Distribution Trends for 2019
It’s no secret technology is providing more and more opportunities to businesses— and when it comes to distribution we are enjoying our fair share of the spoils.
Gone are the days where wholesale distribution stands in the shadow of retail; eCommerce is effectively shutting the doors of some brick and mortars while distributors are advancing alongside technology, and should companies be thinking any different when it’s been recorded that increasing numbers of people would rather shop online? For more information regarding this, have a look over this 96% of Americans shop online at least once a year source.
That’s precisely why you’re here-to stay on top of distribution trends so you can skate into 2019 prepared for success.
Shall we?
2019 Global Distribution Trends: Global Expansion
We started with this one because if we had to pick the top trend for 2019-international growth is where it’s at. Purchases are being made online and across seas. Distributors that digitize their workflows will continue to reap the rewards of being technologically prepared. From purchasing to payment technologies, distributors at this point should have digital foundations if they want to compete in the market.
2019 Global Distribution Trends: Reputation and Referrals
Now, while technology has leveled the playing field for distributors, it has also made all businesses more accountable for the way they operate. Having a good reputation is a must-along with word of mouth referrals from customers. As such, marketing budgets should be transitioned from ads and focused more on building the brand voice, online presence and customer loyalty (be it with help from https://thedailysem.com/nine-university/ or through other means). Nielsen reported that trust from potential customers if found from friends, branded sites, and reviews. In other words, people want to work with a company that is real, reputable and referred.
2019 Global Distribution Trends: Technology, Technology, Technology
Everyone wants convenience, and today, it’s a requirement if you want to compete. eCommerce technology to aid in online orders, payments, vendor set up, and more are all things that should already be available in your firm for 2019. If its not-you’re not ready.
Automation to manage your workflow and operations and improve shipping is key to keeping pace with 2019 trends.
Order management and inventory technologies are also on the list to help you make decisions based on data and to stay at the front of the pack. For this reason, you will need a shipping service that aims to provide your business with the same high performances when it comes to operation and distribution. A service like plexus freight the freight forwarding company could give you what you need to keep on top of 2019 trends.
As 2019 progresses, expect upgrades and advances to demand adaptation from you if you want success from the market.
2019 Global Distribution Trends: Quality
And with more technology integrated into your framework, think about compliance and quality.
Gone are the days where a dissatisfied customer is handled confidentially-now, the world is listening with platforms that reach ‘round the globe. This is a good thing. It means we are all now more accountable to be high quality and compliant. The alternative to being aware and proactive is backlash from bad reviews and recalls.
With technology, you should be able to monitor and ensure quality and compliance at every step of your workflow.
Make 2019 the year where the only thing people talk about online is how great your products/services are.
2019 Global Distribution Trends: Relationship Management
There is no doubt that for all the advantages technology offers, relationships can become lost or damaged through glitches or dehumanized experiences. BE CUSTOMER CENTRIC. Allow technology to offer convenience, but don’t forget humans offer customer SERVICE. Serve your customers, pick up the phone, talk with them and don’t rely solely on technology to foster your relationships. If you do need to use technology to assist you when it comes to improving your relationship management, then something like this crm for small business platform can help to increase your sales, customer satisfaction, and revenue, to name a few. All of these things can help you to become more successful in the long run. With technology leading the trends in 2019, many may fall short of taking a large market share, simply because their strategy ignores the fact that we are all still human. Treat people with that in mind and you’re set for success in 2019.
Is your distributor or brand falling short of 2019’s expectations? Reach out. We are a full-service distributions solutions firm. From brand growth to international expansion-we’ll get you ready for 2019.