Are suppliers too aggressive in Vegas?
Here’s a novel proposal: Suppliers should only visit mattress showrooms in Las Vegas on Wednesday and Thursday, after retailers have visited the spaces on Monday and Tuesday.
A couple of my friends on the manufacturing side of the business think that’s a great idea, especially after they were inundated with suppliers at the recent Las Vegas Market. The main purpose of market, you will recall, is to bring producers and retailers together.
Now before you suppliers rise up and protest, let me hasten to say that I believe most bedding suppliers are considerate of the time of the producers they are visiting. And I’m not saying that suppliers are running amok at market.
But at the last Vegas market, I did see a lot of suppliers on Monday. And that does seem a bit early for suppliers to begin making their rounds. Wouldn’t it be more thoughtful of them to let the producers get their market off to a good start first?
The Las Vegas Market, packed for bear with bedding producers, is fertile ground for suppliers. I realize that. But should there be some informal rules for when suppliers start visiting producers’ showrooms? Let the debate begin.
Exhibitor commented:
Excellent question Mr. Perry!
As a person paying over $60k for eight days a year to maintain a showroom, I feel the pull to buyers over suppliers.
However, suppliers who know not to come in packs, who respect that I need to walk away to meet with a customer are welcome. They also helped greatly to pass the time Wednesday - Thursday when the customers were not appearing in the space.
Suppliers like Don Wright are always welcome in my showroom, (even when he is peddling ISPA agendas) they just need to realize / respect the pecking order and purpose. Something Pegasus missed perhaps?
Lisa S. commented:
From the suppliers that I saw on Monday and Tuesday, it was all people that I was happy to see. Maybe it is because I have always had a genuine interest in the supply side (and I'm a retailer). As long as they don't get in the way (which they weren't in mine), I don't really see a need to separate them.
I think we need to give designers different days than retailers. Yes, I know the retail too, but not on the same level.
Tim Sommer commented:
There are clearly many good reasons for a supplier to attend the market. Viewing the activity is perhaps more important than anything you might accomplish in the limited time a manufacturer may allow you! Its important to respect the time and priorities of out partners!
Mattress Maker commented:
If the suppliers are doing their job throughout the year, they don't need to go to a market where retailers are engaged with the manufacturers. I agree with David Perry, if they simply wish to see what is being offered they could come on the last day.
Warren Littrell commented:
Don Wright has it right. The Markets are for the furniture producers and the retailers. Suppliers of the producers play a backrom role to the industry. Their job is to convince the producers to incorporate their components ito their products. Let's leave the Furniture Markets do what they were created for.
Don Wright commented:
Mr. Perry...
I am a supplier... and I completely agree with you. My father taught me this lesson. The Market is the time for Manufacturers to Meet with their customers. Suppliers should do little more than show support for the industry by being present, and yet fully aware of the time they are consuming. I have hopefully taught my sales teams to be unobtrusive and in the background. Interesting suggestion, perhaps this will gain some traction and at least make all of us on the supply side more sensitive to our customers time restrictions.
Dave Perry commented:
Dear Pegasus: I'm assuming by your comment that you are a supplier. Rather than attack me, why don't you offer your views on the issue at hand?
Pegasus commented:
It amazes me how dumb you are.
