Ask [or surf] and you shall receive

by Clair Urbain

It never fails to amaze me how information-hungry our readers are.

Every issue, we include a Reader Response card that allows readers to circle inquiry numbers that connect them with the supplier of a featured product. In turn, the suppliers will send more information about the product or service to the interested reader.

Whether a reader sends it by fax or by mail, it’s a fast, efficient way to get more knowledge on new tools and supplies that can help you do your job more efficiently. Thousands of readers take advantage of this free service every issue.

In this issue, we took a look back over all of the reader requests for product information and took the top attention-getters and featured them on pages 36 and 37. It’s a broad mix of tools and supplies that’s characteristic of the types of jobs our readers do.

But the Reader Response card is just one way we help readers get in touch with the information they want.

This year, we have introduced a companion Web site to our magazine, www.ContractortoolsAndSupplies.com.

Here, readers are just one click away from extensive product information that can help their business.

Website visitors interested in a certain type of product simply click on the Product Directory button and drill down to a specific type of tool or supply. It produces an easy to use list of manufacturers that visitors can contact to obtain more information.

If a visitor already knows the manufacturer’s name, he or she can go right to the Manufacturer Directory button where any visitor can find a manufacturer name alphabetically. Many of the manufacturers have selected complete listings, which makes it even easier for visitors to contact them for more information on the tools and supplies.

But what if you’re ready to buy? We also provide a Distributor Directory button that can help you find distributors near you. Like the manufacturers, many offer full contact information to make it easy for you to get in touch with them; more will be offering complete contact information in the future.

You’ll also find some very helpful links. We are archiving stories from past issues, sorted by topic, to make your search for helpful safety, selection and use information easy to find.

We have also included a Helpful Links button that takes you to many of the Websites our writers use to find information. If you have a favorite link that you think others may find helpful, please e-mail it to us and we’ll consider posting it.

Because of the depth and breadth of news and new products we receive, we have added a daily news item and a Hot Products section on the front page of our Website. It’s another way we strive to offer you the information you need to do your jobs most productively and safely.

So just ask (or surf), and you shall receive the information you need!

Published in the July/August 2003 issue of Contractor Tools and Supplies magazine.

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