Full Version: How's PMDM work?
From: Becky (KIAIJANE) [#1]
11 Nov 2006
To: ALL
Hi All,
I am torn between getting my own ASI membership or doing business with a site like PMDM. I don't know that I have enough ad specialty to justify the membership. I have a few local connections in my area but am finding that to be a slow and costly way to do things.
So I am wondering how this PMDM.com site works. Is it just a search engine that allows you to search the database of vendors? And then I go directly to the vendor to place my order? But when I get to the vendor site, I will most likely have to deal with a local sales rep? So am I right back where I started? (I think maybe I am answering my own questions here)
So I guess what my real question is, what is the best way to include ad-specialty items into my product line without an ASI membership...or is that the best way....keeping in mind I probably currently have less than $100/month in ad specialty and ASI members are a dime a dozen around here? Or do I get a membership and promote it alot more?
Questions questions I have so many questions...LOL
Thanks
Becky
EDITED: 12 Nov 2006 by DGL
From: UncleSteve [#2]
11 Nov 2006
To: Becky (KIAIJANE) [#1] 12 Nov 2006
The first question is WHY would you join ASI?
Is your primary goal to gain access to the suppliers or are you looking for other support/features/shows to attend?
If it is just to gain access to the suppliers, there are less expensive ways that work just about as well.
I believe David Takes may be able to help you out with the promotional products end...
From: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#3]
12 Nov 2006
To: Becky (KIAIJANE) [#1] 12 Nov 2006
I became an ASI listed company when I started in the promotional products industry. After about a year and a half, I got tired of paying them plenty of money to get constantly hit up to purchase their additional services. It was annoying.
ASI offers the most comprehensive product and supplier database software, but you'll find that you only use a core of familiar companies for 90% of your business. The key is to discover which companies provide quality product customization, dependable service, in a timely manner.
An important thing to remember is that you have the responsibility of the customer deadline, but you do not control the production schedule. This is why it is so important to know your companies. Experience is the only way you will learn this.
To get started, you should apply for a UPIC number. You can do this at http://www.upic.org/upic. After you get a UPIC number you should then join Distributor Central. Both of these services are free.
Distributor Central is not the most comprehensive database of products and suppliers, but it provides a no-cost start for you. I have our promotional product company website set up to use their database. Here is a LINK.
A couple of months ago I signed up for a free 30-day trial from SAGE. I used it once that month, because in most cases I knew the companies I wanted to deal with when offering ideas and quotes to satisfy my customers' needs.
The ad specialty business is a great add-on service for our industry, especially if your target market is corporations and organizations. This year my ad specialty busness will produce more than twice the gross revenues of my engraving business.
EDITED: 12 Nov 2006 by DATAKES
From: Becky (KIAIJANE) [#4]
12 Nov 2006
To: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#3] 12 Nov 2006
Dave-
Ok, I registered for the UPIC. Then I get to the Distributor Central and sign up for that. So, then will I be able to order directly from the suppliers or do I still need to go through a sales rep?
Thanks so much for all of your help. I really appreciate it!!
Becky
From: UncleSteve [#5]
12 Nov 2006
To: Becky (KIAIJANE) [#4] 12 Nov 2006
Every company has sales reps. In some, it is by territory/zip code and in others it is who answers the phone when you call. You WILL be ordering from the supplier and not a second tier wholesaler/distributor if that is what you meant.
From: Becky (KIAIJANE) [#6]
12 Nov 2006
To: UncleSteve [#5] 12 Nov 2006
Yes that's what I meant ....not dealing with a second tier distributor. Dealing with the supplier direct.
From: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#7]
12 Nov 2006
To: Becky (KIAIJANE) [#6] 12 Nov 2006
Becky,
Most of these companies are just like the suppliers in the engraving industry. All you do is set up your account, fax or e-mail your puchase order, then e-mail them the corresponding artwork in the format they require.
Most companies will require orders to be made via fax or e-mail because of the custom nature of the order. It is important to avoid mistakes.
The charges I almost always pass on to my customer are:
Set-Ups
PMS Color Matches
Digitizing for Embroidery
Vectorizing
Shipping & Handling
When pricing, you need to realize this busness is based on volume, so your margins won't be anywhere near that of what you make on engraving. You also need to remember that in many cases, all you are doing is shuffling paper and getting paid for it.
The above statement is not to say that you don't have to market creative suggestions to earn your customers' business. In this industry you need to be in perpetual communication with your past and prospective customers. You never know when a need will arise. You want to be on the top of their mind (or their desk) when it does.
From: Becky (KIAIJANE) [#8]
12 Nov 2006
To: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#7] 12 Nov 2006
Dave,
Thanks for everything. That's exactly what I am looking for..a promotional products supplier that I can treat just like any industry supplier. Thank you so much for the links (now we'll just have to see whether they give me a UPIC or not LOL)
Thanks also for helping me realize the "additional costs" to pass on to the customer. Pricing is still something I struggle with but now the added unknown of charging for just basically placing an order...that's a tough one too.
Thanks alot
Becky
From: RALLYGUY (RALLYGUY1) [#9]
12 Nov 2006
To: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#3] 12 Nov 2006
I look at Sage as in between the free versions and ASI at about 10% of the price...(of ASI)
We use sage, and I plan to stick with them.....They have a nice search and proposal building format, and customer database that makes quotes easy...I even use their format for making quotes on orders that we manufacturer ourselves...To me it's worth the $400 ish per year. I know free is hard to beat...but SAGE has been a very nice addition to what we do. It's definitely paid for itself many times over.....
From: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#10]
12 Nov 2006
To: Becky (KIAIJANE) [#8] 12 Nov 2006
Becky,
I would recommend telling them you are in the awards and engraving business and are adding ad specialties to your business.
I have heard of a few people who have had difficulties establishing a number. There are some stipulations. Below is some information fro the UPIC website.
**************************************************
How can I qualify for a UPIC?
You can automatically qualify (upon verification) for a UPIC if you are a PPAI member, Regional Association member, Adventures in Advertising Franchisee, Proforma Franchisee, Press-A-Print Operator, Distributor member of DistributorCentral, or a SAGE subscriber. You may also qualify if you are an ASI subscriber, but you must provide documentation.
If you do not meet any of the above qualifying criteria, depending on your company category, you can qualify by providing the following:
Distributors:
Either provide three invoices from three different promotional product suppliers for at least $100 each (not for samples) dated within the last six months, or be sponsored by at least five members of PPAI. sponsorships must be in writing.
Be in the promotional products industry for at least three months.
Have a promotional products annual sales volume of at least $15,000.
Suppliers:
Either provide six purchase orders from at least four different promotional product distributors, or, be sponsored by at least five members of PPAI. Sponsorships must be in writing.
Be in the promotional products industry for at least six months.
Have a promotional products annual sales volume of at least $50,000.
Supplier Reps/Multiline Reps:
Must represent at least one supplier who has a UPIC.
Provide a letter of recommendation from the supplier on the supplier's letterhead.
Business Services:
Six purchase orders from at least four different promotional product distributors or suppliers, or be sponsored by at least five members of PPAI. Sponsorships must be in writing.
Be in the promotional products industry for at least six months.
From: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#11]
12 Nov 2006
To: Becky (KIAIJANE) [#10] 12 Nov 2006
If you need to provide invoices to qualify for a UPIC number, there are many of our regular suppliers who are ASI listed suppliers. Those who are ASI listed suppliers will display their number on their catalog. Below are just a few of many.
Creative Gifts International
Acrylic Idea Factory
Visions Awards
Awardcraft
Certificate Source
Simba Cal
American Whistle Corp.
Beyberk
Faro USA
Medalcraft Mint
Paragon Pins
Tower Ribbon
Gemini, Inc.
Hub Pen
Imark
Matthews Bronze
Pacesetter Awards
RS Owens
From: Becky (KIAIJANE) [#12]
12 Nov 2006
To: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#11] 12 Nov 2006
Dave-
Ok forgive me for being a total DA but what do I do with that list? Contact them and ask for an invoice? Or an ASI number?
B
From: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#13]
12 Nov 2006
To: Becky (KIAIJANE) [#12] 13 Nov 2006
Becky,
If you read my last post you will see what the stipulations are for acquiring a UPIC number. It is likely that you will have to produce some invoices from ASI listed companies to become eligible for one. I was just providing you a list of a few ASI companies you may have done business with in the past.
It is possible that you won't be able to qualify at this time. I'm not sure what the scope of you past business has been.
EDITED: 12 Nov 2006 by DATAKES
From: RALLYGUY (RALLYGUY1) [#14]
13 Nov 2006
To: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#13] 13 Nov 2006
It can be a "chicken or the egg issue sometimes".
"How can I get experience if no one hires me, due to lack of experience".
:)
From: Becky (KIAIJANE) [#15]
13 Nov 2006
To: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#13] 13 Nov 2006
I'm sorry Dave..I did read your last post. That was my fault for poor communication. I have never placed a promotional products order ever..with anyone. All of our promotional products have been produced in house. I used to have a partner who had an ASI membership. But we split with him and he took ASI with him (and all of the invoices) So I am essentially starting at square one. I never had any involvement with that to begin with so I have no idea who he used etc.
I'm really not trying to be difficult with this and so appreciate all of your time and help. Thank you for helping me understand this process a little better
Becky
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#16]
13 Nov 2006
To: Becky (KIAIJANE) [#15] 13 Nov 2006
Becky,
What David is saying; you may have dealt with (and have invoices from) an ASI company and not realized it.
The companies on the list he posted are some that people in the awards and engraving industry commonly use.
EDITED: 13 Nov 2006 by DGL
From: Becky (KIAIJANE) [#17]
13 Nov 2006
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#16] 13 Nov 2006
Ok, I gotcha now. Boy, did you ever have one of those DUH days?!?! LOL. I am just having such a mental block on this whole thing. I never wanted to get into it (and still don't but at least see the need for it) LOL
Ok, I'm with it now...Thank you Dave for catching me up to speed.
From: UncleSteve [#18]
13 Nov 2006
To: Becky (KIAIJANE) [#15] 13 Nov 2006
When you say your ex-partner "took the ASI with him", have you changed the company name or are you still using the same name?
If the same name, you should be able to contact the ASI companies for confimation that YOU (your company) was an ASI member and, in theory, you still may be but an expired membership.
If so, ASI may be able to help you.
If you can, find out which companies your "ex" bought from and/or which of your customers you sold the merchandise to.
What you need is the ASI number you had.
You could always contact your "ex" and just ask for the information under threat of..... never mind! (devil)
From: Becky (KIAIJANE) [#19]
13 Nov 2006
To: UncleSteve [#18] 13 Nov 2006
Steve-
My "ex" took the company name as well so I am starting over brand new. He actually invoiced all of his ASI purchases under his own ASI company name until we made him put everything through our company after which somehow he "mysteriously" stopped selling ASI.
One of many reasons he is an "ex"....
From: UncleSteve [#20]
13 Nov 2006
To: Becky (KIAIJANE) [#19] 13 Nov 2006
Call the supplier you want to use and tell them you "used to be under the name XXXXXXX and your new company name is YYYYYY" and see what they say.
They really do want your business, but most try to protect the distributors from everyone with a computer jumping in to buy at the insider pricing.
The old name should still be in the ASI registry and partnerships breaking up and going separate ways is nothing new to them.....
Just have to build the credibility that you were in the business previously.
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