November 10, 2013 - Modern Distribution Management

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November 10, 2013

Vending Case Study: SnapVend Aims to Even Playing Field

As interest in vending has spiked, small and mid-sized distributors are under increasing demand from customers to supply the service. But for some, the cost to begin can be prohibitive. Vending machine and software suppliers have responded to the demand for a lower-cost option to help these distributors serve smaller customers profitably. SnapVend is one of these solutions.

This article is part of MDM’s series on the industrial vending market.

This article includes:

  • How SnapVend developed as an option
  • Where this type of vending program fits in today's market
  • The benefits of this type of program

Subscribers should log-in below to read this article.

Not a subscriber? Subscribe below or learn more. Subscribers also have access to the following related articles:

  • Industrial Vending: 'A Runway for Growth'
  • Industrial Vending's Growing Pains
  • MDM Interview: Fastenal's Vending Evolution

Purchase the full MDM Special Report, The Industrial Vending Boom, in the MDM Store in PDF format.

Vending Case Study: SnapVend Aims to Even Playing Field Read More »

Commentary: The Perils of Automating Customer Service

There is a popular saying in Colorado that is typically directed toward those from the big cities and out of state who come here and explore the many Forest Service back roads through some beautiful mountain country: “Four-wheel drive has gotten a lot more people into trouble than out of trouble.” The same can be said for technology when applied in misdirected ways.

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Not a subscriber? Subscribe below or learn more. Subscribers also have access to the following related articles:

  • Protecting Your Knowledge Base
  • The Case for Proactive Inside Sales
  • Commentary: Customer Service Lessons: ‘Moments of Truth’

Commentary: The Perils of Automating Customer Service Read More »

Vending Case Study: Documenting Vending’s Value

The most important part of providing a vending solution is providing the documentation on what that program has done for the customer, according to industrial distributor Deco Tool Supply. This article is a case study on how Deco Tool Supply's vending program has helped its customers.

This article is part of MDM’s series on the industrial vending market.

Subscribers should log-in below to read this article.

Not a subscriber? Subscribe below or learn more. Subscribers also have access to the following related articles:

  • Distributors Get Smarter About Vending
  • Industrial Vending's Growing Pains
  • MDM Interview: Fastenal's Vending Evolution

Purchase the full MDM Special Report, The Industrial Vending Boom, in the MDM Store in PDF format.

Vending Case Study: Documenting Vending’s Value Read More »

Vending Case Study: Understanding Customer Needs Critical

A successful vending program will result in mutual benefit for the distributor providing the solution and the customer using it. This article is a case study about how industrial distributor Machine Tools Supply has achieved success by focusing on designing its vending solutions around customers' unique needs.

This article is part of MDM’s series on the industrial vending market.

Subscribers should log-in below to read this article.

Not a subscriber? Subscribe below or learn more. Subscribers also have access to the following related articles:

  • Distributors Get Smarter About Vending
  • Industrial Vending's Growing Pains
  • MDM Interview: Fastenal's Vending Evolution

Purchase the full MDM Special Report, The Industrial Vending Boom, in the MDM Store in PDF format.

Vending Case Study: Understanding Customer Needs Critical Read More »

Vending Case Study: New to Vending, Distributor Hones Approach

Stauffer Glove & Safety began offering vending two years ago, and already the distributor of safety products is reaping the benefits of the offering.

This article is part of MDM’s series on the industrial vending market.

Subscribers should log-in below to read this article.

Not a subscriber? Subscribe below or learn more. Subscribers also have access to the following related articles:

  • Distributors Get Smarter About Vending
  • Industrial Vending's Growing Pains
  • MDM Interview: Fastenal's Vending Evolution

Purchase the full MDM Special Report, The Industrial Vending Boom, in the MDM Store in PDF format.

Vending Case Study: New to Vending, Distributor Hones Approach Read More »

MDM Industrial Inflation Index: September 2013

Modern Distribution Management's monthly Industrial Inflation Index measures a cross-section of industrial supplies.

This index includes:

  • Abrasives Products
  • Cutting Tools
  • Power Transmission Equipment
  • Fasteners
  • Valves, etc.
  • Power Tools
  • Material Handling Equipment
  • Belting
  • Hand Tools
  • Misc. Metal

Subscribers should log-in below to read this article.

Not a subscriber? Subscribe below or learn more. Subscribers also have access to the following related articles:

  • MDM 3Q13 Pricing Trends Report
  • MDM-Baird Distribution Survey: Slow but Steady Growth in Third Quarter
  • Data Security Risks Grow

MDM Industrial Inflation Index: September 2013 Read More »

Download this Issue in PDF: Nov. 10, 2013

This is the PDF of this issue of Modern Distribution Management.

Table of Contents:

  • MDM Special Report: The Industrial Vending Boom - Case Studies
    • SnapVend Aims to Even Playing Field
    • Deco Tool Supply: Documenting Vending's Value
    • Machine Tools Supply: Understanding Customer Needs Critical
    • Stauffer Glove & Safety: New to Vending, Distributor Hones Approach
  • Commentary: The Perils of Automating Customer Service
  • MDM 3Q2013 Pricing Trends Report
  • MDM Inflation Index: Septemeber 2013
  • News Digest

Are you a subscriber? Simply log-in to view this issue.

Download this Issue in PDF: Nov. 10, 2013 Read More »

MDM Pricing Trends Report: Third Quarter 2013

This report was formerly called the Inflation by Commodity Group Report.

This report is researched and produced by MDM editors. View the Second Quarter 2013 report here.

These product groups provide a snapshot of inflation trends based on the Producer Price Index from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Third quarter 2012 pricing levels are compared with third quarter 2013, and second quarter 2013 with third quarter 2013.

To view this report, log-in and click on Download pdf below the product listing.

Not a subscriber? Subscribe today for immediate access.

Or purchase this article in PDF in the MDM Store. After purchase, you will have access to this on mdm.com, and can download the pdf when returning to this article.

Industrial

  • Abrasives
  • Adhesives & Sealants
  • Metal Cutting Machine Tools
  • Metal Forming Machine Tools
  • Pumps, Compressors, & Eqmt
  • Ind. Material Handling Eqmt
  • Rubber & Plastic Hose
  • Rubber & Plastic Belts & Belting
  • Ind. Rubber Products, nec
  • Metal Valves (not fluid power)
  • Personal Safety Equipment & Clothing
  • Steel Mill Products

Construction

  • Softwood Lumber
  • Hardwood Lumber
  • General Millwork
  • Gypsum Products
  • Hardboard, Particlebd, Fiberbd
  • Plywood
  • Plastic Construction Products
  • Wood Ties, Siding, Shingles,
  • Shakes

Electrical

  • Electrical Machinery & Eqmt
  • Electronic Components & Accs
  • Integrating and Measuring Instruments
  • Motors & Generators
  • Wiring Devices
  • Transformers & Power Regulators
  • Switchgear, Switchboard, etc., Eqmt
  • Communications & Related Eqmt
  • Electric Lamp Bulbs & Parts

Other Related Electrical

  • Lighting Fixtures
  • Nonferrous Wire & Cable
  • Fabricated Ferrous Wire & Cable

Power Transmission/Bearing

  • Mechanical Power Transmission Eqmt
  • Ball & Roller Bearings
  • Plain Bearings & Bushings
  • Speed Changers, Drives & Gears

Fluid Power

  • Fluid Power Eqmt
  • Fluid Power Valves
  • Fluid Power Hose/ Tube Fittings
  • Fluid Power Pumps & Parts
  • Fluid Power Actuators/ Accum/ Cylinders

Plastics

  • Plastic Resins & Materials
  • Plastic Products (Overall)

Fasteners

  • Nuts, Bolts, Screws, Rivets, Washers (overall)
  • Aircraft Fasteners
  • Externally Threaded Fasteners
  • Internally Threaded Fasteners
  • Nonthreaded Metal Fasteners

Hardware

  • Hardware (overall)
  • Builders’ Hardware

Tools

  • Hand & Edge Tools
  • Power-Driven Hand Tools
  • Tools, Dies, Jigs, Molds, Fixtures
  • Cutting Tools & Accs (overall)
  • Precision Measuring Tools
  • Small Cutting Tools

Gases/Welding

  • Industrial Gases
  • Welding Machinery/ Equipment

Paper

  • Pulp, Paper & Allied Products (overall)
  • Sanitary Paper Products
  • Boxes
  • Packaging Products from Plastic

HVACR/Plumbing

  • Air Cond. & Refrigeration Eqmt
  • Heating Eqmt
  • Plumbing Fixtures & Fittings

To view this report, log-in and click on Download pdf below the product listing.

MDM Pricing Trends Report: Third Quarter 2013 Read More »

MDM Special Report: The Industrial Vending Boom

This report provides an in-depth look at the current state of the industrial vending market. It examines the size of the existing market, where opportunity exists and challenges to success with vending programs. This report also includes an exclusive interview with Fastenal's CEO on how the company has approached the market and helped spark the current boom and four case studies with other distributors involved in this market.

This report, now available in PDF format, is a benefit for MDM Premium subscribers. Simply log-in below to access and download this series of articles. Not a subscriber? Subscribe or purchase online access below.

Articles in this report include:

  • Industrial Vending: 'A Runway for Growth'
  • Industrial Vending's Growing Pains
  • MDM Interview: Fastenal's Vending Evolution
  • Vending Case Study: SnapVend Aims to Even the Playing Field
  • Vending Case Study: Machine Tools Supply
  • Vending Case Study: Deco Tool Supply
  • Vending Case Study: Stauffer Glove & Safety

This report is provided in pdf when you log in, but individual articles can also be read online.

Purchase the full MDM Special Report, The Industrial Vending Boom, in the MDM Store in PDF format.

MDM Special Report: The Industrial Vending Boom Read More »

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