More About Distribution and the Internet
Well, it appears that I hit on a hot-button topic for many of you out there. My post “What the Internet Means for Distribution” from Monday has generated more commentary and feedback than anything I’ve ever written. Thank you to everyone who took the time to read and leave their thoughts. Whether you agreed with me or not, I appreciate it; I’m much more knowledgable on this topic than I was a few days ago, particularly as it relates to material handling, but also a few other industries as well!
Among the most interesting responses came from a distributor who asked not to be named, who said, “I’ve got customers who are buying used equipment out of my territory for a cheap price. Then they come back and say, ‘We really want to buy locally from someone we know, but we want the same price.’ However, the persons they’re buying from are hit-and-run type people. The trucks are not typically in the same standard or condition that we would sell a truck. The customer doesn’t like the idea of having to buy from somebody so far away and getting stuck if there’s a problem, but they are very price-conscious.”
As I said before, it’s a complex issue, for everyone involved — manufacturers, distributors and end-users. I’m not advocating that traditional territories should go away, nor do I necessarily think they will. But I stand by the fact that it’s a discussion that’s worth having and a situation worth being proactive about. Today’s times are changing faster than ever.
Let me know of any other hot topics you want to explore in this space!
Tags: distribution, material handling
