JOHN Deere Africa Middle East has announced their new e-commerce platform for parts sales. The e-commerce solution will allow customers to purchase parts 24-hours a day.
According to the company, it is one of the first original equipment manufacturers (OEM’s) in the agricultural industry that will offer customers the entire end-to-end experience of buying parts online.
“With the new online shopfront, farmers can shop for parts during season, minimising downtime,” said Janalize van Buuren, Director Aftermarket & Customer Support.
“Should a machine fail in the field late at night, farmers do not have to wait until the next day to order the part from their closest dealer, they can order it online, via their phone or computer. The dealer will have the part ready the following morning for collection or delivery, increasing uptime and lowering expenses.”
Janalize van Buuren, Director Aftermarket and Customer Support said the aim was not to replace their brick-and-mortar stores but to increase customer’s uptime, productivity and through that lower their costs.
“The online store does not replace our dealerships, instead we are strengthening our dealer network by providing them with an additional sales and marketing channel they do not currently have,” she said.
Jaco Beyers, Director Sales and Marketing said that over the past two years the e-commerce industry has grown rapidly, partly fueled by Covid-19, and, with more and more customers turning online for their shopping needs.
It’s all about the convenience of shopping online. “We want to support our farmers and make shopping for parts a seamless experience, no matter what time of day or night,” Beyers said.
Previously, customers were only able to purchase via 96 South African Dealerships.
“What’s great about this concept is that we are contributing to a growing sector and not replacing one that is thriving. We’re growing, creating awareness, building our brand, whilst also including more urbanised customers,” said van Buuren.
“Our John Deere merchandise, popular with the younger generation, will also be sold on the new shopfront, through the current supplier.”
