eCommerce Archives

This article is part of MDM's 2016 Distribution Trends Special Issue.

It used to be that the largest distributors were the biggest threats to small ones. Their ability to outspend other players in technology and growth allowed them to eat up market share across geographies, but new technology and customer expectations have changed the competitive landscape.

This article includes:

How technology is growing the reach of smaller distributors
Innovative supply chain solutions that grow market share
Other strategies distributors are using to gain competitive advantage

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Not a subscriber? Subscribe below or learn more. The full 2016 Distribution Trends Special Issue is available to download in PDF format to MDM Premium subscribers.

June 25, 2016

Data & Analytics

Increase ROI from Existing Technology

This article is part of MDM's 2016 Distribution Trends Special Issue.

Companies that dont have the right technology in place or dont optimize their current capabilities are leaving dollars on the table. But a renewed focus on getting the most out of existing systems can yield numerous benefits.

This article includes:

Ways to optimize existing technology
Benefits of improving current systems
The importance of viewing technology as an evolution

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Not a subscriber? Subscribe below or learn more. The full 2016 Distribution Trends Special Issue is available to download in PDF format to MDM Premium subscribers.

June 25, 2016

Data & Analytics

Differentiate with Strategic Marketing

This article is part of MDM's 2016 Distribution Trends Special Issue.

Although marketing has grown in importance for distributors over the last year, most dont realize the crucial role it plays in gaining a competitive advantage.

This article includes:

How distributors are using strategic marketing to differentiate
Key marketing investments to stay competitive
Marketing challenges and tips to overcome them

Subscribers should log in below to read this article.

Not a subscriber? Subscribe below or learn more. The full 2016 Distribution Trends Special Issue is available to download in PDF format to MDM Premium subscribers.

June 25, 2016

eCommerce

Tip: Improve E-Commerce Site Search to Keep More Customers

A website that's easier to use will increase customers' perceived value of your company.

June 2, 2016

Companies

Company proves that wise spending during down times yields return.

May 24, 2016

eCommerce

Tip: Follow Pricing Best Practices for E-Commerce Success

Overcome barriers to increase new customers and orders.

May 19, 2016

Data & Analytics

MDM Premium Extra: Are You Prepared for Next-Gen Disruptors?

To thank you for your business and add value to your MDM Premium subscription, MDM offers bonus content each month exclusively to premium subscribers.

This month we feature a bonus article on how to prepare for the arrival of next-gen disruptors – those still-unknown companies harnessing the technology that will threaten traditional wholesale distribution channels. Associate Editor Eric Smith shares highlights from a presentation Hil Davis, CEO, BeautyKind LLC, delivered at the recent National Association of Electrical Distributors national meeting in Washington, DC.

This content is exclusively available as bonus content to MDM subscribers. Log-in below to download the PDF of this month's report.

Not a subscriber? Subscribe now starting at $195.

May 17, 2016

eCommerce

MDM Special Report: 2016 State of E-Commerce in Distribution

This report, now available in PDF format, is a benefit for MDM Premium subscribers. Simply log-in below to access and download this series of articles. Not a subscriber? Subscribe below.

The fifth annual MDM distribution e-commerce survey conducted with Real Results Marketing revealed that more distributors are crossing the threshold to e-commerce maturity and are focused on growing e-commerce success. Topics examined include top e-commerce priorities and practices, as well as best practices of driving demand and keeping visitors engaged.

Articles included in this special report:

E-Commerce Races to Maturity
E-Commerce Journey Continues
2016 State of E-Commerce in Distribution Webcast Slide Deck & Survey Results

Click on the link below to download this special report in PDF format.

Not a subscriber? Subscribe below or learn more.

May 13, 2016

eCommerce

Finding the Right Fit: What Do You Need from E-Commerce?

New tool helps distributors and manufacturers assess e-commerce platforms.

May 13, 2016

eCommerce

2016 State of E-Commerce: E-Commerce Journey Continues

More distributors are crossing the threshold to e-commerce maturity, according to the fifth annual MDM distribution e-commerce survey conducted in partnership with Real Results Marketing. But if they expect continued growth, they must remember it is a journey, not a one-time event.

Part 1 of this series examined the continued trend of distributors moving from the nascent stage – less than 5 percent of revenue being through the e-commerce channel – to the growth and maturity stages.

This article includes:

Marketing vehicle effectiveness
How to keep website visitors engaged
Self-service capabilities

Subscribers should log in below to read this article.

Not a subscriber? Subscribe below or learn more. Subscribers also have access to the following related articles:

Be Patient, Persistent on Your E-Commerce Journey
Grainger Tackles the Data Challenge
2016 Distribution Remodel: ‘Invest or Die’

May 10, 2016

Companies

Effective e-commerce strategies require patience and persistence.

April 19, 2016

eCommerce

E-Commerce Tightening Industrial Real Estate

Migration to online shopping drastically affecting vacancies and rents, but relief on the way.

April 18, 2016

eCommerce

MDM Premium Extra: 2016 State of E-Commerce in Distribution (Webcast Transcript)

To thank you for your business and add value to your MDM Premium subscription, MDM offers bonus content each month exclusively to premium subscribers.

This month we feature a summary and transcript of the MDM Webcast, 2016 State of E-Commerce in Distribution, which examines how the industry’s e-commerce offerings are maturing. The webcast features Thomas P. Gale, Publisher, Modern Distribution Management; Jonathan Bein, Senior Partner, Real Results Marketing; Don Polletta, Vice President of Marketing, Torrco; and Joe Bennett, Senior Vice President, Sales, Unilog.

This content is exclusively available as bonus content to MDM subscribers. Download the content below.

If your subscription is about to expire, has already expired or if you just want to ensure uninterrupted access to mdm.com, renew your subscription today.

April 15, 2016

eCommerce

Commentary: Be Patient, Persistent on Your E-Commerce Journey

When it comes to e-commerce, you cant just build it and expect them to come.

Subscribers should log in below to read this article.

Not a subscriber? Subscribe below or learn more. Subscribers also have access to the following related articles:

AD Tackles E-Commerce Monster
3 Keys to a Successful Digital Strategy
The ROI Case for B2B E-Commerce

April 10, 2016

eCommerce

2016 State of E-Commerce: E-Commerce Races to Maturity

The fifth annual MDM distribution e-commerce survey conducted with Real Results Marketing revealed several key trends:

The number of companies with at least 10 percent of their total revenue from e-com¬merce grew 8 percentage points from 2014.
Most distributors require a customer to log in to see pricing and purchase products.
The primary objectives among distributors for e-commerce remain acquiring new customers, enhancing their company brands and improving the user experience.
A quarter of distributors receive 50 percent or more of their orders by email.

This article examines the results of the 2016 State of E-Commerce in Distribution Survey and how the industry’s e-commerce offerings are maturing.

This article includes:

E-commerce top priorities
Types of e-commerce platforms
Tips for handling pricing

Subscribers should log in below to read this article.

Not a subscriber? Subscribe below or learn more. Subscribers also have access to the following related articles:

The ROI Case for B2B E-Commerce
Grainger Tackles the Data Challenge
Historical E-Commerce Trends in Distribution

April 10, 2016

Companies

5 ‘Small’ Moves Have Big Returns for Wolseley

CEO: 'Our business does not yield to grand gestures.'

March 23, 2016

Data & Analytics

MDM Premium Extra: 10 Tips for Remodeling Your Business

To thank you for your business and add value to your MDM Premium subscription, MDM offers bonus content each month exclusively to premium subscribers.

This month we feature 10 Tips for Remodeling Your Business, which many distributors need to undertake to remain competitive amid changing market conditions. Distribution leaders and consultants share their advice on why investing in your company – even during a downturn – is imperative for survival, as well as where to focus resources.

This content is exclusively available as bonus content to MDM subscribers. Log-in below to download the PDF of this month's report.

Not a subscriber? Subscribe now starting at $195.

March 23, 2016

Data & Analytics

MDM Premium Extra: Optimizing Omnichannel for Distributors

To thank you for your business and add value to your MDM Premium subscription, MDM offers bonus content each month exclusively to premium subscribers.

This month we feature a bonus article on how wholesale distributors can tailor the omnichannel experience for their customers. Associate Editor Eric Smith shares highlights from a presentation Vish Ganapathy, vice president and chief technology officer, IBM Consumer Industry, delivered at the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors Executive Summit in Washington, DC, last month.

This content is exclusively available as bonus content to MDM subscribers. Log-in below to download the PDF of this month's report.

Not a subscriber? Subscribe now starting at $195.

February 16, 2016

eCommerce

2016 Distribution Remodel: ‘Invest or Die’

Distributors that invest wisely in talent, technology or other areas of their business will gain a competitive advantage and market share when economic conditions improve. This article explains why strategic investment is critical and provides tips on where and how to devote resources.

This article includes: