Dotcom-Monitor Wins DollarDays’ Continued Loyalty with Reliable Website Performance, Customer Satisfaction

Dotcom-Monitor, […] a trusted industry provider of a unified suite of advanced yet affordable externally-hosted network & IT monitoring services, today announced that DollarDays, a premier Internet-based product wholesaler, has selected Dotcom-Monitor for its fourth consecutive year, continuing the businesses efforts to build entrepreneurs and small-business owners into a competitive powerhouse against large enterprises.

DollarDays is a leading B2B online wholesale distributor of more than 45,000 high-quality products. The company’s unique, innovative business model enables small-business owners to offer quality merchandise free of membership while reaping the same kinds of discounts and margins routinely offered exclusively to the largest retailers. Small businesses can also take advantage of DollarDays’ Distributor Program, which includes website creation and maintenance to help drive new virtual warehouse business.

“As an online retailer, our business performance begins to suffer any time our site exhibits 5 seconds of delay in response time for our web applications, which can significantly impact our overall numbers,” said Marc Joseph, founder and president of DollarDays International. “A delay in response time can also precede website downtime, which has serious repercussions for our business. We were one of the first to start using Dotcom-Monitor’s services for the competitive advantage it gives our business and have stayed a customer for the reliable performance and alerts that have now become our lifeline.”

Dotcom-Monitor monitors millions of tasks every day on behalf of 7,000 customers worldwide. It provides monitoring solutions for a wide variety of systems and applications, including […] secure website monitoring (HTTPS), […] performance check[s], cookie support, […] video streaming monitoring , e-mail servers (SMTP/POP3), domain name servers (DNS), file transfer protocol (FTP) server[s], […] routers/firewalls, […] media streaming (video and audio), and DNS blacklist monitoring.

“We are proud to continue our long-standing partnership with DollarDays, and we’re equally proud of our contribution towards achieving the unbeatable website performance and reliability they deliver to their customers,” said Vadim Mazo, founder and CTO of Dotcom-Monitor. “Website performance is a business-critical requirement in the e-commerce industry, and Dotcom-Monitor is well-positioned in that arena with a highly advanced monitoring service portfolio, but at a price point that averages one-third the price of our closest competitors.”

About DollarDays
Founded in 2001, DollarDays is the leading supplier of wholesale goods for nonprofits, businesses and betterment organizations. By sourcing affordable products, backed by exceptional service and meaningful community engagement, we strive to inspire and empower our customers to accomplish their missions to improve the lives of people around the world. Recognized as the City of Phoenix Mayor’s Office “2018 Product Exporter of the Year” and Internet Retailer Magazine’s “B2B E-commerce Marketer of the Year” for 2016 and 2017, DollarDays is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. For more information, visit www.dollardays.com.

Nonprofits Use New Online Wishlist Registry to Request Much-needed Items

Charitable organizations with 501(c)(3) status can now create online wishlists of necessities so donors can buy exactly what their favorite organization needs. DollarDays, a premier Internet-based product wholesaler to small businesses, local distributors and nonprofit organizations, launched the online registry for nonprofits to provide people another way to give to a cause.

Similar to a bridal or gift registry, the site allows charities to list their needs—from dog bowls and linens to office supplies, clothing and more—that can be purchased at a reduced cost through DollarDays. DollarDays has more than 30,000 items available at wholesale prices.

“People are generous but also […] worried how their cash donations are being spent,” said Marc Joseph, CEO of DollarDays. “By creating a registry, the charities get exactly what they need, and those who want to give can see exactly where their money is going.”

According to DSD Management Fundraising Services, [from] 2000 to 2004, the number of nonprofits increased 23%, but the amount of money donated by individuals decreased 2%.

More than 50 nonprofits nationwide are currently using the DollarDays wishlist. One of the first to implement the wishlist was [t]he Arizona Animal Welfare League, which is Arizona’s oldest and largest no-kill shelter. Each year, the organization adopts out approximately 2,400 animals and provides education programs for children and adults.

“Using the DollarDays wishlist gives our supporters and donors the opportunity to buy products that directly help our animals and our shelter operations. As a nonprofit organization that operates entirely on private donations, this is an easy way for our supporters to help us meet our everyday needs,” said Claire Simeone, Community Relations Manager [for the] Arizona Animal Welfare League. “This is great idea that many other nonprofit organizations could benefit from.”

Another organization benefiting from the wishlist is Cradles to Crayons, a Massachusetts-based organization dedicated to providing poor and homeless children everyday supplies for life.

“DollarDays gets what we do and continually makes it easy for us to maximize our purchasing dollars,” said Jim Stevens, President [of] Cradles to Crayons. “Our DollarDays Charity Wishlist partnership enables us to make direct appeals to donors who like to know exactly what their donation provides. It gives our donors choices and maximum value.”

Joseph had the idea to create the registry in the days following [Hurricane] Katrina. Government agencies, church groups and individuals used DollarDays to buy items such as diapers, clothes and other basic merchandise […] for the hurricane victims.

“The people I spoke with days after Katrina said they felt safer and more comfortable buying necessities then sending a check,” said Joseph. “They knew that their items would get to the charity and to the people who needed it most.”

According to the FBI, before Hurricane Katrina even hit land, domain names were being bought up by scam artists, and there were more than 4,000 Katrina-related websites that popped up in the aftermath of the disaster.

Joseph adds, “The charities manage their registry so it’s legitimate and current. Charities always need items, whether it’s for the people or animals they are helping or administrative goods to keep their organizations working. Whether it’s money or merchandise, every donation helps.”

According to the American Institute of Philanthropy, a nonprofit watchdog and information service that grades national charities, philanthropies receive high grades for putting 75% or more of donated funds toward program goals while keeping their fundraising drives and overhead below 25%.

Since DollarDays is a wholesaler, the public can buy items off the charity’s registry at wholesale prices, so they are actually getting more for their dollar. DollarDays carries more than 30,000 items ranging from decorative items and clothing to personal care products and office supplies.

About DollarDays
Founded in 2001, DollarDays is the leading supplier of wholesale goods for nonprofits, businesses and betterment organizations. By sourcing affordable products, backed by exceptional service and meaningful community engagement, we strive to inspire and empower our customers to accomplish their missions to improve the lives of people around the world. Recognized as the City of Phoenix Mayor’s Office “2018 Product Exporter of the Year” and Internet Retailer Magazine’s “B2B E-commerce Marketer of the Year” for 2016 and 2017, DollarDays is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. For more information, visit www.dollardays.com.

DollarDays Reports Highest One-month Sales Increase

DollarDays, the Internet’s leading product wholesaler to small businesses and local distributors, today announced the highest one-month sales increase in the company’s history.

DollarDays reports July 2006 revenues increased 96% over July 2005 revenues, setting a new one-month record. In addition, orders increased 80% in July 2006 over July 2005. Over the past year, more than 320,000 new customers have registered on the site.

DollarDays is an online wholesaler that provides more than 30,000 products in small caseloads to help small businesses compete against large retailers and chain stores.

“Small businesses are the core of the American economy, and DollarDays helps these companies succeed,” says Marc Joseph, CEO of DollarDays. “We provide a variety of products at a great value, but we also provide merchandising assistance and overall stellar customer service. We look forward to additional growth as more companies learn about us.”

As a result of its tremendous growth, DollarDays made its debut at No. 158 on Inc. Magazine’s 500 list of fastest-growing private companies.

According to the publishers of Inc., “[T]hese companies are where the action is—they’re leaders with cutting-edge business models whose rapid growth shows that they figured out how to meet the most pressing needs of today’s economy.” In addition, “[D]ata from investment research firm Morningstar shows that only 33 publicly traded U.S. companies show three-year revenue growth higher than the 500th company on this year’s list.”

Earlier this year, […] DollarDays also was named one of 50 second-stage Arizona “Companies to Watch” by the Arizona Small Business Association.

About DollarDays
Founded in 2001, DollarDays is the leading supplier of wholesale goods for nonprofits, businesses and betterment organizations. By sourcing affordable products, backed by exceptional service and meaningful community engagement, we strive to inspire and empower our customers to accomplish their missions to improve the lives of people around the world. Recognized as the City of Phoenix Mayor’s Office “2018 Product Exporter of the Year” and Internet Retailer Magazine’s “B2B E-commerce Marketer of the Year” for 2016 and 2017, DollarDays is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. For more information, visit www.dollardays.com.

Survey Results Show Increased Gas Prices Hurting U.S. Small Businesses; Owners Seeing Change in Revenues

More than 85% of small-business owners polled expect a change in revenue as a result of increased […] gas prices, with most of those already feeling the pinch, according to a survey conducted [by DollarDays] throughout the month of May.

DollarDays is a premier Internet-based product wholesaler to small businesses and local distributors. The poll was featured on DollarDays.com and in the company’s online newsletter. The company frequently polls its customers about topical issues.

According to the results, 86% expect a negative effect on their revenue as a result of increased gas prices, with 71% already seeing a change. Eighty-three percent say they are very concerned about how these prices will effect their bottom line, and 86% say it’s getting harder to be a small business.

According to AAA statistics released at the end of May, gasoline prices are at a record $2.93 nationally, 34% higher than a year ago.

“Gas prices are already outrageous, and we’re headed into the summer and hurricane months where prices typically increase, so it’s no wonder that small-business owners are worried,” said Marc Joseph, President and CEO of DollarDays and author of “The Secrets of Retailing…or How to Beat Walmart.” “Small businesses are the backbone of the economy, so we’re helping our clients to better merchandise and market their companies to make up for decreased revenues. It’s a scary time.”

Survey results include:

  • 31% of small-business owners will have to lay off employees if their revenues continue to change, while 64% say they won’t;
  • 5% of employers are offering financial supplements to help their employees as a result of increased gas prices, while 93% aren’t;
  • 55% of the businesses will suffer if tourism decreases, while 43% will be okay; and
  • 71% of small-business owners have changed their personal travel plans as a result of gas prices.

Joseph encourages small retail stores to carry desirable and high-margin items to help increase profit. In addition, he highly suggests that small retailers offer their customers a website where they can buy items so that customers can shop without having to drive.

“Online stores are a great way for consumers to save money since they don’t have to pay for gas to drive to the store,” said Joseph. “It’s also smart for retailers, as they can expand their sales beyond their neighborhood.”

About DollarDays
Founded in 2001, DollarDays is the leading supplier of wholesale goods for nonprofits, businesses and betterment organizations. By sourcing affordable products, backed by exceptional service and meaningful community engagement, we strive to inspire and empower our customers to accomplish their missions to improve the lives of people around the world. Recognized as the City of Phoenix Mayor’s Office “2018 Product Exporter of the Year” and Internet Retailer Magazine’s “B2B E-commerce Marketer of the Year” for 2016 and 2017, DollarDays is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. For more information, visit www.dollardays.com.

DollarDays Named an Arizona Business to Watch

DollarDays, a premier Internet-based product wholesaler to small businesses and local distributors, was named one of 50 second-stage Arizona companies to watch by the Arizona Small Business Association (ASBA) and the Edward Lowe Foundation, a not-for-profit […] foundation whose mission is to “champion the entrepreneurial spirit.” An award was presented to DollarDays’ CEO, Marc Joseph, at a gala at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel. This is the first time the ASBA has presented “Company to Watch” awards.

“It’s an honor and achievement to be named a ‘Company to Watch,'” said Joseph. “DollarDays is growing rapidly, and, although our customers are worldwide, we’re helping to grow the Arizona economy, and we’re proud of that. We expect continued growth at a record pace.”

“I am pleased and proud to congratulate this inaugural group of 50 ‘Companies to Watch’ in Arizona for 2006. These vital businesses are growing second-stage companies and are key components of the engine that drives our economy forward. They create new, sustainable jobs each year, and they are innovators that are willing to take significant, but calculated, risks to produce new products and services,” said Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano.

The defining characteristics of second-stage enterprises for the Arizona Companies to Watch program are annual revenue or working capital of between $1 million and $100 million, 10 to 100 employees, and the “intent and capacity to grow.” Second-stage companies are past the startup phase; are generally concerned with issues of growth, not survival; and have not yet become large corporations. Such enterprises are important economically because they create a substantial portion of the net new jobs each year.

More than 280 companies were nominated or applied for the award. Of those companies 108 were selected by the Edward Lowe Foundation and ASBA for the next round of judging. In early April, 12 appointed judges selected the final 50.

About DollarDays
Founded in 2001, DollarDays is the leading supplier of wholesale goods for nonprofits, businesses and betterment organizations. By sourcing affordable products, backed by exceptional service and meaningful community engagement, we strive to inspire and empower our customers to accomplish their missions to improve the lives of people around the world. Recognized as the City of Phoenix Mayor’s Office “2018 Product Exporter of the Year” and Internet Retailer Magazine’s “B2B E-commerce Marketer of the Year” for 2016 and 2017, DollarDays is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. For more information, visit www.dollardays.com.

Grandmothers Also Primary Recipients of Mother’s Day Gifts

Small-business retailers say that grandmothers, not just mothers, are […] beneficiaries of Mother’s Day gifts, and most people buy their gifts the week before Mother’s Day, according to survey results released today by DollarDays.

DollarDays is a premier Internet-based product wholesaler to small businesses and local distributors. The poll was featured on [the company’s website] and gauged the Mother’s Day sales cycle for small businesses.

“The look of a traditional family is changing,” said Marc Joseph, CEO of DollarDays. “More and more people want to recognize those who have had an impact on their lives, regardless if their technical name matches the holiday.”

According to results, 43% of retailers say their customers will buy flowers for their mom or grandma, followed by cards (20%).

The survey also shows that most people buy their gifts in advance. More than half (53%) are buying Mother’s Day items one week in advance, compared to 6% that will buy the day of. In addition, 60% of retailers said Mother’s Day is a profitable holiday for their stores, although not as profitable as Christmas or Valentine’s Day.

Joseph adds, “While many consumers complain about celebrating these ‘Hallmark holidays,’ small businesses reap the rewards and so do our loved ones.”

This survey is part of an ongoing series of DollarDays questionnaires that gauge the attitude, opinion and general business conduct of small retailers nationwide.

About DollarDays
Founded in 2001, DollarDays is the leading supplier of wholesale goods for nonprofits, businesses and betterment organizations. By sourcing affordable products, backed by exceptional service and meaningful community engagement, we strive to inspire and empower our customers to accomplish their missions to improve the lives of people around the world. Recognized as the City of Phoenix Mayor’s Office “2018 Product Exporter of the Year” and Internet Retailer Magazine’s “B2B E-commerce Marketer of the Year” for 2016 and 2017, DollarDays is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. For more information, visit www.dollardays.com.

Author, CEO Marc Joseph to Give Keynote Speech at National Dollar Store Expo

WHAT: Marc Joseph, CEO of DollarDays and author of “The Secrets of Retailing…or How to Beat Walmart,” will give the keynote speech at the 2006 National Dollar Store Expo. Joseph will share his retailing secrets with attendees and give them advice on how to compete and even win against big-box retailers.

WHEN: Thursday, June 8, 2006, at 9:00 a.m.

WHERE: The Las Vegas Convention Center: Room N258

WHO: With nearly 30 years of experience in retailing and wholesaling, Marc Joseph is CEO of DollarDays, a premier Internet-based product wholesaler to small businesses and local distributors. DollarDays is a Web-based virtual warehouse where small-business owners can find great deals on small-business-sized orders for more than 30,000 consumer products, from toys and household décor to apparel, electronics and seasonal merchandise. Due to its innovative business model, DollarDays’ prices are not only often far below those which most small business are accustomed to, but the offerings include many name-brand products, as well as rock-bottom pricing on overstocked and closeout items. 

As a result of helping DollarDays’ customers, Joseph wrote “The Secrets of Retailing…or How to Beat Walmart,” where he details how small businesses can compete and even win against Walmart and other giant retailers that come to their towns. In addition, Joseph provides expert advice to independent retailers of all sizes on the nuts and bolts of setting up a successful retail chain—from the psychology of buying and hiring employees to working successfully with vendors and promoters. The book can be purchased on www.amazon.com.

OTHER: The fastest-growing retail segment is the dollar/value/deep-discount channel. The National Dollar Expo is one of the largest trade shows dedicated to the $40 billion industry. The show takes place Wednesday, June 7, and Thursday, June 8, 2006, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. For more information, please visit www.dollarstoreexpo.com.

About DollarDays
Founded in 2001, DollarDays is the leading supplier of wholesale goods for nonprofits, businesses and betterment organizations. By sourcing affordable products, backed by exceptional service and meaningful community engagement, we strive to inspire and empower our customers to accomplish their missions to improve the lives of people around the world. Recognized as the City of Phoenix Mayor’s Office “2018 Product Exporter of the Year” and Internet Retailer Magazine’s “B2B E-commerce Marketer of the Year” for 2016 and 2017, DollarDays is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. For more information, visit www.dollardays.com.

Unmarried Couples Buy More Valentine’s Day Gifts Than Married Couples

Small-business retailers say they sell more Valentine’s Day gifts to people buying for their boyfriend or girlfriend, and most of the sales take place the week before Valentine’s Day, according to survey results released today by DollarDays.

DollarDays is a premier Internet-based product wholesaler to small businesses and local distributors. The poll was featured on DollarDays.com and in the company’s online newsletter.

“For years, DollarDays’ sales associates have helped retailers stock their stores with gifts and other Valentine’s Day novelties, but we were curious about their customers’ buying habits,” said Marc Joseph, CEO of DollarDays. “According to these survey results, Valentine’s Day is an important retailing holiday with specific demographics, and carrying unique items geared toward their customer can help stores compete against small and big-box retailers.”

According to results, 56% of retailers say Valentine’s Day is a big selling period for their store, with just over half (51%) saying it’s bigger than Mother’s Day.

The survey also shows that 43% are buying Valentine’s Day items for their boyfriend or girlfriend, compared to 26% for spouses and just 11% for friends. [Sixty-nine] percent of the store customers buy the week before Valentine’s Day.

“These statistics are interesting,” said Joseph. “Waiting until the last minute to buy a Valentine’s Day gift gives the unmarried sweethearts the opportunity to change the recipient of their affection. Retailers need to carry more lighthearted items that don’t put too much love pressure on a couple.”

In addition, retailers note that only 16% of customers complain about having to buy a Valentine’s Days gift compared to 82% who say they actually like shopping for this occasion.

  • 17% stuffed animals
  • 16% gift baskets
  • 15% flowers
  • 13% chocolate candy
  • 11% jewelry
  • 10% adult cards
  • 10% boxed cards for children

This survey is part of an ongoing series of DollarDays questionnaires that gauge the attitude, opinion and general business conduct of small retailers nationwide.

About DollarDays
Founded in 2001, DollarDays is the leading supplier of wholesale goods for nonprofits, businesses and betterment organizations. By sourcing affordable products, backed by exceptional service and meaningful community engagement, we strive to inspire and empower our customers to accomplish their missions to improve the lives of people around the world. Recognized as the City of Phoenix Mayor’s Office “2018 Product Exporter of the Year” and Internet Retailer Magazine’s “B2B E-commerce Marketer of the Year” for 2016 and 2017, DollarDays is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. For more information, visit www.dollardays.com.

DollarDays Joins Forces with Military Family Network to Help Soldiers’ Families, Returning Vets

DollarDays announced today that the premier Internet-based product wholesaler to small businesses and local distributors has partnered with the Military Family Network, a marketing firm specializing in communications with the military community, to bring a multifaceted support program for service members and families in the United States, as well as for veterans returning home from the war in Iraq.

The program, “Operation DollarDays,” includes:

  • Sending two-dozen long-stem[med] yellow organic roses from Organic Bouquet, the world’s first online organic florist, to the families of U.S. soldiers serving overseas. Every time a DollarDays customer orders $900 worth of products from www.dollardays.com, DollarDays will send a bouquet to a military family on behalf of a deployed service member;
  • Providing a way for Americans to buy a dozen roses from Organic Bouquet for a deployed soldier to send to his family by visiting www.dollardays.com;
  • Providing free DollarDays distributorships—normally $199 a year—to any military family member or Iraqi war veteran; and
  • Three free months of SAT tutoring for any military family member through DollarDays’ sister company, Boston Test Prep, the leading online SAT test preparation company.

“DollarDays is so proud to support our troops and their families,” said Marc Joseph, CEO. “We know that our programs are a small contribution, especially when compared to the sacrifices of our soldiers and their families, but we wanted to find some new ways to say thank you, and so we developed Operation DollarDays.”

“DollarDays is one of our Military Family Neighbor of Choice Businesses,” said Megan Turak, Executive Vice President of The Military Family Network. “We are happy to help them support the troops and their families through our network, and we encourage all Americans to show they care by becoming involved with this program so that all deployed soldiers can send a free bouquet to their home-front hero. Holidays are the hardest times for families separated by deployment. This program helps to bring families closer together. Can you think of a better way to say ‘I care and thank you?'”

To find out more information about Operation DollarDays and its programs, visit www.eMilitary.org.

About DollarDays
Founded in 2001, DollarDays is the leading supplier of wholesale goods for nonprofits, businesses and betterment organizations. By sourcing affordable products, backed by exceptional service and meaningful community engagement, we strive to inspire and empower our customers to accomplish their missions to improve the lives of people around the world. Recognized as the City of Phoenix Mayor’s Office “2018 Product Exporter of the Year” and Internet Retailer Magazine’s “B2B E-commerce Marketer of the Year” for 2016 and 2017, DollarDays is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. For more information, visit www.dollardays.com.

Ron Middlebrook, Chuck Cody Promoted to Senior Vice President Positions at DollarDays

DollarDays, a premier Internet-based product wholesaler to small businesses and local distributors, named Chuck Cody as the company’s new Senior Vice President of Sales and also promoted Ron Middlebrook to Senior Vice President of Merchandising.

Previously, Cody was the company’s Director of Sales, and Middlebrook was Vice President and General Merchandise Manager. Together, they have more than 30 years of combined retail experience.

“Chuck and Ron are both on the front lines of activating our mission: to help small retailers compete and win against the big-box stores,” said DollarDays’ CEO, Marc Joseph. “Their new positions are well-earned and a result of our company’s growth and success.”

As the new Senior Vice President of Sales, Cody will continue to focus on further increasing sales revenues and securing new markets for DollarDays’ products and services. As Senior Vice President of Merchandising, Middlebrook maintains the responsibility for vendor procurement and management of the company’s inventory of more than 30,000 different products.

Middlebrook joined DollarDays in 2003 with nearly two decades of retail and entrepreneurial experience. Most recently, he owned, operated and later sold Beyond Dresses & Cooksware, a five-store chain in the Phoenix area. Previously, he managed the Hawaiian Islands division of Woolworth, creating the most profitable region in the company.

Middlebrook started his retail career as the divisional merchandise manager for The Bon. He was responsible for the menswear division in 45 stores.

Before joining DollarDays, Cody was the Director of Credit Operations and Customer Service for FACS Group, the financial, administrative and credit arm of Federated Department Stores. Cody directed a staff of 250 associates and 10 managers engaged in call center operations servicing the various FACS products. This department handled more than nine million calls per year.

Prior to joining Federated, Cody spent 15 years with Sears Roebuck & Co. in various positions, including Operations Manager, Group Loss Prevention Manager and Store Manager.

About DollarDays
Founded in 2001, DollarDays is the leading supplier of wholesale goods for nonprofits, businesses and betterment organizations. By sourcing affordable products, backed by exceptional service and meaningful community engagement, we strive to inspire and empower our customers to accomplish their missions to improve the lives of people around the world. Recognized as the City of Phoenix Mayor’s Office “2018 Product Exporter of the Year” and Internet Retailer Magazine’s “B2B E-commerce Marketer of the Year” for 2016 and 2017, DollarDays is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. For more information, visit www.dollardays.com.