Welding Web Site Offers Access to Experts, Help in Choosing Right Tools

Now it's easier than ever to get the answers you need when shopping for welding equipment.

Miller Electric Company's newly-updated Web site, www.MillerWelds.com, features on-line buying, a function to help choose the right welding machine and list prices for all products.

The new Web site offers customers resources to answer questions quickly and resolve problems, including online access to welding experts, the ability to download owner's manuals, a product selector function and an expanded library of application and technical stories. No other U.S. manufacturer of welding power sources and related systems provides customers with the convenience of online shopping as well as the expertise of a local welding distributor for sales and service.

"Sixty percent of our Web site visitors said they wanted to purchase online," says Sue Feldkamp, electronic communications manager, Miller Electric. "As a result, we crafted a 'virtual weld' between the MillerWelds.com site and the Web sites of distributors. This fulfills customer needs while supporting the distributors committed to Miller."

To shop online, visitors can browse through products and put them in a shopping cart. When they want to make a purchase, the site quickly and seamlessly transfers the shopping cart to a local distributor's online store. If there is more than one local distributor, the buyer is presented with a choice of distributors from which to choose. To provide this service, Miller and its distributors have become the first users of a service called iCommerce from the Denver-based InfoNow software company.

Customized Experience

"Miller's Web site provides a customized experience," adds Feldkamp. "It allows welders of different skill levels to find the equipment that properly suits their application." Customization starts by asking first-time site visitors to categorize themselves as "professional" or "occasional" welders. Based on the users' response, the system configures the homepage to showcase products, special offers and discounts that relate to that user.

The Web site also provides a product selector function that presents questions about the users' application. Based on responses, the product selector displays products that best meet the users' needs. Especially helpful for first-time buyers, this function also can help professional welders keep up-to-date with Miller's newest products.

In addition, visitors can access and download the owners' manuals for all welding equipment. This helps ensure the proper maintenance and operation of each welding unit, and provides immediate answers to service questions. Previously, customers wanting an owner's manual had to visit their distributor or wait for a hard copy to be mailed.

New Features

To enhance customer satisfaction, the MillerWelds.com site offers the following interactive innovations.

* Ask the Expert gives users access to more than 100 years of welding expertise to answer their questions.

* Ask Andy allows users to ask Miller's veteran racecar driver/enthusiast, Andy Weyenberg, motorsports-related questions.

* The Expert Resource Library provides users an expanded library of technical articles, case studies and application stories (by-lined by Miller engineers and welders).

* The Welding Dictionary familiarizes users with welding terminology.

To purchase Miller products online, or for more information and assistance in selecting products, visit Miller's Web site at www.MillerWelds.com. Only Miller combines the convenience of on-line shopping with the expertise of a local distributor for sales and service. For more information, or the Miller distributor nearest you, call (800)4-A-MILLER (800-426-4553), fax (877)327-8132, visit the Web site or write to Miller Electric Mfg. Co., P.O. Box 100, Lithonia, GA 30058.

Courtesy of ARA Content, www.ARAcontent.com, e-mail: info@ARAcontent.com

EDITOR'S NOTE: Headquartered in Appleton, Wis., Miller is a leading worldwide manufacturer of arc welding equipment and related systems for metalworking, construction, maintenance and other applications. Miller Electric Mfg. Co. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW), Glenview, Ill. ITW is a diversified multinational manufacturer of highly-engineered components, assemblies and systems.