Northeastern Web Site Gains National Attention
Hands-On Training Helps Customers Save Time
Northeastern Supply Company and its award-winning web site made industry news
as the cover story in the February 2001 issue of SUPPLY HOUSE TIMES. The
article, “Netting the Customer,” focuses on how customer demands are affecting
the wholesalers’ technology strategy.
Written by Kelly Faloon, the article shared findings of a report released by
the Distribution Research and Education Foundation (DREF), “Facing the Forces of
Change: Four Trends Reshaping Wholesale Distribution.” The report’s findings
conclude that wholesalers who want to survive tomorrow need to invest in
Internet technology today.
Northeastern Supply was one of two wholesale distribution companies
interviewed because of their success and leadership in this arena.
www.northeastern.com—Self-Service Shopping at Its Best
Northeastern Supply’s web site is being hailed as one of the best in the
industry and Northeastern is committed to getting its customers to transact
business on the web. Twice a month, Northeastern holds web training classes for
customers registered to use the site.
“We spend time educating our customers to let technology work for them,”
explains Steve Coppage, Director of Marketing and Business Development. “This
hands-on approach allows the contractor to go through the different features of
the site and become more adept at placing online orders.”
Registered customers can view the most recent additions to the product line,
featured products, and pricing announcements. From the menu bar, customers can
examine their recent transactions, partial and open orders, invoices and account
statements, as well as submit a quote inquiry. In addition, members can search
for product by category, by keyword, and by manufacturer’s name, and see a list
of locations where the particular product is carried and the quantity of the
item available at each branch. The customer can then select a branch location
for pickup or he can choose a delivery option.
Another popular feature is the Favorites page. This feature enables customers
to save a list of all of the products he purchases when doing a residential job
for a particular builder. The contractor saves these products on his “Favorites”
page. He can then go back to this page at any time for an updated quote and to
reorder these products.
To register for these services, please contact your local sales
representative.
