544 replies to this topic

[royster13]

DT is only free if you have not donated.......Please donate if you have not already done so.....Every little bit helps Chris keep this valuable resource on the air....RCS.....

[winnerzone]

Amen Rcs...

[biggerfish]

COOPERSTEPP said:

I wonder if the Distributors in the ASI Ad know where their picture and blurb has ended up, maybe we should enlighten them.

I'm not ASI, so I can't look these guys up on official ASI software, or on their site. In case they're illegible, the numbers/names are:

- Janni Jensen / 231360

Quoted here: http://www.asicentral.com/index.asp (refresh your screen if you don't see her the first time, she'll show up in rotation)

- Tim Larson Dingus / 328465

Quoted here: http://www.asicentra...censees/ups.asp

- Valerie Atkin / 181469

This is a tuff one. One link shows that this number is dkspecialties, in Agoura Hills, CA: http://www.asicentra...abelrequest.txt

But her Promomart link http://dkspecialties.logomall.com shows her in Lenexa, KS - not sure if she's the same one.

The really "kick me" part about this is that I've had this magazine in my to do pile for about 4 weeks, and the magazine itself is from Spring 2005.

[greg muzzillo]

permit me a moment to say that both asi and more competition is GREAT for this industry.

we have been in this industry over 20 years. our sales are over $300 million. and i continue to find their support tools very valuable for helping our franchise owners grow their sales and profits. esp. esp online. logomall. asi transact. counselor magazine. advantages magazine. great regional shows. and more.

additionally....permit me to tell you that more distributors are good for this industry. our competition isn't really each other. our competition is the other places that companies can spend their marketing dollars: television advertising; radio advertising; print advertising; internet advertising; etc. more awareness of our products and services drives more sales in our industry. and it's working because the size of our industry continues to grow.

the marketing cycle is all about

1. awareness
2. trial
3. commitment

i believe the more people that help make end users aware of our industry's products and services...the more end users may move some of their marketing budget and try our products. that's good for all of us. and those of us that have taken the time to become industry professionals...can eventually earn the commitment of these new customers.

so let's find the upside to asi and more competition...sharpen our professionalism...and prepare to go win more customers.

god bless,

greg muzzillo
founder and co-ceo
proforma
greg@proforma.com

[ImageWorks]

That's pretty interesting and quite a coincidence ...... I used to own a computer firm several years ago and I sold a couple lines of my products to VAR's (Value Added Resellers). One was a computer firm that sold medical office systems and software. I recently attended a Regional Show and saw a name tag with the name of the computer firm I sold my computer products to. I questioned him about the Promo Biz and he said ... "Well, we figured we had a pretty captive audience so we opened a division to sell our customers promotional products as well"

I know for a fact they are PPAI members, not sure about ASI.

Eric Schwarzkopf
ImageWorks, LLC

[micrguy]

Just to stir things up a little bit, where would you draw the line at what is a promo distributor or who should have access to promo suppliers. Currently I sell about 50% print, 35% promo and 15% computer supplies. All most suppliers care about is if you are buying the product for re-sale and it doesn't matter what industry you are in. What I think will happen in the future is that most of us will turn into business products distributors that may focus on marketing supplies, yet selling anything that a business would want. If you think there are too many promo distributors now, wait a couple of years. Most print brokers are making promo a key focus for the future. Some of the biggest promo accounts out there are being run by print distributors. Those little yellow bracelets that were so popular last year were being sold by print distributors, not promo distributors.

[Chris Miller]

Greg,

You have a rather interesting view on the situation and I am curious to see if any others feel the same. Is it safe to assume that you stand to profit from newcomers to the industry? Doesn't proforma look for the little guys who need a place to call home? The more members you have, the more profitable you will be - kind of like ASI right? I think you are in a unique situation and therefore have unique views. Guess what - I too could be more profitable here on DT if I had more members. I don't care though. I sleep better at night knowing I offer services to people who are active in our industry. I know a lot of real estate agents and i've never tried to convince them to sell promotional products. I don't want them to.

I don't agree that bringing people into our industry who know nothing about it is GOOD for the industry. In fact, I believe this causes more harm than good. I also don't appreciate my industry being marketed as a "Get rich quick" program - no matter who is out there pushing it that way.

PPAI is out there trying to market us as "professionals". In the months to come, many will be referring to us as "Promotional Consultants" instead of "Distributors". All of this is GOOD for the industry. Getting everyone and there brother into selling promo products is NOT.

Just my $0.04 (a)

greg muzzillo said:

permit me a moment to say that both asi and more competition is GREAT for this industry.

we have been in this industry over 20 years. our sales are over $300 million. and i continue to find their support tools very valuable for helping our franchise owners grow their sales and profits. esp. esp online. logomall. asi transact. counselor magazine. advantages magazine. great regional shows. and more.

additionally....permit me to tell you that more distributors are good for this industry. our competition isn't really each other. our competition is the other places that companies can spend their marketing dollars: television advertising; radio advertising; print advertising; internet advertising; etc. more awareness of our products and services drives more sales in our industry. and it's working because the size of our industry continues to grow.

the marketing cycle is all about

1. awareness
2. trial
3. commitment

i believe the more people that help make end users aware of our industry's products and services...the more end users may move some of their marketing budget and try our products. that's good for all of us. and those of us that have taken the time to become industry professionals...can eventually earn the commitment of these new customers.

so let's find the upside to asi and more competition...sharpen our professionalism...and prepare to go win more customers.

god bless,

greg muzzillo
founder and co-ceo
proforma
greg@proforma.com

[biggerfish]

greg muzzillo said:

permit me a moment to say that both asi and more competition is GREAT for this industry.

What an ignorant post. More competition is NOT great for this industry, especially from other industries that don't have the skills or infrastructure to effectively execute it. This will make us all look bad in the end users eyes.

And if I run my ad in this magazine, why would somebody spend $1000 with me if they can join ASI for $350 and then deal directly with suppliers?

What if GM got everybody in a town to become dealers and buy cars direct from the factory? What if FTD did direct mail to every resident, encouraging them to bypass the local flower shop and buy direct from the growers?

More dealers may be great for Proforma, K&B, Geiger, Bankers. Who cares if your franchisors sell any volume? If you get $10000 a year from 500 part time dealers, you're doing 5 million in sales as a result. Congratulations, genius.

I can understand the print broker, graphic designer, or marketing services company extending their services with promotional products. But the Computer IT Guy? Heck, why not the freakin Janitorial Service that cleans out the potties at night? They could leave some neat end-user catalogs right in the executive washroom! How about the ladies that come in every other Wednesday to water the plants? How about the ... you get the idea.

The idea that "any old business-to-business company should also be in Promotional Products" is total crap.

[fields66]

21 years ago on Feb. 1, I started my business after being with the Vernon Co. for 3 years and thought I had to have an ASI number, you noticed I did not say joined ASI. After 3 years of paying for their materials, I realized I did not need it and stopped sending them my money and I never missed their catalogs. Several years ago (after about 15 years with out them) I got a letter telling me if I did not "join" ASI they were going to delete my number. I ignored the letter. I got another letter a few months later and ignored it too. Then they called and I told them I did not need their services and they told me I would not beable to do business without it, they were wrong. I do my business very well without them.

[grammy29]

I'VE BEEN IN THE INDUSTRY FOR 15 YEARS. THE FIRST FIVE + WORKING FOR A TELEMARKETING COMPANY. THEN I WENT OUT ON MY OWN...A YEAR LATER I JOINED ASI AFTER ATTENDING THE VEGAS SHOW...BOUGHT THE ESP PACKAGE AT THE TUNE OF $5k+...WAS ON THE PHONE WITH TECH SUPPORT AND IN THE MIDDLE OF "INSTRUCTIONAL HELP" - SHE SAID "OH, THE LUNCH TRUCK IS HERE...GOTTA GO" AND HUNG UP! YOU CAN GUESS WHAT I DID...BYE BYE ASI AND GOT ALMOST ALL MY MONEY BACK (I PUT IT ON MY AMEX AND REFUTED THE CHARGE DUE TO ASI NOT LIVING UP TO THE CONTRACT)...WE ARE NOW 5 STRONG AND HAVE NEVER NEEDED ASI..PPAI IS THE BEST AND DISTRIBUTOR CENTRAL HOSTS OUR WEBSITE. THE VERY FEW TIMES A VENDOR HAS TOLD US WE MUST HAVE AN ASI # TO ORDER FROM THEM..WE JUST TOSS THEIR CATALOG AND FIND IT ELSEWHERE.
EVEN NEW DISTRIBUTORS CAN DO JUST FINE WITHOUT ASI, AND PPAI WILL WORK WITH THEM TO HELP THEM ...
BOTTOM LINE FOR US IS...SERVICE, SERVICE, SERVICE TO OUR CLIENTS. THEIR LOYALTY TO US OVER THE YEARS IS PRICELESS AND WE DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF...WHICH IS HOW WE CONSIDER ASI, SUPPLIERS WHO SELL TO END USERS (UNDER THEIR NAME OR A DUMMY COMPANY), AND THE END USER WHO THINKS THEY CAN GET A BETTER DEAL ELSEWHERE...
HAPPY SELLING!

[greg muzzillo]

hello chris....

to answer your question....proforma is looking for those individuals that want to take their business to the next level. we have 3 franchise owners whose sales are over $10 million per year. over 20 franchise owners whose sales are in the multi-millions. and over 100 members of our million dollar club.

3 types of individuals join proforma:

1. professionals that own their own business in our industry and want to take their business to the next level. with over $2 million dollars per year in marketing; pricing that's usually at least 5% better than any small distributor; expanded product lines; etc....it's easy for folks to dramatically grow their sales and profits with us.

2. professionals in sales in our business that are ready to own their own business. we make business ownership EASIER than working for someone else.

3. professionals outside the industry that are ready own a business...full time...in our industry. we have attracted some great people into our business...including the former ceo of norelco. in fact...about half of our million dollar club are folks that came into our industry from the outside. professionals from companies like kodak; ibm; microsoft; adp; hewlett-packard; even google!

there will always be two types of folks in our industry. those that peddle products and those that provide solutions and results. we can't stop the proliferation of product peddlers. but we can win business from them with our professional approach.

god bless,

greg muzzillo
founder and co-ceo
proforma
greg@proforma.com

[grammy29]

Proforma Does Make Money From Distributors Who Join Them...more Distrubutors..more $$$$$$$$$$....kinda Like I Promute U...they're Both Upfront About The Cost Involved And Services Offered...we've Been Approached By Both And We Haven't Hit The $1m Mark ...yet...that's Why There's Chocolate, Vanilla, And Pistachio :)

[jpgwinn]

This is all very interesting to read and learn the thoughts and insights of people who hate, really hate ASI. I will be attending my first ASI show in Dallas after being in the business for 4 years. I will be meeting the people whom most of you despise, and I will be asking loaded questions! Also we will be signing up for ESP, I have a wide area to cover and the ease of the service is very attractive.
I have a question about PPAI can anyone tell me more about whattype of Health Insurance they offer, all the print material I have read does give enough information.

[gb530]

I love you all for waking up and seeing the "light" re: ASI. I started my own business in 1979. Back then, ASI was a "must". A few years ago, I stopped the comp services, then the catalogs. No courtesy of a phone call from them after 20+years.

I was disappointed by their "not being able to get involved" 3 or 4 times over the years when a supplier was clearly in the wrong.

Chris, I appreciate this site and the work you have put forth to keep it happening. And ....a big thank you (I recognize many of your names) to those of you who helped me find items I couldn't find elsewhere.

The next time I respond, there will be a Donor logo under my name!

Ta Ta ASI... You are chozzers.

Gail

[tedp]

Greg, I'd be very interested to see your numbers when you break out the promotional products from the printing that your people are known for. I suppose it's possible that you could be doing $300 million annually, while just 10% of that total is in promotional products. What is the break for Proforma?

greg muzzillo said:

hello chris....

to answer your question....proforma is looking for those individuals that want to take their business to the next level. we have 3 franchise owners whose sales are over $10 million per year. over 20 franchise owners whose sales are in the multi-millions. and over 100 members of our million dollar club.

3 types of individuals join proforma:

1. professionals that own their own business in our industry and want to take their business to the next level. with over $2 million dollars per year in marketing; pricing that's usually at least 5% better than any small distributor; expanded product lines; etc....it's easy for folks to dramatically grow their sales and profits with us.

2. professionals in sales in our business that are ready to own their own business. we make business ownership EASIER than working for someone else.

3. professionals outside the industry that are ready own a business...full time...in our industry. we have attracted some great people into our business...including the former ceo of norelco. in fact...about half of our million dollar club are folks that came into our industry from the outside. professionals from companies like kodak; ibm; microsoft; adp; hewlett-packard; even google!

there will always be two types of folks in our industry. those that peddle products and those that provide solutions and results. we can't stop the proliferation of product peddlers. but we can win business from them with our professional approach.

god bless,

greg muzzillo
founder and co-ceo
proforma
greg@proforma.com

[jpgwinn]

Tell me about PPAI health insurance they have?

[biggerfish]

I don't hate anybody. I don't like ASI's tactics of recruiting non-promo businesses, and my customers, to be my competition. If you wanna line their pockets, feel free. Sounds like you're already sold.

You should check out SAGE before buying into the ESP program.

And call Willie at PPAI's office about health insurance offerings.

Good Luck.

jpgwinn said:

This is all very interesting to read and learn the thoughts and insights of people who hate, really hate ASI. I will be attending my first ASI show in Dallas after being in the business for 4 years. I will be meeting the people whom most of you despise, and I will be asking loaded questions! Also we will be signing up for ESP, I have a wide area to cover and the ease of the service is very attractive.
I have a question about PPAI can anyone tell me more about whattype of Health Insurance they offer, all the print material I have read does give enough information.

[greg muzzillo]

hello ted....

per your request....

our total systemwide sales are approaching $350 million. promotional products is almost $200 million of that. if you would like to learn more about proforma...i would welcome a personal conversation...and...if you like...an all expenses paid discovery day visit of our cleveland, ohio support center. find out for yourself why some folks have chosen to leave geiger to join proforma.

god bless you,

greg muzzillo
founder and co-ceo
proforma
greg@proforma.com

[jpgwinn]

Wow you really are bent out of shape, I have called Willie and he didnt return my calls and emails. In fact when my owner asked him about insurance he had no answer.

I am not sold on ESP I am going to test drive.

[grammy29]

jpgwinn said:

Tell me about PPAI health insurance they have?

CALL PPAI AND ASK FOR PAT BURGHER. SHE IS A GREAT LADY IS CAN GET YOU TO THE RIGHT PLACE. WHENVER I'VE HAD A QUESTION OR NEEDED HELP, SHE COMES THROUGH...