Point2 Technologies Wins Achievement In Business Excellence (ABEX) Award

We are proud to announce that for the second time in less than three weeks, Point2 has been recognized for its world class management and policies. Here is a news release covering an Award our company received last Saturday.

Point2 President and Co-Founder Barry Willick

Point2 Staff Team Photo – Point2 representatives at ABEX (From left to right): Joel Loewen, Chris Dagenais, Linda Moola, Barry Willick, Marla Mayes, Roger Noujeim, Carey Tufts, Aidan Rogers

Saskatoon, SK and Vancouver, BC – Point2 Technologies was recognized by the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce with the prestigious Achievement in Business Excellence (ABEX) Award at a dinner gala held last Saturday night at TCU Place in Saskatoon, SK. Nearly 700 government and business personalities attended this year’s high profile event, organized by the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the accomplishments of 52 exceptional businesses in the province of Saskatchewan.

The annual ABEX Awards program is the largest private sector business awards program in the province of Saskatchewan. Now in its 26th year, the ABEX Awards recognize outstanding Saskatchewan based businesses for excellence in a number of categories. 52 finalists from across the Province contended for the coveted Awards this year, across 14 different categories.

Point2 President and co-founder Barry Willick accepted the Award on behalf of Point2, for the Job Creation category. The Award recognizes Point2’s sustained growth between March 2008 and March 2009. During this period, Point2 increased its staff count by nearly 50 percent, in support of its rapidly expanding business.

“We dedicate this Award to our relentless, creative and hard working staff members who make Point2 what it is,” said Willick. “The ABEX Award is a great privilege we also owe to the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, the Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce and our local government for championing an aggressive growth strategy for Saskatchewan and for creating the right environment for business to thrive.”

Saul Klein, Point2’s Chief Executive Officer was out of the country and could not attend the ceremony.

Commenting from San Diego, Klein said: “We would like to thank and recognize the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce and its leadership for their constant efforts towards making Saskatchewan a business friendly province,” said Saul Klein, Chief Executive Officer, Point2 Technologies Inc. “We are honoured to have been selected for the ABEX Award this year and extend a special thanks to the Chamber of Commerce and the ABEX Awards Committee for organizing this valuable program.”

“We applaud the efforts of Point2. Their tremendous growth in a sector not typically associated with Saskatchewan shows the power of out-of-the-box thinking and innovation,” noted Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce CEO, Steve McLellan. “They are a great Saskatchewan success story and truly deserve this award.”

Point2’s ABEX accomplishment comes at the heels of the company’s selection to the “Top 20 Employers in Saskatchewan for 2010″ earlier this month, as part of a nationally recognized Awards program organized by Mediacorp Canada Inc.

More information about the ABEX Awards can be found at http://www.saskchamber.com/default.aspx?page=49.
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Direct Capital and Point2 Technologies Sign Agreement to Offer Financing Solutions on Point2 UsedIron.com

At Point2, we are continuously looking at ways to better serve our growing customer base. In doing so, we provide solutions that in turn, help equipment dealers to sell and purchase more equipment faster and at better margin. We are excited to be partnering with Direct Capital Corporation who will provide world class financing products to our customers looking for finance options on Point2’s UsedIron.com. Please find the full announcement below.

PORTSMOUTH, NH and SASKATOON, SK – October 21, 2009 – Direct Capital Corporation (“Direct Capital”), the 6th largest independent leasing and finance company in the United States, and Point2 Technologies (“Point2″), a leading provider of inventory management and online marketing software for the heavy equipment and real estate industries today announced an agreement to offer Direct Capital financing solutions on Point2’s heavy equipment online marketplace, http://UsedIron.com.

The deal will provide easier, more convenient access to capital to UsedIron.com’s more than 600,000 annual unique visitors, through Direct Capital’s creative leasing and financing products.

Further details on the terms of deal were not disclosed.

“Direct Capital is pleased to support the heavy equipment industry with creative financing when access to funding continues to be one of the toughest obstacles facing contractors today,” said Paul Ringuette, Vice President Sales, Direct Capital Corp. “By prominently positioning Direct Capital on one of the industry’s most highly trafficked, information rich equipment websites, we’re significantly enhancing our market presence while establishing a solid foothold from which we can extend our services to Point2’s dominant and growing user base.”

“Point2’s partnership with a world class, aggressive financing solution provider like Direct Capital brings critical service to assist our customers in building and growing their business,” said Barry Willick, President, Point2 Technologies. “With traffic on UsedIron consistently one of the highest in the industry, providing our users with convenient access to Direct Capital is yet another milestone towards making UsedIron by far the most preferred destination for used equipment online.”

UsedIron.com features over 33,000 heavy equipment listings and generates approximately 9 million page views each year.

About Direct Capital

Established in 1993, Direct Capital provides specialty finance solutions, including capital equipment leasing, commercial loans, and merchant cash advances. Direct Capital markets its services through direct relationships with businesses and through partnerships with vendors, dealers, and manufacturers of capital equipment. Superb execution on its exceptional and unique direct service delivery model is the cornerstone of Direct Capital’s success in an increasingly commoditized financial services industry. The company has offices in New York, California, Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Ohio, Iowa, and New Hampshire.

About Point2 Technologies

Point2 Technologies develops and markets web-based inventory management and online marketing software solutions for the real estate and heavy equipment industries.

Point2 also owns and operates the real estate consumer portal, Point2 Homes, (www.Point2Homes.com) and the used heavy equipment marketplace, UsedIron (www.UsedIron.com). More information can be found at www.Point2.com. For ongoing news about Point2, please visit www.point2.com/news.asp.

Point2 Technologies Named One of 20 Top Employers for 2010 in Saskatchewan

We are proud and equally humbled to see Point2 rank amongst some of the best companies in the province of Saskatchewan to work for. Please find the full announcement below. A complete list of the Top 20 Employers can also be found at: http://www.canadastop100.com/sk/.

Saskatoon, SK and Vancouver, BC – October 17, 2009 – Point2 Technologies Inc. (“Point2″) today announced that it has been selected as one of Saskatchewan’s Top Employers for 2010 by Mediacorp Canada Inc., featured today in the province of Saskatchewan”s two largest daily newspapers, the Saskatoon StarPhoenix and the Regina Leader-Post.

“We are extremely honoured to be recognized as one of the top employers in the province of Saskatchewan,” said Saul Klein, Chief Executive Officer, Point2 Technologies Inc. “We share this privilege with every employee at Point2. Their input, dedication and relentless drive are what inspires and fuels our employee programs and benefits each so deserves.”

“An engaged and motivated workforce has always been one of Point2’s most important priorities, and we are committed to constantly improving how we do things,” said Barry Willick, President, Point2 Technologies Inc. “The Top Employer designation is a great reflection of our commitment to our employees, and mostly a reflection of employee feedback, participation and leadership on many of our creative programs.”

Now in its fifth year, Saskatchewan’s Top Employers (http://www.canadastop100.com/sk/) competition is an annual program that recognizes organizations that take a lead in offering exceptional places to work. The competition, which drew a record number of applications this year is organized by the editors of Canada’s Top 100 Employers project.

“Point2 distinguished themselves in a very competitive field,” said Tony Meehan, Publisher of Canada’s Top 100 Employers.

Employers nominated for Saskatchewan’s Top Employers designation were graded on eight criteria, namely (1) Physical Workplace; (2) Work Atmosphere & Social; (3) Health, Financial & Family Benefits; (4) Vacation & Time Off; (5) Employee Communications; (6) Performance Management; (7) Training & Skills Development; and (8) Community Involvement.

Point2’s inclusion on Saskatchewan’s Top Employers for 2010 highlighted a number of central employee benefits, including i) company matched retirement savings plan contributions, ii) career development and training programs including on-going education subsidy, iii) comprehensive onsite health and fitness facilities, iv) new employee referral financial bonus rewards and, v) extended annual paid vacations starting with three weeks for new employees and increasing to five weeks based on years of service.

About Point2 Technologies Inc.

Point2 Technologies develops and markets web-based inventory management and online marketing software solutions for the real estate (www.Point2Agent.com) and heavy equipment industries (www.Point2Manager.com)

Point2 also owns and operates the real estate consumer portal, Point2 Homes (www.Point2Homes.com), and the used heavy equipment marketplace, UsedIron (www.UsedIron.com). More information can be found at www.Point2.com. For ongoing news about Point2, please visit www.point2.com/news.asp.

Heavy Equipment Dealer Software As A Service or SaaS

Perhaps today is a good time to take a hard look at your dealerships Productivity Software. The current economic downturn has certainly hit heavy equipment dealers as bad if not worse than any other industry. So, as each of you look for ways to profit, it may be an opportune time to explore some recent advancements in software technologies that could not only lower your costs but help you sell more equipment without having to make any significant upfront capital expenditure. Software as a Service, or SaaS, offers a huge benefit that allows Dealers to use extremely powerful, integrated software that could increase your productivity, dramatically. SaaS, also referred to as “on-demand” software means that your data can be accessed from anywhere in the world, on any computer, with an Internet connection. Additionally, SaaS allows smaller to mid-sized companies the ability to use very powerful solutions they otherwise may not be able to afford with older conventional “on-premise” software that can become out-dated fairly quickly.

Personally, I don’t think there is a better time than today to re-evaluate the way you do business. Please feel free to give me a call, email: mfuller@point2.com or post a comment should you wish to discuss in more detail.

T.Mark Fuller
Executive Sales Director
Point2 Technologies Inc.
1.888.955.7900

Point2 Technologies Boosts Photo Upload Capacity on UsedIron.com and Manager Platform to 36 Per Listing

As many of you know, Point2 is a world class technology company, not a heavy equipment seller. Simply put, we build web-based software that helps our dealers and advertisers sell more equipment faster, at better margin and more efficiently. We do this by listening to what our dealers tell us and they’ve been telling us that having more photos helps them to sell more equipment as it keeps their customers on their websites longer, viewing their equipment. And more importantly, that it keeps their customers coming back because of the more accurate, rich equipment information. Our statistics also correlate photo count with leads. This is exactly the reason why we have just increased our photo upload capacity to 36 per listing!

Our dealers asked for it, we delivered it.

Here is the full announcement, released today. I look forward to any feedback or questions.

Mark Fuller
Point2 Technologies’
Point2 Manager
UsedIron

Point2 Technologies Boosts Photo Upload Capacity on UsedIron.com and Manager Platform to 36 Per Listing

Upgrade Improves Consumer Experience Online – Positions
Equipment Dealers for Higher Visibility and Impact with Buyers.

Saskatoon, SK and Vancouver, BC, April 21, 2009 – Point2 Technologies (“Point2”) today announced system upgrades to its global equipment search portal, UsedIron (www.UsedIron.com) and to Point2 Manager (www.Point2Manager.com), the industry leading inventory management, sales and marketing software platform.

The release represents close to a five fold increase in photo upload capacity on both systems.

“Our data indicates that listings with more photos engage more prospects longer, and generate significantly more leads,” said Zach Scott, Chief Operating Officer, Point2 Technologies. “With the majority of buyers doing their research on the Internet for both machinery and dealers, we are enabling our clients to capitalize on evolving online consumer expectations, without much effort and at no added cost to them.”

According to the Wells Fargo Construction Industry Forecast 2009 report, 73 percent of contractors and 89 percent of equipment distributors use the Internet to locate hard to find items. 66 percent and 86 percent state that they use the Web to research and to locate suppliers, respectively.

“Online buyers are skipping listings with few or no photos, and spending more time on listings with more to look at, especially in the used equipment category,” added Scott. “The segment is expected to benefit from a significant surge in purchasing budgets this year. Vendors positioned to capture more online buyer interest will stand to benefit from the trend, and we’re pleased to be in a position to facilitate such as opportunity for our clients.”

Representing a 140 percent increase versus 2008, the number of contractors who plan to purchase used equipment in 2009 grew to 48 percent, up from only 20 percent last year, according to the Wells Fargo Report.

Taking the hassle out of the photo upload process, Point2 Manager users can automatically resize and upload multiple photos for posting on UsedIron and other online marketplaces, with Point2’s unique, patented PUF (Photo Upload Facility) technology.

With a single click of the mouse, users can now also produce and issue professional looking quotes and equipment brochures that feature up to 36 photos, for maximum impact.

The Quote That Killed The Deal – And The One That Snagged It

Every serious lead is imminent business until proven otherwise, in any market condition. In today’s economy, business owners would agree that those leads are even more critical. Yet, as closing a deal comes down to the wire, we’ve come across many dealerships that bypass obvious opportunity to stand out from the competition. In some cases, at the management level, but predominantly, within the sales organization.

The issue seems to be recurrent and often out of sheer oversight. Another major reason is the lack of belief in the power of perception.

When a buyer looks to acquire an expensive piece of equipment, they not only size up available inventory, but more importantly, the dealers behind it. They want to transact with serious, well established, professional suppliers who offer and stand behind quality products.

The kind of supplier you want to do business with, you can rely on and trust.

Once you’ve made the short list, a seemingly small detail that could paint you as unprofessional or non trustworthy becomes the ultimate ‘Deal Killer’.

A key, image-laden opportunity – and risk in the selling process is the equipment quotation. Many deals can be lost to the competition at this stage of the transaction. But not because of price.

Sales teams produce, issue, fax and email quotes to prospective buyers every day. The quote is an important document that carries a dealer’s brand identity and is a clear reflection of their organization. Often, it is also the last opportunity to build trust and impress a decision maker who is most likely screening three or more quotes simultaneously, each vying to seal the deal.

It’s hard to argue that with all variables being equal, such as equipment age, price range and, condition, that the most professional quote – and the dealer behind it would not win.

Yes, it’s the image the dealer projects, that can make or break the deal. And this is not one to leave to chance.

Quotes are branding vehicles that have tremendous reach and impact. It’s critical that each and every quote professionally represent your dealership. Visual appeal, presentation, photos and more importantly, an error and typo free document are an absolute must. A seemingly small issue (typo or grammatical error) says a lot about your dealership, such as your attention to detail and professionalism. Progressive dealers have a deep appreciation for this issue, and have processes and systems in place that are simple yet highly effective to help them capitalize on this opportunity.

Automating the quotation process does not only increase productivity, but it’s also a fool proof way to eliminate common, unnecessary errors and enable your sales organization to present consistent, professional, reassuring quotes every time – so you can snag that deal!

Have a related story to share? Post your comments below or by email mfuller @ point2.com.

About The Author:

Mark Fuller manages Point2 Technologies’ global sales for the company’s heavy equipment dealer inventory management, sales and marketing software platform, Point2 Manager.

IEDA Promotes Members Listings on the Web

With the large majority of buyers starting their equipment search on the Internet, it is becoming increasingly important to publish / advertise listings on as many popular websites as possible. The announcement between the Independent Equipment Dealers Association and Point2 last week speaks volumes to IEDA’s focus on assisting its members to succeed in this area.

Keen to hear thoughts and experiences on lead generation through the Internet and which sites generate (or you think would generate) the most leads for you today.

If you have any questions about how to join the IEDA or about the announcement, post a comment or drop me an email at: Mfuller @ point2. com.

Mark Fuller
www.point2manager.com

Here is the full IEDA / Point2 announcement.

Independent Equipment Dealers Association and Point2 Technologies Expand Partnership

Deeper Alliance Boosts IEDA Membership Benefits and Value – Delivers Online Advertising and Lead Generation Program Across Membership Base

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, CO and SASKATOON, SK, February 09, 2009 – Independent Equipment Dealers Association (“IEDA”) and Point2 Technologies (“Point2”) today announced an agreement that will extend to IEDA member companies online advertising and lead generation technology as well as support services, as part of a new benefit package fully subsidized by the IEDA.

Under the new agreement, IEDA members worldwide can now automatically syndicate their listing inventory of used and rental heavy equipment, as well as attachments to IEDAused.com, a leading edge equipment exchange developed and powered by Point2, and to UsedIron.com, one of the industry’s largest equipment marketplaces online.

The agreement also extends to IEDA members free training and support, including assistance for equipment listing data transfers into the Point2 system.

“The IEDA is proud to be the first heavy equipment industry Association in North America to offer Point2’s world class listing advertising solution as part of its membership benefits,” said Mike Cunningham, President, IEDA Board of Directors. “We are constantly seeking new and innovative ways to help our members to stay on the cutting edge of business and grow their revenue. With more prospective buyers today relying on the web to research, buy or rent equipment, every single IEDA member company is now positioned to gain from the trend.”

“We have been successfully using the Point2 solution to manage our inventory and advertise listings since 2007,” said Randy Gogowich, IEDA member and Sales & Rental Manager at Edmonton, Alberta-based Emeco. “To have access to such world class technology and services will be a very powerful success catalyst for independent dealers, especially in today’s market.”

“An absolutely amazing service! Kudos to the IEDA for being proactive in offering such a valuable service,” said Keith Smith, IEDA member and Advertising Coordinator at Richmond, Kentucky-based Interstate Equipment. “Working with the Point2 team on the equipment listings transfer was a breeze. Within a week from adding our listings to IEDAused.com and UsedIron.com, our traffic surged. We’re extremely pleased with the results.”

“Effective marketing today must include wide distribution of listings online, without which revenue and growth potential are compromised,” said Barry Willick, President, Point2 Technologies. “We’re excited to work closely with a progressive Association such as the IEDA on this important initiative. Their leadership recognizes the potential impact of the web on business today and has taken exemplary steps to support its members in this area.”

According to the Wells Fargo Construction Industry Forecast 2009 report, the number of contractors who plan to purchase used equipment in 2009 increased dramatically, reaching 48 percent, up from only 20 percent in 2008, representing a 140 percent increase. 73 percent of the contractors and 89 percent of the equipment distributors responding to the survey stated they use the Internet to locate hard to find items. 66 percent and 86 percent said they use the Web to research and to locate suppliers, respectively.

The new program replaces a member paid syndication plan IEDA and Point2 introduced in 2007.

Using the Sales and Marketing Tools

Here is a general invitation to all the Point2 Manager and Express users for training on the site.  So whether it is ADDING/EDITING INVENTORY, PHOTOS or using your MARKETING TOOLS (quotes, brochures, inventory lists and Manager Mobile), contact Support.  We’ll get you and your people trained on all the latest.  Eve Marshall, Point2 Customer Support eve @ point2.com 888-955-7900 / 306-955-1855

How SCRUM Can Help Your Business

SCRUM is an advanced software development process that will help your business, albeit working its wonders from behind the scenes.

Technology innovation is what helps heavy equipment dealers around the world better manage equipment inventories and market their used machines effectively on the Internet. It allows dealer teams to access up to date product inventory, photos and detailed information on their Blackberry devices or other PDAs, essentially leaving a less equipped competitor in the dust.

Point2 just appointed Zach Scott to the position of CTO, which means more such innovation at an even faster pace can be expected by our customers.

And how does this directly affect you?

Software development lies at the heart of building and maintaining cutting edge technology, like Point2’s Manager Mobile. Scott has recently introduced to Point2 the SCRUM software development process, which promises just that.

We’d love to hear your questions or thoughts on how you are using technology in your dealership. And if you’d like an online demo of how dealers across North America are using Point2 Manager to streamline inventory management and enhance sales and marketing, drop us a note at mfuller @ point2 . com.

Trade In Headaches

Heavy Equipment dealers across the board are always looking at increasing productivity and profits, as the market is not helping much lately. It seems equipment trade-in assessments and valuations are turning into a real business pain. In talking to a few dealers over the past few weeks, many still have to suffer through duplicate data entry on their business system and website. Sales and admin teams each have their own way of capturing trade-in equipment condition information, stats and specs. I still can’t get over the fact that some sales people still write up trade-ins on a sheet of paper and haul it into admin to enter the information into the system. The assessment of the vehicle and hence its value / price is done purely based on experience and judgement. Often too, someone else then enters the machine data into the company’s website. Needless to say, data is inconsistent and the process is tedious and counterproductive at best.

Any real war stories related to vehicle/ equipment assessment you’d like to share? One dealer seems to have the issue sorted out, using simple technology [click here to read...] Keen to hear what others have done and what systems you are using.

Mark

T. Mark Fuller
Point2 Technologies Inc.
888.955.7900 ll 604.675.9393 X 226
mfuller @ point2 . com