"I used a supposed leading ecommerce software package for small businesses called Act**** Cat****. It was hosted on a third party environment..."
What old ecommerce platform were you on?
I used a supposed leading ecommerce software package for small businesses called Act**** Cat****. It was hosted on a third party environment.
What were the key problems with the platform that made you decide to leave?
I had to upload a disc and found the guidelines confusing. Not being technically literate regarding websites, the administrative set up was complicated and I was not able to get my newsletter and email functions working despite several attempts via the help support, and the shopping cart was not user friendly. Although there was a support line I often had to queue for assistance on the telephone or wait ages for email responses. My images were not consistent in size and took time to upload especially if I wanted to enlarge them.
"I could only use the software from one computer"
Worst of all I could only use the software from one computer so I was not able to find out how many online orders I had until I got home from the shop in the evenings which delayed orders being sent out to customers.
I needed a much better website that customers could use easily with a good secure payment system that worked and better shopping cart facility. Then my computer crashed and although I did a back-up I could not recover the majority of my site and I was in turmoil!
How did you find out about Tiger Commerce?
A few weeks previous to my computer crashing I had a visit from a Kent Messenger representative - having advertised in the newspaper a couple of times - who informed me about Tiger Commerce and how they were helping promote Kent businesses with ecommerce packages. He showed me the 'show cases' and I was impressed. When my computer crashed I contacted the representative and decided to use the trial period to set up a new website with my son assisting.
How have you found Tiger Commerce?
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How have you found the support?
"The support has been outstanding in all aspects of the shop"
The support has been outstanding in all aspects of the shop from the design to the secure online payments. I feel like I have my own personal assistant. Not being technically literate I was concerned about the database functions but the help instructions on the site are most helpful and when I have telephoned the information given has been so clear that even I have understood them!
I thank Lisa Rodrigues in particular and when she went on holiday I was emailed the name of another representative to contact if necessary. It makes such a difference knowing you can speak to the same person each time.
What customer feedback have you received from your shop?
I have received many compliments about the online shop. Initially some customers found the images too small but Tiger Commerce soon remedied this which was gratefully appreciated.
I have had good remarks about my newsletters and one customer in particular comes to my retail shop the day after receiving her regular newsletter.
Customers find the shopping cart much easier and like to know that their card payments are secure.
How has your business benefited from using Tiger Commerce online and offline? Has your shop acted as a marketing tool to drive offline sales and drive custom to your shop?
I have had more visitors to my retail shop since having the online shop. It has been a good marketing tool for my craft magazine advertisements too. I own a small craft shop, and my Tiger Commerce online shop has been established since July 2008. I have been pleased with the revenue received to date and I like the fact that I can constantly improve my site as retail trends change. The search statistics, sales reports and Google Analytics are excellent and enable me to see what keywords potential customers are searching for so that I can, where possible, ensure those products are uploaded onto the online shop. It also helps me decide what stock to purchase from wholesalers.
"I feel I am part of one big family who work together"
I feel I am part of one big family who work together to improve our knowledge of web technology, increase profit margins and reach a much larger web 'audience'.
Val Marshall, Managing Director
www.pantilespapertole.com
Don’t just take our word for it, read our testimonials and you’ll see a common theme... customer service excellence.
