Epicor Introduces Low-Cost eCommerce Store Development Service For Automotive Parts Distributors And Jobbers

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Epicor Introduces Low-Cost eCommerce Store Development Service For Automotive Parts Distributors And Jobbers

Counterman Staff
By Counterman Staff
Published:
Fast, turnkey service to help auto parts wholesalers tap into expanding consumer eCommerce market.

 

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DUBLIN, Calif. — Epicor Software Corp. a global leader in business software solutions for manufacturing, distribution, retail, and services organizations, today announced the availability of Epicor eCommerce Store Development Service, a low-cost, turnkey eCommerce website service that helps automotive replacement parts distributors and jobbers sell directly to consumers via the Internet. The new eCommerce service supports wholesalers with the launch of consumer-oriented eCommerce sites — in English, Spanish, or French languages — in as little as two weeks.

119606ScreenSho_00000069382An estimated $3.7 billion in automotive parts and related products were sold via eCommerce in 2012 and online sales to consumers are expected to grow at a 15 percent compounded annual rate through 2018, according to a study commissioned by the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA). Epicor eCommerce service helps distributors and jobbers compete for these consumer sales through functionally rich, custom-branded eCommerce sites that can be integrated with many existing business management software solutions. The new sites are powered by industry-leading Epicor PartExpert® electronic catalog — offering information, images and other valuable content for millions of replacement parts and related products — and can provide real-time part availability and pricing information for multiple selling locations for the parts distributor. Each site features a secure shopping cart that accepts credit card payments via PayPal or Authorize.net. All required technical support is provided by Epicor.

“eCommerce represents one of the fastest growing sales channels for the automotive parts market, yet many distributors and jobbers don’t know how to get started or believe they don’t have access to the tools needed to compete in this marketplace,” said Scott Thompson, vice president, automotive eCommerce for Epicor. “Our new, low-cost Epicor eCommerce service helps businesses quickly eliminate the barriers to selling to consumers online by establishing Web-based stores with world-class functionality and parts information tools.”

Users can customize their sites with company logos, photos, and text. The site administrator can also configure their PartExpert electronic catalog to display available products in preferred order by brand, price or other variable. The online stores also enable the business to capture and track customer history and key account information. Shipping costs and taxes can be automatically calculated and added to each order, as specified by the site administrator.

For additional information regarding the new Epicor eCommerce Store Development Service, contact your Epicor representative, call Epicor toll-free at (888) 463-4700, email [email protected], or visit Epicor at the 2013 AAPEX Show in Las Vegas, Nov. 4-7, in Booth 2238.

For more information, visit www.epicor.com.

 

Study referenced in second paragraph: “e-Tailing: Supplier Success Strategies for the Fastest Growing Segment of the Aftermarket,” Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association, March 2013

 

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Customer Service: How It’s Done

Customer service should be your number one priority, and it all starts with the greeting.

Eric Garbe
By Eric Garbe
Eric Garbe is a graduate of Columbus State Community College with a degree in Automotive Maintenance Technology. He has extensive independent and dealership field experience as a technician and shop owner and is an ASE Certified Master Technician and former Adjunct Automotive Professor. He has been professionally writing automotive technical articles and documents for many years and in his free time enjoys restoring old cars and creating custom interiors and upholstery.
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This is always an important topic to discuss, because I consider excellent customer service one of the most important tools you can have to earn trust, respect and repeat business from the customers that come through your door. Whether that customer is do-it-yourselfer from across town or the professional repair shop across the street, your business depends on a solid relationship.It’s a subject that I am passionate about, and it’s one that many people are losing touch with. Whether you are communicating to someone in person, on the phone or using some type of social media, good customer service and bad can both exist. You can’t afford the latter, so this is the first in a series of topics which can and should be shared from the front of the shop to the back. No matter which role you hold, you represent the shop and yourself. Customer service should be your number one priority.First on the list is the greeting. From the second a customer walks in the door, they need to know you appreciate them coming in and how important they are to your business. First impressions are everything and here’s the correct way to do it each and every time: look them directly in the eye, smile and say hello!Of course, you can say “Good morning” or “Welcome to Joe’s Autocare,” but it should be a formal greeting and the most important thing is that you have smiled, looked them in the eye and recognized that they have walked through the door.You should always retain a formal greeting until you are on a first-name basis with a customer. Only once you have established that level of relationship is it OK to use the less formal greeting of “Hi,” followed by the person’s name.This greeting does more than just indicate respect and appreciation for someone walking through the door. Most likely there are customers both new and old who are in earshot of your conversation. For newer customers, this continues to build rapport and reinforce their positive view of your shop; they see that you demonstrate respect and treat everyone in the same manner. For repeat customers, even ones that have been coming for years, the greeting is important because the way you treat them is the reason they continue to come.And when a long-time customer comes in and you greet them with “Hi [First Name],” this indicates your appreciation for them and that you’re glad to see them as a person, more than just a customer. New customers that witness this will see that your repeat customers are comfortable enough to be on a first-name basis, another indication of the trust they have in you.

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