christo65

I' glad there is some discussion and interest in this. I feel, particularly as I live in Australia and the cost of phone calls and Time zones is prohibitive, to do as a number have suggested and 'talk to the guys'.

Two things:
1. If I know what I am after and don't need to talk to anybody? Why should I waste their time and mine with a needless conversation?

2. If these suppliers have taken the step to go online with, in most cases, at least rudimentary shopping facilities, does it not indicate that they have some desire to capture online sales? If this is true, should they not endeavour to present their products in the most favorable manner to encourage visitors who have gone so far as to enter their online shopping areas, apparently with some intention of spending money now or in the future, to make the next step with confidence and pull out the credit card and spend?

I know this is what I want. I have suppliers here in Oz that are helpful and carry stock but the point is I often don't get time to talk to them during business hours and end up going online and searching after business hours. If someone can give me their home phone numbers and convince them to take my calls after hours, perhaps I'll concede there is no need for this facility.

Until then, I think there is a strong argument for better online shopping facilities. It may not effect some members on this forum, to not have this technology but I'm sure I'm not alone. Not to mention, the added sales it would bring each supplier who moves forward and offers a good online service, i.e., good navigation and categorisation, good images of products and correct part numbers with competitive pricing. The volume of new sales would assist in offsetting the initial cost of migration.

I'm not trying to ***** anybody off here, just start some discussion that may lead to better facilities for owners and suppliers.

Now, what about that Sticky thread for our favored suppliers?

My $0.02 worth.

Chris (....the evangelist)