ETKA and Audi

[Kent McLean]

Huw Powell wrote:
>Too bad that wasn't the basic way ETKA was put together, because Audi
>could prolly get $50 pretty easily for lifetime access to a continuously
>updated site presenting the data.  or $10 or $20 a year.  it could be
>backed up with "retail" pricing, and for 5 times as much money could
>include wholesale pricing and an ordering mechanism.

They could charge $10-50 (US) to give you access, and deduct that
from your first order.  Or "free" access would get you into the part list,
and a $10-50 fee would let you order and get a member discount, saving
you more than the entry fee.  Such a setup would also give them access
to an active email address for permission-based marketing. With the right
permissions, the dealer orders from the same web site, but gets the dealer
discount.  The back-office part could let you pick up the part at the dealer,
or have it sent directly to you home.

The only downside I can see is that it gives your competitors access
to your parts list, inventory (e.g., "What's this valve cover for a 4.0 liter
engine that's not in Audi's current lineup?"), and pricing structure.  But
that can be overcome with the license agreement. :-)

It drives me crazy to think that there are well paid marketing people
sitting in meetings for hours on end that a) can't figure this out, or
b) can't convince management it should be implemented.

Hey, Audi, are you listening?  Give me a call...

Kent
'89 200 TQ, "Bad Puppy"