Recently, a 38-year mobile tool veteran contacted Professional Distributor magazine to say he thinks the time has come for a tool dealer organization to provide guidance and support to dealers. The veteran, who doesn’t want his name used, has driven under different flag organizations and as an independent, shared his thoughts with Professional Distributor after reading the editor’s column in the February issue of the magazine.
(Read the February 2013 Professional Distributor Editor's Column here.)
The February editor’s column noted that most dealers do not succeed in the long run due to the diverse business skills needed to succeed. This gentleman strongly agrees with this, and he thinks it is one reason that a national organization should be formed to provide dealers with business advice.
In his years as a dealer, the veteran noted that he did get good guidance from his organizations’ management, but the level of support was not consistent. A mobile tool dealer needs ongoing support, he said, and an organization independent of tool manufacturers is more likely to provide this support consistently.
Another reason this gentleman thinks such an organization is important is the integrity of customers has declined over the years. Early in his career, customers were more likely to honor their commitments to their dealers. Nowadays, he says customers are less inclined to let their dealers know if they are having financial problems or if they are moving.
The veteran thinks a support organization could also provide cooperative purchasing on behalf of tool dealers.
In addition to helping existing dealers, an outside organization could also provide helpful guidance to people who are considering getting into the mobile tool business, he noted.
Professional Distributor is interested in hearing from other mobile tool dealers about a national support organization. Dealers can give their views via email at [email protected].
