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NickA
Hyperactive Member
United Kingdom
680 Posts |
 Posted - 30 Nov 2005 : 15:10:02
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Food for thought OK America is bigger than UK but so is the competition, but why do our suppliers only have 1 centre.
Why don't we have smaller feeder depots?
If the South East is the biggest Pest Control Market other than Essex why are all other suppliers over 200 miles away?
CLEVELAND � LESCO recently opened its 300th Service Center location in Concord, Calif. It is the 26th Service Center to open in 2005.
LESCO has added 74 locations since 2003. The company intends to increase its store base by 10 to 15 percent annually, up to and beyond 500 locations.
�We look forward to helping more of these businesses grow in the years to come, as we expand into the roughly 50 percent of the market that we have not yet penetrated,� said Jeffrey Rutherford, LESCO president and chief executive officer.
For more information and LESCO locations, call 800-321-5325 or visit the new www.LESCOdirect.com.
Do the Americans look after their customers, or do we get the service we deserve!
Prevention for protection |
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Jonathan Peck
Junior Member
United Kingdom
45 Posts |
Posted - 30 Nov 2005 : 16:10:08
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Nick
The short answer is that if you have two warehouses, you have two stocks to finance, two warehouses to pay for and two sets of staff. Since less than 5% of our turnover is sold over the trade counter, this level of sales would not justify a second or third warehouse.
Distribution in the UK is now so good that it is cheaper to concentrate all the stocks in one warehouse and deliver on a "guaranteed next day basis" when necessary.
The US model would not be viable here in the UK.
Hope this helps.
Best wishes
Jonathan Peck |
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NickA
Hyperactive Member
United Kingdom
680 Posts |
Posted - 30 Nov 2005 : 17:00:37
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Jonathan understand that,making the point that delvery is not always the right approach.
Lesco has the same overheads as have other American distributers.300 service centres and they want to grow, could that be the key the WILL.Having feeder depots might expand business, base for area reps, face to face meetings. Why haven't the Ag boys used same arguement one shop does all.Of cause we could copy ag boys and open depots and sell feed, bait,to public offer them help!
The other point is still valid why so far from the biggest market.If we want to raise profile of Pest Control it is about changing all our perceptions.
Prevention for protection |
Edited by - NickA on 30 Nov 2005 19:01:29 |
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Dusty
Senior Member
Australia
335 Posts |
Posted - 30 Nov 2005 : 20:56:11
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Nick, we have a similar situatioin here. One distributor in each state on the east coast. There are only three major suppliers. All charge a delivery fee outside of the metroplitan area that tacks at least $10 on to every order. Deliveries may take two to three days to rural areas.
I have an arrangement with a local ag supplier who stocks a few of my essentials. I pay a little more for them, but there is some satisfaction in knowing that I will be able to get what I want when I need it.
I think the buying power of Andy's co-operative/conglomerate idea may assist you all to at least the suppliers to waive or negotiate better delivery fees.
Don't feed them, get Rid of them |
Edited by - Dusty on 30 Nov 2005 21:01:37 |
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Matt the Rat
Moderator
319 Posts |
Posted - 30 Nov 2005 : 23:05:31
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Wise words Nick. Its a shame the two main organisations also feel the need to base themselves a long way from the south, and hold their courses in the midlands. If you live in Cornwall, Derby/Nottingham may as well be Timbucktwo.
Jonathan, no-one is suggesting that you should have a branch in every county which stocks all your products: just a presence and a point of collection would be something. The only chance we get to look at new products is at Pesttech, why not host quarterly meetings? We dont need much, just a chance to get together, have a chat and look at some kit. |
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ben
Senior Member
United Kingdom
128 Posts |
Posted - 30 Nov 2005 : 23:35:34
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if they save so much on only one or two central warehouses why do we have to pay for bloody delivery.
if you can hold and play with things you are more likey to buy them ,its the same old thing if all big companies work from central warehouseing we have no choice we need the stock and they know it the little person will always foot the bill.
ben
you learn as you go |
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Bob Newey
Member
80 Posts |
Posted - 01 Dec 2005 : 09:36:50
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My nearest supplier is about 90 miles away so I would love to have somewhere nearer where I could actually see and feel some of the the products.
But having been in the haulage industry for 30 years I can see the other point of view too. Many companies outside our industry only have one distribution point as well because our nationwide distribution is so good with most products being delivered on a next day basis, and at a reasonable price.
This is partly the reason there are so many trucks on the road and particularly more at night and weekends these days. I can't knock it because it gives me some much needed income at the moment with my driving at weekends although mine is up and down the country mainly for Sainsburys not the parcel carriers!
Ironically (Nick) this express delivery concept is what they've been doing in the USA for years and it's merely spread to here now. |
Edited by - Bob Newey on 01 Dec 2005 09:37:40 |
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NickA
Hyperactive Member
United Kingdom
680 Posts |
Posted - 01 Dec 2005 : 10:40:22
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Bob as you know my background includes transport 24 hour delivery.
But until our suppliers start to realise that we too run business's and waiting for a delivery is not always the best way,and when the UK trucking realises that the end user US actually pays for carriage we will continue to have bad service. Just because you specify a before time, you only get your carriage back if they don't deliver on time.Thats some service.
I've said it before why are our Associations in the Midlands Parliament is in London that is where you need to lobby.Edinburgh for the Scots.
I mean years ago BPCA had London office but relocated.I hear Rentokil after 80 years is finally going to have a London Office.
Not saying every thing has got to be based in the South/North/East/West but look at your customer base.
Why haven't our suppliers got regional training centres (joint use)
I'll let others put input in.
Prevention for protection |
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ABPest
Senior Member
United Kingdom
133 Posts |
Posted - 01 Dec 2005 : 11:11:15
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| Nick, I can't afford to move South, so I'm pleased the main distributor is up here. Come up and join us !! Adrian. |
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NickA
Hyperactive Member
United Kingdom
680 Posts |
Posted - 01 Dec 2005 : 11:14:29
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You wouldn't want the competition Adrian!!
Not suggesting they relocate look at demographics.
Prevention for protection |
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massmurderer
Member
United Kingdom
62 Posts |
Posted - 01 Dec 2005 : 12:45:22
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Unfortunately as with everything it come's down to how much money the suppliers can grind out of us.What they don't seem to realise is the fact that if they give a little back by allowing us to get a hands on with equipment and not just looking at a picture on a web site they will actually sell more.
It's the kid in the sweet shop syndrome.
After all not everyone has capabillities to store vast amounts of stock and not everyone can wait around for a parcel which will be there sometime.
On another note,NickA,rentokil actually have 5 offices in london and have had for a lot of years. |
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NickA
Hyperactive Member
United Kingdom
680 Posts |
Posted - 01 Dec 2005 : 12:51:40
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But aren't they shutting East Grinsted to move to City as head office.
Prevention for protection |
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louise
Starting Member
United Kingdom
7 Posts |
Posted - 01 Dec 2005 : 13:02:57
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If there are products/equipment that you would like to see then please contact me and I will arrange for an Area Sales Manager to discuss a visit/demonstration.
Best wishes
Louise
Please note: other suppliers are available, who also have sales managers. |
Edited by - Matt the Rat on 01 Dec 2005 13:17:00 |
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massmurderer
Member
United Kingdom
62 Posts |
Posted - 01 Dec 2005 : 14:32:38
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| NickA i left rentokil early this year but i still keep in contact with some of their staff,none of them have mentioned anything but i'll ask one of them. |
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Editor
Forum Admin
United Kingdom
130 Posts |
Posted - 01 Dec 2005 : 15:43:24
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In response to the post from Louise:
I would remind users of the T&C; for the forum. Matt had to edit this post for the following reason:
* Aimed to solicit business or advertise products or services
FYI. Here are the forum T&C; again:
If you post on the PCP forum, you agree to be bound by the following terms and conditions:
1. You accept that you are fully responsible for the user account that you have created, security regarding the passwords associated with it and any content or files posted by that user.
2. If you post content which we believe is in violation of these terms and conditions, we reserve the right to modify or delete the material in whole or in part. We may ask you to modify the content. Failure to do so will result in your user account being suspended.
3. All information and content which you place onto this site becomes public domain. Do not place any information or content which you do not wish to become public domain.
4. You agree not to post information or content which is:
� Commercially Sensitive
� Copyright Controlled
� Libellous , Defamatory or Unlawful
� Harassing, abusive, threatening, harmful, profane, sexually orientated, racially offensive or otherwise objectionable
� Aimed to solicit business or advertise products or services
5. If you post material which results in us receiving complaints and/or legal representations from third parties, we will as a matter of policy direct them to you.
6. You are 13 years of age or over.
Editor - www.pestcontrolportal.com |
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NickA
Hyperactive Member
United Kingdom
680 Posts |
Posted - 01 Dec 2005 : 16:08:51
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Be easy if we allowed them to put company name on post or profile, then we all would know.
But perhaps our suppliers reps might like to say hello.
Or how about seperate member status for suppliers rather than new,starter etc. Just Supplier but allow full access I am glad to see them posting and taking an interest.That way would not be touting for business as we would know where they coming from.
Keep it user friendly
Welcome Louise.
Prevention for protection |
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Matt the Rat
Moderator
319 Posts |
Posted - 01 Dec 2005 : 19:21:15
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I did try phoning louise to ask her to change the posting herself, but unfortunately I could'nt get hold of her.
The last thing we want to do is discourage anyone, especially suppliers from interacting with the people in the front line of the industry, but a blatent advertisment for one company will only offend other suppliers (for those who are now thinking that I've plugged Lodi, I didnt. I just found a new product which I had'nt seen before, and wondered if anyone had used it). If anyone else wants to do some moderating, I'll hapily stand aside.
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NickA
Hyperactive Member
United Kingdom
680 Posts |
Posted - 01 Dec 2005 : 19:27:37
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Put another patch on Matt.
I had no problem with Louises Post or your moderation.
We don't want to go down the BPCA route!
Prevention for protection |
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Fenn Man
Senior Member
193 Posts |
Posted - 01 Dec 2005 : 19:39:14
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Seconded!
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Dusty
Senior Member
Australia
335 Posts |
Posted - 01 Dec 2005 : 20:51:37
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Not knocking Louise, but I did wonder why, if pesties are important to their sales figures, why are they (or designated underlings) not already making calls, offering specials, providing demos etc?
Suggests to me that there is a smug complacency, knowing that you will take all the crap that is dished out to you.
Even in Oz with a much larger area to cover, they do get to most areas a couple of times a year. They will usually get a hand full of pesties together, shout them lunch and enlighten them about new products, label changes, give out freebies (caps, pens etc) |
Edited by - Dusty on 01 Dec 2005 20:56:40 |
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Bob Newey
Member
80 Posts |
Posted - 01 Dec 2005 : 21:41:22
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I agree about the lack of personal contact from the suppliers (and the lack of discounts etc as well) and I too would love them to have depots around the country within easy reach, but I can appreciate why they don't.
However, if one of them took the plunge and opened up some more then maybe the others would have to follow suit in order to compete. How about putting it to the upper hierarchy Louise !!!
I get round the problem of having to stay in for a delivery by getting them to deliver to the wife's workplace (she has an understanding gaffer)and then she brings the stuff home in her car. |
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Service Depots
