Jump to content
Show header slider

ELECTRIC SIGN SUPPLIES
If You're Looking For Premium Electric Sign Industry Components From Trim Cap, LED's, Neon Supplies, Power Supplies, Pattern Paper.  Then Please Visit Our Online Store or Feel Free To Call Us For Inquiries or Placing an Order!!
Buy Now

SIGN INSTALLER MAP
Looking for a fellow Sign Syndicate Company Member For A Sign Install or Maintenance Call?
Click Here

For Sign Company's Who Work As Subcontractors
Before You Work For A National Sign & Service Company You Need To Look At The Reviews Of These Companies Before You Work For Them. Learn When To Expect Payment From Them and What It's Like To Work For Them, The Good, The Bad, The Ugly. Learn and Share Your Experiences Yourself For Others
Click Here

Distrubution vs Direct (POLL)

YYZ

By YYZ
in General Message Board

 Share

Distribution -vs- Direct  

9 members have voted

  1. 1. What percenage of your electric sign materials do you buy from a distributor?

    • <25%
      1
    • 25 - 50%
      0
    • 50 - 75%
      3
    • 75 - 100%
      5

  2. 2. What are your 2 main reasons for buying from a distributor? (click two)

    • One-stop-shopping of sign materials
      7
    • Credit terms allowing for deferred payment
      0
    • They deliver next day, free of charge
      3
    • Good relationship and don't have to research new suppliers
      2
    • I don't know of anywhere else to buy, or they're too far
      3

  3. 3. What percentage of your electric sign materials do you buy direct from manufacturer

    • < 25%
      7
    • 25 - 50%
      0
    • 50 - 75%
      0
    • 75 - 100%
      2

  4. 4. When you buy direct, what are your 2 main reasons for doing so? (click two)

    • Pricing is better
      8
    • Better service from those who make it
      2
    • My distributor carries different certain brands that I don't use
      3
    • I use specialized products that few distributors carry
      3
    • Other support or other value added services
      0

  5. 5. If you were buying direct, what sort of discount would you expect (or do you get)?

    • <10%
      0
    • 10 - 20%
      4
    • 20 - 30%
      5
    • 30 - 40%
      0
    • 40 - 50%
      0
    • More than 50%
      0

  6. 6. Would you accept the following in order to get the product direct? (any that apply)

    • I would be willing to prepay for all product
      6
    • I would be willing to pay 50% deposits and 50% COD
      3
    • I would be willing to pay COD
      5
    • I would pay a deposit, but then expect terms for the balance
      1
    • I would expect to get terms, otherwise no dice
      1

  7. 7. If you prefer distributors to direct, what is the main reason?

    • Have to prepay or COD
      0
    • I have to pay extra for shipping from who knows where
      3
    • It takes longer to get the product
      2
    • Distributors carry more widely available stuff which easier to replace or warranty
      3
    • I have to keep track of payables to too many people
      1
    • The counter girl flirts with me
      0

  8. 8. Does your distributor always stock what you need, or do they do special orders? (click two that most apply)

    • My needs are simple and they always have what I need
      1
    • I sometimes need products the don't have and can't get
      3
    • I sometimes need products that they have to special order, but I am OK with waiting
      3
    • I sometimes need products that they have to special order, and I don't like that I have to wait longer
      4
    • I am OK with having to buy minimums for special products
      0
    • I dislike to buy minimums for special products
      3

Recommended Posts

YYZ Master Engineer

YYZ

Posted
Posted (edited)

If anyone can think of some applicable questions, I can add them to the poll - but I think the info that can be learned here can help the manufacturers and distributors who post (or just lurk) here to better help their customers.

Thanks for taking the time to share.

Edited by Westcoast Sign Guy
Link to comment
Share on other sites
slowdncr Apprentice

slowdncr

Posted
Posted

I'm not sure the questions allow me to address the common distrust I have for product manufacturers that try to sell direct to me. I remember when Actown first introduced their transformers and they circumvented the distributors. For me, that resulted in an immediate distrust of the company and the product. This prejudice generally holds true, regardless of the product quality or pricing.

Also, I usually get better customer service from my distributors then I do the product manufacturers. Special orders, returns, critical deliveries, etc. all get handled with less anxiety when I deal with the distributor, not the factory or their rep.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
 Share
Go to topic listing


×
×
  • Create New...