People's Web Accounts are, says The People's Web, "the first significant internet invention since the dotcom boom and allow companies of all sizes to post details of their goods or services and upload their entire inventory to the site". Both small and large companies can also drive traffic to their own websites, call centres, or bricks and mortar locations, from £25 a year. It claims The People's Web is now the music sector's lowest-cost distribution channel.
In the run up to the launch, The People's Web enjoyed a successful trial period, with retailers such as Volkswagen and Crabtree & Evelyn becoming members and selling their inventory.
The new service is available to consumers for £5 a year. Small businesses and service providers pay £25 a year, while company accounts are available for £100 a year for businesses who want to have their entire stock uploaded for them by The People's Web. The company says a key benefit, for companies with both national and local operations, is that consumers can define searches on a regional basis.
Mark Tuppen, founder and managing director of The People's Web, says, "The music industry can now enjoy low-cost, instant access to consumers who are actively seeking their products. The People's Web not only provides a forum for buyers and sellers, it actively matches them." He adds that it also gives businesses an internet presence without the need for a website.
"We are matchmakers, not middlemen, we don't profit from any sales made through our site," says Tuppen. "We simply provide a website where buyers and sellers can meet and arrange their own transactions."
(Mike Lethby)
