Tag: Consumer-Sales-Promotions-company-Pune

Sometimes Business Acquisitions Just Don’t Work

I occasionally attend a training/sales meeting that is held with a number of business brokerage and M&A firms in Northern California.  At this Wednesday’s meeting (April 2, 2008), a broker announced that he had a business for sale that he originally sold in January.  He felt bad about how it turned out, and wanted to ask if the group had any buyers that wanted a business for very little money.

About three brokers at once said, “which January?” “This January, 2008” he said.  The room erupted.  All of us wanted to hear the story.  What had gone so horribly wrong that someone who bought a business would give up within a few short months?   Usually within three months the new buyer is still figuring out the accounting system. 

In this case the business was a specialized cleaning service with three employees.  The buyers were a husband/wife team, and the husband was going to keep his job and the wife was going to run the new business.  Plain and simple, the wife just plain didn’t like the business.  Sales slipped, and the employees were let go. 

The problem, of course, is that without employees and without the sales volume, where is the business?  In other words, the value of the business is far less, and most buyers would be very reluctant to pay much of anything for this business.  A sad story, to be sure. 

We try to help the seller qualify the buyer, both financially and in the ability to run the company.  But sometimes it just doesn’t work. 

I’ve personally sold a company in which the seller thought the buyer had a drinking problem.  I didn’t witness any drinking, but the buyer and seller went to a trade show together before the deal was closed, and he witnessed some heavy drinking.   I completely concurred that this could be a serious problem, but in the end the seller sold the company to this buyer.  I’ve talked to the seller a few times since, the last time about 18 months after the transaction.  Yes, the buyer drinks and it is a problem.  Fortunately the seller works as a consultant for the company and he helps run the company.  He is actually pretty happy with the arrangement, since he gets paid to work there part time, and has plenty of time off without having the stress of business ownership.  I feel very lucky, since it obviously could have been a whole lot worse for both of them.

Channel surfing: How partners help manufacturers reach the customer

One of the most important functions your channel partner performs is customer service. For some customer accounts, your channel partner will be the “face” customers associate with your product. Sales channels are structured to serve a specific kind of customer base, and today we’ll look at the best way to reach the accounts your company wants to target.

Manufacturers’ reps: Reps can serve both large and small accounts, but they are most effective in targeting new or emerging customers. Reps can take the time to educate new users on your product or work with designers that integrate your product into a subassembly that’s part of an end-product. A good rep will sell product lines that are complementary to your product: in a simple electrical assembly that may mean a switch, wiring, a mounting device and an indicator light. Reps should also bring your newest products to market and assist customers in transitioning from an older product to a newer model. Sales volumes: prototypes to production orders.

Distributors: Distributors are the “warehousers” of an industry: they procure products in high volumes, warehouse those products, arrange delivery and manage many supply chain functions. Manufacturers reps frequently work with distributors: if a rep successfully books a sale, a distributor will deliver the number of products the customer needs. Often, a sales commission will be split between the rep and the distributor. Distributors primarily target purchasing agents that order products in high volume; but they may also have outside sales reps that call on designers; recommend or sell complementary products; or provide value-added services such as assembling product components into a “kit.” Sales volumes: medium to high.

Retailers: Retailers are the grocery stores, convenience stores, automotive after-market shops and department stores that target consumers. Retailers have the broadest reach in the resales channel but typically carry a number of competitive products or brands. Products are on the sales floor and in stock. Retailers work with brand owners on sales promotions, rebates and other marketing programs that target consumers. Sales volumes: small to medium.

Value-added resellers (may also be contractors): VARs assort and package products according to customer needs. VARs typically call on and sell to small businesses. This channel typically performs some kind of pre-sales service for customers. In the electronics industry, a VAR takes disparate computer components such as a hard drive, a monitor, a motherboard etc. and assembles them into a system and downloads the software necessary for the product’s performance. Volume: small to medium.

VARs, retailers and reps—which prefer to carry no to low inventory—may buy direct from manufacturers or rely on distributors for warehousing and supply chain management. The best channel for your product depends on how much volume you want to sell and manage and how much support your customer needs.

Next: What kind of services to expect

Make your brand stand out using customized envelopes

Home » Business Tips » Make your brand stand out using customized envelopes
August 29, 2017 Frank Bullock Business Tips
 

The business world is tough and competitive by imposing certain standards for all the entrepreneurs who earnestly want and seek success. The mission of making your brand known on the market becomes very challenging if we take into consideration the fact that many business owners have the possibility of choosing from a great variety of efficient ways of advertising. In terms of marketing, the goal is to adopt a well-thought strategy that will draw the attention of a large number of people turning them into your loyal customers. Therefore, in order to stand out from other brands, you must resort to a creative and cost-effective method that will differentiate you from your competitors. Customized envelopes represent a perfect solution because it can help you express your brand’s identity and have a strong impact on your clients. No 10 envelope is very popular among business owners.

Why customized envelopes

You probably wonder why customized envelopes represent the best solution for your business. The answer is simple: it offers many benefits compared to other methods of advertising because it makes your clients aware of your presence on the market by increasing the brand visibility while helping you save money. Moreover, it allows you to not only send important documents but also unique messages that will create a powerful first impression. Therefore, before your clients open the envelope they are captivated by the image. Whether you personally write on the envelope or you use a software program, clarity and accuracy are key factors in order to obtain a visually appealing element.

Customize it!

The plain white envelope used for correspondence is history considering the fact that nowadays you have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of styles and colors in order to obtain a distinctive appearance. Therefore, you can easily obtain a branded envelope that will help your business stand out. If your logo appears on the envelope, it will cause more than recognition for your business because it will also convince your clients of your business legitimacy. You also have the possibility to alter the size and the quality of the envelope to differentiate it from other items that you can usually find in the letterbox because this will add a touch of professionalism and your clients will immediately recognize it. In terms of design, you should keep an elegant yet sophisticated style that will remain in their memory.

Contact a team of specialists

You should not underestimate the power of this seemingly insignificant item because if you really put attention and thought into it you can create a customized envelope that will practically mesmerize your actual and future clients. Contact specialists that can provide an adequate design for your type of business and communicate with them in order to bring your vision to life accurately and professionally. You will soon realize that due to their experience and extensive knowledge, you definitely need their contribution and the result will meet your expectations. Choosing customized envelopes as a way of advertising will grow your business without considerable expenses and efforts.

More Business Ideas

What is a Marketing Strategy?
Reasons why your business needs direct mail advertising 
Saying yes to promo staff: 3 key benefits
The importance of having printed envelopes in your business stationery
How to Get Free Advertising
How to Select an Elite Custom Adhesive Manufacturing Partner