Tech Data breaks cost barriers for resellers with new online tools

This gives the tech reseller channel a huge cost advantage in the razor-thin-margin world of technology sales, where efficiency is paramount, and overheads need to be kept to an absolute minimum. Resellers can now log in via the Internet, and check every aspect of their business, from order status to product information to current accounts information.

"Tech Data has been working hard to help our customers reduce their costs and streamline their businesses. In many cases, the technology reseller channel is looking at only a few dollars margin on many items, which means every second not spent hassling with administration is more time to be out with customers, providing services," said Steve Lockie, Managing Director of Tech Data Middle East.

Tech Data's global strategy is to improvise and introduce new initiatives that result in offering better services to resellers. These initiatives have kept Tech Data at the forefront and are duly recognised in the Industry. For the second consecutive year Tech Data ranked first overall as solution providers' most preferred source for IT products and services, ahead of other distributors, technology manufacturers and other alternative sources in U.S., a clear indication of being a market leader in delivery of services.

The new techdata.ae site has been redesigned to be more in line with the look and feel of the techdata.com international site, and has had a complete under the covers re-engineering.

Some of the new features include Order Status, where the reseller can check on an order number and where it is in the system, along with their current credit levels. If items are on back-order, they can also see when they will be available. Not only is all the stock information they need at their fingertips, but resellers can also print and email reports at the click of a button.

Vital for resellers is the Pricing Matrix. This gives them instant access to their prices on products, according to their business volumes, the specific item and the vendor choice. Along with this is the Stock Availability information, which also displays product information, allowing resellers to make informed purchasing decisions.

Once stocks are dispatched, resellers can check their shipments through the Shipment Tracking tool, allowing them to plan when and how they will deliver to their customers.

The new B2B site is a win for both Tech Data and the reseller channel, as sales staff don't need to spend time sitting on the phone chasing up orders, allowing everyone to get down to the business of selling products and implementing value-added IT solutions.

"Tech Data is offering a service that few, if any, of its competitors are providing. Giving our customers such fast access to information makes dealing with Tech Data even more attractive to prospective customers," added Lockie.

For the accounts departments, a key new feature is the "Statement of Account" section, where information such as invoices and credit notes can be checked, allowing resellers to more effectively plan purchase and payments.