Tuesday, January 04, 2011 -- In-Car Experts’ Executive Director Rob Elliott has stated that its members experienced significant growth during 2010, with more than half of them reporting an average increase in sales revenue of 25 percent over 2009.

“Today's consumers expect greatness and that is what ICE is aiding members in providing, however all this means nothing if it does not impact the bottom line," said Elliott. “We know ICE had a direct impact on these increases as we have seen that those members who make the most use of ICE tools are the ones reporting the highest increase in business.”

Elliott attributed part of this growth to the new member services that the group created in 2010, including its new website, which provides features such as automated coupons and live expert chat staffed by industry professionals. In addition, the website provides members with a hosted personal site linked to it that is updated weekly for each member’s respective store.

Beyond the Web tools, ICE created was a lifestyle HD commercial, began its Mystery Shopper program to test members’ phone and customer service skills, co-op funds from vendors to offset ICE dues and the launch of a consumer-focused publication for ICE members called Digital Living that is distributed to members’ store waiting rooms.

ICE members commented on the services that the organization provided them and how it impacted their business in 2010.

“We have received several compliments on the site being very informative but not too technical for the average person to understand,” said Chris Garner, Garners Stereo Center. “Anyone wanting to grow their business should get on board. We have seen a 20 percent increase in calls and store traffic due to the website. To us, getting the customer in the store is our number one goal, and ICE has been a big part of our best year to date. That's saying a lot since we have been in business since 1972. Thanks ICE!” “I really like the live chat offered on incarexperts.com,” said Rich Pietransko, Safe and Sound. “We have gotten many new customers due to the chat personnel’s ability to draw them away from the Web and big boxes and point them to our store. Thank you ICE.”

“The website that ICE provided our store is amazing!” said Mike Logemann, Premier Autosound. “Easy to use and update and it looks super professional. It even got me customers from over 45 minutes away. Great job ICE!”

For more information about ICE, visit www.incarexperts.com.