| For Immediate Release Contact: Tiia Sumera 801.538.0777 ext.112 press@orderdog.com |
OrderDog, Inc. 650 Edmonds, Suite 200 Lewisville, TX 75067 972.420.9898 fax 972.420.9988 www.orderdog.com |
Lewisville, Texas, July 19, 2002 ¾ OrderDog, Inc., a technology services company that provides secure third party business-to-business solutions to the natural products industry, has finalized a one year licensing agreement from Tree of Life, Inc., a leading marketer and distributor of natural and specialty foods.
This contract allows Tree of Life to transact electronic orders using the streamlined ordering system, provided exclusively by OrderDog. Implementation will begin immediately and when completed, the software will offer Tree of Life’s 9,000 retail customers, who use OrderDog, access to the latest, most advanced online ordering service. As a provider, OrderDog will supply software, consultation, network optimization, system integration, technical support, training and after-sale services.
“Tree is committed to providing its Natural Food Store customers with the best products and services available. We have developed a strategic relationship with OrderDog because their ordering program offers substantial benefits to all supply chain participants,” stated George Schuetz, senior vice president of marketing for Tree of Life, Inc. “The biggest benefit for us is the significant gain in order processing efficiency that OrderDog provides our retail customers including lower labor costs, lower costs of goods, and less out of stocks — which we expect will lead to an increase in sales for both our customers and for ourselves.”
By using the OrderDog.com online service, retailers are directly connected with manufacturers and distributors around the clock allowing them to electronically catalog and purchase product, streamlining the entire ordering process. The OrderDog system permits the end user to easily monitor and track order status, avoid inventory out-of-stocks and receive updated email notifications while providing access to a real time customer support center to answer any questions along the way.
Companies see the most significant benefit of the OrderDog service in the time saved in processing orders and in the ability to take advantage of product specials and discounts. The ordering program allows customers the ability to scan the entire store at one time. Purchase orders are then compiled according to buying preferences established by the retailer. The ordering program also provides the retailer the ability to view their invoice before receiving the shipment, see detailed product information including product specials and featured items as well as search for new products.
“With this contract Tree of Life continues to be recognized as a leader in promoting advanced industry technology," stated Darrin Peterson, president of OrderDog, Inc. “By using our system, they now have a powerful tool that will save their valued retail partners time and money, and build value into those relationships.”
OrderDog currently has over 130 natural food stores using the system and is rapidly growing. Along with in-depth, hands-on training for buyers and managers, OrderDog provides a free computer with one year of Internet service. Stores interested in the OrderDog system can join for a monthly fee of $99.00 per store. In an effort to simplify the process even further, OrderDog can support most existing retailers’ hardware and software systems, including handheld scanners, so there is no need to purchase new equipment.
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About OrderDog, Inc.
Headquartered in Lewisville, Texas, OrderDog, Inc. is built with the most reputable hardware and software from leading industry partners including AOL, Cisco, Dell, Gateway, Microsoft and Xodiax. For more information and online demonstrations of OrderDog.com, visit www.OrderDog.com or call 1-866-ORDERDOG (1-866-673-3736).
About Tree of Life, Inc.
Tree of Life, Inc., is a wholly owned subsidiary of Wessanen U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Koninklijke Wessanen, the Netherlands. The U.S. headquarters are located in St. Augustine, Florida. Wessanen has over two centuries of experience in the food industry. Tree of Life, Inc. serves customers throughout the United States and Canada. For further information on Tree of Life, Inc. visit www.treeoflife.com or call 1-800-260-2424.