NTP-STAG recently released its Expo Pre-cart form of e-commerce shopping ahead of the show in Nashville, Tenn.
“Over the past several years we have integrated technology solutions into our trade show to make it easier for our customers to maximize their time on the show floor with us and take advantage of all the special offers we provide,” states John Spaulding, director of events and communications. “Early preparation and utilization of these new tools can really improve a customer’s experience at the show.”
The company found that dealers who reviewed their purchase histories, took stock of their inventory and forecasted their demand for certain products before the show typically had more time to visit with suppliers about new lines and learn about new products and services offered by NTP-STAG.
“Our pre-cart option within VIA allows our customers to get a head-start on building their show orders. The functionality is available now, giving everyone attending expo plenty of time to develop a buying plan for when they are with us in Nashville, Jan. 22-23,” said Fred Petrivelli, VP of sales at NTP-STAG.
NTP-STAG’s pre-cart works just like an e-commerce shopping cart, according to the company. Customers can add items to the pre-cart by selecting the Add-to-Expo Cart button available on product list and product detail pages within VIA. Pre-cart contents can be modified at any time and show pricing will appear on those items at the opening of the show.
Expo attendee can also use the Pre-Show Upload tool available in the expo site. The upload tool uses a simple Excel file format that allows customers to build their show buy and upload directly into a pre-cart. This is extremely helpful for customers that use their point of sales software to output usage reports. The information those reports generate can now be easily translated into a shopping cart making it much faster to build an order.
To see a quick tutorial about pre-cart go to Expo Precart Tutorial to learn more. Electronic ordering was introduced at expo two years ago.
“Dealers are realizing that the time savings, order accuracy and other benefits associated with the technology makes the order writing process easier, faster and more enjoyable,” said Spaulding. “We use a bring-your-own-devise-and-data approach to our web-based solution and found that it is easier for people to use equipment they are familiar with. If it can connect to the internet, it can be used to place orders at the show.”
The event is being held Jan. 22 to 23 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tenn.