ThomasNet.com and Google's survey on industrial buying and selling behaviors shows some interesting trends when it comes to doing business online:
- 70 percent of buyers expect to find detailed information on product applications and uses, but only about half provide it.
- 58 percent seek CAD drawings and plans, but only 13 percent provide them.
- 74 percent expect to find product prices, but only 23 percent of companies provide them.
- 67 percent want to see shipping information and costs, but only 17 percent provide it.
How do you get your suppliers to have better information on their sites? Demand it. They are worried about losing the relationship (the sell) if more information is provided on the web. The can offset this fear with good performance and value.
