For more information, contact Neil Bhatia at 212 582 8206.
CoolAudio.com Breaks New Ground In The Home Entertainment Shopping Experience By Combining The Best Of Clicks And Bricks
CoolAudio.com (www.CoolAudio.com) has launched its one stop ""e-shop"" to rescue consumers from the lack of service, information, and product selection at traditional electronics retailers. CoolAudio is the first e-tailer to offer ""best in class"" home entertainment products from around the world with unmatched customer service and support. For the first time, the audio video consumer will have access to product reviews, comparisons, and exclusive content, in a helpful, hassle-free and no-pressure shopping environment, just a click of the mouse away. CoolAudio.com combines a broad selection of popular and exclusive consumer electronics products with unparalleled levels of customer service and information. Through a network of ""CoolInstallers,"" which will be nationwide in November, CoolAudio.com will offer free in-home consultation. CoolInstallers are trained to help consumers with their new purchase, whether it is assembling a new home theater system, optimizing speaker placement for the room's acoustics, or simply learning how to use the remote control. ""CoolAudio.com is filling a void in a fragmented, low-service audio and video retail industry by providing customers with top-notch customer service, an all-inclusive selection of U.S. and foreign-made products, and a no-risk return policy. Basically, we are taking the fear out of buying consumer electronics, and making the process positive and a whole lot simpler,"" said Raj Bhatia, Co-Founder and CEO of CoolAudio.com. ""By shopping online with CoolAudio.com, customers not only can research and buy best in class home entertainment products but they also can do so in a comfortable, no-pressure environment - their own home or office,"" added Bhatia. Customized Shopping Experience In response to a brief questionnaire, the Personal Recommender system on the CoolAudio.com site provides customers with the ability to customize and configure stereo and home theatre systems that are consistent with their lifestyle, budget and musical preference. Also assisting customers in making product decisions, the CoolAudio.com site features consumer-generated feedback along with product reviews and recommendations from prominent trade publications and consumer electronics organizations. Superior Customer Service CoolAudio.com is redefining the online shopping experience with superior customer service before, during and after the sale. To answer customers' questions, provide technical support and receive orders, the company has a call center with trained experts, and in late November will offer real-time web-based chat. The call center is available seven days a week, with plans to offer 24 hours a day of service by the second quarter of 2000. Products are shipped from CoolAudio.com's distribution center in Virginia and delivered to customers in 3-5 days. As an added shopping service, CoolAudio.com notifies customers via email when a product is in stock. CoolAudio.com's products come with a risk-free 30-day unlimited satisfaction guarantee that includes free pick-up of returned systems. Best In Class Product Line CoolAudio.com offers home theatre systems, stereo systems, individual components, televisions and DVD/VCR equipment. The CoolAudio.com store has a large selection of well-known brands, including Pioneer, JVC, ProScan, Philips, Samsung, Toshiba, Aiwa, Teac and Zenith. In addition, as part of its CoolExclusives program, CoolAudio.com has exclusive distribution agreements from some of the best audio and video manufacturers in the world including Chord Electronics, Ltd. ""Chord is proud to be partnering with a full-service e-tailer like CoolAudio.com,"" said John Franks, Founder and CEO of Chord Electronics, Ltd. ""CoolAudio.com is well-positioned to offer Chord consumers the first class customer service they have come to demand and expect."" In addition to Chord, CoolAudio.com has secured exclusive distribution agreements with Roksan, Audes, BC Acoustique, Wharfedale, Quad and Wilson-Benesch. Marketing/Alliances CoolAudio.com is developing joint venture/affiliate relationships to allow consumers access to CoolAudio through a network of Web sites targeting the home entertainment market including software retailers, major record labels, professional sports sites, and entertainment content sites. In order to increase site stickiness and repeat visitation, CoolAudio also is establishing joint venture/affiliate arrangements with partners that provide CoolAudio with co-branded content. CoolAudio also is creating relationships with sites that offer purchase incentives to consumers such as Go Network, Artist Direct, Click Rewards, Shop Now, Linkshare, College Club, Salon.com, Compare Net, CNET, HSX, and the Arizona Diamondbacks. About CoolAudio.com Founded in 1998, CoolAudio.com is the first e-tailer to offer ""best in class"" audio and video products in all price categories from leading manufacturers around the world. Superior customer service and personalization support this mix of mainstream and exclusive specialty products. CoolAudio.com is bringing the audiophile experience to anyone with a browser by customizing home entertainment to meet every individual's tastes and budgets. Based in New York City, CoolAudio.com has fulfillment and customer support operations in Charlottesville, VA.