Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM DECEMBER 2017 56 B U Y I N G G R O U P N E W S RO W hen it comes to the world of independent retail, all the sales and marketing lectures in the world cannot prepare a dealer for the tedious and oftentimes unpleasant task of getting a product repaired or locating the correct replacement parts after the sale has been made. The prospect of having a service to expedite this process would seem a regular godsend for retailers who would prefer to concentrate their daily efforts on increased sales and higher revenues. Fortunately, among the highlights at BrandSource's latest convention and expo in Las Vegas was an informative presentation and booth display by Chris Schall, president, Ultra Shield division of ServeCo North America. ServeCo exists as a veritable jack-of-all-trades for retailers by providing a slew of services designed to make its dealer partners' lives easier. "We alleviate the everyday headaches that dealers have so they can spend their time being a retailer and not a firefighter," Schall said. Headquartered in Woodstock, Georgia, ServeCo essentially acts as a single-source provider of extended warranty programs, on-site cleaning and repair service, and associated products worldwide. Through a vast network of technicians and call centers, it sees to the post delivery service—such as returns and repairs—which can become an enormous headache to the independent retailer. To do this, ServeCo provides the customer with its unique software system that affords them complete transparency when addressing a customer's needs, as well as offering them a simplified way to execute vendor charge backs. As a result, the service streamlines the process for both buyer and seller so neither has to spend undue time addressing the details of a product's repair or replacement. ServeCo's presence at the convention is certainly no accident. The convenient services that it offers are in keeping with the kind of assistance that BrandSource likes to extend to its members. It is companies like ServeCo and their commitment to their dealers that ensures the superiority of customer service within the world of independent retail. The process of communication, repair, and replacement is one of most critical aspects of a store's day-to-day operation. To carry out these valuable tasks, the provider of these services must be top notch. Fortunately, ServeCo is there to do just that. Schall's presentation underscores a much-needed solution to the dilemmas facing a small business, which can get increasingly bogged down in service while its bottom line suffers. Since independents are not afforded the luxury of ignoring poor marks on customer reviews—as in the case of their big box store competitors—ServeCo's services are a unique solution to these issues. Besides the quality of the service protections it provides, the time saving advantages afforded by ServeCo may be its most attractive lure. Simplifying the arduous process of getting a product repaired or replaced for a customer has the added benefit of freeing up the retailer's time. It is perhaps With ServeCo's ability to take on and solve the daily repair problems that are inevitable in the world of retail sales, their assistance seems well worth having. SERVECO INTERNATIONAL SERVES UP MUCH-NEEDED ASSISTANCE FOR DEALERS C H R I S S C H A L L

• Cover