11 replies to this topic

[hank141]

On one of the Linked in Groups I'm in, Liz posted the following stating that they were now offering a new competitor to Sage , ESP and the others and claim they have 500 distributor members. At first glance the $1200.00 annual smallest package seems expensive to me BUT I really haven't evaluated what the benefits might be and so I wanted to see if any of the "500" were on this site and could give us feedback. It looks like it might be another i Promote u deal and I'm looking for more info ! Anybody? Quote is below!

"in the very near future there will be a fourth option available from Trade Only Inc., our US sister company. We've supplied technology and marketing services to the UK, Europe, South America and Australia for over 10 years and at PPAI this year launched a combined product research, quote, order management, CRM and reporting solution, specifically designed for distributors in North America.

It's called Trade Only VISION, and includes integrated websites and Technologo's instant virtual sample technology. Our US team are collating supplier data at the moment and the system will be available for use within the next couple of months. Please check it out - http://www.tradeonly.com/ - and let me know what you think! "

[Chris Miller]

Hmm... no live sites listed, "Who's using us" and "Take a tour" links are both broken. Is anyone actually using it, or is it just an idea?

I've never heard of it. It also seems like iPromoteU has their hands in it?

If it turns into something, it's certainly going to give all of the existing services a run for their money.

Let's see - we have one provider that offers a solution where the supplier pays a boatload, and the distributor pays nothing. Yet another provider who charges the distributor a boatload and the supplier pays nothing. Tradeonly charges BOTH which means it should be a well rounded, quality product. Ding ding ding! Sounds like a winner to me.

Looking forward to hearing from others.

[bdail]

Just got an email from them and it seems like they bought Technologo! Another merger, I guess.

[Chris Miller]

bdail, on 08 March 2011 - 08:57 AM, said:

Just got an email from them and it seems like they bought Technologo! Another merger, I guess.

Interesting! I guess I missed that email. Thanks for the info!

[Mike Betts]

Chris Miller, on 08 March 2011 - 09:14 AM, said:

Interesting! I guess I missed that email. Thanks for the info!

Yes it is true! Very exciting times for us in the Technologo Offices! I have attached the press release here. Please feel free to contact me at any time if you have any questions.

The solution has not yet launched. We are going live in April, but already have several hundred signed up. We are in the process of retrieving and entering supplier data now. While iPROMOTEu is our first "large" client, we already have a few dozen other distirbutors who have committed to the solution when we launch (some of whom have paid their deposits.

I do not have all of the answers just yet, as I am really only two days on the job, but I am pretty quick at absorbing info and certainly will be able to find any information that is required to help you out.

Attached File(s)

•  For Immediate Release.pdf (227.26K)
  Number of downloads: 53

[CliffQuicksellJr]

I am VERY familiar with this platform and have been for the past 10 years. Trade Only is the number one market drivien software provider EXPRESSLY for the promotional products industry in Europe, comanding an amazing 97% marketshare with both distributors and suppliers. I know the pricipal of the company personally; he is a man of convicton and the highest integrity.

Many of you know me from my 30+ years in the industry, and during that time I have seen a many a software platform come and go, the better ones have indeed remained. This platform however is remarkable from many vantage points; first and formost in is ALL ENCOMPASSING meaning all of the functionality resides is one system: order entry, a logo 'vault' of sorts, virtual samples (driven by technologo), accounting - intergates with Quickbooks© and the most remarkable company store platform that I have ever witnessed. The processes are seemless and can be drivien from any device; Mac, PC, Smartphone and iPAD - from anywhere in the world; from your car, next to the pool, at Starbucks©, client meeting, at the airport...you name it you can connect.

I have seen nearly 100 demonstrations of this program both here in the states and in Europe and it's is BRILLIANT!

The supplier interface and dashboard connectivity with the suppliers is truly amazing...you can with as few as 3 clicks access data and reports and it tackles any CRM challenge you gan give it. My friends, you WILL have more time to sell - Martin Varley is a 28 year vetern in this business WHO sold on the streets just like you. He is not a guy that thinks he knows the business HE HAS LIVED IN YOUR SHOES.

Take the time to review the platform...it may not be for you, but I would be truly surprised if you didn't think it was.
Feel free to email me or call anytime cliff@cquicksell.com or 301-717-0615 - Continued good selling Best Cliff

[Superemb]

How many suppliers will add in additional companies to sell their wares? It seems that it gets to point where you just cannot be a part of every platform that comes out.
Cliff will this be a problem entering our market at such a late date?

[Chris Miller]

Superemb, on 27 March 2011 - 10:41 PM, said:

How many suppliers will add in additional companies to sell their wares? It seems that it gets to point where you just cannot be a part of every platform that comes out.
Cliff will this be a problem entering our market at such a late date?

Exactly... I think suppliers are burnt out. Most don't even get involved in the good platforms because they just don't know what to do.

Funny to see them still attending every tradeshow though.

[jimknecht]

Chris Miller, on 28 March 2011 - 11:15 PM, said:

Exactly... I think suppliers are burnt out. Most don't even get involved in the good platforms because they just don't know what to do.

Agree.

Chris Miller, on 28 March 2011 - 11:15 PM, said:

Funny to see them still attending every tradeshow though.

Only thing funny about your comments is you talking about seeing suppliers at a tradeshow. When was the last time you attended a show? Can't count a show you attend but fail to even go on the show floor. I do remember you doing that, don't I?

I would say many suppliers are more selective with shows. We attend less than in years past & truly try to find the shows that match up well geographically for us. IMO tradeshows, picked properly, give a great ROI. Hard to beat talking face to face & actually holding the product in your hand.

[paul2731]

I'm kind of in the middle when it comes to this. Sometimes I feel like we get slaughtered on the cost of trade shows (even the local ones or well attended ones can be brutal) but there's nothing wrong with the model. Some shows really do enable you to talk to hundreds of people at once, build your brand, enhance your relationships, make new business and earn money.

As Jim says, we have to be selective.

Lately I've been very interested in figuring out which shows attract the most actual buyers (as opposed to company presidents, etc). Not just pure ROI (company presidents can bring in huge orders and great business partnerships) but rather just focusing on this part of the equation.

I could see why an internet savvy distributor such as Chris would want to skip the shows, but on the supplier side it's not the same. Skipping all trade shows would hurt our business, regardless of what we replaced them with.

[Doug - Beacon Promo]

Chris Miller, on 28 March 2011 - 11:15 PM, said:

Exactly... I think suppliers are burnt out.

Ditto on my personal part.

It looks to be a really mirrored version of SAGE & ESP with maybe better features for both supplier & distributor sides.

SAGE, ESP, Distributor Central, Technologo, The Logo Network, our main website... and now possibly this for me to maintain.

I need a vacation

- Doug

[Admin]

As your topic appears to be about a product, we have moved it to the "Find and Discuss Suppliers Forum".

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