10 Reasons Independent Distributors Beat National Chains
The industrial valve industry is a multi-billion-dollar industry. Over the last decade our industry has experienced significant consolidation of wholesale distribution into large national chains. These large chains have enormous capabilities with supply chain reach, access to capital, and geographic footprint. But, they also have significant disadvantages—the first and foremost being that they are either publicly traded or are owned by venture capital. These two ownership structures can put significant restraints on a national chain distributor’s ability to create a great customer experience.
This is where the independently owned and operated/privately held distributor creates advantages that the national chains struggle with. Here are 10 advantages you have when working with a local distributor like Petrovalve versus a national chain.
1. Personalized service and relationships: Local distributors like Petrovalve typically have a smaller customer base, allowing us to provide more personalized attention and build stronger relationships with you. This leads to more customized solutions and a better overall customer experience.
2. Faster and more efficient delivery: Being located
closer to our customers, local we often have a better understanding of local
traffic patterns and delivery routes, enabling quicker and more reliable
deliveries. This is why we can offer
free standard freight on orders placed on Petrovalve.com.
3. Better knowledge of local markets: We have deeper insights into regional preferences, trends, and needs, allowing us to offer you more customized products and services.
4. Flexibility and responsiveness: We tend to be more accessible and adaptable to your specific requirements and can respond more quickly to changes or issues.
5. Expert staff and technical knowledge: We employ highly knowledgeable staff who provide expert advice on products and their applications.
6. Installation and post-sale support: We can offer guidance on product installation and follow up after the sale to ensure you have what you need.
7. Competitive pricing: Despite misconceptions, local
distributors like Petrovalve can often match national chains in terms of
pricing. In fact, we can often beat
them!
8. Lower minimum orders: at Petrovalve, we do not
have minimum order requirements, which can be beneficial for you if you have
limited storage space or capital.
9. Combined product orders: We often combine orders
for different products from various manufacturers, streamlining the purchasing
process.
10. Loyalty to core customers: We will remain
committed to creating the best customer experience in our industry. We don’t answer to shareholders—we answer to
you.
While national chain distributors may offer certain advantages in terms of product range and nationwide coverage, local distributors like Petrovalve provide a more personalized, flexible, and market-specific approach that can be particularly beneficial for small to medium-sized businesses or those requiring specialized products and services.