Using Technology To Compete With The Big Boys

How many times has one gone to a major company’s website, if available, to buy hard to find products or request bulk orders only to find no online ordering system? Large companies often make the mistake of believing that their brand is so well known that online advertising or sales channels are not necessary. Today’s consumer does not respond to older forms of advertising nor do they shop the same way. Many large companies specializing in innovative consumer products may offer something exclusive. When a do-it-yourself consumer just needs a small proprietary item to fix a problem without sending the product back to the manufacturer or having to travel long distances to authorized repair shops or warranties void, which can make or break a deal. An online parts shop along with a tutorial retains a satisfied customer.

Most small innovators who sell a specialty product to single stores, local chains, or end users do not have large ad budgets, but do very well using online shops. Using search engine optimization methods and proper keyword usage results in high search engine rankings. This opens up an order and distribution flow rivaling any large brick and mortar retailer relying on paper catalogs, phone or mail orders. The Internet is carried around in almost everyone’s pocket on a smart phone or tablet allowing the small specialty retailer’s catalog, order, sale and delivery system at customer fingertips anytime, anywhere.