by Jason Bader

One quote says it all: "The only two sure things in wholesaling are taxes and dead stock". Every distributor purchases inventory that does not sell. But the successful distributor has a plan for dealing with dead stock items sooner rather than later, minimizing impact on cash flow and inventory turns. This article plants the seeds for helping any wholesale distributor deal with dead stock, with suggestions of where to start and what to do.

by Scott F. Stratman

It's what every distributor aims to achieve through inventory management. Saying it is one thing; actually doing it is another. Here's an article that sums up the basics necessary to approach "this inventory nirvana". Like so many things in life, achieving outstanding results is about doing the simple things very well. The problem is that the simple things aren't always that easy! Read this for a great introduction to inventory control basics.

by Bill Marr

Never has it been more important to align inventory to profitability than in today's ultra-competitive marketplace. Misalignment is far more common and costs WD's more than most could ever imagine. Learn the pitfalls and the action steps you can take today to make inventory your friend.

by Jason Bader

Inventory, likely your single largest asset, requires constant TLC and analysis. If you've never done an in-depth analysis of your inventory, are you in for a surprise! Looking at all your SKUs by vendor, evaluating returns, and using other metrics to assess profitability can have a profound effect on your business if acted upon. Read a great article on how you can start to look at your inventory in a way you may never have seen it before!

Scott F. Stratman

Send out the search party! I know we have a case of those widgets around here somewhere! Too often inventory comes in through the door of a wholesale distributor, only to be seen again after an intense walk down the aisles, necks cranked to scan the top shelves for the missing culprit. Read how with a little organization and discipline, you can banish the inventory scavenger hunt from your warehouse!

by Scott F. Stratman

The 'A' word strikes fear into the bravest of business people�but this kind of audit should be welcomed! In fact, a systems audit of your internal utilization of your computer software used to run your business may be one of the best investments you can make. Few distributors use their software to full capability. In this world of shrinking margins and increased customer demands, being efficient is essential to profitability, even survival. A key to increasing your efficiency just might reside in the computer on your desk...you just don't know it!

by Jason Bader

Having grown up in a construction supply house, I spent countless hours observing the good, the bad, and the ugly of warehouse management. I am probably the only person you have ever met who has vacuumed warehouse shelves.

by Adam Fein

Are your sales people ready for tomorrow�s challenges? In a previous column, I pointed out that the average wholesale distribution sales rep can become much more productive by using technology.

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by Adam Fein

What if you had a crystal ball and could see what the future will bring for your company? The National Association of Wholesale-Distributors (NAW) is devoted to the protection and education of our industry. Every few years, NAW brings out their crystal ball and based on their intimate knowledge of the wholesale distribution industry, they divulge what they see as the leading trends and how you can be one of the first to take advantage of them.

by Adam Fein

If you think getting close to your customer is necessary for success today, have a look at what's in store for the wholesale distributor of tomorrow. Successful companies will sell services related to the products they already provide. Relationships and creativity will be the order of the day in offering unique solutions that differentiate you from your competition.

by Adam J. Fein

Wholesale distributors invest significantly in technology...few industries spend as much! Let's examine the upcoming trends that will affect the entire industry in the years ahead. Self-checking at the grocer and at Home Depot is already a reality. How much longer before your customers demand that type of self-service?

By Adam Fein

Today's independent distributor is faced with three big-picture strategic options. For a thought-provoking article from one of wholesale distribution's pre-eminent thinkers, read this.

By Adam Fein

Margin squeeze...is there a wholesale distributor unfamiliar with this experience? We think not! The WD's main weapon against shrinking margins in the past has been increased productivity, mainly through technology. Expect this to continue at even a stronger pace in the future.