Is the internet best place to sell and buy wooden windows and doors?
B2B customers will configure, price and order windows and doors on their own, just like today’s complex, expensive product such as Tesla cars – says Voytech Stanowski, owner of debesto, in an interview with us.
I will start a little bit provocatively: Is the internet a good place to sell woodwork?
It is absolutely impossible to sell windows and doors over the Internet! I would like all the greats of our window world to think that as long as possible – because it gives us a competitive advantage in a huge internet niche. Seriously – the internet is a source of lead sales for us. A perfect tool for acquiring contacts with B2B trading partners from around the world.
However, there is only one future – B2B customers will configure, price and order windows and doors on their own, just like a complex, expensive product such as Tesla electric cars. They configure, price and order online by themselves.
Does the debesto.com company achieve incomes only from online sale?
We obtain revenues entirely from customers acquired through our online sales machine. However, this is not a sale in the sense of e-commerce, where the customer purchases independently and the service is automated.
However, we are in the process of creating a project that will bring the traditional sale to an end in the future. This project is a completely automated system for selling garage doors – In 30 seconds you can price a perfectly configured gate and buy it by making a PayU transfer!
Do you have any problems with transporting windows and doors of various sizes over long distances?
This is our thing. 90% of the sales we deliver goods to customers through shipping companies. The efficiency with which we do it often surprises our partners. Here, we are able to reduce costs, optimally pack and secure the goods so that, regardless of the direction – Berlin, London, New Jersey or Seychelles, it arrives on time and in perfect condition.
You mentioned your plans to create a global brand. Can a window seller create such a brand? Why would a customer in the other end of the world buy your windows?
From the beginning, we planned to create a global brand, not fully knowing how we would achieve it. Today the puzzle is slowly starting to come together. We believe that our marketing agility in reaching the customer, responsiveness and quality are not achievable by producers who have many more areas to “look after”, and that producers will grow up to entrust sales to specialists. This will bring them much greater benefits than building their own sales network.
Creating a global brand
I think that virtual reality and product mapping in 3D, virtual walks on the website – for current generations who are slowly taking over decision-making roles in business – will be 100 percent sufficient.
What is your view on the future of the company?
Computerisation and digitalisation, that’s all I can say. I guarantee that for the next 5 years the world, and the world of windows and doors will dramatically change.
Today 60% of activity on our page comes from mobile phones. For 5 years 60% of sales will be made by mobile platforms. Surveys at the construction side, client will enter directly to his smartphone, and get an immediate valuation.
By using the platform the client is able to see the offer with one click, make payment and place an order. Without mistakes that can be made by human and needless waist of time.
One thing is certain – human participation in the sales process will decrease, but the turnover generated by only one person will increase rapidly. Technology will undoubtedly be the leverage for this growth.
So what can we wish you on the fifth anniversary of establishing your business?
Our plans are specific. Develop automation, translate into digital all available content. To facilitate our client’s purchasing decisions and to be his intermediary between “macro producers” and “micro-recipients”. To achieve the above goals, we must have the best people on board – BEST people, which is why we are constantly recruiting.
We need from a few to a dozen such people in the near future.
I believe that after employment of this people till year 2024, we will be a company who sells joinery for a minimum 100 mln. zlotys annually.
