Last week we touched on some of the challenges that the free-fall decline of copper can have on distributors. And the issue can be just as challenging for wire manufacturers, especially since they probably had to lock in raw material […]
With a drop of over 35%, copper is having a profound impact on distributors, especially with end of year coming up, and the future doesn’t look too good either. In less than a month copper has fallen from $3.32 on […]
The interest in green / energy efficiency continues and what started as a trend appears to be turning into a full-fledged opportunity for those who are willing to commit resources to pursue this market. Over the past week or so […]
Recently we’ve spoken to a number of distributors about the operational aspect of their business. A recurring trend is the interest in improving cashflow. While a group of distributors have focused on better managing their inventory investments, many are looking […]
I was speaking with a distributor last week regarding the opportunity to speak to their salespeople, and probably suppliers, at their upcoming Field Marketing Summit. Their desired topic is “How marketing can help / The role of marketing“. Our conversation […]
Interesting article in this month’s TED magazine entitled “The Myths of Buying Foreign Off-Brands” (article is not online). Interesting for a couple of reasons: The article is in TED, an association publication that includes manufacturers as affiliate members. This is […]
Monday’s WSJ had an article that discussed the relationship between productivty and recessions. According to the article, productivity during the six recessions since 1970 grew only 0.8%, on average, whereas this year it has estimated to have grown by 2.5%. […]
At one time or another most distributors have used this famous quote when dealing with the tax man. There is a companion statement/plea that also is used: “I don’t care what I paid for it, it is only worth “x”. […]
Welcome to the unofficial start of summer and to the official start of $4/gallon gas! Over the past month we conducted a survey asking distributors how they are addressing this rising cost which threatens many distributors’ bottom lines. Over 250 […]
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 […]
