The successful distributor provides its contracted suppliers the opportunity to be stakeholders in modern, cost-effective marketing efforts. Distributors are as old as the chemical industry, but distributor-supplier mutual partnerships are much different because they successfully work with suppliers, not only keeping them fully aware of the customer base, but also of daily market activities. The professional distributor completes market forecasts and provides the information necessary to make its stakeholder suppliers fully aware of their market positions. An effective distributor will provide information regarding the raw materials that its key suppliers purchase.
A tighter economy often means downsizing. Downsizing can cause employees to take on several different and unfamiliar jobs. The result is wasted time and energy that could be better spent on lowering prices and on quality research. A good distributor specializes in certain products or has an entire department devoted to a specific product. This focused approach allows the distributor to remain informed and to keep abreast of any changes in the market. A one-on-one connection with transportation companies allows a distributor to build solid relationships with providers of the best and most economical mode of delivery. The company that utilizes the distributor's services benefits from these relationships. Distribution is a service business and should be treated as such. Top-notch personal service from a distributor should be an expectation.