A series of key supplier presentations underlined the mutual benefit aspect of ASA's bi-annual trade show with both sides working together to achieve a win-win solution to a challenging trading environment.
Described by some members as one of the group's best ever trade shows, ASA Trade Meet (held in conjunction with its annual catalogue launch) attracted around 160 delegates and 95 suppliers to Jupiters Hotel and Casino on the Gold Coast last weekend (23-24 February).
Among the larger delegations was national operator Quick Corporate, which sent 47 team members, including staff from its newly-acquired New South Wales business Universal Office & Computer Supplies, a long-standing ASA member.
ASA general manager Siobhan Tagell and group chairman John Duncan (Sharp Electronics) both acknowledged the support of key suppliers, who have helped the 10-member group achieve turnover of around $95 million.
“We know it's a big cost for suppliers to support trade shows and that's why we choose to stage our event every two years and to deal with preferred suppliers and not grey market operators,” Duncan said. “We appreciate the reliability and continuity that our suppliers provide.”
Duncan also commended major trade meet sponsors for the the standard of their presentations, many of which adopted the gambling theme of the event.
Major sponsors were Australian Office, Brother, Fellowes, Dynamic Supplies, ACCO Brands, Pelikan Artline and Newell Rubbermaid.
Next level sponsors were Cumberland, Avery, Jasco, Vista, Double A, Bantex, Quill and Fineseat.
Dynamic Supplies national sales and marketing manager Paul Manning urged ASA members to closely monitor internet sites as many online-only operators did not provide transparent pricing.
“You have to get to know the internet players and compare the delivered price,” he said. “You have to factor in things such as shipping, credit card and handling fees.”
Manning said Dynamic Supplies was 100 per cent supportive of the reseller channel and, consequently, the company did not support online sites such as Megabuy.
Manning also advised resellers to develop stronger relationship with their customers as “print partners”, particularly with major manufacturers ramping up direct managed print services.
