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.
Value Proposition
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.
It’s Not Your Grandfather’s Industry Anymore
This post previews some of the key findings in the first report based on our research for the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors into how distributors can take strategic action in response to disruption. Download the report now.
2021 State of Sales in Distribution: How Consultative Sales Will Differentiate Distributors in the Post-Pandemic Normal
In this free whitepaper, we outline how distributors can build a more consultative and adaptive sales force to differentiate in 2021 and beyond.
B2B Customer Surveys: How to Get Actionable Feedback from Customers
Distributors who regularly solicit their customers’ input via customer surveys gain important insights for decision-making.
How to Get Your Brand Out of the Graveyard
You’ll know you’re stuck in a brand graveyard if your customers only buy a small percentage of your product offering, only buy big products from you but not accessories to those, and buy infrequently.
Why Some Distribution Verticals Are More Vulnerable to Disruption
To understand how vulnerable a distribution vertical is to disruption, look at the relationship between the product category’s complexity and the ability for the distributor to deliver that product using common small-package carriers.
What is Your Product? Knowledge, Information and Service
Here’s what to consider when considering what “product” means to your distribution business and your customer relationships.
The Art of Sales Prospecting When You Can’t Be There: A New Challenge for Field Sales in Distribution
Distributors’ field sales teams are adapting to a new way of reaching prospects now that they cannot just get in the car to visit in person.
Is ‘Fulfillment by Amazon’ the Beginning of the End for Distributors?
Distributors worry that Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) is assuming key distributor roles and erasing them from the equation. The service picks, packs, ships and even manages returns for retailers and distributors, as well as holds inventory in Amazon fulfillment centers.