ECommerce

  • Why Alibaba and Amazon Can't Do What We're Doing Without Disrupting Themselves

    There is enormous latent supply of equipment and machinery in China across a wide range of industries. The amount of arbitrage happening in the China-to-US machinery and equipment space seems almost too significant to not be disintermediated. Why has no one been able to tap into it, especially the marketplace giants, Amazon and Alibaba?

     

    High-Touch or Low-Touch?

    One reason is the unique high-touch service needs of equipment and machinery industries. High-touch means that customer service issues are often more complex, but the business involves high value customers. In contrast, most consumer goods follow a low-touch customer model.

    From operating call centers trained in technical advice and troubleshooting, to providing adequate after-sales maintenance and repair, the need for high-touch customer service from end to end is unavoidable in the world of big-ticket machinery and equipment purchases. Few Chinese manufacturers can afford to operate a dedicated US-based team to fulfill this for US customers.

    If traditional cross-border intermediaries such as trading companies and OEM buyers can fill this need and profit handsomely, why couldn’t a horizontal marketplace platform step in and steal their thunder (along with billions of dollars of profit)?

    As Alibaba and Amazon's marketplace platforms have been built out around consumer goods, these incumbent players follow highly entrenched low-touch service models. This because the relatively low value of consumer purchases prevent a high-touch model from ever being profitable. However, conversely, a low-touch model greatly limits these platforms’ ability to accommodate Chinese direct-selling of industrial equipment and machinery the same way they have – to an extent – for Chinese consumer goods.

     

    One Man's "Innovator's Dilemma" is Another's...

    It would go against Alibaba or Amazon’s core business models if they were to establish a dedicated after-sales service team to answer customers’ various technical industry-specific questions, much less provide on-site maintenance services. But that is exactly what is needed by Chinese industrial sellers in order to sell to the US.

    A platform that provides high-touch English-language service is the very key that will unlock an enormous volume of latent supply. It is a key that may not seem intuitive at first due to the consumer models proven out by the giants, Amazon and Alibaba. But it’s one whose numbers make complete sense if you take a look at the US market from a buyer perspective, in conjunction with understanding the challenges and incentives from a Chinese seller perspective.

  • Toolots Adds Accounting Manager to Thriving Cerritos Headquarters

    Creating processes and an ERP system to sustain efficiency and accuracy

    CERRITOS, Calif. - September 19, 2017- Toolots Inc., a southern California based online marketplace and distribution channel for the latest high quality industrial equipment, machinery, and technology has named Rubab Ali as their new Account Manager. In this role, she will oversee all accounting processes, systems, and related matters on behalf of the company. 

    Ali has over 10 years of experience in the accounting field working for a variety of companies ranging from large corporations like Red Bullto start ups like Toolots.In her previous role, Ali was the Senior AP Manager for Revolve Clothing, a fashion and designer eCommerce site based in Cerritos, CA where she managed a team of 11 individuals. When detailing her understanding of Toolots, Ali described the company as a new, unique eCommerce platform offering its' vendors and customers vital services, in addition to industrial products,to assist in the daily function of their businesses. 

    As the first Accounting Manager for Toolots, Ali's main focus will be the implementation of a new Enterprise Resource Planning(ERP) system. ERP is a database software package that manages a business's processes and operations. The use of this integrated system allows the organization and automation of office functions related to technology, services, and human resources. She will also handle optimizing and maintaining all other aspects of the business that correlate to accounting functions. In addition, Ali will be working in tandem with Toolots' current CTO William Andreozzi, as well as Toolots' contracted Odoo Solutions Architect Adam O'Connor to ensure the system meets  Toolots' exclusive needs. 

    "Essentially I get to create an entire Accounting Department. I've created new processes for departments in my previous roles, but this opportunity is unique because I get to start from the ground up," Ali stated. 

    Ali defined Toolots as an "exciting" company due to the value and multitude of benefits gained from the creation of organized systems and processes. Specifically, she mentioned data and transparency as the largest benefits both the company and its vendor partners will acquire from having defined accounting systems in place. Ali stated she aims to "build the best accounting department, that is efficient, accurate, and fun," to help increase efficiency and organization throughout all levels of the company. This in turn will allow Toolots' and its vendors to use the data provided to make well informed executive decisions for their businesses. 

    "I've done a little bit of everything in the accounting field really, from clerical level work all the way to senior management," Ali stated when summarizing her background. She continued by recalling her first job as was an entry level position as a bookkeeper while pursuing her accounting degree. After finalizing her degree and years of hard work, Ali's desire to grow and improve eventually allowed her to hold several titles in senior management. 

    "I've always been interested in growing my skill set," Ali said. In fact she cited the potential learning opportunities as a major factor in her decision to join Toolots' startup team. "I love to learn new things and expand my knowledge," she stated. 

    With the expansion of their Made in the USA vendor category and Global Commerce Services, Toolots has seen a significant increase in vendors since its' establishment May 2016. "We're excited about this period of growth our company is experience right now. Our company will be continuing to hire through the end of the year to keep up with the number of vendors and products onboarding to our platform," Hiring Manager Emilie Sperling stated. 

     

    About Toolots 

    Toolots, headquartered in Cerritos, California, offers an online marketplace and international distribution channel for factory-direct industrial tools, machinery, and manufacturing technology. Our user-friendly platform provides fast, easy access to high-quality, affordable equipment for manufacturers. More than a simple distribution channel, Toolots provides comprehensive services for companies around the world who produce the industrial machinery and equipment we sell, helping streamline the marketing, omni-channel sales, warehousing, fulfillment and after-sales service. On the customer end, Toolots simplifies the purchase, delivery, installation and warranty of industrial technology, machinery and components, and upholds product quality through a vetted network of vendors and service technicians. The company’s dedication to fostering international trade relations passes on cost savings to the consumer, contributes to reduced downtime, improves productivity and expands a manufacturer’s reach. Toolots has strategically located warehouses, showrooms, and offices across the United States, China and as of May 2017, has expanded into Taiwan. For more information visit us online at www.toolots.com. 

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  • Toolots Announces Addition of Director of Marketing to Increase Company Reach

    Strengthening SEO, advertising, and SERPs to energize Toolots' global manufacturing platform

     

    CERRITOS, Calif.- September 19, 2017- Toolots, Inc., an online marketplace and distribution channel for the latest high quality industrial equipment, machinery, and technology, is revitalizing their online presence and streamlining their content systems with the addition of David Alpern, their new Director of Marketing. Enlivening existing content and discovering new opportunities, the southern California based start-up is excited to see what Alpern brings to the table.  

    With over two decades of professional experience in search engine optimization (SEO), Pay Per Click (PPC), and search engine results pages (SERPs), Alpern plans to work closely with Toolots executives to shape the company's messaging through optimization of internet marketing. This includes examining the current marketing, product, and supporting content of the company to refine its messaging. On a broader level, Alpern's main goal will be to increase traffic on Toolots' site, therefore resulting in the potential increase in sales for the company's vendor partners as well. Furthermore, Alpern's work will also be essential in helping Toolots as it continuously strives to promote economic growth and streamline commerce in the global manufacturing industry while fostering trade relations between the US and China. 

    In regards to Alpern's hiring, Toolots Human Resources Manager Emilie Sperling said, "I'm excited to introduce David as the newest member of the Toolots team and I'm confident he will continue the progress we've made thus far. He is an asset to the department, who should see him as a mentor to help educate and assist at any step along the way."  

    When asked about his understanding of the company, Alpern described Toolots as a "trailblazing" company redefining B2B eCommerce and international trade through competitive price points and comprehensive services. "I love companies with international scope," Alpern stated when discussing his decision to join Toolots. He continued by citing Toolots' efforts on international trade as a significant component in his decision to join the company. "Economy goes past our [the United States'] borders," Alpern said in reference to the global manufacturing community and its' impact on both the economy domestically and internationally.  

    An experienced team leader, Alpern also expressed his passion for education and helping others as well. Infact throughout his career, he has worked on popular educational programs like Reading Eggs, and been a speaker and presenter at various conferences such as the Data & Marketing Association Conference, National Conference for Database Marketing, and Retailing.org’s Direct 2 Customer Conference. 

    Alpern has also taken his experience to the classroom as an Instructor of Internet Marketing at California State University, Long Beach's College of Business Administration. During his time there, his classes were so highly sought after that the waiting list for his course became considerable.  Then in 2009 Alpern founded his own company, InternetOMG, also known as the Internet Online Marketing Group.   

    "My initiative [was] to coalesce several freelancers together to help clients with their lead generation, traffic acquisition needs," said Alpern reflecting on how the company came to be.  

    With eleven years of experience in multiple industries already behind him, Alpern was able to establish, maintain, and grow the interactive marketing consulting firm to what it is today. Through InternetOMG he had the opportunity to work with companies like Skechers and Everyday Health, in addition to other agencies like Phelps, and Rhythm. 

    "I love opportunities where there's creation," Alpern said when discussing his desire to create InternetOMG and its relation to his new role at Toolots. He cited the value of innovation and discovery within a start-up company before recalling his time at AltaVista twenty years ago, when the internet company was experimenting with the mechanics and best practices of PPC.  Upon asking his personal objectives for Toolots he stated he planned to, “pursue the fundamentals, pursue internal education, and pursue our audience” to create universal knowledge throughout the company and increase efficiency online. 

    "I call this whole process 'traffic optimization'" Alpern stated, referring to the full creation and employment of Toolots' new online systems. The implementation of these processes will streamline online content for the company, and enhance the experience for visitors of the site. Toolots' existing and potential vendors and customers alike will be able to access their desired information more readily, therefore enhancing their shopping experience as well. 

     

    About Toolots 

    Toolots, headquartered in Cerritos, California, offers an online marketplace and international distribution channel for factory-direct industrial tools, machinery, and manufacturing technology. Our user-friendly platform provides fast, easy access to high-quality, affordable equipment for manufacturers. More than a simple distribution channel, Toolots provides comprehensive services for companies around the world who produce the industrial machinery and equipment we sell, helping streamline the marketing, omni-channel sales, warehousing, fulfillment and after-sales service. On the customer end, Toolots simplifies the purchase, delivery, installation and warranty of industrial technology, machinery and components, and upholds product quality through a vetted network of vendors and service technicians. The company’s dedication to fostering international trade relations passes on cost savings to the consumer, contributes to reduced downtime, improves productivity and expands a manufacturer’s reach. Toolots has strategically located warehouses, showrooms, and offices across the United States, China and as of May 2017, has expanded into Taiwan. For more information visit us online at www.toolots.com. 

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  • Toolots Launches E-Commerce Marketplace

    Toolots Launches E-Commerce Website for Factory-Direct Industrial Tools, Machinery and Technology

    Online marketplace and distribution channel simplifies global commerce for manufacturers in the United States and Asia

    CITY OF INDUSTRY, Calif. – May 5, 2016 – Toolots, Inc., a company that provides a factory-direct e-commerce platform for international manufacturers to easily and affordably purchase and sell industrial tools, machinery and technology, announces the launch of Toolots.com. The online marketplace and distribution channel creates fast, easy access to high-quality, affordable industrial equipment for manufacturers around the world, while streamlining the purchase, delivery, installation and warranty of these products.

    Jason Fu, Toolots Founder and Chief Executive Officer, said, “We are passionate about enabling and fostering international trade relations, specifically between the United States and China. Global manufacturers can realize significant benefits from working together, but complexities within the supply chain often prohibit them from forming partnerships. Through Toolots.com, we provide a vessel to simplify global commerce and promote localized economic growth.”

    Toolots.com is an easy-to-use online platform for manufacturers to purchase and sell industrial tools, machinery and technology. The company provides a comprehensive distribution solution that centralizes and streamlines the marketing, sale, delivery, installation and warranty of high-quality, affordable industrial tools and machinery. Through its thoroughly vetted network of vendors and service technicians, Toolots upholds the quality of imported goods and a high standard of customer service.

    Raymond Cheng, Toolots Chief Operating Officer, said, “Toolots’ mission to streamline industrial commerce worldwide is centered on an innovative, localized approach to distribution. Similar to well-known consumer e-commerce sites, Toolots has strategically located warehouses throughout the U.S. and China to speed up the fulfillment process. A shorter shipping timeline will reduce downtime and improve productivity for manufacturers.”

    Toolots partners with vendors that have a history of producing high-quality products. To provide a comprehensive range of high-quality equipment, Toolots looks for vendors that have a full line of products and manufacture most, if not all, the parts of the equipment in their own factories. Toolots is looking to add U.S. Manufacturers to its preferred vendor program and asks companies interested in extending their distribution channels to read more about selling with Toolots.

    About Toolots.com

    Toolots.com is an online marketplace and international distribution channel for factory-direct industrial tools, machines and technology. The easy-to-use platform creates fast, easy access to high-quality, affordable equipment for manufacturers around the world. Toolots’ comprehensive services streamline the purchase, delivery, installation and warranty of industrial tools, machinery and technology, and uphold the quality of imported goods through a thoroughly vetted network of vendors and service technicians. The company’s dedication to fostering international trade relations passes cost savings on to the consumer, resulting in reduced downtime, improved productivity and an expanded workforce. Toolots is headquartered in California, and owns warehouses and showrooms across the United States and China. For more information, visit www.toolots.com.

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