In the industrial supply industry, we often talk about "backside dollars", or rebates, as a necessary part of the business. But are they a strategic asset or just a "tax" on doing business? Earlier this year we (Channel Marketing Group) conducted research, sponsored by Enable, a leading rebate management reporting system. on volume rebates and are releasing a new research … [Read more...] about New Research: Rebates Ensure Profitability
Insights
Converting POs to Digital Commerce, and a Christmas Offer
Last quarter's Pulse of Industrial Supply identified a significant divergence in the percentage of digital sales for smaller distributors vs large distributors. Perhaps its the customer base? It could be investments in eCommerce technology and product data. It could be marketing. But it could also be that smaller distributors are not being customer friendly, … [Read more...] about Converting POs to Digital Commerce, and a Christmas Offer
It’s year-end Inventory Planning and Adjustment Season
As we enter the final stretch of 2025, I am having daily conversations with many distributors and manufacturers about their in-stock inventory positions. Industrial and Construction Channel growth rates have slowed fand now are slightly down to at best flat in 2025. Inflation and price increases have continued to climb since early 2023. So, that slow/no market combined with … [Read more...] about It’s year-end Inventory Planning and Adjustment Season
2025 Q3 Pulse of Industrial Supply Report
Over the past few weeks, we’ve been sharing quarterly reports from distributors and manufacturers in the industrial supply space. For the most part the earnings, topline and bottom line, have been good / met expectations. The drivers – industrial market performance and tariffs, especially since tariffs increase pricing, so, sales dollar volume inevitably goes up. Here’s … [Read more...] about 2025 Q3 Pulse of Industrial Supply Report
ISA Fall Summit in Memphis Recap
Yesterday, we wrapped up a fun and productive Fall Summit in Memphis, TN. The weather was perfect, Beale Street was awesome, and staying at the Peabody Hotel with their famous ducks was like going back in time with all the history that surrounded you. I was writing this column that going "back in time" thought was top of mind. For many of us in the channel the rapid rate of … [Read more...] about ISA Fall Summit in Memphis Recap
