Homework Help from Supply House guys and customers

Timco

#1...it is on a as-needed basis, based on my own opinion of what is best for my customer while being cost effective. If two pumps do the same thing, at the same rate, and both have major names, I chose based on cost. If spec-grade is specified, I go top shelf, but the cost is passed along.

#2...Doing the job right while keeping some type of budget in mind. It may not always be left as I want it to be, but many customers will only allow you to change the things that will kill them, not "might" kill them. If a part is not on a supplier's shelf, they wait as do I...no way around it. Some repairs MUST be made, but the customer just will not pay. There have been posts on this before.

#3...Everyone else claiming to know boilers, many who just crank up steam pressure or add a vent and call it done. Real hacks out there, which make the pros look bad when we quote a price for real repairs.

#4...By being educated as best as possible, and doing it right every time, no matter what. By knowing what components to use, where to put them, and why.

#5...New technologies often have bugs that the installer has the responsibility of smoothing out, and many customers are not very understanding. On the other hand, there are fantastic new boilers, controls, and gadgets available that should always be offered, just in case the HO really wants the best out there. It makes me proud to offer piping designs that many old timers around my parts cannot follow or explain.

Tim

Dan_29

Homework Help From Supply House Guys and Customers

Hello

Ever since my job evaporated in the latest economic mess, I have been working at a big-box store (Plumbing) and attending school. I am also a homeowner and follower of the Wall.
My marketing class homework assignment is to interview a wholesaler. I have called a few and they either wanted me to "clear it with corporate" or they were to busy or depressed (to talk) because of the lousy business climate out there. It then occured to me that Supply House guys are wholesalers and their customers would also know more about the business than the CEOs or "top managers" that the teacher suggested I interview. In my opinion, front-line salespeople and their customers (plumbers) know more about the business than "top management" does. As a handy homeowner and student of steam boilers, I have had some experience with Supply Houses and the plumbing and heating trades which have formed my own opinions about the following questions, nevertheless, I want your input.

My interviews are supposed to focus on:

(1) The role of the Supply House (wholesaler) as an intermediary in the distribution channel between manufacturer and retailer. Translation: What do you do (or how do you see your role) to move product between manufacturer and retailer?

(2) What challenges do you face in meeting your customer needs?

(3) Who are your competitors in the market?

(4) How do you differentiate yourself from your competitors?

(5) What challenges and opportunities, associated with new technologies, have you encountered?

The best responses will be read aloud in class with proper attribution. I will provide feedback on how the answers are received. Thanks for your help.

Dan

Dan_29

Homework help

Thanks for your help!

Dan