Epicor Software Corporation announced the availability of Epicor eCommerce Store Development Service, a low-cost, turnkey eCommerce website service that helps automotive replacement parts distributors and jobbers sell directly to consumers via the Internet. The new eCommerce service supports wholesalers with the launch of consumer-oriented eCommerce sites – in English, Spanish, or French languages – in as little as two weeks.
An estimated $3.7 billion in automotive parts and related products were sold via eCommerce in 2012 and online sales to consumers are expected to grow at a 15 percent compounded annual rate through 2018, according to a study commissioned by the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA). Epicor eCommerce service helps distributors and jobbers compete for these consumer sales through functionally rich, custom-branded eCommerce sites that can be integrated with many existing business management software solutions.
The new sites are powered by industry-leading Epicor PartExpert® electronic catalog -- offering information, images and other valuable content for millions of replacement parts and related products -- and can provide real-time part availability and pricing information for multiple selling locations for the parts distributor. Each site features a secure shopping cart that accepts credit card payments via PayPal or Authorize.net. All required technical support is provided by Epicor.
“eCommerce represents one of the fastest growing sales channels for the automotive parts market, yet many distributors and jobbers don’t know how to get started or believe they don’t have access to the tools needed to compete in this marketplace,” said Scott Thompson, vice president, automotive eCommerce for Epicor. “Our new, low-cost Epicor eCommerce service helps businesses quickly eliminate the barriers to selling to consumers online by establishing Web-based stores with world-class functionality and parts information tools.”
Users can customize their sites with company logos, photos, and text. The site administrator can also configure their PartExpert electronic catalog to display available products in preferred order by brand, price or other variable. The online stores also enable the business to capture and track customer history and key account information. Shipping costs and taxes can be automatically calculated and added to each order, as specified by the site administrator.
For additional information regarding the new Epicor eCommerce Store Development Service, contact your Epicor representative, call Epicor toll-free at (888) 463-4700, email [email protected], or visit Epicor at the 2013 AAPEX Show in Las Vegas, November 4-7, in Booth 2238.
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