Contact Info Online

As part of the 4specs long-term data maintenance I started a 2-year review of every listing on 4specs - validating that the company still exists and the phone number and address in our database is correct and a quick look to see if we have the correct sections. Websites can long exist and look active long after a company's demise. Add a "last validated date" to the page.

It seems to me that web designers do not understand the importance of a specifier being able to contact you for detailed information and to ask questions. Many web designers consider that an Internet contact form is a sufficient way for the specifier to search for additional manufacturer's design information and get their questions answered. The web designer is thinking of consumers and not architects and specifiers.

Many websites do not have basic contact information that can be easily found - including phone number and corporate address. Just a form to fill out and wait for a response.

I recommend as a minimum the following:

The date that the website and page was last verified. The page does not have to be updated, just verify that the information is still correct. I have spotted a few copyright dates on websites that were as early as 2003. Should I assume the product and contact info is still correct?
No phone number. Most specifiers needing information will want to call rather than use a contact form. They have perhaps 30 minutes to complete their review of all the manufacturers in the specific section. Why risk being dropped from the section as the specifiers could not get their questions answered.
No address online - a specifier on the west coast wants to know you are on the east coast when considering freight costs and if he can call you in his afternoon Pacific time. This is even more important for a specifier or architect in Hawaii and Alaska. I use address changes identified from the Post Office change of address system to identify companies that need to be checked. They may have moved, been purchased or closed.
When you provide an address, provide both the physical address as well as a mailing address if appropriated.
Provide a phone number for technical support in addition to a general phone number - a quick way to get product information verified.
I can understand the reluctance to provide phone numbers for local reps, at least provide phone numbers for your regional managers.

Contact me if you have any questions or suggestions.

Colin

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Colin Gilboy
Publisher - 4specs
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