Dealers--Changing Distribution Models

BY ALLISON ECKEL

The Internet is the new favorite pastime of business, and for good reason. From yard sales to stock sales, modern commerce is evolving and everyone involved is re-examining their current business models with an eye for the realization of the mantra Better, Faster, Cheaper.

Commercial printers are rethinking the way they interact with print buyers through e-procurement solutions from such companies as Collabria, Impresse and Noosh. It was only a matter of time before these commercial printers turned to apply these new relationship models to their vendors—the companies in the equipment and consumables distribution channel of the graphic arts industry. As Internet technologies continue to creep into the realm of print manufacturing, the distribution channel has remained relatively quiet. But that is not to say the channel has been avoiding process improvement.