What Some Buyers Really Want...Cheap Crap Online!

We've talked about evolving business models that have created uproar in recent commentaries. First we addressed this in Here We Go Again. Then, we offered a fun, tongue-in-cheek story about FreePromoTips.com launching Snoopes Promo in Discover the Truth About Bad Companies. This was followed up with our commentary, A Condemned Supplier Tells the Truth, featuring ADG Promotional Products president Bill Mahre sharing the truth about how his company operates.

The discussion on how businesses operate continues online in various forums. I believe these types of conversations should be handled carefully.

In today's changing marketplace, a few people have taken the initiative to be the judge and jury on suppliers' business models. It's a big job to attempt to police our industry and I commend them for their efforts. I'm concerned, however, about the destructive nature of calling out companies without knowing all the facts. My hope would be that a professional demeanor would prevail in addressing these situations.

Moving on, I'm now going to go deep and cover what is really important to our end-user buyers. Take note here, as there is a growing trend for a specific business model that has not been addressed. That is... some buyers want cheap stuff. And they like buying online.

It's no secret that in today's marketplace price is important. Do buyers care about quality? If it's cheap enough, they may overlook that they are buying crappy products that may or may not comply with important product safety standards.

Many buyers prefer to simply buy cheap products online without having a clue who they are doing business with. It is up to us to effectively convey the benefits of working with a quality, educated distributor.

One of the downsides of a challenging economy is the near explosion of scams, trunkslammers, downright thieves or just uncaring business entrepreneurs who want to make a quick buck. The promotional product industry has never been immune. With a low barrier of entry almost anyone can enter our industry.