Getting Bigger, Getting Better, Staying Local

How Pump Distributors and Pump Manufacturers Can Grow Together the Right Way

There was a time when everything was done locally.   You really didn’t have a choice.  In those days, it was the responsibility of the pump manufacturer to provide excellent service above all other things.  You could never risk a bad reputation, or losing a distributor relationship to poor service.  In those days, local was all you had, and so you built a reputation that would stand tall.

It’s changed.  Now, an overseas pump manufacturer can do business anywhere.  They can charge more, pay less for labor, and offer less service risking a good relationship.  It’s a numbers game.  If one customer won’t buy, there are other markets to reach where they will. 

And if you’re a pump distributor, you’ve felt the switch. Now, it’s almost as if the responsibility is on you to earn a pump manufacturer’s attention to get the kind of service you used to rely on. 

How can a distributor take advantage of the best of both worlds?  Is it possible to gain more service, better pricing, greater product access, and state-of-the-art innovation, while not giving up the relationships and pride that come with doing business locally?

We think so. Here are five advantages to doing business with a local, family-owned, pump manufacturer

Faster Delivery and Reduced Lead Times

Overseas pump manufacturers can’t compete when it comes to offering faster shipping and shorter lead times.  The availability of local warehousing and the undeniable difference that difference makes is a huge draw toward working with a domestic pump manufacturer.

Better Communication and Customer Service

It’s not just that local businesses answer the phone.  It’s where they answer the phone!  Time zones matter when time matters. And it’s important that the people you’re talking to fully understand you and your needs.  Language and culture matter when it comes to understanding each other and your issues. 

Customization and Flexibility

Bigger isn’t necessarily better.  It’s just bigger.  Local pump manufacturers like Keen Pump, a wastewater pump manufacturer that is a family-owned pump manufacturer.  But that gives us insight into local and regional issues.  What you need now is what we can build.  We’re leading the way when it comes to pump innovation, with custom solutions and adaptability.  That’s on purpose. 

Quality Assurance and Support

Distributors can visit local manufacturing sites more easily for quality assurance purposes.  Local manufacturers should, and can, want to see you more often.  In-person is still the best way to do business.

If you’re a pump distributor, you should look between the seas for these kinds of benefits.  Do your homework and find a pump manufacturer that cares about these things. 

A strong pump manufacturer will seize the opportunity to serve your distributors in this way. It’s business done the right way, and it’s a way that your overseas competition simply can not compete with.