Although the project is still in the early development stages, Gluk says GM and its dealers have already determined a number of ground rules. Most likely, the site will be part of a separate company, jointly owned and funded by GM and its dealers. If the site flies, it will mark a shift in GM's approach, from selling only its own products to selling cars regardless of make. Gluk says executives hope to make a decision on the appropriate business model for the site by the end of 2000 and have it operational in the first quarter of 2001. Clark Security Products, one of the largest U.S. distributors of locks and locksmith supplies, also saw opportunity in creating a new e-commerce venture with its channel.
Consumers choose a locksmith from a list generated by a dealer locator function.
The selected locksmith also receives a cut of the transaction. Before credit card information is exchanged, the customer is prompted to select a retail location to complete a transaction. As a 14-person lock shop catering to the commercial market in greater Los Angeles, 4Point Access Control welcomes the change in its channel relationship with Clark. We've always turned to Clark for our business orientation. Clark, in turn, solidifies its connection with a key distributor.