Improvement Direct boosts sales, average order values with billing service

Improvement Direct Inc., a retailer of home furnishings, appliances and accessories through more than 12 web sites, has produced a 30% rise in sales through a service that bills customers for online orders, the retailer says.

Since introducing the Bill Me Later billing service from I4 Commerce several months ago, Improvement Direct also has experienced a 50% increase in average order values, the retailer says. Improvement Direct, No. 165 in the Internet Retailer Top 500 Guide, is offering a “Preferred Account” Bill Me Later service recently introduced from I4 Commerce that lets the retailer place its own brand on the service and offer a credit line dedicated to its retail offerings.

“The Improvement Direct Preferred Account is a critical part of our strategy to compel shoppers to come back to our home improvement network,” says Christian Friedland, president of Improvement Direct. “In fact, our sales reports show that 54% of our shoppers with the Improvement Direct Preferred Account are buying again within six months and with a significant boost in their average order values.”

I4 Commerce’s PayCapture suite offers access to a set of technology solutions including promotional financing, private label credit and integrated marketing in addition to Bill Me Later.