Manufacturer Rep/Broker Online Preparation

As a manufacturer's representative/broker you are fundamental to the mutual success of sellers and buyers and your role in bringing products to market is vital. As such we are eager to share some news that will make you and your client's experience at Fall Toy Preview more efficient and productive than ever before.

Based on feedback from major retailers wanting a more efficient process for scheduling appointments and conducting post-show follow-up, Fall Toy Preview (FTP) will now employ the Efficient Collaborative Retail Marketing (ECRM) ® MarketGate Software Suite. This new tool, designed to improve sales, reduce expenses and go to market faster and more efficiently, is a very exciting component of FTP and one that has been evolving for quite some time. The business needs of our industry stakeholders will be well served by this advanced technological tool.

We are proud to say that preparations for implementation and execution at this year's event are well underway. Training for the buying teams of many of the major retailers has already begun and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. We look forward to providing this same level of training to you as well, even if you have not yet applied to participate and service the lines you represent.

What does this mean to you? Firstly, as a manufacturer's rep we realize that the business you conduct in Dallas is crucial. Secondly, we realize that you will need access to MarketGate just like all of the exhibitors and retailers in attendance. And finally, we know you will have questions and need training. The information below will, we hope, provide answers to many of those questions.

1. What will the MarketGate Software Suite do for you?
2. Is there a fee?
3. How can I learn more about MarketGate at Fall Toy Preview?
4. When are the webinars?
5. How do I get started?
6. Who do I contact for help?

What will the MarketGate Software Suite do for you?

This new tool will assist you in providing relevant and necessary information to your retailers before, during and after Fall Toy Preview. This new online tool will help you:

• Product data, descriptions and specs are uploaded in advance providing your accounts (and potential accounts) the information that enhances their ability to plan for your appointment. Additionally, from the product catalog you can automatically populate custom retailer forms and publish customized product catalogs for retailers with the click of a button.
• Appointment scheduling is easy and efficient. After retailers have sent meeting requests to their suppliers, suppliers have the opportunity to request appointments with available registered retailers. As a manufacturer's rep/broker you will have the opportunity to request meetings with retailers on behalf of your suppliers. This provides a valuable opportunity to put product in front of potential new accounts in a manner that makes the new item and customer review decision more efficient.
• Retail and specific buyer profiles are submitted in advance and provide exhibitors with detailed information about the outlet and the buyer they are meeting. This information includes contact information, company profiles, marketing profiles and, when available, the representative's photograph.
• Meeting notes and recaps are stored and ready for distribution to your entire sales team as well as to buyers immediately following your meeting.
• The Ad Comparison component will allow you to monitor competitive ads, pricing and promotions nationwide on a daily and weekly basis.

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Is there a fee?

As a manufacturer's rep, you'll enjoy complimentary trial use of this technology through 12/31/10.

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How can I learn more about MarketGate at Fall Toy Preview?

All key stakeholders of Fall Toy Preview are offered an instructional webinar designed to provide a step-by-step education in how to use MarketGate before, during and after the show. Account Managers from ECRM, who will lead the webinar on numerous dates, will be available to answer any questions you may have. You will see firsthand the power of this innovative tool. The sessions are complimentary, and, while each will address essentially the same information, you may attend as often as you like.

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When are the webinars?

These complimentary one-hour sessions will be held each Tuesday afternoon from 2:00 to 3:00pm Eastern time beginning May 25th and continuing each week through the end of July.

Register for any of these sessions.

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How do I get started?

Fall Toy Preview retail attendees began using MarketGate on July 1, 2010  to request appointments. To begin to fully utilize the MarketGate software you must apply to participate at Fall Toy Preview. Simply download and complete the application, submit your payment and you can get started. The software will be available to you as soon as your application has been approved. Please note, the MarketGate software becomes available to all registered buyers on July 1st so don't miss out on this opportunity to have access to this new system from the start.

If you have already registered and received your login information, you may access MarketGate here.

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Who do I contact for help?

You will be assigned an ECRM Account Manager who will be available to you before, during and after Fall Toy Preview.

As this new era begins, we know you will have questions. We and the ECRM team are here to guide you through every step. We believe this new system will ultimately increase sales while saving you time and money.

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