With its pledge not to sell directly to the end user, Aqua Sphere has launched an e-commerce solution on its web site www.aquasphereswim.com/uk that supports its retailers. According to the swim specialist, its new solution seamlessly integrates retailers onto the Aqua Sphere site’s sales platform so that retailers ‘gain all the revenue from sales.’
Recognising that consumers are shifting their focus to spend online in addition to in-store, the Shopatron global e-commerce solution, popular in the USA, takes shoppers from the manufacturer’s web site to a dedicated Shopatron web site where they can purchase goggles and training aids at the full SRP plus postage, smoothly and in a couple of clicks.
Once the sale is complete, the ‘simple and effortless process’ then unobtrusively alerts the retailer nearest to the purchaser, giving them the option to fulfil the order and reap the revenue.
Martin Newton of Aqua Sphere UK said “We know that most shoppers expect to be able to buy a product online, and very often the first point of contact is the manufacturer’s web site. If they cannot buy at that point they will go elsewhere, perhaps to a large online retailer or to another brand who is selling direct.
“By integrating the tried and tested Shopatron system onto our web site, visitors simply click on the shop icon and buy their product at the SRP. From their point of view, it’s a simple and fast purchase procedure. Behind the scenes, the Shopatron system then directs the sale to the nearest signed-up retailer, known in this process as a Fulfilment Partner, providing them with a high-margin sales opportunity with minimal effort.”
Brian Dooley, Director of online retailer sportsandoutdoors.co.uk, said “I’m very pleased to have signed up to become an Aqua Sphere Fulfilment Partner because the system works very well. It’s understandable that the brand web site is a trusted reference point for many consumers who like to buy direct but it’s gratifying that Aqua Sphere are being true to their word and not selling direct.
He continued, “Like a lot of retailers, we deal with some big brands who have their own web site and are selling direct and, not only that, they are throwing a considerable amount of money at marketing their web sites, effectively pushing us further out.
“Conversely, Aqua Sphere are respecting and looking after the retailer. What’s more, the system is selling at the full SRP, so there is no price undercutting and the margin on the product and the postage is good, much higher than the margins available from other shopping web sites. Finally, the system is simplicity itself. There is no admin burden and it’s extremely easy to get involved. In fact – I can’t think of a reason why a retailer wouldn’t try it.”
Free and easy to join – even for retailers without an online shop – any retailers who wish to become a Fulfilment Partner are invited to call Aqua Sphere on +44 (0)1254 692200 or speak to their Aqua Sphere sales representative.
