LAGUNA HILLS, CA (BRAIN)—It’s being updated and will soon be back. The 2012 Industry Directory is in the works and will be included with the January issue of Bicycle Retailer & Industry News.
“Our Industry Directory continues to be the only popular listing of distributors and suppliers that dealers can easily use to call or email companies for information or to place orders,” said Marc Sani, the magazine’s publisher.
“There’s a disconnect between how dealers and suppliers perceive and use traditional print directories,” Sani said. Supplier websites seldom include either a dealer-specific phone number or an email address that goes directly to an inside sales rep.
“And a number of dealers have made that point to us. Most company email addresses often use an “info@” configuration and most companies seldom respond in a timely manner when dealers email seeking information. It’s frustrating. An updated directory with key information specifically for dealers helps them avoid that frustration,” Sani said.
In addition, the directory will include a separate section for distributors listing the many brand-name products they offer dealers. “Many dealers appreciate this feature since it’s quick and easy for them to spot a particular product they want to stock,” Sani said.
The magazine has retained Julie Kelly to manage the directory updates and to offer interested companies a logo upgrade. Kelly, a Cat. II roadie and a former inside sales rep, is calling upwards of 1,800 companies using the magazine’s list as well as Interbike’s.
“The new directory for 2012 will be among the best and most accurate in the industry once she’s finished,” Sani said. But Kelly needs help. To make certain of inclusion in the directory manufacturers, suppliers and distributors should send Kelly the following information no later than Nov. 23:
-Company Name
-Address
-Person to contact
-800# or other inside sales #
-Contact email address
-Website URL
Send your directory information directly to Kelly at jkelly@bicycleretailer.com. For further information, please contact the publisher at msani@bicycleretailer.com or call him directly at (949) 206-1677 ext. 205.
