hands down SW.
Although I don't know if paint companies realize this, but we do not need a sales rep. We need a technical rep.
Although I don't know if paint companies realize this, but we do not need a sales rep. We need a technical rep.
Paint Company Reps
What do you like the most about your rep?
What do you like the least about your rep?
How could your rep improve, as far as serving you better?
What paint company has the best reps and why?
What do you like the least about your rep?
How could your rep improve, as far as serving you better?
What paint company has the best reps and why?
1 - 20 of 72 Posts
Tsunami,
Thanks for your input. Please do go more into more detail as far as my questions and your feed back.
Good sales reps can have a wealth of technical information and experience. Further they have corporate resources that can provide information, if more in depth information is needed.
Are you feeling that your paint reps are not knowledgeable enough on the technical end?
Tell me about your vision of the ideal sales rep in a perfect world. How can they support you and serve you best?
Thanks for your input. Please do go more into more detail as far as my questions and your feed back.
Good sales reps can have a wealth of technical information and experience. Further they have corporate resources that can provide information, if more in depth information is needed.
Are you feeling that your paint reps are not knowledgeable enough on the technical end?
Tell me about your vision of the ideal sales rep in a perfect world. How can they support you and serve you best?
This is so true I cant count the times ive needed more tech help than a free lunch. priceing comes once or twice a year. tech comes 24/7hands down SW.
Although I don't know if paint companies realize this, but we do not need a sales rep. We need a technical rep.
Sherwin Williams. They are the only reps I have ever seen in the field and you don't have to be "Joe Mega-Contractor" for them to partner with your business.What do you like the most about your rep?
If you call and he does not answer, you get a return call quickly. If he does not have the answer, he'll bust his butt getting one.
What do you like the least about your rep?
He's too scripted. (but, he's new to sales and that will improve)
How could your rep improve, as far as serving you better?
Think the company not the rep needs to improve.
What paint company has the best reps and why?
Personally I don't think the industry needs "sale" reps. I think they just need better emplyees at there stores. Sure if there's a problem with a product and you may need someone who works from the paint manufacturer then your store should make that person available.
SW reps most people say are good, the ones I met back in the early 90's were jerks and only wanted to deal with the big contractors. offer no help and every store I worked with was very inconsistent on pricing. One thing I like about BM Aura, same price at every store. (at least here in my area)
I use a 2 small BM dealers and I deal with the owners directly and have not had any problems doing things that way.
SW to me acts like the big corporate bully on the block... JMO
SW reps most people say are good, the ones I met back in the early 90's were jerks and only wanted to deal with the big contractors. offer no help and every store I worked with was very inconsistent on pricing. One thing I like about BM Aura, same price at every store. (at least here in my area)
I use a 2 small BM dealers and I deal with the owners directly and have not had any problems doing things that way.
SW to me acts like the big corporate bully on the block... JMO
I dont like reps, they drive the cost of paint up, they really dont do anything, I deal with my store manager. The only time i have delt with mine was when I was fed up with pricing, and switched to porter, all of the sudden, my prices got lower, and that was because my store manager had to call him and tell him what was going on. Personaly I would rather see the commision the rep gets go to the store employee's and manager and just get rid of the rep.
Us paint pro, are you a rep, and if so, with who.
personally the mom and pop store whear the owner works in has always given me the best service, no need for a sales rep.
Us paint pro, are you a rep, and if so, with who.
personally the mom and pop store whear the owner works in has always given me the best service, no need for a sales rep.
How true! I have found that store employees, even some managers, are woefully inadequately trained in the technical side of coatings, applications, and procedures.This has been my experience across store brands and across the state. I will either talk directly to a store manager but find myself calling the manufacturer tech support for an intelligent answer.hands down SW.
we do not need a sales rep. We need a technical rep.
Ditto!Sherwin Williams. They are the only reps I have ever seen in the field and you don't have to be "Joe Mega-Contractor" for them to partner with your business.
I remember exclusively using a local paint supplier "Miller Paint" and they were of NO help. Always in the store never out of it....
Sherwin Williams gets my vote, hands down :notworthy:.
My paint Rep at SW is available from 8-5 daily and when He cannot meet up with me to talk about what ever is going on, he schedules the next best time and sticks to it. He always texts me if he's going out of town or on vaca... He texts me with about 2-4 leads a month on top of that. He's the busiest Rep I know and very much up on Technical issues. When there is an issue with the equipment they sold me or the paint, the store manager and/or the Rep are there that day to help onsite.
Truly, I have the ideal Rep. IMO.
I do tend to agree about less sales and more technical. Think about it. In the repaint side who needs a sales rep, we do that! We want good products for a reasonable cost. Bottom line, we want to be happy with the product and still make a decent living. I believe I have that at SW at the moment. Allthough they have just pushed their prices up 10% but what isn't going up in price these days?.....
I don't think it's about what company has the best Reps. It's about how the Rep personally perceives his job. You can have the perfect Rep working for the worst paint supplier and he will still make a living and vs.
Hi Ewingpainting,This is so true I cant count the times ive needed more tech help than a free lunch. priceing comes once or twice a year. tech comes 24/7
Thank you for taking the time to answer here.
So, your feeling that you would benefit from your rep having more technical knowledge. We both know that in some cases, a rep has more book knowledge and a contractor has more practical knowledge and experience.
One advantage that a rep has is that they have access to corporate chemists and other experts at their avail, if they take the time to go the extra mile. Another advantage is that a rep is servicing many accounts and is exposed to a wide variety of challenges and solutions that contractors face.
Are you able to access and evaluate your paint manufactures "Technical Data Sheets" and "MSDS" on -line or in a timely manner?
Can you tell me about a specific situation in which a lack of timely technical evaluation and solution has affected a job and your business?
Bikerboy,Sherwin Williams. They are the only reps I have ever seen in the field and you don't have to be "Joe Mega-Contractor" for them to partner with your business.
Thank you for the input! SW does tend to hire recent college grads and when there green, they can tend to be scripted.
SW has reps for smaller contractors, and also reps that handle the Mega accounts, commercial, industrial, government etc.
Here in Cal, KM hires seasoned employees from within, or experienced industry professional. Their technical knowledge tends to be good.
So, the reps returning calls in a timely manner is important to you, and you appreciate being taken care of as a smaller contractor, correct?
Thanks Mac-Deco,Personally I don't think the industry needs "sale" reps. I think they just need better emplyees at there stores. Sure if there's a problem with a product and you may need someone who works from the paint manufacturer then your store should make that person available.
SW reps most people say are good, the ones I met back in the early 90's were jerks and only wanted to deal with the big contractors. offer no help and every store I worked with was very inconsistent on pricing. One thing I like about BM Aura, same price at every store. (at least here in my area)
I use a 2 small BM dealers and I deal with the owners directly and have not had any problems doing things that way.
SW to me acts like the big corporate bully on the block... JMO
Consistent pricing from store to store is important to you and I agree 100% that that is very important as far as a contractors sanity and bottom line. Very important as far as bidding as well.
What are the short falls of your stores employee's and exactly how could they improve?
Dave Mac,I dont like reps, they drive the cost of paint up, they really dont do anything, I deal with my store manager. The only time i have delt with mine was when I was fed up with pricing, and switched to porter, all of the sudden, my prices got lower, and that was because my store manager had to call him and tell him what was going on. Personaly I would rather see the commision the rep gets go to the store employee's and manager and just get rid of the rep.
Us paint pro, are you a rep, and if so, with who.
personally the mom and pop store whear the owner works in has always given me the best service, no need for a sales rep.
Thanks for your reply and input...
Interesting take on the sales reps. Sounds like in your situation you don't see an added value of having a rep and don't fee a partnership.
Every paint companies policies are different. Some companies here on the West Coast empower the rep to be the hands on account liaison and the store managers and employees are there to provide front line delivery to the contractor. The reps and store managers do work together as a team closely, and the rep should motivate ans support the store personnel in return.
A good rep in my opinion would make sure your products get to you, when you need them. If that means a personal delivery to your door step at PM, so be it.
A strategy I have used in the past to help things go smoothly is to have my orders ready to go the prior day and delivered in the morning to the job sites.
Thanks again..
<Us paint pro, are you a rep, and if so, with who.>
Dave,
I have 25 years experience in the painting trade. I started out as an apprentice, working under European Master Craftsman, working on extremely high end mega homes here in Norther Ca Bay Area. I spent the first 5 years on two fine homes.
My next twenty years included Journeyman, Foreman and project manager for small, medium and large contractors. Most recently, I have been a licensed painting contractor for 12 years, focused on higher end residential repaints.
I have always been focused on learning as much as possible and consider my technical skills to be above average in the industry. My strength is impeccable customer relations and providing superior quality and service.
I have found this business to be a relationship building process that has paid off.
My experience is that I have had GREAT reps, o.k. reps and some real stinkers. I would like input from contractors all over the nation, both large and small in volume.
After 25 years in the business, I have accepted an outside sales rep position in N. Cal with KM. I am want to apply my own knowledge and skills in a corporate environment now.
In N.Cal we have had a mortgage crisis and housing melt down that has affected all levels of business and hit the average painting contractor pretty hard.
My intention is to provide impeccable solution oriented service to my customer base and work in partnership with my accounts. I feel that I will bring my technical skills, marketing, business management and customer relations skill to my client base and help them increase their bottom line during these tough times.
It is very important to me to have a solid feel for exactly what is working as far as the contractors experience and perception of their sales reps, as well as what is not working.
I sincerely appreciate all of the input and will be contributing here on a regular basis.
Dave,
I have 25 years experience in the painting trade. I started out as an apprentice, working under European Master Craftsman, working on extremely high end mega homes here in Norther Ca Bay Area. I spent the first 5 years on two fine homes.
My next twenty years included Journeyman, Foreman and project manager for small, medium and large contractors. Most recently, I have been a licensed painting contractor for 12 years, focused on higher end residential repaints.
I have always been focused on learning as much as possible and consider my technical skills to be above average in the industry. My strength is impeccable customer relations and providing superior quality and service.
I have found this business to be a relationship building process that has paid off.
My experience is that I have had GREAT reps, o.k. reps and some real stinkers. I would like input from contractors all over the nation, both large and small in volume.
After 25 years in the business, I have accepted an outside sales rep position in N. Cal with KM. I am want to apply my own knowledge and skills in a corporate environment now.
In N.Cal we have had a mortgage crisis and housing melt down that has affected all levels of business and hit the average painting contractor pretty hard.
My intention is to provide impeccable solution oriented service to my customer base and work in partnership with my accounts. I feel that I will bring my technical skills, marketing, business management and customer relations skill to my client base and help them increase their bottom line during these tough times.
It is very important to me to have a solid feel for exactly what is working as far as the contractors experience and perception of their sales reps, as well as what is not working.
I sincerely appreciate all of the input and will be contributing here on a regular basis.
Thanks TonyG,How true! I have found that store employees, even some managers, are woefully inadequately trained in the technical side of coatings, applications, and procedures.This has been my experience across store brands and across the state. I will either talk directly to a store manager but find myself calling the manufacturer tech support for an intelligent answer.
Your points are valid and I share the same general opinion. I have been frustrated over this as well.
Now this brings focus as to why paint companies need qualified and knowledgeable sales reps that work in partnership with the customer base.
I would have never done as well as I did as a Foreman, project manager or contractor without the support of my reps.
In my position, I will be responsible for working in partnership with my store manager in motivating and grooming the store employees, so they can better serve the contractor. Yes, I have some real good strategies and plans in this area, having been on the other side of the counter for 25 years!
Thanks again for your input.
Hi Jason,Ditto!
I remember exclusively using a local paint supplier "Miller Paint" and they were of NO help. Always in the store never out of it....
Sherwin Williams gets my vote, hands down :notworthy:.
My paint Rep at SW is available from 8-5 daily and when He cannot meet up with me to talk about what ever is going on, he schedules the next best time and sticks to it. He always texts me if he's going out of town or on vaca... He texts me with about 2-4 leads a month on top of that. He's the busiest Rep I know and very much up on Technical issues. When there is an issue with the equipment they sold me or the paint, the store manager and/or the Rep are there that day to help onsite.
Truly, I have the ideal Rep. IMO.
I do tend to agree about less sales and more technical. Think about it. In the repaint side who needs a sales rep, we do that! We want good products for a reasonable cost. Bottom line, we want to be happy with the product and still make a decent living. I believe I have that at SW at the moment. Allthough they have just pushed their prices up 10% but what isn't going up in price these days?.....
I don't think it's about what company has the best Reps. It's about how the Rep personally perceives his job. You can have the perfect Rep working for the worst paint supplier and he will still make a living and vs.
Nice to see a west coat guy! Wow! Thank you for your input here. Sounds like your rep is on top of things and has earned your business. Sounds like one of the best reps I had as well and a model of what I intent to strive for. If I can have my accounts saying these things, that will be golden!
Yes, the raw cost of materials and transportation is sky rocketing and that can not be avoided. That is why I feel I need to ADD VALUE in a big way in partnering with my contractors. I need to go the EXTRA MILE in a BIG way.
Your last comment is so in line with my thinking. I used a supplier with the most local presence for years, until the sales rep and lack of service turned me off. A smaller company rep won over almost all of my business.
He was exactly as you described you ideal rep and who I will model myself after in many ways.
Thanks again.
Almost forgot welcome aboard USpaintpro, glad to have you here
dave mac
dave mac
Dave,
I appreciate the warm welcome! Thank you! I also appreciate all of the feedback here.
My intent is to be active on the forum in both asking for feedback from the group, as I embark on this journey on the "other side" of the business, as well as contributing to the group in any way I can.
I am very business focussed and have extensive experience in the business. I don't see a whole lot of west coast or California members here. Part of my adding value to my contractor base will be sharing a lot of industry resources that I have gathered over the past 25 years, to INCLUDE turning them on to THIS forum!
I do not know the policy as far as sharing industry links her on the site, so I will hold back until I do.
One GOLDEN resource is the Rohm Hass (Paint Quality Institute) web site and that that can be found on Google. There is a bunch of very detailed technical information, as well as awesome free printouts that have helped me with sales and marketing my own business.
Thanks again Dave..
I appreciate the warm welcome! Thank you! I also appreciate all of the feedback here.
My intent is to be active on the forum in both asking for feedback from the group, as I embark on this journey on the "other side" of the business, as well as contributing to the group in any way I can.
I am very business focussed and have extensive experience in the business. I don't see a whole lot of west coast or California members here. Part of my adding value to my contractor base will be sharing a lot of industry resources that I have gathered over the past 25 years, to INCLUDE turning them on to THIS forum!
I do not know the policy as far as sharing industry links her on the site, so I will hold back until I do.
One GOLDEN resource is the Rohm Hass (Paint Quality Institute) web site and that that can be found on Google. There is a bunch of very detailed technical information, as well as awesome free printouts that have helped me with sales and marketing my own business.
Thanks again Dave..
basically what we are saying is that we do not need an extra someone to sell us product. Any highschooler in a blue polo and kackies(sp?) can do that. We need basically someone that combines all the knowledge shared here on painttalk available at just a phone call. This way when we are out in the field and stubble across something that we do not know how to handle, they will know or be able to figure out the procedures to prep prime and paint it. Most of us can usually figure out what product to use. And if we can't that is what the store is for. No need for another person doing the same thing.
Whatever we call him-- sales rep, technical rep, or late for dinner-- I want him to give me good service when I need it. If that means making sure an order is filled, or an unusual product is in stock, that's what I want. I tell all of my reps that I'm not looking for the lowest price, but the best service. I don't like my customers beating me up on price, so why would I do it to someone else?
Some of the things that I have experienced that I don't like:
Never calling-- I actually had an SW rep who never called me in 2 years.
Not following up-- I placed an order for 120 gallons or so and the rep didn't follow up to insure delivery on time. I had 10 guys standing around for an hour waiting for paint.
Not having product-- (this isn't entirely on the rep) We've quit using one manufacturer because they are often out of their premium products!?!
As you can see, these are all service issues. I know I'm not my rep's only customer, and I don't bug my reps for favors or special service very often. But when I ask, if it is reasonable, then I expect it to be done.
Brian Phillips
Some of the things that I have experienced that I don't like:
Never calling-- I actually had an SW rep who never called me in 2 years.
Not following up-- I placed an order for 120 gallons or so and the rep didn't follow up to insure delivery on time. I had 10 guys standing around for an hour waiting for paint.
Not having product-- (this isn't entirely on the rep) We've quit using one manufacturer because they are often out of their premium products!?!
As you can see, these are all service issues. I know I'm not my rep's only customer, and I don't bug my reps for favors or special service very often. But when I ask, if it is reasonable, then I expect it to be done.
Brian Phillips
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