Forsaking Print?

Kathy:

As a distributor of more than 28 years, I'm rather frustrated that there are suppliers that are choosing to rid themselves of paper catalogs and opting for e-catalogs.

It's bad enough that I'm inundated with emails, spam and all kinds of doo-doo on the Internet, but to say that I am ready to welcome even more emails from suppliers on a daily basis – no way!

I am grateful that they offer e-catalogs in order to be more environmentally responsible and save the trees, whales and grey-spotted owls, but I for one would really benefit from and appreciate a good, old-fashioned paper catalog. If I don't have one of their catalogs, it's the old scenario of "out of sight … out of mind."

Ray McKee
Star-Spangled Specialties
(asi/334913)

Editor's Note: Here's the response Ray got from one supplier: "Hello: Upon review, it was determined the catalog was not a cost-effective marketing strategy. Also, we are trying to do our part to be more environmentally responsible. Therefore, the catalog will no longer be in printed form. Our electronic catalog is easily accessible on our website." Readers (distributors and suppliers alike, weigh in!).

Cost-Savings Tips

Check out comments from our Facebook fans on creative ways to save money for your business.

• David Garthwaith: Work with your suppliers. Many have self-promo deals for almost nothing. Ask for NQP or EQP. You'd be surprised how often you can get EQP by just asking for it.
• Erich Campbell: You can save on marketing by partnering with events that come to you for decorated apparel and accessories. Sacrifice a small amount of your profit to give discounts in exchange for adding your logo to the sponsor rosters on the items. It's a great way to open the event's audience up to your offerings.

our favorite tweets …

On Rebounding From Setbacks
Robert M Anthony @Robert MAnthony
"Winners lose much more often than losers. So if you keep losing but are still trying, keep it up, you're right on track." – Matthew K. Groves

ClaraSteventh @ClaraSteventh
Every day is a new beginning, take a deep breath and start again.

Arianna Huffington @ariannahuff
"There is no such thing as failure. Failure is just life trying to move us in another direction." – @Oprah

Roy Bennett @InspiringThinkn
"Success is not final, failure is not fatal." – Winston Churchill

Ryan Berry @Ryan_LEVEL2
 "There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, learning from failure." – Colin Powell

Dear You @BaeFeeling
 Unfair things happen, but you have come too far to let setbacks stop you from stepping forward. Leave it all behind you.

Robert M Anthony @Robert MAnthony
"A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing."  –George Bernard Shaw #quote

Brenden Dilley @Hublife
When pursuing a long-term goal, it is critical to never lose sight of your vision. Don't let temporary setbacks or self-doubt stop you.

Quote of the month

Want to win a $25 Visa gift card? Email me: khuston@asicentral.com and let me know who said this and where in the magazine:

"A problem might someday be the thing that made you a better company."

WRITE US! Got something to say? Why hold it in? Share your tips and opinions on what you've been reading in Advantages or anything else about the industry or sales. We welcome the good, the bad and yes, even the ugly – praise or constructive criticism – nothing is off limits! Send your email to Editor Kathy Huston at khuston@asicentral.com. You can also post your comments, pictures, etc. on our main ASI Central Facebook page. And be sure to follow us on Twitter:      @kathyadvantages, @ChrisR_ASI.