Frequently Asked Questions

The following is a list of questions and answers that will help you to become familiar with some of the features and uses of TraderDirect. Please contact us if you have other questions.

General Information
What is TraderDirect?
How does our information reach potential customers?
How do I know if my customers have seen my offerings?
Do you have to be computer wizard to use TraderDirect?
Do my customers have to be computer wizards to use TraderDirect?
Is TraderDirect any different than using e-mail or blast faxing?
What if my customers don't have or use e-mail?
How do I know when somebody is interested in my products?
Who currently uses TraderDirect?
What industries use TraderDirect?
What products can I sell on TraderDirect?
Is there a limitation to how many companies I can communicate with?
What else can I do with TraderDirect?
Is TraderDirect an Exchange?
I still don't really understand what TraderDirect is?

Set Up & Usage
How long does it take to get set up?
Can my TraderDirect web site look like our existing site?
What if we don't have a web site?
What is involved in training?
How often do I use TraderDirect?
How much time will I need to spend on TraderDirect at each sitting?
Can I import my account list into TraderDirect?
Can TraderDirect import product information from our existing system?
When are offerings sent?
How do I assure my information does not go stale?
Can I offer the same products at different prices to different customers?
Can I preview what my customers will see?
Once I make an offering can I change it?
Can I send out documents with TraderDirect?

Security & Infrastructure
Is the data stored on TraderDirect secure?
How does TraderDirect protect my privacy and the privacy of my trading partners?
Is my information shared with any other companies?
What are the software and hardware requirements?

Cost
How is TraderDirect licensed?
How much does TraderDirect cost?
Are there any transaction fees?

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General Information

What is TraderDirect?

TraderDirect is a web-based tool developed specifically for sellers, buyers, and dispatchers. We currently have customers in the building products, seafood, and produce industries all using TraderDirect to communicate regularly with their customers via e-mail, fax, and the Internet.
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How does our information reach potential customers?

The information can be sent via e-mail, fax, or private web pages to each of your individual trading partners.
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How do I know if my customers have seen my offerings?

You are notified via e-mail and your personal website is updated when your offering e-mail is opened or the customer accesses their private website.
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Do you have to be computer wizard to use TraderDirect?

No. TraderDirect is very intuitive and user friendly. After a short training session, product offerings can be sent out quickly and easily.
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Do my customers have to be computer wizards to use TraderDirect?

No. They won't have to do anything different than they already do. They just need to receive and open your e-mail or receive your faxes.
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Is TraderDirect any different than using e-mail or blast faxing?

Yes. Each of your customers receives personalized information specific to them. Pricing and product information can be customized per account. You also receive feedback when your offerings are viewed.
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What if my customers don't have or use e-mail?

They will be able to receive your offerings via fax.
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How do I know when somebody is interested in my products?

You will get an indication of interest level when your customer opens their e-mail, visits their private website, or contacts you directly.
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Who currently uses TraderDirect?

Our current customer base includes over 30 forest products, seafood, and produce companies. This includes Fortune 100 companies down to one-person trading companies.
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What industries use TraderDirect?

Currently, we have customers in the forest products, seafood, and agricultural industries. TraderDirect is extremely flexible and can support sales of most any product.
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What products can I sell on TraderDirect?

TraderDirect can be used to sell most any product and you fully control how your products are described. TraderDirect works especially well with commodity-based products (lumber, panels, steel, seafood, fruits, vegetables, grains, cut flowers, nursery stock, etc.) that have variable descriptions and changing prices.
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Is there a limitation to how many companies I can communicate with?

No.
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What else can I do with TraderDirect?

As a shipper, TraderDirect is extremely useful at helping locate truckers to haul your loads. TraderDirect can also be used very effectively to source product from your suppliers.
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Is TraderDirect an Exchange?

No. TraderDirect is not an Exchange and in no way involved in the transaction between you and your customers.
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I still don't really understand what TraderDirect is?

This is common. TraderDirect is truly a unique approach to enhancing how you communicate with your trading partners. Please contact us and let us give you a demo.
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Set Up & Usage

How long does it take to get set up?

Usually your TraderDirect site can be set up and available to use within one business day.
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Can my TraderDirect web site look like our existing site?

Yes, every TraderDirect site is fully branded to match the basic design and layout of your current web site.
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What if we don't have a web site?

It doesn't matter. We can match the TraderDirect site to your corporate image with or without an existing website. If you like, we can also design and build a web site for your company.
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What is involved in training?

Generally, training is done in one-on-one sessions over the phone and usually takes between 60 and 90 minutes.
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How often do I use TraderDirect?

TraderDirect should be used on a regular basis, but the interval is at your discretion. For example, some of our clients use TraderDirect at certain points in the day, once a day, or once a week. It totally depends on your business and how you wish to interact with your customers.
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How much time will I need to spend on TraderDirect at each sitting?

Once you are trained and your products and trading partners are set up, between 5 and 10 minutes.
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Can I import my account list into TraderDirect?

Yes. We can import accounts lists from most contact managers or databases.
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Can TraderDirect import product information from our existing system?

Generally you will not need to. TraderDirect uses a specialized structure that is incredibly flexible and very simple to use. We configure the product structure and can help you to get your common products into the system quickly and easily. If necessary, we can work with you on building the necessary interfaces to your legacy systems.
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When are offerings sent?

It is entirely up to you.
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How do I assure my information does not go stale?

TraderDirect has built in features that assure that old information is removed. In addition, TraderDirect has a number of features that allow you to quickly and easily update your information as your offerings and prices change. Back to top...

Can I offer the same products at different prices to different customers?

Absolutely. This is one of the many powerful features of TraderDirect.
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Can I preview what my customers will see?

Yes, you can see exactly what they will see before you send anything out. In addition, we maintain a history of all your offerings and you can view copies of exactly what your customers saw when they viewed the e-mail or visited their private website.
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Once I make an offering can I change it?

Yes. This can be done either with or without notifying your customers of the change.
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Can I send out documents with TraderDirect?

Yes. You can email and fax most standard documents with TraderDirect.
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Security & Infrastructure

Is the data stored on TraderDirect secure?

Yes. TraderDirect databases are stored on hardened systems within a secure network infrastructure. No company or organization can guarantee security, but your data will be as or more secure as any other information stored on the Internet.
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How does TraderDirect protect my privacy and the privacy of my trading partners?

We do not share your information, nor solicit your customers directly, period.
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Is my information shared with any other companies?

No, never. Our contract with you prohibits us from doing so.
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What are the software and hardware requirements?

None. We host everything on our servers. All you need is a computer with an Internet connection.
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Cost

How is TraderDirect licensed?

TraderDirect is generally licensed per user. Site licenses are also available. There are no license requirements for your trading partners.
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How much does TraderDirect cost?

TraderDirect is licensed on a per user or per company basis. Licenses typically costs USD $150 per month. There are also nominal fees associated with the initial setup, training, and faxing. Please contact us and we can discuss all the pricing options and details. There are no transaction fees, volume fees, or fees to your trading partners.
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Are there any transaction fees?

No, except associated with sending faxes.
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