According to an email we just received from NAED, confirmed by press releases on Trade Service’s website and IDEA’s website, the two companies are moving on from their 10 year agreements. Click the links above to see the press releases […]
Last week we interviewed a number of distributors in preparation for an operationally-oriented article we are writing based upon feedback we received in our Channel Challenges survey. The article will focus on at least three operational issues – data synchronization, […]
Much has occurred over the past couple of months and many manufacturers and distributors have cut to the bone in an effort to preserve profitability. These cuts have focused on people, programs (in the case of manufacturers) and products (in […]
There are essentially three strategies to survive, and thrive, in a slowdown or recession (whichever term you prefer). They are: Take advantage of opportunities and “sell” your way through the economic challenge, hence positioning yourself for the inevitable upturn. This […]
The biggest challenge for many companies is quality personnel…how to recruit them, train them and retain them. Talent is a company’s greatest asset. As the effort expended in HR grows, combined with continued regulatory and administrative issues, HR departments will […]
With an eye towards a slow growth economy, recently we launched a three part series in Electrical Wholesaling entitled “Back to Basics”. The premise is that in a slow growth economy it is important to “tighten” the back of the […]
Over the past year, we’ve conducted a number of national and regional contractor surveys where we asked them “Why do you buy from the distributors you purchase from?”Selections included: Relationship with people Overall service Product Availability Price Location Company I […]
Congratulations to U.S. Army Brigadier General Robert Gaylord, the new president of IDEA. An interesting choice… retired military In reviewing his background, one would presume that he is a leader, a good listener and a good communicator having been heavily […]
Many have heard that Cerro recently changed its sales approach. The company exercised its 30 day right to cancel its rep agreements and is adding a number of people (rumor is five) to handle distributor accounts directly. According to a […]
Historically many manufacturers, after reviewing their current year performance, will send out 2008 price increase notices in November/December, and then send their sales people out to “cut” year end “deals” with the intent to “help” the distributor meet their purchase […]
