Haystack Toy Co. Outsources Vital E-Commerce Functions to SubmitOrder.com, Inc.

Business Editors and High-Tech Writers

COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 21, 2000

Inventors of "The Great American Toy Hunt" Choose SubmitOrder For

Speed to Market and Superior IT Integration Capabilities

With its second annual "Great American Toy Hunt" fast approaching, Haystack Toys has chosen SubmitOrder.com, Inc. to provide a full array of business-critical e-commerce services. Haystack Toys chose SubmitOrder, a leading e-commerce solution provider, because of its ability to move quickly while providing comprehensive back-end services.

SubmitOrder has established a highly automated and seamlessly integrated back-end solution including a robust information technology system, branding support, customer response services and fulfillment. The systems will enable Haystack Toys to build its brand online while selling both B2C and B2B - direct to consumers and to retailers across the country.

Speedy implementation was especially critical given the need to launch the upgraded systems in time for the mid-September kick-off of the "Great American Toy Hunt," a nationwide event that gives both experienced and first-time toy inventors a chance to submit their toys for review by panels of judges. The toys are then marketed by Haystack for the following year's e-holiday shopping season.

"Working with SubmitOrder, we were able to accomplish in weeks what would take other companies months," said Dan Lauer, co-founder of Haystack Toys. "By outsourcing to the experts at SubmitOrder, we can ensure that our e-commerce systems deliver an excellent online experience for our customers - both retailers and general consumers."

SubmitOrder's intense focus on IT integration and a complete package of back-end services ensures a unique solution that matches the needs of individual clients, according to Dennis Spina, CEO of SubmitOrder.

"We're excited to be involved in helping build an innovative online brand like Haystack Toys. Our depth of experience with both online and `click and mortar' retailers enables us to move quickly and efficiently to meet the needs of forward-thinking companies like Haystack," said Spina. "Because of our unique approach, we are positioned to grow with our clients and provide them with the flexible infrastructure needed to support their e-commerce strategies."

About Haystack

Haystack Toys Inc. is a new toy company taking a revolutionary approach to the discovery, sales and marketing of unique, innovative toys for children ages 3 to 6. Founded in 1999, the St. Louis-based company is an e-centered, e-structured business, conducting the majority of sales, marketing, service and communications via the Internet. In addition to serving as an online store for the toys, www.haystacktoys.com is an online community for toy inventors as well as a valuable resource for parents seeking information about quality play.

For more information about "The Great American Toy Hunt" and Haystack Toys, visit www.haystacktoys.com.

About SubmitOrder

SubmitOrder provides a complete e-commerce outsourcing solution to e-commerce companies, including retailers and manufacturers. The company's services include IT consulting and integration services, fulfillment and distribution, customer response services, e-commerce support, client-specific data mining and purchase analytics, all of which are designed to support brand management and customer care. SubmitOrder's clients include, among other market leaders, BlueLight.com, MuseumCompany.com and ZanyBrainy.com. Investors in SubmitOrder include Silver Lake Partners and The Barksdale Group, both of Menlo Park, California. Established in 1999 in Columbus, Ohio, SubmitOrder is on the Web at SubmitOrder.com.