The PowerChord Quiz:

      Are You Ready For PowerChord?

1. I want to utilize the internet to help my company achieve its goals.
   
   
2. I am interested in a comprehensive Internet Brand Management System that is both cost effective and easy to deploy.
   
   
3. I would like to sell direct to the customer on the Internet, but I also don’t want to go around my dealers.
   
   
4. I need a defined system for supporting all of my independent dealers and sales associates.
   
   
5. I don't have a system in place for increasing dealer loyalty.
   
   
6. My company needs to obtain a better hold of Internet wide pricing, product information and overall brand management.
   
   
7. I would like to draw ordering costs down.
   
   
8. I would like to make it easier for dealers to order from my company.
   
   
9. I have ideas for internet initiatives that have no clear design or available solution.
   
   
10. I understand the importance of a professional and effective web presence.

Trends and Statistics

Although the figures below make up only a comparatively small part of the total retail market volume, their absolute value makes the eCommerce market attractive for new investments. Computer Intelligence (California, USA) reports, over 3 million customers have conducted on-line transactions in a single day.

Estimated Quarterly U.S. Retail Sales (Adjusted¹): Total and eCommerce ²

1. Estimates are adjusted for seasonal variation and holiday and trading-day differences, but not for price changes.

2. eCommerce sales are sales of goods and services where an order is placed by the buyer or price and terms of sale are negotiated over an Internet, extranet, Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) network, electronic mail, or other online system. Payment may or may not be made online.

(Source: Us Census Bureau)

From the eMarketer’s annual report in 2006 the eCommerce market size in Europe has grown to €106 billion ($133 billion). Analysts say that it is very likely to go on increasing and display a very fast rate of annual growth – up to 25%. The situation will be stable for at least five years and the market will reach the point of €323 billion ($407 billion) by 2011.

Britain, France and Germany prevail in the European eCommerce market. These countries have the largest share in the total figures transactions – up to 72%. British eCommerce market ranks first and analysts believe it will reach $84 billion in 2007, which is 39% higher than the figures of 2006. Germany holds the second place. However, it is first in the number of online-customers – there are as many as 3 million.

Conclusion

The trend of eCommerce growth in dollars and as a percentage of retail sales is expected to continue for years to come.

Write or call us today to learn how we can assist your company capitalize on this opportunity.

Definitions

eCommerce -  Commerce that is transacted electronically, as over the Internet.

B2C -  Business-to-Consumer. This describes a typical eCommerce site selling products to all consumers.

B2B -  Business-to-Business. In reference to commerce conducted between companies rather than between companies and private individuals or consumers.