Value Added Distributor -
Tasks of a distributor
Almost everyone has heard the expression "Value Added Distributor" - but what exactly does it mean? In the simple translation it means nothing more than "Value Added Distributor", but even that doesn't really say what added value is behind it. In order for the term "added value" to be used, there must be a basic value of what makes a distributor a distributor in the first place, doesn't there?
When talking about a distributor, many people always think the same way, that it is a company that does not have any products of its own on offer, but "only" sells goods from company A, to company B. But that would have been clearly too short a leap.
In addition to the basics - such as organizing shipping, logistics and warehousing, as well as handling import and export formalities - a distributor takes care of countless other matters that are usually hidden from the customer.
Starting with the agreement of framework supply contracts, the handling of RMA's, the registration and handling for the imported goods with regard to the disposal of old equipment, packaging up to the approval and disposal of batteries, all this is the responsibility of a distributor. Not to forget that the distributor has to bear all costs incurred in this connection.
In addition, a good distributor offers comprehensive advice and support in both product selection and suitable accessories. Usually he offers 1st level support for his products. A distributor writes appropriate end-of-life policies, announces them, and stockpiles EOL goods to meet any customer requests. The Distributor also ensures product conformity in order to comply with required long-term supplier statutes.
"Value added" encompasses more than thought
Actually, with the services already listed, it could be perfectly sufficient to call yourself a value-added distributor, but that's not the case.
Because anyone who is really serious about the addition offers additional technical services. These can be workshops on special topics/products or customer-specific training courses.
Beyond that, however, a complete hardware design or a circuit board layout is also part of the extended range of services of a value added distributor, as we understand it.
It is no empty phrase when we say that we not only supply you with individual components, but that we accompany you from the initial idea through the entire value chain to the finished product.
the entire value chain to the finished product.
For example, we also take over a design review of your own layout, develop a prototype and the corresponding firmware with you or take over the micro controller programming as well as the programming of any cloud connectors.
We also actively support you in the topic of certification and, if desired, also make recommendations on suitable providers, cloud providers or anything else.
Our lived know-how makes us a reliable and competent partner, in the sense of: "we make your business wireless".
Are you looking for a suitable solution or do you need a partner who is at your side?
Then write us an email to vertrieb@m2mgermany.de