Exciting Changes to Empire Auctions
12/06/2009
Empire Auctions Changes
Following a good response to our survey I would like to share a few changes that we will be implementing straight away or over the coming weeks/months.
1. The biggest concerns were delivery costs and times. We have recently moved our business away from Allied Express to Australia Post due to ongoing delays, breakages and missing items. Items are now being dispatched within 48hrs of sale closure and we intend to ensure items are received within 5 business days. I believe that you will begin to see a significant improvement over the next 2-4 weeks.
As to the cost, we are currently negotiating to find another insurer so that we can combine smaller purchases and therefore reduce delivery charges. This requires IT changes as our payment and invoicing system is automatic. This will be elevated to a higher priority on the IT list. We will also review charges for NSW with an intention to reduce the cost where possible. As this stage unfortunately, we cannot reduce costs to WA and Tasmania. An example of the shipping issues faced is highlighted by a $20 charge from Empire Auctions to freight a case to Deloraine in Tasmania, which was actually costing us $37. As a small company we could no longer afford to do this, particular during these tough economic times.
2. We are re-designing our help guide which will be launched next week.
3. We are drafting a wine page which will be available as a link on the home page, and will provide clients with further information and more insight into their purchases.
4. We are bringing back additional categories – you will see new Apple products, luggage, LCD TV’s already on the site. There is more to come over the next few months.
5. We are launching weekend auctions closing on Saturday and Sunday.
6. We are reviewing auction closing times and will begin evening auctions between 6pm – 9pm in the next few weeks.
7. We are going to change the password system and also improve user accounts. Features we are looking at will include the option to put a watch on items; watch a particular item with a reminder linked to your Outlook Calender and a free application for Apple IPhones to monitor and bid on items.
8. We are currently in negotiation with PayPal to provide an alternative payment system, but again this requires extensive IT work due to the fraud measures we currently have in place on the site.
9. In order to provide more transparency, we will be disclosing in the bidding history those automatic computer bids that are applicable on items that have a reserve.
10. We are looking at a weekly email campaign and also improving the notification email when new items are listed.
We thank you for your continued support and welcome additional feedback at any time. The prize draw will take place at the end of the month and winners will be notified accordingly.
On behalf of the Directors and Management of Empire Auctions
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