Here are stories that support and explain the Independent concept. Each story is separated by a horizontal line.

Here are 10 reasons why end users should buy from distributors. You can use them all at once, or individually in multiple mailings.

10 Great Reasons to Work with an Independent Distributor

• Independent distributors serve as a one-stop source. Like most Businesses, your firm probably wants to increase efficiencies by working with fewer vendors. That's where an independent can help. They offer a wide array of printed products—such as labels, forms, plastic cards and mailers—to help your business run efficiently. But many distributors also provide promotional products (advertising specialties), office supplies, direct mail, commercial printing, digital printing and technology solutions, such as electronic forms. If you are looking for a highly complex product, an oddball item or a turnaround that seems impossible, turn to your independent distributor.

• Independent distributors provide services, not just products. They specialize in inventory management—making sure you have what you need when you need it. They can offer up-to-date inventory reports, pick and pack services, distribution to multiple locations and fulfillment. But inventory management is just one facet of a distributor's service offering. They can help you manage mailing lists, design a point-of-purchase display, suggest a theme for an advertising campaign or help you implement a bar coded inventory system.

• Independent distributors stay abreast of technological developments. In today's fast-paced business environment, it's essential that your business partners stay ahead of the technology curve. Distributors are highly trained professionals who make it their job to stay up-to-date on variable imaging, data capture, e-commerce, bar coding and other technologies so you don't have to.

• Independent distributors offer custom solutions to your problems. They are not interested merely in selling a product to add to their bottom line. They prefer to sell solutions that will enhance your bottom line. Understanding your business is at the core of their business. They are consultants who can help make your internal processes more efficient, saving your company time and money. These problem-solvers know how to eliminate obsolete documents, combine documents for improved efficiency or convert documents to electronic forms when it makes sense. They also can analyze business processes to help you weigh the pros and cons of different technology solutions.

• Independent distributors can get the best product/price/delivery combination to meet your needs. Independents are not bound by the policies, product lines or production limitations of any single source of supply. By working with a wide array of manufacturers and business partners, they can deliver what you are looking for at a low cost. And, they can reduce freight costs by picking a manufacturer near your delivery site.

• Independent distributors sell the majority of products in the marketplace today. A recent research study produced by the Document Management Industries Association showed that distributors control 54 percent of the market for forms, labels, checks, direct mail and other business printing.

• Independent distributors offer topnotch customer service. Good customer service isn't just lip service for independent business products professionals. Distributors pride themselves by going above and beyond to do business exactly the way your company wants to do business. That means providing customized inventory reports and invoices designed the way you like to read them, meeting with you when—and as often as—you want to, and shipping and packaging items the way you want to simplify processing at your company.

• Independent distributors specialize in helping businesses of all sizes. They have experience working with local businesses that are just getting off the ground as well as national corporations with multiple locations. Because they serve clients in a variety of industries, they can use expertise gained in one industry to solve problems within your company.

• Independent distributors can help out in a crisis. They help their clients avoid inventory shortages and other emergency situations. If, however, a situation occurs beyond anyone's control, independents can assist you with rush orders, emergency consultations and trouble-shooting.

• Independent distributors are local businesspeople. Doing business with them strengthens the local economy. They employ local people and support community causes right in your area. And local management means decision-makers who can get what you need are easily accessible.

  
  

The Distributor Advantage
Here are just a few reasons to work with your independent document management distributor:

• We are not so big that we lose sight of your goals.
• We sell the majority of products in the marketplace today. A recent research study showed that distributors control 54 percent of the market.
• We can choose from a few hundred manufacturing facilities, allowing us to produce your job in the most cost-effective manner.
• Because of our access to so many manufacturers, our delivery times are often faster than those of competitors.
• We do not have to go through layers of bureaucracy to get your questions answered.
• We offer a broader selection of products, including ad specialties and commercial printing.
• We will dedicate a sales rep to your account, not a telemarketing representative.
• We offer a variety of special services, including rush deliveries and inventory management.
• We are a locally owned business. When you support us, you are strengthening the local economy.

Order Office Products from Us!
Tired of running down to your local office superstore to buy office products? Try ordering office supplies from us. Buying from a superstore is probably more expensive than you think. Have you factored in your employee's wages for the time spent out of the office? What about gas costs? Have you thought about what would happen if an employee had an accident on the way to the superstore? Auto repair costs and personal injury lawsuits probably aren't covered in your annual budget.