It is so
important to have strong working relationships with your suppliers no matter
how often they visit; they are in effect your business partners and integral to
its success or failure for that season. Effectively you are investing your
money and trust into their product, skills and business acumen and relying on
them to deliver a quality, good fitting product on time. How can you ensure
this, you need to build strong communication, understanding and trust in them
and their business…you are in their hands.
Part 3 of 3: New to the industry? Are you unclear on exactly what the difference is between the different types of suppliers: distributors, agents and reps?
A distributor is a company who buys and imports products in from another country, they buy the product at a discount and in turn warehouse and re sell them onto the retailer or direct to the consumer. Most distributors provide strong manpower and cash support to the manufacturer and their promotional efforts. They are able to set the prices themselves ( often within guidelines from the manufacturer) and provide a range of services such as; product information, sales estimates and forecasts, technical support, after-sales services and credit to their customers.
Part 2 of 3: New to the industry? Are you unclear on exactly what the difference is between the different types of suppliers: distributors, agents and reps?
Company
representatives are fully salaried and employed
persons who have company cars and expense accounts. They often receive a basic
salary as well as a small % commission and target driven bonuses. They are in
effect paid to service, sell to and visit every customer on their territory and
represent “The Company” they work for and to sell its
merchandise.
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