Traditional Distributors & New Products

Pavel

Do you feel that your traditional-style hvac distributors are good at introducing, selling, and supporting new or unique products?

If not, how could they improve?

If so, what do you think makes them good?

Examples: The ecobee thermostat, wood burning boilers, or even mini-split heat pumps

grdglobal.com

The distributor is either a small mom & pop or they have been bought up by the large "who cares" buyiing groups. In most areas the distributor is doing all they can to keep the doors open, the bigger guys have counter people that really don't care nor do they have any reason to support one product or another.
It really comes down to the manufacture to make their products standout!

I could be wrong...

Jason

That's precisely the reason so many contractors get their supplies online. I'm not going to tell the store names, but there's a few suppliers out there who are real guys who want your business and have both the tech support and good prices to win over a customer. Local stores simply stock pipes and fittings and when it comes to knowledge, they are "please call the manufacturer" guys.

John Markl

We have 4 suppliers here (Baker, Amsco, Solar, and Morrison) Three of them are pretty good, one is somewhat lackluster. Aces in Dallas also does two milk runs per week, and their staff is superb.

HVAC Joe

It's a sign of the times, man. When you find that supplier who knows and cares, support him. He'll support you.
And don't be afraid or hesitant about finding him online. (I'm talking to my fellow "older guys" on this one.) While it feels less personal, it might be the only place to find the knowledgeable help you need (and deserve) that' s absent more and more in the live folks hired at a dollar-over-minimum wage to "man the counter."

_______________
Plumbing Boston is my life's work . . .
avoiding Jersey, where my wives lurk.

DrHeat

What are some good on line suppliers? Please give links
And I happen to be an old guy.

amgair

We are Air Marketing Group and we give you the best of both worlds. The knowledge and expertise of large distributor with the personal support you get from a mom and pop shop. Also we have the option to purchase certain equipment on the web. Come take a look for yourself at www.amgair.com or give us a call toll free at 1-800-782-9175.

jakereynolds

My company (Emergent Coils) specializes in replacement coils (mostly commercial and industrial). Since it's our exclusive focus, we are very knowledgeable on the subject. We are based near Denver, but most of our business is nationwide.

We serve a lot of contractors frustrated by the high prices and slow service of buying replacement coils from the manufacturer.
http://www.emergentcoils.com

nyheat

I use these guys a lot for PEX.
http://www.PexUniverse.com