Technology is an ever-growing element of improving customer experience and corporate profitability for a distributor. The days of only having an ERP and the equivalent of MS Office on a server are gone. Nowadays every function within the business benefits from technology and essentially there is now “an app for that” inferring if you can conceive it, there is technology that … [Read more...] about 10 Technology Trends for HVACR Distributors in 2024
Launching New Products Effectively
Channel Marketing Group's Gene Biben, with over 40 years' experience in helping manufacturers generate demand for new products, recently shared some thoughts on effectively launching new products and a major flaw in many manufacturers' product launch strategy ... not properly funding the launch strategy with an appropriate sales investment. He uses an experience he had in … [Read more...] about Launching New Products Effectively
Volume Rebate Webinar December 14
Register and join us Thursday, December 14th, at 11:00 AM ET for our State of Volume Rebates Webinar when we'll share results from our recent research and discuss ideas on how to make rebates more effective for your organization. As you may know, earlier this fall we sought distributor and manufacturer input regarding annual / volume REBATES. This research is a follow-up … [Read more...] about Volume Rebate Webinar December 14
How Regional Managers (Can) Add Value
The role of the manufacturer regional manager has been challenged, and redefined, during and since Covid. Whereas it was to be a facilitator and "face of factory" prior to Covid, the question now asked is "what is their value proposition" given that companies are striving to do more with less, virtual meetings have become part of everyday life, and distributor consolidation is … [Read more...] about How Regional Managers (Can) Add Value
Improve Indoor Air Quality: Cutting-Edge HVACR Trends for Healthier Environments
While consumers and building owners focus on temperature control, air quality is a growing concern for many. Companies seek to improve air quality because it impacts employee health. Better air quality = employee safety which, from an ROI perspective involves less sick days, higher productivity and a "happier" work force. And in the wake of Covid and a number of companies still … [Read more...] about Improve Indoor Air Quality: Cutting-Edge HVACR Trends for Healthier Environments
Increasing Warehouse Output While Managing Costs
With business returning to a more “normal” pace, defined as “slow growth” looking forward, leading distributors are focused on improving the operational / warehouse aspects of their business. While national chains, over the years, quickly moved to a CDC or RDC model, larger independents have also adopted this approach. This achieves a dual mandate of “improved” inventory … [Read more...] about Increasing Warehouse Output While Managing Costs
AI in Support HVACR Distributors and Manufacturers
AI is being talked about by many in the industry. Every tech company now is using the term. It’s the “hot” word. Put AI next to anything and it will open the door to a conversation. All want to know how it will “help” their business. It will, however, recognize that it is in the top of the 1st inning. There are already tools that you are using, or have access to, that are … [Read more...] about AI in Support HVACR Distributors and Manufacturers
Rebates … The Gift that Keeps on Giving
Mention rebates to distributors and manufacturers and you’re sure to have an interesting conversation. Manufacturer Views on Rebates Manufacturers question their efficacy in driving incremental sales, express frustration in their lack of behavioral modification of distributor field personnel (branch managers, salespeople, purchasing personnel), but feel / recognize that it is … [Read more...] about Rebates … The Gift that Keeps on Giving
Manufacturers – Is Your Customer King?
Recently my colleague, Gene Biben, penned an article for ElectricalTrends, discussing a disturbing trends, perhaps it's an outgrowth from COVID, that affects many manufacturers. As background, Gene spent over 40 years as a manufacturer rep. The agency was passed from father to son. He has since retired, with his son-in-law taking over, but he stays involved in the business … [Read more...] about Manufacturers – Is Your Customer King?
Retrofits Can Cut Carbon Emissions
This year has been a challenging year for many with sales not meeting expectations, especially relating to new construction ... and the lack of continually price increases makes comparisons challenging. A key to driving growth is bringing ideas to the marketplace. Yes you can seek to win share by outserving your competitors but there is a limit to what they'll give unless … [Read more...] about Retrofits Can Cut Carbon Emissions
