Is Being a Distributor a Long-Term Business?

Ask the Accountant… Question: I have been a distributor for over 25 years, and would like my daughter to take over my business in the next five years. She is concerned that being a distributor is not a long-term business. What do you think? Answer: Being an ad specialty distributor is definitely a long-term, lifetime…

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What to Know When You Don’t Know

I have heard lots of excuses for people not to making sales calls or recruiting calls. One of the most common excuses I hear is that people are afraid they may be asked a question for which they don’t have an answer. They are afraid that not having all the answers will make them look…

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What Makes a Strong Distributor Brand (and Why You Need One)

As a promotional products distributor, you are in the business of branding. In an overly commoditized marketplace, if you want to grow your business, you must lead by example with a strong brand that differentiates you from the rest by establishing your expertise and authority in the marketplace…

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The Pros and Cons of Specializing in the Distributor Business

Do you specialize in a particular market? This is one question I always ask distributors at educational presentations as well as one-to-one consultations. Nine out of 10 times, the answer is no. Most feel it’s best to serve as many industries as possible and not limit themselves. Is that the right approach?…

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Time Is Money. Really.

I have said many times that there is no excuse for not making $500,000 per year in this industry, whether you are a business owner or a sales rep. Time is money. You heard it before. But do you really believe it? Do you really treat time like money? Think about it this way. Let’s say…

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What’s the Easiest Way to Place a Reorder in QuickBooks?

Ask the Accountant… Question: A customer is placing a reorder. Is there an easy way to do that in QB Premier? Answer: Yes. Open the original sales order and click “Create a Copy” at the top of the screen. Make any adjustments to prices in the new sales order, then create the supplier purchase order…

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Why Did QuickBooks Premier Become So Expensive?

Ask the Accountant… Question: The price for QB Premier has gone up a lot recently. I found a much lower price online. Is it the same thing? Should I wait and see if the prices come down? Answer: Intuit has significantly increased the prices for QB Premier 2021. The wholesale pricing has nearly doubled, and…

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3 Drivers of Change in the Promotional Products Business

Right now, your clients are undergoing major changes that are affecting their needs for promotional products. With events out of the equation, employees working from home and staff reductions, companies are using promotional products very differently. Understanding these changes will help you provide the right solutions for your clients…

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Why Do I Have Negative Amounts in My Accounts Payable Aging Report?

Ask the Accountant… Question: I am having small negative amounts left over in my accounts payable aging report after I record paying suppliers. What am I doing wrong? Answer: Negative amounts in your accounts payable are usually the result of the QuickBooks supplier purchase order not matching exactly the invoice from the supplier before creating…

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