Not too long ago, advice to keep a CRM implementation simple would have focused around due diligence for the application (you never buy a complex product unless absolutely necessary). It would have focused on negotiating the best deal with a systems integrator (these costs can add quickly unless the contract specifies otherwise). Most of all, it would have focused on a clear needs assessment driving the application (buying too many bells and whistles when they aren't necessary is a sure path to overly complicated implementation and a frustrated user base). 30 Oct 2007
Microsoft has cut by almost half the cost of its CRM Live application for partners, bringing its price point down to US$15 per user per month. 25 Oct 2007
There's a wealth of opportunities available for aspiring and small to medium-sized business (SMB) e-tailers looking for shopping cart technology, as Part 1 of this series points out. While this makes it easier than ever to find this important piece of the e-tailing puzzle, it also means startup and SMB e-tailers face greater challenges when it comes to choosing shopping cart software and putting it to good use. 24 Oct 2007
For those aspiring or already doing business as an e-tail merchant, there is no shortage of e-commerce software developers with shopping cart technology for start-ups and small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs). The real difficulty may lie in choosing among them and then putting it to productive use. 23 Oct 2007
If you're in the market for a pre-owned car and you don't want to pay a fortune, they are available for anything from an average of about R10000 - they've been recovered after being stolen or damaged in accidents… 15 Oct 2007
Ask customer relationship management (CRM) administrators about who owns the data populating their CRM systems, and you will likely get one of two emphatic answers: "my company" or "me." 11 Oct 2007
A good strategy starts with knowing your customers. What are they buying? What are their demographics? How do they make their purchasing decisions? Are their interactions with your company consistently good? At what point in your customer lifecycle are you at most risk of losing them? Are you listening to their complaints and ideas to continually improve your products and services? 9 Oct 2007
Wireless mobility helps floor supervisors solve customer problems in real time without the need to put customers on hold or call them back once they've retrieved the necessary information. Floor supervisors can be more efficient, thus decreasing call time, by moving about the office to perform supportive tasks and actively engage with agents. 20 Sep 2007
USA - This month's 'thebigidea', a recurrent section in the Pohly Company's Fuel newsletter, focuses on the how to keep consumer traffic flowing through the doors despite high fuel prices. Perhaps South African retailers could also use a few pointers to increase customer loyalty while keeping costs down in the wake of the National Credit Act's attempt to curb rampant spending. 13 Sep 2007
Silver Stream Marketing has announced the launch of nTouch Loyalty, a complete marketing system enabling restaurants, and retail businesses, to reduce customer turnover, increase average order value and encourage repeat business. 31 Aug 2007
USA - Firenze Jewels, a family owned and operated retail store located in the heart of New York City's diamond district, introduces an innovative diamond search tool that allows website shoppers to search by colour, size, and price range for diamond jewellery of their choice. 28 Aug 2007
SmartClixx®, LLC, provider of self-hosted closed loop stored value card software, has announced the Platinum Partner Program, its globalised web-based application available to distribution channel partners wanting to "host" small and medium-sized merchants. 24 Aug 2007
LONDON: Independent market analyst Datamonitor's newly released report ‘Decision Matrix: Selecting a CRM Vendor' assesses the strengths and weaknesses of leading CRM vendors and suggests that despite numerous players operating in this highly competitive space, just two names should be on IT decision makers' shortlists. 24 Aug 2007
I Know Information Services LTD, an information and communication technology (ICT) company in Uganda has launched two websites www.icareug.com and www.iknowuganda.com to provide on-line shopping and information services to Ugandans. 23 Aug 2007
While Come&Stay is a major player in northern Europe, globally it's still a dwarf compared with Mountain View, California-based DoubleClick, the digital advertising company acquired by Google in April for US$3.1 billion. Unlike DoubleClick, Come&Stay, with operations already in 14 countries, is focused solely on e-mail advertising. 21 Aug 2007
A quick solution for Kenyan shoppers is in the offing, courtesy of a Nairobi-based firm that will save hundreds of time-constrained individuals by offering online shopping services. 21 Aug 2007
PEP is now a proud sponsor of the Vodacom Challenge. 13 Jul 2007
Music helps marketers create rich brand-driven experiences within the retail environment, creating strong brand recall and heightening the consumer-brand connection says Craig Cesman, CEO of DMX Music Africa. 13 Jul 2007
Fort Simon took two of the six awards from the Stellenbosch district, and Bottelary ward at the second SA Terroir Wine Awards. Last year the estate's wines came first in Stellenbosch for the top Shiraz 2003 and the best red wine in the Bottelary ward. 13 Jul 2007
South Africa's only battery manufacturer, Eveready, won the Manufacturer of the Year award at the third annual Proudly South African Homegrown Awards, which were held in Johannesburg at the end of May. 13 Jul 2007
