--- title: Bruce Fox Blog | Challenges faced by distributors (3) description: "Challenges faced by distributors | Get insights, tips, ideas, & more \"edu-tainment\" by reading our blog here... (3)" --- [![Custom Awards & Branded Displayable Products](https://info.brucefox.com/hubfs/Brucefoxapril2016_Theme/Images/logo-1.png)](http://brucefox.com/) Custom Awards & Branded Displayable Products [Interested in a career at Bruce Fox?](http://brucefox.com/careers) - [Home](http://brucefox.com/) - About - [Who We Are](http://brucefox.com/who-we-are/) - [The Bruce Fox Story](http://brucefox.com/about-2/bruce-fox-story/) - [Did You Know?](http://brucefox.com/about-2/faq/) - [What We Do](http://brucefox.com/why-bruce-fox/what/) - [What We Make](http://brucefox.com/our-capabilities/product-applications/) - [Support Services](http://brucefox.com/our-capabilities/support-services/) - Products - Bruce Fox Custom - [Bruce Fox Portfolio (Interactive)](http://fliphtml5.com/jmiqz/wwnl) - [Bruce Fox Portfolio (PDF)](https://brucefox.com/custom-awards-portfolio/) - DYR Stock Solutions - [2019 DYR Collection](https://dyr.brucefox.com/) - [ESP Product Search](http://mydyr.com/) - [2019 DYR Catalog (PDF)](https://brucefox.com/dyr-catalog-pdf/) - [DYR Catalog (Interactive)](http://online.fliphtml5.com/jmiqz/qmxk/) - [The Drinkwell](https://brucefox.com/new-drinkwell/) - [The Box](https://brucefox.com/box/) - [Signage & Lobby Art](https://brucefox.com/signage-lobby-art/) - Distributor Tools - [Why Bruce Fox? 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They want to start promoting themselves. Which makes sense, right? But outside of handing out a lot of promotional product samples, what else can you do to promote yourself? There are plenty of elements to that the equation, but an ever-growing answer is digital marketing; which is where my expertise comes in. So, here are some tools I’ve picked up throughout the years and, as an extra bonus, most of these marketing tools are free or mostly free. I should note that we made a [marketing tools list](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/the-free-marketing-tools-you-need-to-be-a-promotional-products-pro) a while ago, which people having been asking for more tools since then, so here’s my version of the requested follow-up. [Read More](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/14-mostly-free-marketing-tools) 1 Comment [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/14-mostly-free-marketing-tools#comments-listing) Tags: [Sales tools for distributors](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/topic/sales-tools-for-distributors), [Challenges faced by distributors](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/topic/challenges-faced-by-distributors) ## [Precious Metal Plaques](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/precious-metal-plaques) Posted by [Kristina Hublar](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/author/kristina-hublar) on Mar 12, 2019 2:10:00 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![Precious_Metals_American_Airlines_pg4](https://info.brucefox.com/hubfs/Precious_Metals_American_Airlines_pg4.jpg)](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/precious-metal-plaques) Estimated Read Time: 5 Minutes --- Marble, gold, and silver are common for awards and plaques, but few people realize that they can (are typically are) too expensive for the budget. That’s especially so when the client wants something “more along their branding and company’s personality." [That sounds more like a custom piece](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/11-signs-your-customers-are-looking-for-custom). However, if custom is not possible, distributors have to find alternatives to the heavy marble awards to stand on desks or the shiny silver plaque that hangs up on the wall. However, there are ways to get that look without having to deal with the hefty weight, as well as avoid having to spend large amounts of money. [Read More](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/precious-metal-plaques) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/precious-metal-plaques#comments-listing) Tags: [Sales tools for distributors](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/topic/sales-tools-for-distributors), [Challenges faced by distributors](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/topic/challenges-faced-by-distributors), [Benefits for the end clients](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/topic/benefits-for-the-end-clients) ## [How to Make the Transition from Order-Taker to Sales Leader](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/how-to-make-the-transition-from-order-taker-to-sales-leader) Posted by [Kristina Hublar](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/author/kristina-hublar) on Feb 26, 2019 8:11:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![How to Make the Transition from Order-Taker to Sales Leader](https://info.brucefox.com/hubfs/Stock%20images/Pretty%20waitresses%20working%20with%20a%20smile%20at%20the%20coffee%20shop.jpeg)](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/how-to-make-the-transition-from-order-taker-to-sales-leader) Estimated Read Time: 12 Minutes --- Order-Taker – it’s not an endearing term, yet it satisfies the job description for many in the promotional products industry. From the Swag-Getters to the Branded Products Retrievers, our industry is flooded with people who just take orders without any question or real thought behind *why* their customer wants those tchotchkes. Dave wrote a blog a while ago – [Welcome to McPromoland, May I Take Your Order?](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/welcome-to-mcpromoland-may-i-take-your-order-0) this hit a little too close to home for some. Why? He called out many promotional products companies for being no better than a fast food joint.   “If you are showing pictures and taking orders by number, and there is no personal relationship with your customers, then you are operating a [McPromoland](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/welcome-to-mcpromoland-may-i-take-your-order-0).” [Read More](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/how-to-make-the-transition-from-order-taker-to-sales-leader) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/how-to-make-the-transition-from-order-taker-to-sales-leader#comments-listing) Tags: [Sales tools for distributors](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/topic/sales-tools-for-distributors), [Challenges faced by distributors](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/topic/challenges-faced-by-distributors), [Objections posed by distributors](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/topic/objections-posed-by-distributors) ## [US-Made Frames](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/us-made-frames) Posted by [Kristina Hublar](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/author/kristina-hublar) on Feb 19, 2019 10:30:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![US-Made Frames](https://info.brucefox.com/hubfs/Blog_Images/US-Made%20Frames/framedartawards.jpg)](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/us-made-frames) Estimated Read Time: 8 Minutes --- With all of the industry changes, distributors are left with a choice. You are standing at a crossroads right now. And you have two roads to choose from. One is to continue to outsource your goods; whether it’s your cups, glasses, and certificate frames, or even your [custom goods](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/11-signs-your-customers-are-looking-for-custom). The other is to [work with US manufacturers](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/dont-fear-the-tariffs); ones who do not have to wait for overseas shipping, tariffs, or foreign holidays that shut down the country for weeks. In addition to satisfying the growing demands for products made in the USA. As you are aware, there have been a few of articles [written about this](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/tariffying) choice. So, which road will you choose? [Read More](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/us-made-frames) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/us-made-frames#comments-listing) Tags: [Sales tools for distributors](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/topic/sales-tools-for-distributors), [Challenges faced by distributors](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/topic/challenges-faced-by-distributors) ## [Building Client Relationships](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/building-client-relationships) Posted by [Kristina Hublar](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/author/kristina-hublar) on Jan 22, 2019 12:58:00 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![Building Client Relationships](https://info.brucefox.com/hubfs/Stock%20images/team%20of%20successful%20business%20people%20having%20a%20meeting%20in%20executive%20sunlit%20office.jpeg)](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/building-client-relationships) Estimated Read Time: 14 minutes --- Relationships are the lifeblood of this industry. With the [age of Amazon](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/shirt-happens) on our doorstep, you have to [define your value](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/value-more-than-price) to customers (which has to be more than price, especially with the [tariffs](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/tariffying)). For some, it’s about approaching their clients and the relationship [like a consultant or agency](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/like-an-agency); which is wise in this ever-changing industry. Despite so many concurring that we need to build relationships beyond price, many don’t know how to do so. That’s why I’ve written this blog about building relationships. Now, since I’m in the custom awards & displayable recognition segment, much of what I say will apply to that. However, you can easily glean plenty of info from this blog. [Read More](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/building-client-relationships) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/building-client-relationships#comments-listing) Tags: [Sales tools for distributors](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/topic/sales-tools-for-distributors), [Challenges faced by distributors](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/topic/challenges-faced-by-distributors) ## [New Sales Tactics for 2019](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/new-sales-tactics-for-2019) Posted by [Kristina Hublar](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/author/kristina-hublar) on Jan 1, 2019 12:13:00 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![New Sales Tactics for 2019](https://info.brucefox.com/hubfs/Stock%20images/Opportunity%20Just%20Ahead%20sign%20on%20desert%20road.jpeg)](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/new-sales-tactics-for-2019) Estimated Read Time: 10 Minutes --- While on the various Facebook groups, Twitter chats, and blogs, I’ve noticed a few key topics. 1. Tariffs 2. Interesting Products 3. Sales Tips [Read More](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/new-sales-tactics-for-2019) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/new-sales-tactics-for-2019#comments-listing) Tags: [Sales tools for distributors](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/topic/sales-tools-for-distributors), [Benefits for the distributor](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/topic/benefits-for-the-distributor), [Challenges faced by distributors](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/topic/challenges-faced-by-distributors) ## [‘Twas The Night Of The Banquet](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/twas-the-night-of-the-banquet) Posted by [Dave Miller](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/author/dave-miller) on Dec 24, 2018 4:13:00 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![santa3.jpg](https://info.brucefox.com/hubfs/Blog_Images/Blog_27/santa3.jpg)](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/twas-the-night-of-the-banquet) Read Time - 3 Minutes (This blog was originally published on Dec. 14, 2016) --- ‘Twas the night of the banquet, when all through the room Not a soul could be found, but they’d be on hand soon. The tables were dressed in fine linens with care, In hopes that everyone soon would be there. The recipients descended all dressed to the nines, While visions of grandeur danced in their minds. As the host for the evening, I went over my notes, Complete with some wit, and a few pithy quotes. When out in the lobby there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my chair to see what was the matter. Away to the foyer I flew like a flash, To see what was troubling this well thought-out bash.  [Read More](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/twas-the-night-of-the-banquet) 1 Comment [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/twas-the-night-of-the-banquet#comments-listing) Tags: [Challenges faced by distributors](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/topic/challenges-faced-by-distributors) ## [Don’t Fear the Tariffs](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/dont-fear-the-tariffs) Posted by [Kristina Hublar](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/author/kristina-hublar) on Dec 11, 2018 1:57:00 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![Don't Fear the Promotional Product Industry Tariffs](https://info.brucefox.com/hubfs/Stock%20images/Under%20boss%20pressure.jpeg)](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/dont-fear-the-tariffs) Estimated Read Time: 8 Minutes --- I was inspired by [Dave’s blog](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/tariffying) – in topic and imagery. The main image of the blog has a reaper, which is rather poignant for his argument. Despite the perfect symbolism for the blog, I can’t help the Blue Oyster Cult song “[Don’t Fear the Reaper](https://youtu.be/q-XHvZKsLcY)” playing in my head each time I look at the photo. [Read More](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/dont-fear-the-tariffs) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/dont-fear-the-tariffs#comments-listing) Tags: [Sales tools for distributors](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/topic/sales-tools-for-distributors), [Benefits for the distributor](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/topic/benefits-for-the-distributor), [Challenges faced by distributors](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/topic/challenges-faced-by-distributors), [Benefits for the end clients](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/topic/benefits-for-the-end-clients) ## [Prospecting for Sales Success](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/prospecting-for-sales-success) Posted by [Kristina Hublar](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/author/kristina-hublar) on Dec 4, 2018 12:11:00 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![Prospecting for Sales success](https://info.brucefox.com/hubfs/Stock%20images/3D%20red%20target%20man%20isolated%20over%20a%20white%20background.jpeg)](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/prospecting-for-sales-success) Estimated Read Time: 7 Minutes --- From scheduling meetings with prospects to following up with clients and suppliers for orders, distributors are swamped. It’s easy to get caught up in the grind and lose sight of some key aspects to prospecting and sales. Even the [Sales 101 tactics](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/7-promo-product-selling-tips) that we all (or certainly the majority) agree upon get buried under tasks, meetings, and client communication. Now, we all know [prospecting](https://blog.hubspot.com/sales/prospecting) is a crucial part of your sales funnel. However, it tends to be more than just time-consuming. There is waste –wasting time and energy. Which, time is one of our most limited resources. So wasting time and effort on a prospect that is not worth it is not only a time-suck but is also damaging to you and your company. So let’s use a rifle bullet to target the prospects you want, rather than using the exhausting shot-gun approach. [Read More](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/prospecting-for-sales-success) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/prospecting-for-sales-success#comments-listing) Tags: [Sales tools for distributors](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/topic/sales-tools-for-distributors), [Challenges faced by distributors](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/topic/challenges-faced-by-distributors) ## [9 Ways to Prepare for the Holidays](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/9-ways-prepare-holidays) Posted by [Kristina Hublar](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/author/kristina-hublar) on Nov 27, 2018 8:17:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![9 Ways to Prepare for the Holidays](https://info.brucefox.com/hubfs/Stock%20images/Quiet%20avenue%20of%20trees%20after%20a%20snowstorm%20An%20aspect%20of%20winter%20more%20agreeable%20to%20many%20than%20what%20they%20often%20see%20on%20newscasts.jpeg)](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/9-ways-prepare-holidays) Estimated Read Time: 6 Minutes --- The holidays quickly turn into a giant to-do list, especially for business professionals. If you ever have to deal with vendors, clients, or other outside connections, you have to work around being off for a few days, deal with company shut-downs, and any other little surprises that come up this time of year. That’s why I’ve gone ahead and created a holiday prep list. We can all use a helpful list to just check off as we countdown to the holiday break. [Read More](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/9-ways-prepare-holidays) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/9-ways-prepare-holidays#comments-listing) Tags: [Benefits for the distributor](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/topic/benefits-for-the-distributor), [Challenges faced by distributors](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/topic/challenges-faced-by-distributors) [Previous](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/topic/challenges-faced-by-distributors/page/2) [All posts](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/all) [Next](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/topic/challenges-faced-by-distributors/page/4) ### Subscribe to Email Updates ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [Sales tools for distributors (114)](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/topic/sales-tools-for-distributors) - [Challenges faced by distributors (66)](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/topic/challenges-faced-by-distributors) - [Benefits for the distributor (64)](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/topic/benefits-for-the-distributor) - [Benefits for the end clients (60)](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/topic/benefits-for-the-end-clients) - [Bruce Fox (34)](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/topic/bruce-fox) - [Challenges faced by companies (20)](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/topic/challenges-faced-by-companies) - [Objections posed by distributors (10)](https://info.brucefox.com/blog/topic/objections-posed-by-distributors) see all - [Home](http://brucefox.com/) - [About](https://brucefox.com/who-we-are/) - [Products](https://brucefox.com/products/) - [Bruce Fox Portfolio](https://brucefox.com/custom-awards-portfolio/) - [Who Needs Recognition?](http://brucefox.com/why-bruce-fox/who/) - [Connect With Us](http://brucefox.com/become-a-distributor/) - [Contact Us](http://brucefox.com/contact-us/) - [Distributor Tools](https://brucefox.com/distributor-tools/) [![Custom Awards & Branded Displayable Products](https://info.brucefox.com/hubfs/Brucefoxapril2016_Theme/Images/logo-secondary.png)](http://brucefox.com/) Custom Awards & Branded Displayable Products Copyright © 2015 Bruce Fox. 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