7:23 pm, December 6, 2008
THINKING your forecourt needs a refresh? Why not: it’s a sure-fire way to draw attention to yourself, and any means of luring customers is essential at the moment.
Which makes Direct Supply’s 2009 catalogue launch more than timely.
MD David Lane has gone all-out to get the listings in early, so customers can pick and choose, from a huge array of flags and poles, to more innovative signage, decals and banners. Lane’s guided by two principals – the products have to be automotive industry-specific, and offer ‘true value for money. We recognise that this is essential if we are to retain our relationships with independent dealers, franchises and manufacturer groups.’
They’re relationships that have been building since the company was set up seven years ago, in Bishops Cleeve, Gloucestershire. It’s now considered a leader in the trade, from the smallest to the largest dealer groups.
And it doesn’t just sell forecourt display units, but also specialist tool brands Power Start, RakJak, Golak, Steelman, Chassis Ear, Power Hand and Metrinch Tools. A recent development is being appointed the sole UK supplier for AHB International. Who? Only one of Europe’s leading traders, with 25 years’ experience and distributors in 30 countries. ‘Its purchasing power can save dealers money!’ promises Lane. Who also says that knowledgeable staff are on hand the entire way, from pre-sales to full aftersales support.
But it’s the forecourt products that really set Direct Supply apart. The company has an in-house sign studio, which uses the lastest Roland digital print machines. Investment in new print technology allows it to print full-colour graphics onto a wide range of substrates.
‘As a result, we can react quickly to customers’ needs, producing short-run, cost-effective vinyls and graphics at extremely competitive pricing,’ says Lane. And it’s also sent out quickly: ‘realistic delivery dates are quoted – and, more importantly, achieved! We ship 95 per cent of stock items the same day.’
The clincher is that both the 2009 forecourt display brochure, and the AHB International catalogue, are free. Have you any excuse to not even muse on an early spring clean? Who knows, it could be just the magnet your business needs…
