Swedesboro, N.J. – In Car Experts
(ICE) and Specialty Electronics Nationwide (SEN) are both introducing new Web-based
programs for independent dealers.
ICE’s initiative is a “Web Sites
for Members” program designed to help the buying group’s 12-volt dealers
operate high-quality, easy-maintenance Web sites at lower costs and with less
time spent on backroom operations.
Web sites and hosting are
included in ICE membership and feature a complete back-end system that allows
members to upload images, post new product specials and current events, and collect
email addresses for e-newsletters. Consumers can also post testimonials on the
sites, and vendor ads created for the group rotate on the home page,
informing shoppers of newly released products and technologies.
Dealers control much of the content,
while ICE will regularly update product categories, seasonal items, videos and
group specials to relieve members of such routine maintenance.
Dealers who already operate a Web
site can add a secondary site that appeals to a different demographic, the
group said.
“It’s 2010 and having a Web site is no longer
optional,” said Rob Elliott, executive director of the 150-member, $250
million group.
“Not only must the Web site ooze professionalism, but it must also be kept
current and updated regularly. The more backroom burdens ICE can take off our
members’ shoulders, the more our members can focus on maintaining their sales floor
and install-bay excellence.”
ICE member Brian Layton of Sound
FX in Lewes, Del., agreed.
“
The beauty of the site is much more than its
looks,” he said. “The ease of use allows us to keep our current and
potential customers up to date with what we are doing.”
Layton’s ICE-designed Web site
can be viewed at
.
Separately, SEN, the Nationwide
Marketing Group division for specialty CE dealers, will provide two free
Webinars on the benefits of buying group membership. Hosted by SEN membership
director Barrie McCorkle, the Webinars are designed to help dealers decide if joining
a buying group could benefit their bottom lines.
“We realize that many independent
dealers may not be aware of the advantages a buying group membership can bring
to the table,” observed Jeannette Howe, executive director of SEN. “Obviously deep deals with manufacturing and
distribution partners are what attract dealers to buying groups… We also offer consumer financing, warranty
programs, Internet marketing services, education, training, networking and so
much more to help our members compete effectively against mass merchants.”
The Webinars will be held
Thursday, July 15 and Thursday, July 29 from 3pm – 4pm EDT. To pre-register, go to
and click on “Join Meeting.” The Webinar ID for the July 15 event is
593-854-865, and the Webinar ID for the July 29 event is 160-074-368.
SEN
and its parent Nationwide group will hold their bi-annual PrimeTime! buying
show and conference Aug. 15-18 at the Gaylord National in National Harbor, Md.,
outside Washington, D.C. For more information, contact McCorkle at (970) 984-0545
or
