[rosec]

Chris, I'll take you up on that thought of starting a thread......

What changes are you distribuitors seeing in the products that your clients are purchasing? How are suppliers changing their marketing strategies? In light of these economic times are you changing the way you present products?

In my area - sporting goods - uniforms - etc....

I am seeing more distribuitors going into leauge sports bids, they have to be prepared to work at lower margins for the volume leauge business. Smart advertising in this process is the key to using these bids as marketing tool. Get the bid - make a hang tag with washing instructions for the uniform so the child gives it to Mom or Dad. on the opposite side - XXX Promo & XXX county athletics working together to keep our kids in sports.... these Mom's and Dad's are our local business owners - new clients for you!!!

More distribuitors going after school business - a very hard road - the brand name sports suppliers work with athletic goods dealers, which makes it hard for the distribuitor to offer like product for the bids. The schools (especially grade schools) that are rural and not a big money maker for the name brands are your best bet....

What used to be "incentive" purchases of high end sporting goods turning into a mid-price level sporting goods. This is where I have found a huge nitch this year. No longer are they purchasing a $200.00 golf something or another....a great $45.00 cross training shoe program with employee fitness program is more affordable and can even cut corporate health insurance costs.....

Offering a useable football that is directed to a narrow list of potential clients and premium current clients. This is used many times over with the corporate logo as the balls branding is a bilboard that in terms of $$$ spent has a lasting impression for the client as opposed to tons-o-stuff that makes it to the circular file when someone cleans their desk.

Lastly the market segments that are flurishing during these times. Auto repair - to start is doing good business - not going to spend buck's on a new car. Will spend for a good fix and new paint.... are you finding other market segments that are flourishing and promoting?

Your feedback - please...

as always, Rose