The name and concept of "Yellow Pages" came about in 1883, when a printer in Cheyenne, Wyoming working on a regular telephone directory ran out of white paper and used yellow paper instead. However, it is Loren Murphy Berry who is credited for inventing the Yellow Pages as we knew it, a publisher of directories and provider of classified directory advertising.
This was a boon for many companies as they recognized the potential windfall of the possibility to reach thousands of potential customers in a new way by printing their products and services in a small column in the thick yellow book. It was the standard by which companies made themselves available to consumers, and those that did enjoyed their shares of revenue because of it. That is until Google came along.
That was then, this is now. The yellow pages may still be around, but:
Ask Yourself: How has the Internet changed your buying habits? Your buyers and prospects have likely experienced this very same kind of change in habits as you, in both their personal buying and their work-related buying. No longer do buyers just pick up the phone and call you for information.
So, since the days when the Yellow pages ruled, what has stayed the same is that if potential buyers do not find you, they are buying somewhere else. It is where and how they find you that has changed.
A successful Web Storefront that is fully integrated with your Eclipse ERP, features intuitive navigation, on-site SOE and full Shopping Cart capabilities for easier sales from your website could be the answer.
You might naturally think to turn to Epicor for that answer, since they do offer an eCommerce application as a solution to integrate with your existing Eclipse ERP. Being "OEM", it should provide the hand in glove functionality you are looking for in a successful eCommerce solution. Maybe, maybe not.
A web order entry system requires the buyer to know what they already want, and is much different than the robust functionality needed to be successful in today's B2B eCommerce. Remember Google. It was back in 1998 that they started changing the way we shop and buy. A lot has changed over the last 14 years, but according to the chatter from Eclipse users on various message boards, Epicor's eCommerce application has not. One user's experience is that it "hasn't changed at all since I first went live on it in 1999".
A 21st Century eCommerce Solution
An aftermarket alternative to the OEM solution from a vendor specializing in cross-media publishing and B2B eCommerce for manufacturers and distributors might be worth looking into as well.
eCommerce21™ from Computer Pundits Corporation is a unique B2B and B2C Web Storefront system. Its patented database-driven approach to building and updating your eCommerce information and seamless integration with your Eclipse ERP completes the circle.
Our software has over 35 patent claims for unique features and ease of use, and we are always innovating. Every year we implement over 11,000 man hours of cutting edge improvements into our software based on industry demand, customer feedback and market trends.
These improvements have resulted in a combination of features not found elsewhere. Features like an open CSS interface, Google-like Search by Relevance, and User Stat based Navigation are just some of the features that are not found in the OEM solution.
Being fully integrated with your Eclipse system delivers up-to-date eCommerce utility that is customer focused to encourage repeat visits as well as the potential for adding advanced capability like PunchOut integration for eProcurement.
eCommerce21™ from Computer Pundits Corporation is B2B and B2C eCommerce for the 21st century. Robust enough to provide the information buyers are demanding as they research their buying decision, but user friendly enough to get used, by you and your buyers. Visit http://www.eCommerce21.com or call 1-888-786-3487 to learn more.
