Express Data launches FastQuote

Distributor Express Data (ED) has launched a tool that gives resellers customised pricing, stock and ETAs in realtime.

Dubbed FastQuote, the tool works by scanning email requests for vendor or Express Data product codes, does a realtime check and replies back to the original email, the distributor said. Users don't have to log onto the ED website, the company said.

Peter Stein, e-business manager at ED, said the company had been working on the project in order to address the need for urgent responses to queries.

"A customer can send an email to Express Data with product codes in the text. We search through that text automatically and see if there are any matches with text on the price file for the day," he said.

"The sender's email address flags the company they belong to, giving them access to product availability and pricing," he said.

The company claimed the tool was a first in the distribution channel. The launch follows a pilot program for the tool that was run in New Zealand.

"A reseller who uses a vendor configurator to get a config from the site will get the vendor product codes and RRP price. All this really means is they know they have a valid configuration - it doesn't give them accurate pricing or the availability and timing it will take to get the product to them.

"They can now take this information, paste it into an email and send it to fastquote@expressdata.com.au; the vendor codes will be recognised by the system. FastQuote then sends a return email with Express Data product codes and equivalent pricing within minutes," he claimed.