Important Factors in Selecting Manufacturer/Distributor Suppliers. Survey participants rated their suppliers in 14 areas. The top five areas with an 80 percent or higher rating of being important to respondents were: scheduling and on-time delivery; complaints/service issues handled by reps; competitive pricing; Accessibility of reps; and optimum product selection. The least import factor for retailers when selecting manufacturers/distributors was a consumer advertising program. (Charts 1&2)
Manufacturer/Distributor Ratings. Retailers rated their area rug; carpet; ceramic; laminate floors; vinyl floors; and wood floors’ manufacturers/distributors in the same 14 areas ranked in selecting manufacturer/distributor suppliers. (Charts 3&4) A consistent weakness of manufacturers and distributors across all product categories was the lack of an effective co-op advertising program and inability to generate ideas for increasing business. Consumer advertising programs also received consistent low marks from dealers.
The three most important areas for area rug manufacturers/distributors were: scheduling and on-time delivery; complaint/service issues handled by reps and optimum product selection. Definite areas of weakness and concern by retailers were shortcomings in providing consumer insight and knowledge; installation specifications; effective promotions/merchandising displays; and store-level training.
