B2B supermarket launched by entrepreneurs
THREE entrepreneurs have launched an online ‘supermarket’ in which business owners and managers can sell surplus stock, unwanted equipment or services at a discount to each other.
Launched in spring of this year, TheBusinessSupermarket.com has more than 6,000 subscribers.
Shaun Garrity, one of the co-founders of The Business Supermarket along with chairman Philip Drazen and Rob Pratt, said that this was the launching point for their online business, as they had developed an extensive database of business owners from their venture.
The spinout business uses contacts and the database of the Business Exposure Group and the Entrepreneurs Club, which are both focussed on helping SMEs in the North.
The website tackles the fallout from cancelled orders and oversupply. Mr Garrity said: “We all need new and additional routes to market, no longer relying on the traditional salesman”.
Mr Garrity said: “The lights came on and we thought, let’s send our contacts offers, like Secret Escapes do, but from one decision maker to another, offering B2B deals. However, when people list on the site, they are anonymous, with no charge for listing and a small commission payable when the sale completes.”
The website facilitates the connection of business owners and managers across Yorkshire, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, and Cheshire, basically everyone along the M62 corridor.
Mr Drazen continued: “What we’ve focused on initially is getting the proposition right and with our Partner Rob Pratt we have developed a memorable brand, but moving forward in a guarded way as we don’t want it to become annoying.
“The people on our database want to receive the emails; that’s why we get such good open rates. There’s much email marketing out there, you have to differentiate yourselves with wide relevant appeal.
“To achieve fast growth and maximum appeal we are looking for commission only sales agents to add our offering to their current portfolio; another string to their bow when meeting with customers.
“It’s proving an easy and quick sale, as it is applicable to virtually any company involved in the B2B arena”
Mr Garrity said “Businesses want to sell more and we are pleased that our site can create an additional sales channel with very little effort or financial risk, unlike traditional marketing; a window to connect Buyer and Seller together, like the daily deal sites but exclusively in the B2B world”
