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We caught up with MD Ben Ralph to find out how Wiziwoo got its foot in the door of online retail and why customer feedback is important.
How did the company begin?
I founded the company in September 2010 from my home in the seaside town of Torquay. I saw there was a need for a business that offered good quality products and real honest advice to customers.
The business soon moved into a warehouse as living on a steep hill with 30+ boxes arriving daily proved to be a big challenge.
What products do you offer?
Wiziwoo offers a wide range of computer, electronics and software products selling some of the top brands. From printers, laptop accessories, security to cooling paste.
Our product range changes and grows daily to fulfil our customer’s needs. We have strong working relationships with brands and manufactures so we can offer our customers the best product to suit their needs at very completive prices
What are your most popular products?
Software and virus protection are popular products in today’s market.
Many of our customers also seem to be building their own computers so computer components are also very popular at present.
What is it that marks you out from other online retailers?
We aim to offer great customer service and after sales support to all customers. We provide honest, accurate and upfront advice to ensure all our customers’ requirements are fulfilled correctly. We are willing to go the extra mile to ensure all customers are happy and we aim to dispatch all orders within a day with over 99% of orders being shipped the same day.
Ebuyer has said recently that it may open physical stores. Would Wiziwoo ever consider this?
We would never rule out opening physical stores but at present to offer our customers the best prices possible in today’s very competitive market it is not an option. Many people solely shop online these days as there is such a wide range of choices from many different manufactures. We find many people like to get advice regarding products on forums before they purchase.
You started off on eBay and Amazon, how powerful are third party marketplaces and how much do you own them for Wiziwoo’s success?
Third party marketplaces are very powerful. Amazon and Ebay are household names and a huge number of people will only buy online through these marketplaces as they feel safer that the sellers can be trusted.
Marketplaces have helped Wiziwoo get a foot in the door in a very tough market however our success is down to our hard work and customer care.
The power of feedback from customers on marketplaces is very important to any online business. People like to see that others have had a great online shopping experience with the retailer before they purchase from them themselves.
Do you have any advice for someone starting up an online retail business?
Research the market that you want to enter into and have an interest in what you are selling. Customers like to ask advice or questions about the products and services you are offering. Work hard, it won’t be easy!
What has Wiziwoo got planned for the next year?
Our plans are to continue to offer a wide range of products to our customers with the high level of customer care they deserve. We would also like to move into larger premises soon and expand our website.
