How Industrial Distributors Should Compete with AmazonSupply

The power has shifted from seller to buyer.

Amazon recently expanded its same-day delivery capabilities to more metro areas and as many as 1 million items to serve a growing population of customers who don’t want to wait for their purchases.

One can assume this will soon be provided by AmazonSupply.

The nation’s most recognized retailers are increasingly promoting buy-online, pick-up in-store capabilities and are experimenting with same-day services in a number of markets – all of this in an effort to give customers what they want. With more options than ever for getting the products they want, when they want, at the price they want, customers are more demanding than ever.

Their behavior and expectations have evolved over time. And those consumers are bringing those same expectations and behaviors with them to the B2B markets they work in.

Like it or not, you’re competing with companies like Amazon, Walmart, Target, etc. They’re influencing your customers’ expectations – setting a high bar for all companies. In addition to speed, what customers really want –nay, demand – is a simple and seamless experience across all of your channels. To compete, you have to offer something your competitors can’t.

Here are three areas industrial distributors should explore when looking for competitive advantage.