Readers Respond to Retail Bypass
The current HBSDealer poll question examines the issue of direct-to-consumer sales. Specifically: to what extent is retail bypass a problem in the hardware and building supply business?
In a disruptive age of e-commerce, manufacturers have powerful digital tools to establish an online presence and sell directly to consumers, thus bypassing the traditional retail channel. Recently, a hunting products company announced its plan to do just that.
But is it a major problem? Early results of the poll question indicate otherwise.
With less than 100 votes tallied, 58% describe retail bypass as a mild problem -- “There’s always been some retail bypass. Always will be,” reads the top response.
Another 33% answered: “Major problem. It’s happening and it’s getting worse.”
Only 8% answered the following: “Not a problem. Our business isn’t affected by manufacturer’s direct-to-consumer policies.”
The poll remains open on the right side of the page. (Or, scroll down if you’re using a mobile device.) Or, tell us what you think at [email protected].
In a disruptive age of e-commerce, manufacturers have powerful digital tools to establish an online presence and sell directly to consumers, thus bypassing the traditional retail channel. Recently, a hunting products company announced its plan to do just that.
But is it a major problem? Early results of the poll question indicate otherwise.
With less than 100 votes tallied, 58% describe retail bypass as a mild problem -- “There’s always been some retail bypass. Always will be,” reads the top response.
Another 33% answered: “Major problem. It’s happening and it’s getting worse.”
Only 8% answered the following: “Not a problem. Our business isn’t affected by manufacturer’s direct-to-consumer policies.”
The poll remains open on the right side of the page. (Or, scroll down if you’re using a mobile device.) Or, tell us what you think at [email protected].