From customer to JTL service partner? It is possible! And it can even be really worthwhile for your business. In our blog post, you can find out whether our JTL partner program would also be an opportunity for you to build up another foothold in e-commerce, using the story of Webshop-Service as an example.
Our JTL partner programs
More than 300 partners now belong to our network, which we see as an extension of our own products and services. Under the motto “Achieving more together”, our partners set up software for customers, provide consulting services or offer complementary technologies to our product solutions.
Their work is therefore essential not only for our customers, but also for us and our business success. This is one reason why we are always happy to welcome motivated and passionate new members to our partner network who – like us – are passionate about our products.
But how do you become a JTL service partner? The agency “Webshop-Service” from Salzwedel has taken an interesting path: They were initially customers and then “moved up” to partner.
In this interview, Thomas Rossbander reveals how this was made possible, what his intentions were in taking this step and how he benefits from his new role as a service partner.
Interview: Thomas Rossbander (Webshop Service)
JTL: Hello Thomas. We are delighted to be able to present your special journey into the world of the JTL partner network here.
Thomas: With pleasure! We haven’t regretted our development from customer to JTL service partner for a minute and of course hope to inspire others with our story.
JTL: How did you come up with the idea of becoming a JTL service partner?
Thomas: We have been running a bicycle store with an associated online store for many years and therefore had to deal with JTL products on a daily basis. Over time, more and more customers came to us looking for advice on merchandise management and modified stores. Since we had JTL-Wawi in operation ourselves and knew what advantages the system offers in terms of scalability for online store and marketplace connections, we always automatically advised “Pro JTL” and set up several systems. We were therefore already very familiar with the classic services of a JTL service partner. When word of our service got around, it was only logical for us to join the JTL network.
JTL: How did the onboarding process work?
Thomas: Basically, there was no classic onboarding process. Our special requirements made it more of a gradual process. We basically had everything we needed to get started in the network: Employees, structures, partners and the hardware we wanted to offer. We also already had a JTL Customer Center account. This was followed by a meeting with JTL partner management. Here we were shown all facets of the partnership and were able to ask our questions. The partner contract was then a mere formality.
JTL: Have you made any special preparations for the partnership?
Thomas: When we signed the contract, one thing was clear to us: we wanted to do it properly and professionally. The services that we had previously offered “on the side” should now become an additional mainstay. At the same time, we wanted to deliver good quality in order to meet the standard in the JTL partner network and, as part of this, we expanded our warehouse and office space and optimized our internal processes.
JTL: How did you prepare for the new task in terms of know-how and product knowledge?
Thomas: We had already gained practical experience with many JTL products and therefore had an “insular knowledge”. However, it was important for us to be familiar with the entire JTL product cosmos and to continue our training accordingly. JTL provides many opportunities to build up knowledge. Further training was not a big hurdle. Much of what you need to know as a service partner is available online. As an example, I can mention the preparatory webinars for the later certifications and also the detailed JTL guide.
In addition to personal training, we also made sure that we gained new partners for our work with customers in order to broaden our base and cover areas such as programming and SEO.
JTL: How do you reconcile your daily work as a retailer with your work as a JTL service partner?
Thomas: We have created the right structures: Each of our employees knows the processes both as a JTL service partner and in our bicycle business and can basically be deployed anywhere. We have also optimized the logistics and shipping processes so that we lose little time with these and thus have the capacity for customers that we support as a JTL service partner.
JTL: What services do you offer customers?
Thomas: Our services range from setting up and hosting JTL-Wawi and JTL-Shop, to setting up e-mail accounts and an all-round service for all aspects of online sales. As we ourselves have been working with JTL for years as an online retailer, we can provide our customers with products from our other partners that we have tested ourselves and found to be good. One example is the legal texts from Händlerbund, which we integrate not only in JTL-Shop, but also on eBay and Amazon.
In addition, we offer our customers the use of our shipping structures and therefore see ourselves as a small fulfillment service provider.
JTL: Why is it worthwhile for you to be a JTL service partner?
Thomas: The biggest advantage is the diversity of the projects, through which we learn something new every day. In addition, by working as a JTL service partner, we also network beyond our own business areas, make interesting contacts and gain exciting impressions and additional knowledge. With the JTL Partner Convention, JTL Connect or the JTL regulars’ tables, you offer a lot of opportunities.
Of course, we cannot ignore the economic side either. We offer our customers fair service contracts that are designed for the long term. We are primarily concerned with a lasting customer relationship that is profitable for both sides.
JTL: Thomas, thank you very much for the interview and here’s to continued good cooperation!
Are you also a JTL customer and have recognized opportunities to use your knowledge of our products as a JTL service partner? Then get in touch with us in JTL Partner Management using the following form. We look forward to welcoming you as a new JTL service partner!
