HP SA unveils e-commerce site for consumers, small businesses

HP South Africa is delighted to announce the launch of its online store at

that will sell a selected range of HP products directly to consumers, small office/home office users and small to medium-sized enterprises.

The online shopfront is built on technology supplied by local e-commerce developer and HP business partner, Digital Enterprise. It will sell a range of HP consumer and commodity products including printers, digital cameras, scanners, entry-level desktops, handhelds and consumables at competitive prices.

Says Gary De Menezes, HP South Africa`s commercial channel manager: "The new online shop forms part of HP`s global drive to provide customers with a choice of channels through which they can buy products from HP. As such, it complements our existing channel.

"Although customers will experience shopping through the site as a seamless HP experience, we are looking towards the distribution and dealer channels to fulfil orders as well as to support and service products sold through the Web site.

"When the site generates leads in market segments already covered by HP`s business partners, this business will be pushed back into the channel. This includes networking and server products that dealers often sell with maintenance and support contracts," says De Menezes.

One of the most powerful functions of the site is that it will allow HP to set up extranets to serve the needs of specific business communities that have a relationship with the company. For example, HP South Africa will set up a shop to sell equipment to its employees. Large corporate customers may also choose to set up similar virtual private communities through which their staff can buy equipment from HP.

"Hpstore, together with our recently launched supply chain initiative, eProcure, shows that we are deeply committed to using the Web and the Internet to make our business more efficient and to extend our reach," say De Menezes.

Mark Levy, MD of Digital Enterprise, says the Web site is designed to give users a convenient enjoyable shopping experience. The front-end is backed by HP South Africa`s countrywide infrastructure, including a call centre, an extensive network of business partners and HP`s repair/service operations in the major centres.

Orders placed through the Web site are delivered anywhere in the country within three working days of placement for a nominal delivery charge. The Web site supports a broad range of payment methods, including credit cards and Internet banking transfers. All of HP`s normal warranties apply to products sold through the site.

Says Levy: "We have focused on building a Web site that is easy to use and rich in functionality. The Web site hooks into HP`s back-end supply chain systems to facilitate swift dispatching of orders and to ensure that pricing and availability information is always kept up to date."