Retail vs Manufacturers - There Should be NO Challenge! - Articles

I like to keep up on industry events and information, so I am on all sorts of mailing lists from trade magazines, industry blogs and other such sources. I am constantly reading.

Today I read an article that has me VERY concerned. I received the always anticipated Pool & Spa News Insider report, and the first topic of discussion was titled "Retailers Confront Industry Challenges." Well, of course I clicked away, got my coffee ready and brought out the reading glasses.

I was devastated to hear the "challenges" concerning Retailers right now are manufacturer related! You can read the article by visiting

http://www.poolspanews.com/2011/032/032n_retailers.html

According the the folks interviewed, these are the main points frustrating pool suppliers right now:

fewer marketing materials, and what does go out is of lesser value
earlier early buys
increased free freight minimums
higher general freight costs
reduced inventory and longer lead times

As I was reading, I found myself shaking my head and commiserating with the Retailers. You should be frustrated by this! I don't rightly know how to cure this problem with manufacturers as a whole, but I KNOW there are plenty of "us" out there who sincerely want to be able to provide you with everything you need to increase sales, rather than suffer a plateau or decline.

I know Flexible Solutions has a lot to offer our Dealers, so if you are considering offering a liquid pool cover this season, you can message me with inquiries about our "perks." We do our best to fight against the challenges I read about.

I honestly sympathize with Retailers who have struggled with unreliable manufacturers in the past. I know that there are some companies out there who are not able to, or unwilling to, provide the best support. But there are also many, many others who understand how important our Retailers are to our success, and will do whatever they can to help you succeed.

This is not the place for me to get too far into details about what we offer, but I would love to hear about your favorite manufacturers, and how they support you. The more insight and advice "we" manufacturers receive, the better we can fulfill your requirements. Please share some positive feedback so counterbalance the somewhat disenchanting view put forth in the article.

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Comments

Scott Tarr March 16, 2011 at 2:24pm

As a distributor, we face many of the same challenges with the manufacturers of the products we sell. Issues with fewer marketing materials, earlier early buys, increased freight minimums, higher freight costs, and reduced inventory affect us as well which in turn will affect dealers who purchase thru distribution and lean on us for support.
Ramona Cammarata March 10, 2011 at 2:19pm

Ahhhh!! This article is so disheartening. Believe me, I completely understand the rise in fuel. It is being reflected in all of our vendor pricing lately, but I think it is very important for the retailers and their manufacturers to work together to come up with solutions that are financially acceptable to both sides. I do not think it is acceptable to take away marketing materials, add surcharges or reduce inventory.

To follow along with what Monique has expressed, please do not lump all manufacturers in this category. There are some of us who still believe customer service and care is vital to our survival!

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