Articles
D&H Unveils $38 million In Credit, Educational Programs
March 25, 2009
D&H Distributing, the major North American computer products and consumer electronics distributor, announces that even in this trying economy, the distributor is strengthening its commitment to customers with enhanced programs, resources and financing aimed at SMB resellers. Offerings like the Business Assurance credit program, which will amount to $38 million in new credit for many customers serving small businesses with fewer than 100 employees; D&H’s new Virtual Event where resellers can chat with vendor representatives and peers right from their desktops; and the forthcoming 'Better Business' seminars at the distributor’s 2009 trade show events are helping SMB VARs gain the resources and savvy they need to navigate the down economy.
“Our customers are reaching out for support, from financing to sales strategies to guidance on how to run their businesses. SMB companies, and the VARs who serve as their advisors, especially need to leverage their partners’ strengths in order to thrive, so we’re gearing up with the kind of assistance they’re asking for,” said Mary Campbell, vice president of marketing at D&H. “Our focus is consistent. We’re committed to making sure that SMB customers remain successful.”'
Economic Challenges Seed Unexpected Opportunities
D&H is also looking toward the future for hidden growth opportunities that might be a consequence of the current economic conditions. For example, when the 2001 recession hit, various large enterprises were forced to lay-off employees, who then launched their own smaller companies, driving a surge in the SMB space. The creation of this new yet formidable SMB market created a fresh sales arena that fueled the industry for years, eventually leading enterprise vendors such as Cisco and Lenovo to develop unique SMB product lines. D&H became the go-to distributor for such companies, helping them deliver powerful products to the SMB market. The distributor will be similarly supportive of trends that may develop from the current climate.
For instance, the large scale lay-offs we see today may very well lead to the appearance of newer, smaller technology companies with innovative solutions that could help reinvigorate the field. These emerging vendors will turn to the channel, especially SMB resellers, to assist in claiming market share. D&H is always in pursuit of new technologies that might hold potential for resellers, and will be well-positioned to take advantage of trends that rise from the ashes of the recession.
During their first year as vice presidents at D&H, Vice President of Purchasing Rob Eby and Vice President of Marketing Mary Campbell developed several SMB programs that will provide significant assistance in challenging times, including:
About D&H Distributing
As the nation’s leading technology distributor, D&H provides a wealth of resources to empower solution providers and consultants, delivering a broad selection of SMB categories, products and applications. The company’s offerings span server and infrastructure, SOHO and mobile applications, consumer electronics and gaming. D&H’s multi-market expertise, account-dedicated sales teams, sterling service and flexible financing options are unmatched in the industry.
With an impressive 90-year history serving as a trusted advisor to the reseller channel, D&H has been able to consistently reinvent itself based upon changing market conditions. The company prides itself on creating business partnerships with an astute focus on ease-of-doing-business, relationships, value, performance and service.
D&H ships out of five separate locations in North America, including its US headquarters in Harrisburg and its Canadian headquarters in Mississauga, Ontario. Additional US warehouses are located in Atlanta, GA (as of May 2009); Chicago, IL; and Fresno, CA. Call D&H toll-free at (800) 340-1001 or visit www.dandh.com.
“Our customers are reaching out for support, from financing to sales strategies to guidance on how to run their businesses. SMB companies, and the VARs who serve as their advisors, especially need to leverage their partners’ strengths in order to thrive, so we’re gearing up with the kind of assistance they’re asking for,” said Mary Campbell, vice president of marketing at D&H. “Our focus is consistent. We’re committed to making sure that SMB customers remain successful.”'
Economic Challenges Seed Unexpected Opportunities
D&H is also looking toward the future for hidden growth opportunities that might be a consequence of the current economic conditions. For example, when the 2001 recession hit, various large enterprises were forced to lay-off employees, who then launched their own smaller companies, driving a surge in the SMB space. The creation of this new yet formidable SMB market created a fresh sales arena that fueled the industry for years, eventually leading enterprise vendors such as Cisco and Lenovo to develop unique SMB product lines. D&H became the go-to distributor for such companies, helping them deliver powerful products to the SMB market. The distributor will be similarly supportive of trends that may develop from the current climate.
For instance, the large scale lay-offs we see today may very well lead to the appearance of newer, smaller technology companies with innovative solutions that could help reinvigorate the field. These emerging vendors will turn to the channel, especially SMB resellers, to assist in claiming market share. D&H is always in pursuit of new technologies that might hold potential for resellers, and will be well-positioned to take advantage of trends that rise from the ashes of the recession.
During their first year as vice presidents at D&H, Vice President of Purchasing Rob Eby and Vice President of Marketing Mary Campbell developed several SMB programs that will provide significant assistance in challenging times, including:
- Business Assurance Credit Program: D&H will disseminate a total of $38 million in credit through a two-tier program that will benefit approximately 4,000 SMB VARs and integrators. This influx could generate a 10% to 20% sales increase among these customers, at a time when other credit avenues are diminishing. These funds could help many VARs accommodate new business generated by the economic stimulus plan, which may include technological upgrades in markets such as education and healthcare.
- Virtual Events: These online events let resellers visit a virtual campus where they can enter booths, chat with vendor representatives, and reach out to other attendees, social-networking-style, with questions and dialogs. D&H’s first Virtual Event will take place on April 2 featuring five exhibits from some of the distributor’s top tier manufacturers. Such online events offer access to new technologies and trusted partners without travel, registration or other costs, and without losing office time.
- Better Business Seminars: D&H will continue to conduct its full roster of live trade show events this year. Seminars will include new sessions devoted to helping VARs do more efficient business. The first such seminar, “Outstanding Customer Service: Your Secret Weapon During an Economic Downturn,” is scheduled for March 5 at D&H’s West Coast Technology Show in City of Industry, CA. The presentation arms resellers and dealers with tactics to keep existing customers satisfied and loyal, even with minimal budgets.
- In addition to trade show sessions, D&H offers educational “D&H TV” streaming media 'webisodes,' accessible through dandh.com at any time. These value-added presentations deliver solutions-based tutorials on new technologies and verticals, introducing SMB customers to the latest sales opportunities. Upcoming topics include the Intel Modular Server; mobility, including netbooks and ASUS’ Eee PCs; Cisco and Linksys solutions; and NAS storage.
About D&H Distributing
As the nation’s leading technology distributor, D&H provides a wealth of resources to empower solution providers and consultants, delivering a broad selection of SMB categories, products and applications. The company’s offerings span server and infrastructure, SOHO and mobile applications, consumer electronics and gaming. D&H’s multi-market expertise, account-dedicated sales teams, sterling service and flexible financing options are unmatched in the industry.
With an impressive 90-year history serving as a trusted advisor to the reseller channel, D&H has been able to consistently reinvent itself based upon changing market conditions. The company prides itself on creating business partnerships with an astute focus on ease-of-doing-business, relationships, value, performance and service.
D&H ships out of five separate locations in North America, including its US headquarters in Harrisburg and its Canadian headquarters in Mississauga, Ontario. Additional US warehouses are located in Atlanta, GA (as of May 2009); Chicago, IL; and Fresno, CA. Call D&H toll-free at (800) 340-1001 or visit www.dandh.com.
