Strategic Guidance for Distributors in the Face of Disruption
Differentiate and build a sustainable business model in the new normal. Schedule a risk-free session with Distribution Strategy Group today to plan your next steps.
Thought leadership for wholesale change agents
Innovative thinking backed by industry-leading research to inspire you to act now. Rethink what’s possible in distribution.
New Study: Distributors’ Customers Prefer Manufacturers’ Websites and Search Engines
Distributors continue to fall behind in building websites that meet their customers’ needs better than other choices, such as search engines and manufacturers’ digital offerings.
Keep reading > New Study: Distributors’ Customers Prefer Manufacturers’ Websites and Search Engines
Wholesale Change: How Arbill Doubled Down on its Safety Focus When the PPE Market Shifted (July 21, 2021)
Take a closer look at how the PPE industry changed overnight when COVID-19 hit last year and the challenges that have come with that, including misinformation and lower-quality product.
What Private Equity Firms Want in a Distributor: A Look Behind the Curtain
Get an insider’s look at how private equity (PE) firms evaluate distribution companies, from people and processes to market opportunities. John Schweig, Chairman of the Board at BlackHawk Industrial and Operating Partner at private equity firm Snow Phipps, joined us for a recent Wholesale Change episode. (more…)
Keep reading > What Private Equity Firms Want in a Distributor: A Look Behind the Curtain
The Wholesale Change Show
Don’t miss the most entertaining hour in distribution, hosted by industry veterans Ian Heller and Jonathan Bein, Ph.D. More of an informative talk show than the typical “death by PowerPoint” webinar, Jonathan and Ian tackle the toughest issues in distribution, with no holds barred. Join the live recording via Zoom every other Wednesday at 9 a.m. PT/Noon ET.
Upcoming Events
August 3: 2021 State of Shopping and Buying in Distribution: Behind the Changing Customer Journey
(9am PT, Noon ET)
August 11: Wholesale Change
Registration coming soon
When It Comes to Tech, You Only Get One Chance for a Great First Impression with Sales Reps
Distributors must implement a state-of-the-art tech stack to preserve market share, according to Ian Heller in the NAW research report, “Strategic Change During Disruption: An Industry Response to Get Smarter, Faster and Stronger.”
Why Frank Hurtte Believes Fee-Based Services Are Do-or-Die for Distributors
In his book, The Distributor’s Fee Based Services Manifesto: Why You Need to Consider Charging for Your Services, distribution expert Frank Hurtte argues that distributors face a tough challenge. As market forces, demographics, alternative channels and the internet push against their half-century-old model of wrapping value-added services charges into product margins, distributors must change their revenue model or perish. (more…)
Keep reading > Why Frank Hurtte Believes Fee-Based Services Are Do-or-Die for Distributors
Wholesale Change: How Gustave Larson Helps Their Customers Succeed (June 23, 2021)
Andrew Larson talks about how Gustave Larson has evolved its sales force to make it as easy as possible for customers to interact with its team, including telesales, service advisors, engineering and design, and more.
Keep reading > Wholesale Change: How Gustave Larson Helps Their Customers Succeed (June 23, 2021)
Do You Have A Plan to Win After the Crisis?
Brought to you by Distribution Strategy Group
We’re not here to repeat the same thing you’re hearing from everyone else. Partner with Distribution Strategy Group – with decades of experience as senior operators in the industry – to build the right strategy to attract, engage and keep customers in these uncertain times.
Distributors Need New Sales Toolkits Post-Pandemic
COVID-19 vaccines are rolling out across the nation, and it feels like we are “returning to normal.” But some of the changes brought on by the pandemic will stick around. While distributors have always sold products on multiple sales channels (for example: outside sales, inside sales, customer service, ecommerce, and VMI), COVID-19 shifted the dynamics and reliance…
Keep reading -> Distributors Need New Sales Toolkits Post-Pandemic
Will Amazon Survive the Wrath of Khan?
Amazon critic Lina Khan, who has upended antitrust thinking, is the new FTC Chair.
How to Select, Sell and Deliver the Right Value-Added Services for Your Business
It is increasingly important for distributors to add value and differentiate themselves from the competition. Peter Neuberger, CEO of United Performance Metals, shared with DSG how to be intentional and disciplined about the value-added services you provide to optimize the benefit they have for your business. (more…)
Keep reading -> How to Select, Sell and Deliver the Right Value-Added Services for Your Business
2021 State of Technology in Distribution: Automating the Customer Journey
Distribution Strategy Group conducted a survey and other primary research about how distributors anticipate ongoing, rapidly changing technologies will affect them, and how and where they plan to adopt new technologies.
Keep reading -> 2021 State of Technology in Distribution: Automating the Customer Journey