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Build a low-cost webstore Looking to get online without spending a lot of time
and money? Members can now build simple, low-cost webstores - complete
with MRA’s credit card processing - through MRA’s new partnership
with Tasq.com. MRA’s webstore package includes everything you need
to establish a presence on the Internet except the domain name (website
address). Total cost for most businesses is less than $200 for design
and setup and less than $100 per month for hosting and online credit card
processing. “This is a one-stop e-commerce solution,” said
MRA’s John Mayleben, vice president of sales and marketing. “It’s
an easy and inexpensive way to build your own website and sell products
online.” Tasq.com provides a design template allowing you to customize
the look of your website and list products and photos online. The package
includes a shopping cart so customers can make online purchases. You’ll
be able to accept credit card orders on the webstore, with processing
through MRA. Tasq.com provides training and technical support and will
work with you to develop a website that fits your store. “It’s not a cookie-cutter approach,” said
Mayleben. “The design is very flexible rather than limiting merchants
to a few specific options.” For more information about setting up your own webstore through MRA, contact Mayleben at 800.366.3699 or jmayleben@retailers.com. |
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Name: Kurt Borngesser Business: Harry’s Garden Web address: www.hydroharrys.com Years on web: 4 Growth in web sales: “The Internet is still
a very small percentage of our business, but it has doubled every year.” Website designed and maintained by: Borngesser. “We paid someone a lot of money to develop the site originally and were thoroughly disappointed with the outcome. It didn’t reflect the store at all. So we bought software to do the page ourselves and redid it for less than $100.” Main methods of promoting site: Links with vendors; in-store promotion; listing on MRA’s Mall of Michigan website.“We did some banner ads, but they were completely unsuccessful for the amount of money.” Web specials: Entry form for $100 shopping spree;
coupon for 10 percent off in-store purchases; seasonal giveaways. “This
helps us track who has visited the site.” Worst part about web retailing: Technical glitches,
such as when an order came through but all the contact and billing information
was lost. Best part about web retailing: “The people
who order online spend more money - $200 easily. And we have no time invested
in them at all. We don’t have the face-to-face hard sell where you
spend 20 minutes with a customer for a $10 sale. These people go online
while we’re asleep or at home with our families, and the next morning
there’s an order waiting for us.” Web retailing tip: “The site is always changing. We want regular visitors to come back and see something different each time.” |
