Customized Business Models Empower Distributors
And, despite the growing dominance of the super distributorships—and, in some respects, because of it—all three contributors agreed that there will always be a place for the smaller, traditional independent distributorships. "Through the success of the larger distributors, the credibility of the distributor channel continues to gain strength," said Zavadil. "Small distributors with a niche in local markets or who do not have a desire to pursue large or national accounts will be able to satisfy the needs of their customers for years to come." However, he noted that independent distributors will continue to look for exit strategies or succession plans for their businesses, and that partnering with larger distributorships is one valid way to achieve this goal while meeting the increasing demands for technology-based solutions.