Pierpoint-Martin One of Fewer Than 50 Approved By UPS

Business Editors

SANTA ANA, Calif.‑‑April. 21, 2002‑‑Premier e‑commerce outsource solution provider Pierpoint‑Martin (www.pierpoint‑martin.com) today announced a new version of its proprietary Pierpoint-Martin BackOffice which, among other things, now links directly to United Parcel Service (UPS).

According to UPS, the Pierpoint-Martin BackOffice now is one of fewer than 50 applications authorized to link directly to the UPS system.

AMost shippers use the UPS WorldShip software to ship UPS packages,@ says Pierpoint-Martin V.P. Ed Gaut. ALinking our Pierpoint-Martin BackOffice directly to the UPS computers allows us to process shipments much more quickly and efficiently and without any software compatibility issues. And that means better service both for the e-commerce partners whose sites we operate as well as for our online customers.@

The Pierpoint-Martin BackOffice enables Pierpoint-Martin to maintain its e-commerce sites, process and fulfill orders, and track customer service issues. It also allows Pierpoint-Martin=s e-commerce partners to generate sales reports, check inventory, and even update product information at any time via the web.

A major benefit of the direct link between the new version of the Pierpoint-Martin BackOffice and UPS is that all shipping documents--including both the UPS label and the packing list--can now be printed simultaneously which speeds the processing time per order.

Says Gaut, AThe UPS direct link is one of a number of innovative and aggressive initiatives Pierpoint-Martin management has taken to earn our reputation as the premier e-commerce outsource solution provider.@

About Pierpoint‑Martin

Pierpoint‑Martin (www.pierpoint‑martin.com) is the premier e‑commerce outsource solution provider. Pierpoint-Martin provides e-commerce, fulfillment, and customer care services for a variety of partners including General Nutrition Centers, Women’s Fitness International magazine, and HotSkins clothing. Pierpoint‑Martin runs e‑commerce operations, including site design, merchandising, inventory, order fulfillment, and customer service for major consumer product manufacturers, retailers, and media companies under exclusive, long‑term agreements.

About UPS

UPS is the world=s largest global transportation company, offering the most extensive range of e-commere and supply chain solutions for the movement of goods, information and funds. Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, UPS serves more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. UPS stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange (UPS) and the company can be found on the web at www.ups.com.

CONTACT: Pierpoint‑Martin

Alison Winn, 714/557-5042