The Solution:
eBlox turned to its storeBlox Supplier web solution for Express Pens. storeBlox Supplier is built on eBlox' popular and highly flexible storeBlox platform; a robust, yet very affordable solution which provides ultimate tailoring and customization of a web site's look, feel, features, and tools.

To start, eBlox created a standard storeBlox Supplier site for Express Pens, which included an enterprise-grade relational database and e-commerce capabilities such as tax and shipping calculation, specials, discount and coupon management and more. Also included were product and pricing display, customizable product categories, pages for contact and company information, a shopping cart, a Distributor account area and an Order History view that allows Distributors to quickly view their previous orders.

Express Pens also wanted the site beefed up with popular tools and features for Distributors. eBlox added its QuickSample and QuickFlyers tools to assist Distributors with sales presentations and winning new business. In addition, Distributors can request Quotes, Samples, and Catalogs, and place orders online via purchase order.

To preserve brand identity, eBlox developed three distinct designs that are all contained within the site. When pens are sourced, the Express Pens brand identity is displayed. When watches are sourced, the Express Time Source brand identity is displayed. And when the Distributor is using a shared part of the site, such as the search engine or shopping cart, "corporate brand" identity is displayed.

The site was designed, built and launched in under 30 days.

"In essence, we've created two websites in one for Express Pens," said Brent Buford, eBlox co-founder and CEO. "We separated the display of two distinct brands, but tied the business functions of the website together so Express Pens can provide a pleasant, easy to navigate user experience for Distributors." "We are thrilled with what eBlox has built for us," said Mike Linderman, CEO of Express Pens. "They worked closely with us to deliver exactly what we needed. And all for under $8,500."

To make things behind the scenes easier, eBlox installed webBlox 4.0 Pro, their powerful site management tool that provides easy management of products, pricing, news, FAQs, users, and order management within a secure web interface. Express Pens staff can make changes, additions, or deletions to the site in real time from any internet enabled computer.