With the “Lokal handeln” initiative, our partner DHL, together with the German Retail Association (HDE), supports retailers in their entry into online business. Newcomers are particularly dependent on reliable support at the beginning of this venture. The initiative pools the expert knowledge of numerous service providers to successfully master the start in eCommerce.
JTL is also participating in the campaign and is offering retailers who want to open their first online store a free starter package. This includes:
One person who has already made a successful start in eCommerce is Uwe Prommer. His coffee roasting company COFI LOCO sells both locally in his café in Siegburg and throughout Germany via his online store. He also built up a flourishing online business in 2020 with free start-up help from JTL and used the pandemic-related lockdown as an opportunity at the time. Today, he still relies on JTL solutions for his shop. He has used DHL to ship his award-winning coffee nationwide from the very beginning. In this interview, he reports on how his business has changed and what he looks for in his partners:
Interview with Uwe Prommer (COFI LOCO)
JTL: How has JTL helped you to get into online business?
Uwe: In our search for a suitable merchandise management system, we came across JTL through a personal contact. They had also had very good experiences with JTL-Shop and JTL-Wawi. We therefore decided to convert our existing online shop to JTL-Shop. We benefited greatly from the free support and extensive assistance!
JTL: What were the biggest challenges you faced when getting started in online business?
Uwe: We first had to acquire the necessary technical know-how. From the necessary basic settings and suitable image material to the texts, we had to do everything ourselves in a very short space of time.
JTL: Why did you choose DHL as your shipping service provider?
Uwe: Mainly because DHL is simply reliable and professional. In fact, friendliness is also an important point for me. The staff at the distribution center and the drivers are always friendly, despite their stress levels. Good value for money too.
JTL: What role does a smooth shipping process play in competing with other online retailers?
Uwe: Good distribution is always crucial for customer satisfaction. This has grown steadily with the increasing importance of online business. Customers take it for granted that everything will run smoothly during the delivery process.
JTL: Are there any special shipping options that your customers want?
Uwe: Hm, maybe a singing delivery person… 😉
JTL: How high is your customer reach now?
Uwe: We are now in demand all over Germany and of course we owe this primarily to our online store.
JTL: Have you now found a routine in managing the business between online and retail well?
Uwe: We certainly still have potential for optimization in terms of warehouse processing and shipping. But both sales channels actually complement each other very well now.
JTL: Should retailers also rely on a mix of online and retail in the long term?
Uwe: Definitely! We are currently exposed to considerable uncertainty due to various factors. I can therefore only recommend a flexible sales strategy.
JTL: Thank you very much, Uwe. We wish you all the best for the future!
Are you also a retailer and wondering whether the time is right for your own online store? Then find out more about the “Lokal handeln” initiative and get the powerful tools you need for a successful start in the world of eCommerce!
