MWRC :: leading the way in win-win e-commerce

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SETUP GUIDE

The MWRC Online Sales Coordinator is the complete E-Commerce solution for brand name manufacturers looking to increase profit margins and take advantage of growing online sales. We allow manufacturers to sell their products directly to consumers online without damaging existing retailer relationships while also strengthening and controlling brand image.

MWRC Systems Department creates a new Online Sales Coordinator account and database for each manufacturer's brand. The account can be accessed by the manufacturer via any web browser on any Internet-connected computer. The manufacturer specifies the initial login and password for the account and provides basic contact information. The standard database parameters are very flexible and can accommodate most relationships between manufacturers, distributors, retailers and even licensees, as well as all types of product configurations. Requested modifications can be addressed on an individual basis.

Manufacturer enters all data into the system, including retailer data (locations, contact info, percentage shares, etc), and product data (SKUs, product configurations, images, pricing, weights, etc.) and sets initial inventory levels and updates inventory on at least a daily basis using the inventory upload feature.

MWRC coordinates the linking of the manufacturer's UPS account with the Online Sales Coordinator system. We will need to meet with your UPS account manager to ensure complete integration. The manufacturer nominates recipient(s) (usually order processing staff member[s]) for all Online Sales Coordinator orders. The manufacturer packs and ships orders expeditiously and enters order-tracking data into the system on a daily basis.

Through our Merchant Account with United Merchant Service, MWRC provides Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover Card and PayPal charge capabilities as standard for the Online Sales Coordinator system. The manufacturer notifies the system when the order process is completed and the system closes out customer charge transaction.

MWRC establishes a direct deposit relationship between its bank and the manufacturer's bank (and the banks of any retailers who select direct payment) in order to make monthly deposits of funds due. Each time an ACH setup is initiated, a small deposit is made by MWRC into the specified account to confirm the correct operation. MWRC will coordinate this with the manufacturer's (and retailer's if necessary) accounting department and bank. The manufacturer manages banking relationship and reviews financial results.

MWRC provides a set of XML APIs, which enable the manufacturer's web site management department to link the data provided by the MWRC Online Sales Coordinator to any product catalog web pages designed by the manufacturer. As MWRC expects most of its clients will want to utilize their own web design and management resources, MWRC does not provide front end product catalog design as part of the Online Sales Coordinator setup. If the manufacturer does not have such resources available, MWRC can provide a basic product catalog, and recommend experienced web site production and integration resources for the manufacturer's consideration.

The manufacturer designs and implements product catalog web pages to integrate with the existing web site. The manufacturer receives XML data via MWRC API and integrates it to the product catalog pages. The manufacturer should also implement web site promotion strategies to drive traffic to its web site.

MWRC publishes a full set of accounting reports for front end order processing and inventory control, as well as back end financial, management, and tax reporting. These easily accessible reports are created in real time and are extremely flexible by a variety of user defined parameters including date, product, retailer, location, tax jurisdiction, accounting category, account group, and much more. The manufacturer reviews all reports and manages results.

MWRC calculates and collects sales tax for all state and local jurisdictions. The funds collected are deposited in the manufacturer's bank account each month so that the manufacturer can pay the tax to the appropriate taxing authority. MWRC provides a full set of state-by-state tax ID and collection authorization application forms both as paper forms and on disk in PDF format. The manufacturer submits all applications as required. Upon receipt of application, each state issues the required tax ID and provides tax-reporting forms. The manufacturer submits the correct collection and reporting forms and pays tax on a timely basis.

On location, as required

MWRC trains the manufacturer's sales and marketing, operations, web management, accounting and executive personnel in the setup, configuration, operation, reporting and maintenance of the Online Sales Coordinator system. This training is provided at the manufacturer's location, or at the MWRC offices if more convenient for the manufacturer. MWRC includes up to sixteen hours of on-site training in the setup of each Online Sales Coordinator system. The manufacturer coordinates training schedules for appropriate staff members.

MWRC has developed a package of model retailer contracts and signup forms which the manufacturer can modify for its use in adding retailers to the system. Certain aspects of the contract, particularly references to the manufacturer as the actual seller, cannot be changed. The manufacturer sets provision such as return policies, percentages of sales offered to retailers, etc as long as they meet the minimum requirements of the Online Sales Coordinator system.

MWRC provides multiple retail store template formats that the manufacturer's design team can adapt for use by its retailers. The template format includes all the required HTML link elements and suggests the type of design layout to use. The Online Sales Coordinator system also provides a customizable area where individual retailers with web resources of their own can upload their own templates.

The manufacturer's design staff prepares several retail store templates from which retailers can choose. MWRC recommends at least four different templates be developed to give retailers at least that minimum number from which to choose. If the manufacturer does not have its own web design staff, MWRC can recommend qualified outside resources.

MWRC assists its manufacturer clients to develop marketing and training programs for their retailers. If necessary, MWRC staff will travel with manufacturers to meet with important retail clients and elicit their support for Online Sales Coordinator. Manufacturer takes the lead in marketing the program to its retailers and signing up a minimum number of qualified dealers.

MWRC provides direct support for any questions, problems, or other issues that the manufacturer's staff encounters in the operation of Online Sales Coordinator. The manufacturer provides first level telephone support for its dealer and consumer clients.

User manual, FAQs, & online help system

MWRC produces a Users Manual, a Reference Guide, a Frequently Asked Questions list, and a context sensitive online help system, all designed to empower users to easily utilize the Online Sales Coordinator. MWRC frequently updates these resources. The manufacturer may modify training, help and reference materials as needed to reflect specific operations of its installation of the Online Sales Coordinator.