^[1]The following SMART 100 profile and the information it contains is a duplication of content submitted by the applicant during the entry process. As a function of entry, applicants were required to declare that all details are factually correct, do not infringe on another’s intellectual property and are not unlawful, threatening, defamatory, invasive of privacy, obscene, or otherwise objectionable. Some profiles have been edited for reasons of space and clarity. More about the SMART 100 ^[2].

This innovation initially came to life when…

Our business concept came to life when we had both permanently swapped our weekends for 20+ hours working as lifeguards. During this time we discovered that we had both studied Logistics, were passionate about business, technology and innovation, and hated the idea of working for someone else. We realised that we had complimentary skills. I have the tech/web knowledge; Michael has experience in the logistics industry, providing him with insider knowledge and many contacts. We knew that by working together we were in a unique position to innovate in an industry that wasn’t keeping pace with new technology.

WHAT & HOW

The purpose of this innovation is to…

Create a website which provides users with an easy to use, price and service comparison of national and international couriers while at the same time creating a semi-automated income for ourselves.

It does this by…

Linking to our partners (courier companies e.g. DHL, FedEx) systems and generating live pricing and service options for our users, then allowing them to book their chosen option. By putting a little margin on each booking we are able to provide ourselves with a profit.

PURPOSE & BENEFITS

This innovation improves on what came before because…

The online comparison business model has started to pop up in several industries in recent years. Internet users have never had the option to compare alternative services so easily and most still believe lining up at the post office is the only way to send a parcel.

Its various benefits to the customer/end-user include…

Options on pricing and services, instantly viewable, and easy to book. No more waiting in lines on their lunch break to post an item at the local post office or ringing freight and parcel delivery companies.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

In the past, this problem was solved by…

Spending days contacting courier companies via phone, fax and email to receive quotes. Next, waiting days to get a response. Then users had to manually enter their received quotes into Excel spreadsheets to compare the prices. Then it was time to try to contact the chosen courier company to make a booking and payment.

Its predecessors/competitors include…

Companies like DHL, FedEx, Australia Post and smaller companies like Direct Couriers and Australian National Couriers. Note: recently a UK business called Interparcel has launched a similar service to us. (Our service is a lot better and Australian owned/operated.)

TARGET MARKET

It is made for…

Initially we are targeting individuals and small business that send parcels regularly. Particular online business like eBay stores and ecommerce stores (already tech-savvy). As our service/technology improves we will begin to offer more tailored services to higher-volume larger businesses.

DISTRIBUTION STRATEGY

It is available for sale through…

Online via our website http://www.ship2anywhere.com.au (will be up very soon) and via telephone.

Our marketing strategy is to…

Heavily invest in online strategies including organic SEO (Search Engine Optimisation), paid SEM (Search Engine Marketing e.g. Adwords), banner placements, content networks, affiliate networks, co-registration, email campaigns, lead generation, social media. Alongside traditional methods including cold calling, knocking on doors, snail mail, public relations (for media awareness).

SUPPORTING IMAGES AND/OR VIDEO

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR THIS INNOVATION

While the judging is now officially over, you can still show your support for this innovation in one of the following three ways:

1. Hit the VOTE UP button: Top left of each page (Not available for IE users)
2. Trigger a Reaction: Re-Tweet, Like on Facebook, etc.
3. Leave a Comment: Share the love!

To check out the Anthill SMART 100 Readers’ Choice winner for 2010, click here ^[5].