Thinking Outside the Box

Strong customer service Buyers need assurance that problems or questions will be corrected, especially since the Web is otherwise faceless. MicroWarehouse (www.warehouse.com) does a good job of integrating telephone reps with the Web, in addition to providing a thorough FAQ and reliable e-mail assistance. The Web also can be an alternative information and customer service channel for existing customers. For example, New Pig (www.newpig.com) allows registered customers greater access to information, prices and their accounts.