The Web
Staff -- Gifts & Decorative Accessories, 3/1/2001
Business to Business
ArtRX.com launches a new Web site March 8, in conjunction with International ArtExpo New York. The site, which is designed as a b-to-c/b-to-b portal for global buyers and sellers of art, antiques, and collectibles, is a division of Nicklebys.com.
Retailer Resources
One solution to online credit card security concerns is the reader-free Internet card, from ComSense Technologies. Users press the dot on their chip-based card and wave it in front of their PC's microphone. The card sends an encrypted user authentication code to the PC, there is a one-click launch to the card issuer's Web site and a secure, single log-on to online accounts, allowing security and privacy, and reducing fraud costs. And of course, like any private label credit card, it builds your brand. For information, visit www.com-sense.com.
Want to know what's coming down the pike? A new business/legal resource Web site offers a combination of expert networks, management consultants, and future trends. The site's more than 1,000 experts aim to help businesses plan for the future. Services range from consulting to research to forecasting, and include an Ask The Expert report option. An Ask The Expert report offers up to four views from qualified experts. One view costs $435; four views is $1,500. www.foreview.com
How much should you be paying your staff? SalaryExpert.com provides compensation and benefit data from the firm of Baker, Thomsen Associates, licensed in all states and provinces. Make sure some of the inflated numbers floating around on the Web don't convince you to pay more than you need.
Does your store or Website have product that just won't move? Don't dilute your merchandise's value with too many sales. Overstock.com buys excess inventory from on- and offline stores to offer it to consumers at clearance prices.
Suppliers Online
Illahe Tileworks, a tile manufacturer, added its line of gift tiles and a monthly newsletter to its Web site, www.illahetile.com. Prices are retail; please contact the company for discount information.
Cool Springs Press, publisher of regional gardening titles, revamped its Web site, www.coolspringspress.com. The site includes a full range of support materials and provision for downloading those materials for promotional use.
The Victorian Heart Co. Inc., a wholesale quilt company, revamped its Web site and online catalog. The new www.victorianheart.com allows clients to order online, see new products and Internet specials, search for items, and more. The site is password-protected to ensure pricing integrity.
Creative Gifts International Inc., manufacturers of Sheridan and Taunton branded giftware, has a new Web site. The password-protected site lets retailers browse more than 1,300 current offerings in silverplate, goldplate, pewter, crystal, glass, season, wood, and resin. Orders can be placed online, and confirmation is sent immediately. www.creativegiftsdirect.com.
Everyday Moments, a new greeting card manufacturer, now offers its full line of products on the buylink.com site and, through a partnership agreement, on the Yahoo! B2B Marketplace.
Collectibles manufacturer Harmony Kingdom revamped its Web site, offering an updated style, improved functions, and additional features. www.HarmonyKingdom.com.
Wireless Web
GeePS.com, a location-sensitive Wireless Applications Service provider, uses voice and mobile commerce wireless technologies to deliver targeted local shopping information. Shoppers sign up to receive money-saving promotions in their favorite categories. The service was tested during the holiday season at the Palisades Center in West Nyack, NY, by both local and national retailers.
IQ.com, an e-marketing company, signed an agreement with Proxio Inc., a wireless application provider, to deliver incentive and loyalty solutions to PDAs and other wireless devices. Different users will receive customized information based on location and personal preferences. Merchants interested in advertising with the pilot program should visit www.iq.com.
