You have started with a new start-up and now you want to set up your office, but you are confused about the new types of equipment!
Shopping for new desktops, keyboards, mice, routers, and software integration, is very important for your business as it is the future of your company.
But what are you thinking of? Going to the market and buying all the parts from the market yourself? That is not practical right?
Have you heard of the term IT distributor?
What is an IT distributor?
An IT channel distributor is basically a business between the vendors and the value-added resellers or the system integrators for the distribution of hardware or software. The customer base of the distributor consists of the vendor’s resellers and system integrators, which are known as its channel. The channel consists of intermediates that are involved in getting the product from the producers to the consumers. They are the most common intermediary between the vendors and the end customer.
The product travels from
Vendor→ Distributor→ Reseller/System integrator→ End customer
Are there any types?
Yeah! There is more than one type of distribution channel there. It totally depends on which the business model falls in.
Here are some types of distribution channels-
- The Straightforward!
In this type of distribution channel, the manufacturer sells the product straight to the customer. This channel is the most direct channel.
- The Indirect!
This type of channel has an additional vendor between the manufacturer and the customer. Just like a supermarket buys different types of goods from different vendors, and then the goods are available for all the customers to buy.
- The Multi Layers!
In this channel, there are multiple vendors or intermediaries between the manufacturer and the customer. It usually includes wholesalers, producers, and more retailers. One example is online shopping. The customer shops for the product online, but the product travels between manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers, etc.
Things to keep in mind before choosing!
There are many things to keep in your mind before choosing the right IT distributor for your business. The responsibility is very high as it is going to affect the future of your business. Don’t worry! Here are some tips to keep in your mind before you choose-
- Do You Feel Them?
This is an important question you have to ask before you go further. What is the goal, mission, values of your distributor? Only if your values match with your distributor, it is good to go. If initially, you have differences it might result in a big conflict later on.
- Not A Newbie, Right?
Another question to be asked is, is your IT distributor an experienced one? If yes, then what type of experience is it?
Making a deal with an experienced IT distributor adds more security and value to the deal. The more experienced the distributor is, the smoother everything will go.
- What do Others Say?
Your distributor should have a high market value and goodwill. It will directly affect the service they are going to provide.
A good distributor has a good stock management system and maintains the health of the product. They should be dedicated to achieving the given sales target. The right distributor is considered as the best marketing and supplying asset for a manufacturing company.
- Quality checked?
For this, you have to dig deep about the product’s quality. In an obvious sense, the quality of the product is the basis of all the deals. Research about all the previous works and reviews of your Distributor will help you greatly for judging the service of the distributor and the quality of the product.
- When to pay you?
When everything is final, here is the last step!
Your distributor should be quick with the payments. Quick and prompt payments will maintain the regular cash flow. Payments are also a great way to gain trust and loyalty. The mode of payment should be flexible for you, may it be cash, cheque, UPI, etc.
These were some tips you may follow before going with your distributor. The process may be a little pressurizing especially when you need an IT distributor. Because of all the technical products. Take your time and choose wisely.
If you are looking for an IT distributor! Did I tell you about the ICT circle?
What is the ICT circle?
The B2B Platform for ICT channel: Vendors, Distributors, Resellers, and System Integrators from all over the world can transact with each other using the utilities of this platform. The features offered by ICT Circle are easy to use and gives flexibility to seamlessly indent sales, procurement, marketing and training to its subscribers, ultimately simplifying the day-to-day processes of the ICT fraternity
Wanna learn more about the ICT circle?
Visit here: https://www.ictcircle.com
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