silverorange client Veseys was featured today in The Guardian about their success with online sales. In the article Veseys reports that they are now doing 30% of their overall sales on the web.

The following is the full text of the newspaper article:

E-commerce Boosts Seed Sales
For many people across North America, the arrival of the Veseys seed catalogue is a sure sign that spring is just around the corner. Veseys Seeds of York has gained a solid reputation across Canada and the United States for the high quality and variety of its seeds, everything from vegetables and flowers, roses and bulbs, and now, fruits and berries.

Veseys sends out 1.5 million catalogues across North America. To meet certain market niches, the company is now printing speciality catalogues featuring roses and both spring and fall bulbs. Its primary market is home gardeners, but it also does a brisk business with market gardeners as well.

The nature of the business took on a new look five years ago when it set up its website. The website contains information for gardeners, information on its various products and services, and a order form for catalogues or seeds and other gardening products. The on-line catalogue offers every product available in the printed catalogue, complete with prices and a brief description.

John Barrett says that e-commerce has been a major boost to Veseys. "Upwards of 30 percent of our sales now take place directly through our website," he says. "Without it, we would lose to competitors who offer the service. The website has enabled us to meet the needs of present customers and expand our customer base." Given the nature of the competition, Barrett says the company could not afford to ignore e-commerce. He estimates the website paid for itself in three months.

Every day, orders come pouring in from across North America to the tidy community of York, putting it at the centre of a healthy business in exports.

Veseys was founded by Arthur Vesey in 1939. Vesey was an avid market gardener, and began to research varieties suited to growing conditions here. Neighbours were so impressed with his results they began asking him where he got his seed. The first catalogues were mailed to friends and acquaintances across the Maritimes, and the business has never looked back.

Today, Veseys employs two full-time agronomists who research and conduct trials on new varieties on its 40 acre research plots. Barrett says that new varieties are made available only after extensive trials, helping to assure customers of the quality of seed they plant. The company guarantees customer satisfaction as well as the vitality and purity of its seeds.

Several years ago, it also began to offer certified organic seed, and is constantly expanding the range of varieties it offers.

Although preferences and tastes of gardeners has changed over the years, vegetables such as green and yellow beans, peas and corn are still among the most popular.

After earning a solid reputation locally, Veseys has demonstrated that it can compete in the North American market, first through its catalogues and now as well through e-commerce. Barrett expects sales will continue to increase as a result of its presence on the web.