More than pipes and wires

“Ladies and Gentlemen! Children of all ages!  There, high above you balanced precariously on that narrow tightrope, courting disaster on one side and calamity on the other, I GIVE YOU THE MANUFACTURER’S REPRESENTATIVE!” 

Okay, maybe a little hyperbole. 

But your manufacturer’s representative does a high wire act most of the time. They balance between the needs of the manufacturer (whose commissions are their daily bread) and the end user (from whom all blessings flow – a Business Doxology).  The relationships they build and maintain on both sides of the equation are what make them trusted and in turn, successful. 

Lincoln’s admonition about “a house divided against itself” fully applies to representatives: Reps can’t favor one party over the other and last very long; they have to be cognizant of all transaction interests at all times. Their goal is effective relations: smooth order placement/fulfillment, and timely payments. And then repeat the process. Over and over.   

Repeat business always requires less investment for a Rep than any other manner of business.  For Procurement, it’s much the same: the less you handle the requisition, T&Cs, PO and invoice, the more cost effective you are in protecting your employer and getting the job done.

Manufacturer’s Representatives are a great resource - and that’s not true just because I’m a great rep!  When they act as honest brokers and are truly on their game, they keep business smooth and effective.

Just like you. So expect respect and return it in kind!