The warehouse distributors and you
Just returned from the ISN tool expo in Orlando, and earlier this month was at the TEDA show for another group of WDs. There do appear to be some deals out there, and smart partners, for the distributor willing to do a little research (branded and independent).
On that note, I have to say I was genuinely surprised by the number of branded distributors I talked with at the ISN show. I knew that branded trucks were using WDs in addition to their brands, but I was surprised by the amount. I talked to more than one distributor from each of the four majors.
Also, in my own recent nonscientific survey, more than 70% of branded respondents said they also use a WD. Which leads me to a discussion question for you. If you are branded and use a WD, why? (Please share some specific insights without sharing any brand names.) I’m simply wondering what kinds of help WDs are offering that you seek.
Also, if you are branded and use a WD, are you also considering becoming full independent?
And for the independents, do you use more than one WD?
- Brendan
September 6th, 2008 at 7:51 am
I have been waititng to see a post to this and I am not too surprised we have not seen one. Asking branded trucks to “fess up” why they buy from W/D’s, what they buy and why, and if they are considering jumping ship; could be seen as unpatriotic and disloyal to the brand “big brother” watching.
September 17th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
I couldn’t help but to respond to this one. Spoke to a Branded Dealer of 8 years, 2 years ago he started a 2nd van. But it wasn’t his Brand it is Indy I thought that was genius. Said only a handful a people know he owns both trucks. Keeps all the highend goods on his truck and the lesser quality on the other truck. Has the Indy truck run behind him. Gives him a call when the customer is price shopping and he walks in with the right tool. GENIUS…..