As the years went by more features were added to the subscription service.
The process of selling magazines became more systematic as the company grew its customer base. We introduced personalized gift cards so people could write personal messages to the recipients. And since the magazines were not going to start immediately (because that's how the industry works) we were able to send out immediate gift notices and let recipients know that the magazines would soon be coming. Additionally, as computer databases became more prevalent we were able to help customers keep track of all their subscriptions. This way, each year we could send out a comprehensive renewal reminder to each customer and help them keep whatever subscriptions they wanted current.
How did the Internet change things for the better?
Then the Internet happened and everything the company had been doing now went into hypergrowth. Instead of relying on orders coming in via mail or phone or even fax, now customers could subscribe online and via email. That meant that prices were always current and any special offers could be immediately broadcasted. So giving away free CD's with Newsweek and PC World or example did not have to wait for the next catalogue to br printed. Now the promotion could happen instantly.
So MagMall launched one of the first ecommerce web sites in 1997. Since then it has experienced a number of dramatic changes until as recently as May 2003 when it launched its best look and feel ever (at least we think so). And in addition, MagMall as of 2003 is now available in Spanish and English. So if you are more comfortable interacting with an ecommerce site in Spanish you can do so.
Every company needs a mascot.
At the same time, MagMall introduced the world to Maggie, the first and only personal Magazine Librarian. Maggie is our mascot and she represents our customer service commitment. If a customer needs help with a renewal or an address change or just finding a magazine not listed on our site, Maggie is there to provide service via phone, fax or email.
To better understand the benefits of using our services, here is a more detailed analysis of the 3 divisions the company has split itself into.
Consumer Division
MagMall works with over 5,000 affiliates web sites and a variety of search engines. In the consumer division, anyone, anywhere in the world can use our web site based service to set up a magazine subscription account. Then, for the rest of their lives they can buy new, renewal and gift subscriptions and be in charge of them year after year.
Corporate Division
Our direct sales staff pitches companies to become their official magazine vendor for all corporate purchases. For example, when we work with a company like NBC Studio for example, all their employees are instructed to visit www.magmall.com to purchase magazines and newspapers that the company is paying for. Plus, because it is a corporate service, the level of support is intensified. Maggie takes on a whole new meaning. Each company receives a welcome package describing all the different ways orders can be placed. There is an online order manual, order forms for faxing/mailing orders and a list of contact phone numbers, email addresses and web site addresses for all corporate subscription needs. In addition, to working with companies we also work with school and public libraries and reception rooms to give them a one-stop shop for all magazines.
A few of the premier benefits we provide include:
1) Instead of charging the full retail subscription price,
we often discount magazines up to 50% off.
2) We also do not charge an additional service fee for using our
program.
Giveaway Division
MagMall works with companies and schools to use magazines as incentives to drive loyalty or product performance. For example, when one of the largest software companies in the world wanted to offer an upgrade to their current version, they sent out 4 Million direct mail pieces and email solicitations offering a full year subscription to one of 12 magazines at no extra charge. This kind of product enhancement really adds value to the complete offer. When one of the top retailers in the world wanted to incentivize its employees to sell more products in each store, they ran a contest. The top 2 employees in each store during a one week period, won a $25.00 gift certificate redeemable for any subscription in our catalogue.
Please review the four following items for more information concerning
our background AND the transition process we provide for new corporate and individual accounts:
(1) A slideshow about our service.
http://www.magmall.com/webcart/slideshow1
(2) An article written about us recently in the LA Times.
http://www.magmall.com/webcart/slideshow1/latimes.html
(3) A corporate White Paper about MagMall.
http://www.magmall.com/corporateservices.pdf
(4] Our Quick Start Guide which explains how to smoothly transition your company using MagMall's service.
http://www.magmall.com/transition.html |
12 issues
