Rapport Services, whose divisions include Rapids Wholesale Equipment Company, a provider of bar and restaurant equipment and Porter's Camera Store, a distributor of cameras and associated camera supplies, rely heavily on catalogue marketing for sales generation. Consequently, a significant portion of its expenses lie in telecommunications costs, especially with its high inbound call volumes. Due to the tremendous changes and extreme competitiveness in the telecommunications industry, Rapport Services wanted to make sure it was not overspending in the catalogue marketing area.
No financial obligation
ERA
consultants Rob Peterson and Jim Schmitt met with representatives from Rapport Services at its base in Marion, Iowa, and described how
Expense Reduction Analysts works with clients to
reduce costs in various expense categories and its commitment to maintaining the same or superior levels of quality the client has enjoyed. This is also done on a No Savings-No Fee basis with Rapport Services having no financial obligation unless ERA's savings recommendations were accepted and implemented.
Best interests of the client
After reviewing Rapport's telecommunications costs and liaising with both the incumbent and alternative suppliers, ERA analysed its findings and offered several options it felt were in the best interests of the client. Based on ERA's presentation, Rapport Services' chief executive Joe Schmitt elected to go with an option that ultimately saved the company 35 per cent on its annual telecommunications expenses.
Following the implementation process, ERA has continued to monitor the savings during an 18-month period to ensure all components of the new supply contract terms are being followed. According to Rob Peterson, one of ERA's strengths is its commitment to remain with the client for the long-term to monitor the results and recommend modifications as they become necessary.
21-Aug-2007