The specialist services of Northampton-based premium two man delivery firm Panther Warehousing has helped one of its customers scoop a top accolade at this year’s National Bed Federation Awards.
Mattress Online was crowned winner of the Etailer of the Year category at the prestigious bed awards last month after impressing the judges with its profitable growth in what was described as ‘a very price sensitive sector’.
The business was praised for its strong focus on customer service and it was singled out for its commitment to improving the environment – thanks to a recycling service offered by dedicated white glove delivery specialist Panther.
Mattress Online has been working with Panther since January of this year after its previous delivery provider was unable to offer next day service for two man – a service that Panther provides as standard, as well as delivering on the customer’s day of choice up to 30 days in advance.
The award-winning business uses two-man services if they deem the mattress is too heavy or if it is of high value. Alternatively the customer can upgrade to a two-man service which will allow them to select the day of delivery plus have the mattress installed in a choice of room with all the packaging taken away.
Steve Adams, Managing Director of Mattress Online, claims the partnership with Panther has significantly improved its business, providing him with a competitive edge whilst also allowing the online retailer to expand its product portfolio, with a range of luxurious 4,000 pocket spring mattress now available through the two man service. He also believes Panther’s specialist service played an integral part in securing the company its prestigious award.
He said: “The key to the success of an online business is the ability to offer the customer flexibility and choice and since partnering with Panther we have been able to do this.
“This has proved to be a major advantage to our customers who want the choice and the same level of service for mattress deliveries as they would get if they ordered something from Amazon.
“As a business customer satisfaction is vital and to be awarded such a prestigious accolade is a fantastic testament to both businesses, which complement each other perfectly. We are incredibly proud to have been recognised in such a way.”
Established 12 years ago Mattress Online was one of the first entrants into the online marketplace and now arranges 200 deliveries a day – with between 30 and 40 per cent of these managed by Panther.
Earlier this year, Panther joined forces with The Furniture Recycling Group to collect and recycle old beds and mattresses from consumers buying replacement items.
In less than six months since forming the partnership the company collected more than 8,000 mattresses and 2,500 divans which are then delivered to one of The Furniture Group’s recycling sites in Darwen, Lancashire, and Ilkeston, Derbyshire.
This service was praised by judges at the highly sought after awards – which are now in their fifth year – with around 8 – 10 per cent of Mattress Online customers opting for this unique service.
Mr Adams added: “The disposal of mattresses is a huge issue. Through Panther’s recycling service we can be sure that a large percentage of mattresses is being recycled. What a lot of people don’t realise is that even if you take a mattress to the local tip it wouldn’t be disposed of properly.
“Our partnership with Panther ensures that we not only provide a high level of service and a wider range of products, but we are also able to do our bit to protect the environment – an issue that is very close to our hearts as a business.”
