4 replies to this topic

[Actone]

I have notice proforma has attracted dist. In the industry that is joining up in big numbers. What are they doing that makes them so attractive? Actone

[bdp656]

I am not sure but I might think it is because some people want a "system" to follow. Also they may be brand new to the industry.

I am sure there are also thoughts that you get support and discounts that you would not get without them.

Some people start their own burger joint and some become a mcdonalds franchise.

Just my .02

[Actone]

Thanks for the reply. I view this the same way you do. So far I have not been impressed. There is a angle to everything. Cost of doing business can be expensive. Actone

[Actone]

I didn't mean to start a fire storm here. Just interesed in learning there concept of doing business. It seems to mean that the % of off the top should be paid by the companies they promote not the people they sign up. This is probably happening both ways. One big buying group. They have taken this concept from the office products industry and applied it to Ad-Spec. Smart move...

Actone

[margie@kapcoadv.com]

Overall, our move to Proforma was wise. We eliminated the need for a full-time accounting/office manager person, as Proforma processes customer and vendor payments.

Their order processing software saved us A LOT that we were considering investing.

The negotiated discounts with suppliers are great, and even better is having a dedicated rep with a lot of the companies we do business with.

Proforma is very technology driven. New company store format enables us to keep offering our customers what they need, and do it at a competitive price.
They are also launching a completely integrated technology package that will enable the distributor to cover an order complete from quote to order, with CRM capabilities and more.

Their support people are great--Friendly and efficient.

Yes, you do have to consider that you are losing a percentage of your profit. But, if you were spending that anyway on a staff person to process your bills, what's the difference?

We can operate more "lean and mean" and that enables us to compete in this tough economy.

We had tried another company before Proforma (where we were sales reps with them, and could not retain ownership of our customers) and our share of the profits was laughable. Still had to babysit orders, and we were supposed to be paying them to do that!

I think it all depends on your business model. Do you want to take care of your own orders, follow up on them to make sure they ship, etc? If so, Proforma is perfect. If you want to send in an order, and have someone else take care of it from there, then choose another opportunity.

I hope this helps!:)