Top Things Distributors Look for in ESP

By: Kim McDade

​We polled industry professionals asking what distributors look for when they are browsing ESP, and the firsthand insights we gained can help shape your presence on the #1 business platform in the promotional products industry.

Accurate Pricing – First and foremost, distributors need accurate information, and nothing will make you lose business faster than telling a distributor the pricing they already pitched to an end-buyer is wrong. Don’t miss out on sales – ensure your pricing is always up to date.

Product Detail Page Updates – Distributors want to see the most current product information on your Product Detail Pages because it makes it easier for them to present to their customers. Always make sure the description, pictures and available sizes and colors are current.

Live Inventory – Did you know that you can share live inventory in ESP? Distributors love to see your product availability in real time. Consider including your inventory in ESP to make it easier for distributors to do business with you.

Accurate Imprint, Setup & Upcharge Details – Be transparent about all your fees up front. You may lose a sale simply because you didn’t include this info and another supplier did. Do everything you can to eliminate a back-and-forth discussion and help the distributor close the sale quickly.

Additional Contact Info in Profile – Include any specific contacts for artwork, billing, owner and sales. This saves time for the distributor who can immediately contact the right person for specific questions.

Virtual Sample-Ready Images – A virtual sample allows distributors to show their end-buyer customers what a product will look like after uploading the end-buyer’s logo. A preview of the final product can help distributors win the sale.

Minimum of 5-10 Ratings – Distributors keep an eye on ESP ratings to learn about suppliers and what other distributors think of their products. Searching distributors tend to trust suppliers with a lot of ratings, so it’s important to accumulate as many positive reviews as you can.

Boost your brand in ESP and become a supplier that distributors love to work with by following these guidelines. Need help? Contact your account executive today.