Opportunity
ECR International is a full-service provider of American engineered and manufactured hydronic and forced air products. In many ways, ECR has made it possible for people around the world to enjoy a higher standard of indoor heating and cooling comfort. Our Velocity Account Manager was working with ECR on a series of branded promotional products when he was asked if Velocity would handle ECR’s printing and distribution needs. The volume and storage needs of ECR had outpaced the space of their current provider. The ECR distribution network ranged from large technically savvy companies to small enterprises.
Solution
Velocity discussed the benefits of consolidating the print and promotional product assets and providing a unique ordering service based on the needs of their various distribution outlets. Velocity provided three choices for distributor ordering:
- A custom toll-free number for ordering direct to a dedicated customer service representative
- A direct fax/email ordering option
- VELO An online custom branded storefront for direct distributor ordering
VELO offers an online inventory control component as well as centralized billing and reporting for proper forecasting.
Results
Velocity was able to create a custom solution that fit ECR’s unique needs. By creating a specialized team within Velocity, ordering efficiency within the distributor network increased dramatically. Consolidation of all the print materials and products within one location increased the efficiency and timeliness of shipping reducing the time frame to within 24 hours. As an added value, Velocity created a unique ordering program for ECR that integrated available coop programs to entice the use of branded materials for increased marketing exposure. Today, Velocity successfully manages the fulfillment and distribution of over 450 items for ECR.