The Snowball Effect of a Frame Rep

**PAkev** · 07-08-2002, 09:37 AM

Two years ago I opened our shop representing five major frame companies with their various divisions. In the meantime I have developed good relationships with some reps and discovered others who have proven to offer substandard service and/or products.

The problem is that several of the reps have gone to other companies and now are after my business. Although I like the rep and the service they provide, I can not always find a place for their new product in our shop. Likewise, reps who have not met my expectations in the past are taking on some frame lines which have been proven sellers. Since we are physically, economically, and demographically unable to offer all of their frames I must choose between the performance of a frame line and the service offered by a frame rep and the company he/she is with. RESULT: I now have a ton of frame reps after my time and retail real estate to merchandise their product.

Unfortunately, in the past few months I had to turn away some great reps with product that I know wouldn't work in our environment and welcome reps I am not so fond of who have taken their place.

I certainly don't consider business to be a popularity contest with frame reps but know this is the nature of the beast. I would like to hear how other folks deal with this issue and/or how frame reps would like to be considered under the mentioned prevailing circumstances.

Kevin

**bren_03825** · 07-08-2002, 05:57 PM

I just stick to the frame lines that sell, and don't use the reps if I dont, and use the ones I like.

**hysteria** · 07-10-2002, 05:50 AM

Think of it this way. Business is business.

Something someone told me once and I will always remember. There is no such thing as friends in business.

If the rep moves to a company that you don't wish to deal with then it is his problem. Hopefully he realises this.

Anyway. My 2 cents worth.

**EyeManFla** · 07-10-2002, 05:22 PM

Yes, business is business. You are right to keep the number of vendors DOWN to a minimum.

And no matter how good the frame rep, nobody knows your business and your patrons better than YOU!

I have added companys in the past because of the rep, and ended up sorry for doing so.