Here's the story:
I had worked for the same communications company for 5+ years. Last Nov. I was notified that the doors were closing. It was expected as I was the last full time tech. However, the customers that I had previously supported through the above mentioned company still desire quality support. However I cannot get products for the TDA line without a dealer status. I have contacted my local rep, and was told: "you're a one man show, it's not worth my time to work with you. I'm looking for a larger sales team." Unfortunately I've had to resort to e-bay for a few items in the meantime. Have others experienced this same reaction from their reps?
Jason
Yep. We have been a certified and authorized dealer for them since 1993. We spent the money for TDA certifications but apparently aren't selling them fast enough. They are extremely picky about who they will sign on as a dealer. I understand the fact that they want to maintain a strong and professional sales force, but sometimes they need to look at the big picture. Sadly, I really don't think that they will be changing their stance anytime soon.
I would try to speak with someone else. That's a pretty piss poor sales rep that would say you're not worth his time. But you also have to think outside the box. If you can't get your dealer certification on your own, find a local established TDA dealer and work out a deal to bring him a substantial increase in his client database. If you have the client contacts you could bring alot to the table. Establish a partnership for a sales percentage and service percentage along with a salary. You can write your ticket if you can deliver.
Jason, you heard the standard song and dance from Panasonic, not just the sales rep for your area. You are far from the first and will be far from the last.
I used to install a lot of Panasonic. Then they came out with the TDA, dropped every thing except the analog SOHO, now you have to be a dealer to support anything except SOHO. I only install the SOHO Panasonic and then only at the customer's request. Panasonic has good equipment but not a very good company business program. Shades of InterTel, now where are they?
Try other brands.....ones that will support you. And being a dealer isn't all it is put up to be. You name the company and I can tell you how they promise the moon and dump you if you don't sell tons. My market doesn't support that so I've been up and down this road with several companies.
DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT tie yourself down to one company. If they cut you or decide to sell out, where will you be? Also, get several suppliers, same reason. Why let someone else control your business?
And Kevin, you just made Jason just another employee, not a business owner, and the only people coming out ahead is Panasonic, just like they want it.
Good luck to you, Jason.
i know i have said this before!! i just dont understand why in the states you must be a dealer and here in ireland my 95 year old granny could buy one over the counter.
peter (
www.novacomms.net)
Peter, beats me! You dealers deserve the same support and protection we get in the colonies. Jason, Ken is right on the money! Usually, the manufacturers that get picky like Panasonic get into $$$ trouble. 15 years ago TIE did. Nitsuko bought them out and........ NEC wound up with the remains of Nitsuko. Several other manufacturers are LONNNG gone. Mitel has tried that several times, and had to change course. My guess is Panasonic will see the light in 2-3 years and go back to encouraging small dealers, especially when their large dealers leave for whatever reason, (Management problems, retirement, brand change) and their sales go down, along with developing a bad name for dissolving support. This is a cyclic thing that other long timers can verify. John C. (Not Garand)
Lightninghorse I agree, the small dealer should get as much respect as the big ones,and in Ireland there is mostly small panasonic dealers. but as peter said his granny can buy a system here, but can she install it properly , so there is a fine line between locking it to certifed dealer and anyone selling it. If a dealer is willing to do courses on the product then he should be able to sell it
If a dealer is willing to do courses on the product then he should be able to sell it
My thoughts exactly, I would dread the thought of the quantity of calls to tech support regarding the analog product line due to uneducated installers.