Finance & Strategy

  • E-Commerce Platform Considerations for B-to-B Distributors

    E-Commerce Platform Considerations for B-to-B Distributors

    The type of products sold online have a factor, with MRO products generally having higher online adoption. However, the biggest and most important factor for a successful e-commerce adoption – and growth velocity – is having a strong strategic plan for the digital sales channel.

  • The ROI Case for E-Commerce

    The ROI Case for E-Commerce

    Research from the previously published annual 2015 State of E-Commerce Study indicates that more than 41 percent of distributors are generating less than 5 percent of revenue through e-commerce.

  • Why Distributors Must Have an E-Commerce Site

    Why Distributors Must Have an E-Commerce Site

    B-to-B purchasing is experiencing a major shift toward a multichannel model with an online focus. Online firms, such as Amazon, have elevated our expectation of how a transaction is completed.

  • What The Avengers: Age of Ultron Taught Me About Improving Distributor Profitability

    What The Avengers: Age of Ultron Taught Me About Improving Distributor Profitability

    Distributors tend to be experts in products and the market niches they serve. We often see distributors being very good at several aspects of the business. If there is a weakness (from another superhero, think kryptonite), it’s that marketing may not be a priority. Is marketing the kryptonite of your business?

  • The 3 Elements of Building a Profit-Driven Management Team

    The 3 Elements of Building a Profit-Driven Management Team

    Ask the best private equity investors, or for that matter, any acquiring company such as chains, vertical convergers or platform investors – even independent distribution acquirers – and they will tell you that human capital – leadership and management – is a key factor to consider in any investment opportunity.

  • 2012 State of Distributor Merchandising

    2012 State of Distributor Merchandising

    Although e-commerce initiatives are front and center for many distributors today, in-store revenue remains essential. Yet most distributors with walk-in trade place limited emphasis on in-store marketing and merchandising.

  • Segmentation by Net Profit for Customer Acquisition

    Segmentation by Net Profit for Customer Acquisition

    Everybody knows that it is easier to sell to existing customers than it is to acquire new customers. A good segmentation of your markets is one of the keys to successful new customer acquisition.

  • Good Product Data: The Oxygen for Catalogs and E-Commerce

    Good Product Data: The Oxygen for Catalogs and E-Commerce

    Good product data is crucial for any successful distributor catalog or e-commerce website. This includes accurate and complete specifications of products as well as clean photos, related items, and substitute products.