account is funded.
Refund Prices – Starting August 10, PayPal will retain the transaction fee (typically $.30) when a seller issues a refund (U.S. and Canada merchants).
Chargeback Prices – Starting August 24, they’ll be increasing chargeback costs from $10 to the typical industry rate of $20 (U.S. merchants only, eBay merchants enrolled in the PayPal Preferred program are exempt).
American Express Card Acceptance – On July 13, PayPal and American Express will enter into a new card processing arrangement that requires merchants to establish a direct contractual relationship with American Express. You will need to accept a new agreement with AmEx if you want to continue to accept American Express cards directly through Website Payments Pro and Virtual Terminal. Of course, PayPal will continue to service American Express transactions. As part of this new agreement, American Express pricing will change to be on par with their typical industry rates. This only applies to taking American Express credit cards directly. There’s no change if a consumer chooses to pay with PayPal, no matter how the account is funded.
Refund Prices – Starting August 10, PayPal will retain the transaction fee (typically $.30) when a seller issues a refund (U.S. and Canada merchants).
Chargeback Prices – Starting August 24, they’ll be increasing chargeback costs from $10 to the typical industry rate of $20 (U.S. merchants only, eBay merchants enrolled in the PayPal Preferred program are exempt).
Friday, June 11, 2010
PRIAM (UK) To Offer mCommerce Platform
In a move that reflects the growing importance of the mCommerce market, PRIAM has announced the development of its mobile eCommerce offering. Based on its "appease" content management solution, the mobile-commerce solution will provide all of the functionality of a full eCommerce system but within the confines of a mobile application.
The new package will include:
For more details contact Glyn Carvill on 01788 55800 or at glyn.carvill@priamsoftware.com
The new package will include:
- Functionality tailored towards small handheld devices.
- User interface designed to make browsing intuitive including multi-touch / gesture related interaction.
- Full content management interface allowing complete control over look and feel.
- Comprehensive eCommerce functionality including shopping basket, checkout process ,and real time account information.
For more details contact Glyn Carvill on 01788 55800 or at glyn.carvill@priamsoftware.com
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
Cart32 Adds VeriSign Trust Seal
VeriSign, Inc. has announced a new partnership with Cart32, a total e-commerce solution that serves the needs of thousands of merchants worldwide. Cart32 will provide its customers with the option to build trust with consumers by offering the VeriSign Trust Seal.
Cart32 provides a comprehensive solution for eCommerce, including shopping cart software, store management tools and merchant services. It will now add the availability of the VeriSign Trust Seal to its portfolio of offerings.
By displaying the seal on their Websites, online merchants can establish trust with customers before they access the shopping cart.
Cart32 provides a comprehensive solution for eCommerce, including shopping cart software, store management tools and merchant services. It will now add the availability of the VeriSign Trust Seal to its portfolio of offerings.
By displaying the seal on their Websites, online merchants can establish trust with customers before they access the shopping cart.
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
Technology Takes Off at UPS to Simplify International Shipping
"Businesses of all sizes count on UPS to bridge the distance between their suppliers and their customers," said Dan Brutto, president of UPS International. "Technology is the key to helping shippers, particularly exporters and importers, streamline their global supply chains."
The technology enhancements, announced today at the American Association of Exporters and Importers 89th Annual Conference & Expo, include:
The technology enhancements, announced today at the American Association of Exporters and Importers 89th Annual Conference & Expo, include:
- Importers will have more control and fewer delays of their shipments with UPS Import Control, a new functionality that enables an importer to process an import shipment through their UPS shipping system, specifically CampusShip or Internet Shipping on ups.com.
- CampusShip will join UPS shipping systems, WorldShip, and Internet Shipping, in processing air freight shipments in addition to less-than-truckload (LTL) freight shipments, providing the same easy-to-use interface for both small package and LTL freight shippers.
- Quantum View Manage, a web-based tool, will provide enhanced support for shipper visibility into air, ocean and LTL freight shipments.
- ups.com will provide self-enrollment in UPS Paperless Invoice, which allows small package shipments to clear customs in 92 countries using electronic data instead of error-prone paper forms known as commercial invoices.
Friday, June 04, 2010
Morse Data, D.M.insite Sign Integration Agreement
D.M.insite, which specializes in developing and delivering eCommerce Software as a Service (SaaS) for multichannel merchants, and Morse Data Corporation, a long time developer of enterprise management and direct commerce fulfillment software, have announced the signing of a certified integration partner agreement.
The agreement allows Morse Data to offer a fully integrated order management and ecommerce solution to its customers. Under the agreement, Morse Data Corporation will include the integration of the D.M.insite Mercury Platform as an option to its InOrder Enterprise Management System offering.
Jim Morse, president of Morse Data Corporation states, “I’ve been in this industry for a long time and have always admired D.M.insite as a leader in developing some of the most innovative eCommerce software in the business. I am proud to be part of this technology partnership, and I’m excited about the tremendous growth opportunities it brings to Morse Data and our customers.”
The integrated InOrder and Mercury Platform solution facilitates a seamless pathway of critical data across systems. Online retailers can get real‐time data flow for inventory, customer information, and order details. In addition, online shoppers can place orders and check the status of their orders in real time.
“I share in Jim’s excitement,” notes Larry Kavanagh, chief executive officer of D.M.insite. “InOrder’s scalable enterprise solution is a great complement to the... power in the Mercury Platform. The integrated solution will deliver a superior experience for both the online retailer and online shopper.”
The agreement allows Morse Data to offer a fully integrated order management and ecommerce solution to its customers. Under the agreement, Morse Data Corporation will include the integration of the D.M.insite Mercury Platform as an option to its InOrder Enterprise Management System offering.
Jim Morse, president of Morse Data Corporation states, “I’ve been in this industry for a long time and have always admired D.M.insite as a leader in developing some of the most innovative eCommerce software in the business. I am proud to be part of this technology partnership, and I’m excited about the tremendous growth opportunities it brings to Morse Data and our customers.”
The integrated InOrder and Mercury Platform solution facilitates a seamless pathway of critical data across systems. Online retailers can get real‐time data flow for inventory, customer information, and order details. In addition, online shoppers can place orders and check the status of their orders in real time.
“I share in Jim’s excitement,” notes Larry Kavanagh, chief executive officer of D.M.insite. “InOrder’s scalable enterprise solution is a great complement to the... power in the Mercury Platform. The integrated solution will deliver a superior experience for both the online retailer and online shopper.”
New CEO at TRAFFIQ
TRAFFIQ, a marketplace for online advertising, has hired eCommerce and ad agency veteran Nick Pahade as CEO. Pahade was most recently President of TrueAction, a GSI Commerce company. Prior to that he led global digital development for Publicis Groupe Media as well as cofounding Beyond Interactive.
TRAFFIQ's founding CEO Mark Kahn is moving to the President’s office and will keep a seat on the board of directors.
In other news, TRAFFIQ recently announced first quarter revenue was nearly three times higher than the previous year’s first quarter and opened TRAFFIQ Latino to focus on the Hispanic ad market.
TRAFFIQ's founding CEO Mark Kahn is moving to the President’s office and will keep a seat on the board of directors.
In other news, TRAFFIQ recently announced first quarter revenue was nearly three times higher than the previous year’s first quarter and opened TRAFFIQ Latino to focus on the Hispanic ad market.
Thursday, June 03, 2010
Let Us Track Your Shopping And We'll Reward You
Facebook's data privacy flap has put the subject of database marketing top of mind. This is by no means a new discipline, having been around since the 1970s, when American Express and others broke new ground in employing consumer behavior tracking for marketing purposes. Every successful catalog ever since has made use of it, with varying degrees of sophistication. eCommerce merchants didn't take long to jump into the pool, and swim faster and deeper than their paper-based predecessors.
When Doublelick bought Abacus (a database marketing innovator, now a part of Epsilon) in 1999, it caused a few ripples: privacy groups hotly opposed the merger on grounds that it could increase the likelihood of corporate abuse of customer data, combining Web surfing habits obtained from 5 billion ads DoubleClick served per week in those days and the 2 billion personally identifiable consumer catalog transactions recorded by Abacus. But those concerns quickly subsided. No doubt the current brouhaha has to be put in that perspective.
In article in today's New York Times, Stephen J. Hoch, a marketing professor and director of the Jay H. Baker Retailing Initiative at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, observes that “'People are a lot more willing to give away a lot of stuff as long as it results in some benefits that they value.'"
Continues the times, "New companies including WeShop, Aprizi, Blippy and Dopplr are trying to exploit the data that people seem so willing to give up. Some are even allowing shoppers to set what terms they want — free shipping, half-price discounts, only fair-trade products. They can also list what they are shopping for, like a gray cashmere sweater under $100, for instance, and let the retailers fight it out for the right to make a sale.
“'The whole privacy debate has grown up around people using your data without your permission,' said Antony Lee, chief executive of WeShop. “If you want to use your data to your benefit, that’s for you to do,' Mr. Lee said.
"While data on Mint is kept private — there is no way to share financial details with other users — WeShop has built a system that allows people to spread information about their shopping habits. After a consumer gives WeShop access to an e-mail account, the system scans e-mail headers to find electronic receipts, then extracts what someone bought and what price they paid.
"All that information is posted to the WeShop site as a kind of in-depth shopping history. A consumer can keep it private, or share some or all purchase data with other people in WeShop networks (using a nickname). That lets users compare prices and post messages about what Lego sets or prom dresses they are considering.
"WeShop will soon give retailers access to the data and allow them to send specific offers. A retailer like Bluefly, which says it plans to test WeShop, could search for people who have bought something prom-related, and send those users e-mail messages with special offers on formal dresses. Retailers pay WeShop a percentage of the sale price when a consumer buys a product.
“'Everyone’s kind of working on different angles of how we give the consumer more ways to target what they want, to ask for what they want, and get it,' said Bradford Matson, chief marketing officer of Bluefly.com. 'This notion of how people shop is changing very quickly.'
"Bun Lai, a chef at Miya’s Sushi in New Haven, said he liked the way WeShop put him in charge. 'I wasn’t completely comfortable right from the start — it’s after I understood that you actually have control of the information that you’re going to allow the network to have, then I realized it was actually something more empowering,'" the New York Times quotes him as saying.
When Doublelick bought Abacus (a database marketing innovator, now a part of Epsilon) in 1999, it caused a few ripples: privacy groups hotly opposed the merger on grounds that it could increase the likelihood of corporate abuse of customer data, combining Web surfing habits obtained from 5 billion ads DoubleClick served per week in those days and the 2 billion personally identifiable consumer catalog transactions recorded by Abacus. But those concerns quickly subsided. No doubt the current brouhaha has to be put in that perspective.
In article in today's New York Times, Stephen J. Hoch, a marketing professor and director of the Jay H. Baker Retailing Initiative at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, observes that “'People are a lot more willing to give away a lot of stuff as long as it results in some benefits that they value.'"
Continues the times, "New companies including WeShop, Aprizi, Blippy and Dopplr are trying to exploit the data that people seem so willing to give up. Some are even allowing shoppers to set what terms they want — free shipping, half-price discounts, only fair-trade products. They can also list what they are shopping for, like a gray cashmere sweater under $100, for instance, and let the retailers fight it out for the right to make a sale.
“'The whole privacy debate has grown up around people using your data without your permission,' said Antony Lee, chief executive of WeShop. “If you want to use your data to your benefit, that’s for you to do,' Mr. Lee said.
"While data on Mint is kept private — there is no way to share financial details with other users — WeShop has built a system that allows people to spread information about their shopping habits. After a consumer gives WeShop access to an e-mail account, the system scans e-mail headers to find electronic receipts, then extracts what someone bought and what price they paid.
"All that information is posted to the WeShop site as a kind of in-depth shopping history. A consumer can keep it private, or share some or all purchase data with other people in WeShop networks (using a nickname). That lets users compare prices and post messages about what Lego sets or prom dresses they are considering.
"WeShop will soon give retailers access to the data and allow them to send specific offers. A retailer like Bluefly, which says it plans to test WeShop, could search for people who have bought something prom-related, and send those users e-mail messages with special offers on formal dresses. Retailers pay WeShop a percentage of the sale price when a consumer buys a product.
“'Everyone’s kind of working on different angles of how we give the consumer more ways to target what they want, to ask for what they want, and get it,' said Bradford Matson, chief marketing officer of Bluefly.com. 'This notion of how people shop is changing very quickly.'
"Bun Lai, a chef at Miya’s Sushi in New Haven, said he liked the way WeShop put him in charge. 'I wasn’t completely comfortable right from the start — it’s after I understood that you actually have control of the information that you’re going to allow the network to have, then I realized it was actually something more empowering,'" the New York Times quotes him as saying.
Experian QAS Joins Demandware
Experian QAS, a leading provider of address verification software and services, announced a new integration to the Demandware, LINK community,designed to improve the customer experience and reduce operational costs.
Demandware LINK was created to remove the integration hurdles that retailers face when adopting eCommerce technologies and is based on the belief that eCommerce vendors, not retailers, should assume the cost and complexity of integrating ecommerce applications.
The new address verification functionality works seamlessly within a retailer's existing eCommerce interface and can be enabled quickly and with minimal information technology resources.
Demandware LINK was created to remove the integration hurdles that retailers face when adopting eCommerce technologies and is based on the belief that eCommerce vendors, not retailers, should assume the cost and complexity of integrating ecommerce applications.
The new address verification functionality works seamlessly within a retailer's existing eCommerce interface and can be enabled quickly and with minimal information technology resources.
Home Delivery Network (UK) Rebrands as Yodel
Home Delivery Network in the UK and its combined businesses have rebranded as Yodel, which will deliver for both the B2B and B2C market.
The rebranding forms a part of a company transformation which included the acquisition of DHL’s domestic parcel business in the UK, completed earlier this year.“The new brand aims to challenge the delivery market with an absolute focus on the customer,” the company said.
"Technical Debt" is Destroying IT
Todd Michaud, who is responsible for IT at Focus Brands (Cinnabon, Carvel, Schlotzsky’s and Moe’s Southwestern Grill), writes a guest column in Storefront Backtalk that highlights endemic problems in managing IT in 95 out of 100 companies. It is an insightful, quick read about "Technical Debt," i.e. any technology decision that has a long-term negative impact on the business.
Some key conclusions:
Some key conclusions:
- Define your requirements to a detailed level before you make your purchasing decision. Don’t base your requirements on the first proposal you get. Know what you want/need ahead of time.
- Challenge your business partners on the criticality of each requirement. If one requirement can be dropped and save 25% of the long-term costs, is it worth it? (If done regularly, this one tip alone could probably reduce IT budgets by as much as 15 percent)
- Understand that even if it’s cheaper to have a human do something, that doesn’t make it a better option. Understand the cost of data integrity issues and timeliness of data
- Ask the question: How many other systems or departments will need the data that is captured or created by this system. If the answer is greater than 0, then understand the costs to extend that data before you implement (because trust me, someone will want it)
GSI Buys Fetchback
A couple of weeks ago it was VendorNet. Now, reports Internet Retailer, the marketing services division of GSI Commerce Inc. has acquired FetchBack Inc., a provider of online display advertising retargeting systems for more than 500 advertisers.
FetchBack’s technology delivers targeted ads to consumers as they move around the Web and after they have left the Website of a client retailer, helping e-retailers recapture lost prospects. FetchBack also offers an analytics platform that provides clients with insight into their online advertising campaigns.
GSI Commerce, a provider of eCommerce and interactive marketing technology headquartered in the Philadelphia suburb of King of Prussia, PA, says the acquisition expands the breadth of its marketing services with an advanced system that complements its existing offerings and enables it to move into new vertical markets.
FetchBack’s technology delivers targeted ads to consumers as they move around the Web and after they have left the Website of a client retailer, helping e-retailers recapture lost prospects. FetchBack also offers an analytics platform that provides clients with insight into their online advertising campaigns.
GSI Commerce, a provider of eCommerce and interactive marketing technology headquartered in the Philadelphia suburb of King of Prussia, PA, says the acquisition expands the breadth of its marketing services with an advanced system that complements its existing offerings and enables it to move into new vertical markets.
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
GSI Acquires VendorNet
More big news this week. According to DMNews, GSI Commerce has acquired eCommerce services provider VendorNet for an undisclosed sum.
VendorNet will retain its brand and operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of GSI, according to a statement from GSI. VendorNet's offerings, sold as individual products and suites, will be integrated into GSI's platforms. VendorNet's workflow technology allows retailers to coordinate fulfillment-center and retail inventory with e-commerce sales and return transactions.
“Retailers today are consistently challenged to manage distributed inventory, achieve full data visibility across channels and deliver merchandise to consumers more rapidly,” said Jim MacIntyre, chief of eCommerce technology at GSI, in a statement.
GSI and VendorNet could not be immediately reached for comment.
VendorNet will retain its brand and operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of GSI, according to a statement from GSI. VendorNet's offerings, sold as individual products and suites, will be integrated into GSI's platforms. VendorNet's workflow technology allows retailers to coordinate fulfillment-center and retail inventory with e-commerce sales and return transactions.
“Retailers today are consistently challenged to manage distributed inventory, achieve full data visibility across channels and deliver merchandise to consumers more rapidly,” said Jim MacIntyre, chief of eCommerce technology at GSI, in a statement.
GSI and VendorNet could not be immediately reached for comment.
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
giggle Selects Warwick for Fulfillment
Warwick Fulfillment Solutions, Horlock, MD, has won new business with giggle (www.giggle.com), the one-stop source for today's new parent.
giggle's decision to entrust its fulfillment to Warwick came after an extensive review process of different fulfillment providers. giggle needed a provider with experience in both retail replenishment and eCommerce fulfillment - a dual requirement that few fulfillment houses can provide with equal aptitude.
"We received responses from many fulfillment companies," said giggle CEO and founder Ali Wing. "But in the end, we selected Warwick, not only because they had the right facility and systems that deliver, but they also have a team that will go the extra mile for our customers."
giggle's decision to entrust its fulfillment to Warwick came after an extensive review process of different fulfillment providers. giggle needed a provider with experience in both retail replenishment and eCommerce fulfillment - a dual requirement that few fulfillment houses can provide with equal aptitude.
"We received responses from many fulfillment companies," said giggle CEO and founder Ali Wing. "But in the end, we selected Warwick, not only because they had the right facility and systems that deliver, but they also have a team that will go the extra mile for our customers."
Strategic Structuring of S&H Charges
The Lenser Group includes some of the sharpest minds (with long experience) in the field of direct commerce. Bill Nicolai, who cofounded The Good Catalog Company, is one of the Group's superstars. He has some cogent opinions on how direct merchants must structure their shipping & handling charges in order to stay competitive in today's eCommerce-dominated world. Check it out!
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