In honor of our RER 100 issue, we searched for some of the most unique, customer-friendly features offered on RER 100 company Web sites. Though many appealing features were noted, here's a look at just a few that caught our eye.
Finning, Vancouver, British Columbia, (No. 17 on the RER 100) features the S-O-S Fluid Analysis section on its site. The service provides customers with information that can keep minor problems from becoming major repairs, helps in forecasting equipment wear and helps avoid unscheduled downtime.
Users can access their sample results online simply by registering for My S-O-S Online. This feature allows you to find samples using one of three easy-to-use search tools, identify trends using the Sample History and Graphing features, download print information, pre-register samples prior to sending them to the lab and maintain your own customized list of equipment.
For a better understanding of fluid analysis results, users can visit the Understanding S-O-S Services Tests section to learn more about wear analysis and what the resultant numbers mean.
Stephenson's Rent-All (No. 42) offers customers a section of do-it-yourself projects on its site. Multiple articles are available for both indoor and outdoor projects. If the customer chooses lawn aerification as his weekend project, an article on the topic is instantly available onscreen. To the right of the article, related items are listed such as equipment that is needed to complete the project.
Users can immediately get more information on the recommended equipment by clicking on its name. For example, the aerification project lists four pieces of equipment recommended for the job — light duty aerator; heavy duty, gas-powered aerator; power rake; and a lawn roller. If the site visitor selects the heavy-duty, gas-powered aerator, a new page highlighting applications, safety tips, product specs, operating instructions and troubleshooting tips appears. Mississauga, Ontario-based Stephenson's site puts everything a customer needs to know about a do-it-yourself project in an easy to navigate, user-friendly format.
Lafayette, La.-based CLM Equipment Company (No. 75) makes it easy for its customers to stay informed about its latest specials. Visitors to the site can click on a link to the specials on the site's homepage or they can sign up to receive a weekly fax about the company's specials and its wholesale list.
Spider Staging (No. 46), Tukwila, Wash., created a section on its Web site called Solutions by Spider. Here, visitors can read job profiles presented by contractors and the “Spider Solution” the company provided. Also highlighted is a list of equipment used on the project.
For example, one contractor needed access to a pier and underneath a bridge on the Cuyahoga River to replace concrete with gunite. Spider saved the contractor more than $10,000 by recommending a mobile platform that was able to run up and down the pier as well as float around it.
Publishing proven solutions that your company provides to its customers is an excellent way to spotlight your service capabilities.
To reduce personal injury accidents, lower workman's compensation claims and reduce product and property damage, Modern Group (No. 32), Bristol, Pa., offers an extensive training section on its Web site. The site highlights several reasons to use training provided by Modern Group and lists each of the customized training sessions offered. For more information on any course offered, users simply click on the course name to learn the number of students per class, a course description and the cost per person.
Modern provides training on all of its equipment lines as well as other manufacturer's products. The company also offers a free consultation to help its customers determine how they comply with OSHA regulations.
What kind of services does your rental company provide via its Web site? If your company's site offers something interesting or unique to its customers let us know about it. You might just see it described in an upcoming issue of RER.
If you have to Web site you would like to see featured in RER, please contact Brandey Smith at [email protected].
