SITUATION:

An auto body company with over 330 locations across the U.S. was referred to American Solutions for Business (ASB) through the CoreTrust GPO annual conference. Initially, the customer approached with a request for branded floor mats; it quickly became clear that the need extended beyond a single product. The floor mats were actually one element of a comprehensive startup kit used for opening new locations. The client was actively seeking a vendor partner who could not only supply these items but also offer a scalable solution to streamline the ordering process and manage product distribution across both existing locations and newly acquired sites.

SOLUTION:

American Solutions for Business (ASB) collaborated closely with the customer to assess their full range of operational and branding needs. Through discovery conversations, they uncovered the opportunity to support not just the startup kits, but a more comprehensive program to support growth, streamline logistics, and enhance brand consistency. To meet these goals, ASB developed a customized ACES eCommerce site tailored to the customer’s operational structure. This user-friendly platform allows for easy release of startup kits to new locations with just a few clicks. The program expanded to include additional key items such as branded apparel and a uniform program—executed annually for existing staff and maintained on an ongoing basis for new hires. The ACES platform now also supports the ordering of promotional merchandise, business cards with variable QR codes, banners, and name badges. The customer migrated all items from a previous, more limited eCommerce system to the new ASB solution, consolidating vendors and increasing efficiency. The ASB team also helped identify cost-saving opportunities and new brand applications, including a dual-branded solution for a newly launched car detailing division. Most items are available on-demand, with a select few stocked as quick-ship items for immediate needs.

SUCCESS:

Since launching the ACES eCommerce platform, the partnership has continued to grow. The ASB team regularly adds new items to the site, with apparel orders alone averaging around 10 per week—many in large quantities. The streamlined ordering process has eliminated the need for the customer to manage inventory at their corporate office. Instead, each location now has the autonomy to place orders directly for their employees, improving efficiency and reducing administrative burden. The customer has experienced significant cost savings and improved service across the board. With approximately 5,000 employees nationwide, ASB enabled a yearly group-buy strategy that allows all locations to batch their uniform orders. This consolidated approach not only simplifies fulfillment but also delivers notable cost reductions. Their first group apparel order included approximately 8,000 pieces, resulting in a 30% savings. One of the most impactful outcomes has been the shift in responsibility: the main point of contact no longer has to gather, approve, and manage every order. Thanks to the customized ACES solution, individual locations can now handle their own orders while still benefiting from centralized oversight, better pricing, and brand consistency.