Electro Music is planning rapid expansion of its burgeoning online business thanks to new web technology linked to a nationwide parcel delivery network operated by APC Overnight. The Doncaster-based music store was established in 1982 and has been operating online shopping since 2000. With thousands of items shipped nationwide each year, the company has launched a new website with integrated booking and tracking to boost customer service.
The combination of reliable rapid parcel collection by APC Overnight's local depot APC Direct Logistics from Electro Music's warehouse for overnight delivery and innovative web-based technology from NetDespatch underpins Electro Music's emphasis on "good old fashioned customer service," says Mark Taylor, the company's website manager.
"We are acutely aware that many people now like to browse and shop online at all hours of the day and night. Musicians especially can be night owls! Electro Music's sales are increasingly moving in that direction. Having the option of next day delivery to anywhere in the UK through APC Overnight is a big plus for our business," says Mark Taylor.
"We value the flexibility to add items right up to collection time if needs be. We also like the ability to pickup and collect in one go. For example, we can arrange for replacement items to be shipped and delivered with the unwanted goods being picked up in one move, which is great for customer relations," he adds.
APC Direct Logistics provided the NetDespatch on-demand booking and tracking system to streamline Electro Music's distribution and administration. Orders placed before 2pm each day are quickly processed with the web-based system building manifests and generating the parcel shipping labels automatically. The system also provides detailed end-to-end traceability of all parcels going through the system.
"We cannot stress enough how vital the NetDespatch system is to managing our deliveries. Our warehouse manager has the system open all day to get instant status reports of en-route deliveries or to check on completed orders. The system contains vital information, from precise booking and pickup times, the arrival of our parcels at distribution depots and proof-of-delivery at the final destination. We can even view the signature of the customer on receipt. It's a very fast and easy system to use," says Mark Taylor.
Electro Music - www.electromusic.co.uk - is run by musicians for musicians of all levels and experience. Whether it's drums, guitars, keyboards or PA systems the company stocks and supplies a wide range of leading brands including Fender, Gibson, ESP, Epiphone, Ernie Ball, Pearl, Tama, Gretsch, Yamaha, Roland, Boss, Fostex, Tascam, Zoom, Line 6, Vox, as well as a service and repair facility.