Know of any research to prove the benefit to have a website

[bradyj]

I've got a company that has been started and still operated by the same old man -- they've commissioned me to make them an e-commerce website... but they are having trouble proving the benefit of having a website at all.

My sales guy inside is trying to get them to move away from their old habits, but he's looking for some research regarding how a company improves with a website... other than just my own verbal rant and comparison.

Anyone have any sites that list this type of research and benefit? I know it's pretty obvious, but structured research and numbers are the only thing that's going to budge them... not me pile-driving 'why the hell' nots -

Thanks guys.

[missing-score]

I believe there is an article on http://www.bizweb2000.com that mentioned a company that increased their sales by ALOT.

I cant find it now, but its on there.

I hope this helps you.

[zoobie]

If the old man needs proof, tell him to look at www.amazon.com
Also, mention to him the cost of a website is your labor plus a hefty $5 a month for hosting.
If this is too risky, forget it. You'll never convince him.

[raf]

Think it depends on the branch he's in and the sort of customers he has.

If his customers 'never' used internet, or if he sells expensive stuff or if he's selling some stuff where clients need to have customised advice etc, then i frankly don't think a website will boost the sales.
I remember reading an article that discussed e-commerce. there coclusion was it was profittable for smaller and "standard" goods (like books, CD's), 'web-related' goods (computers, software), traveling (reservations, airtickets) but not for market segments where advice and trust was important. Or if it are really expensive stuff. It had something in it like "you will not buy a 10 000$ watch if you haven't felt in on your wrist".

I think the best way to convince them is look at what other companys from his brand do. I often had to do a project at work cause another organization had the thingy ...

Probably not what you were looking for.

[bradyj]

No, it is helpful -- thanks for everyone's response.

The site is for a company much like Grainger, but for plastics. So they are currently bombarded with calls that for reorders and quick orders, and many people want a website where they can click, order their plastic floor mats, and move on -- so that's the of the site, if that helps.

[Phool]

this might be of interest.

http://www.localhoster.com/print.doc

if your looking for a simple e-commerce solution try oscommerce.
I personally dont like it but alot of my customers use it so...