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Spire Technology’s sales manager Paul Turner tells us what to expect from the distributor at PCR Boot Camp 2014 and what sets it apart.
PCR: What are the key brands/lines you carry?
Paul Turner: That’s a difficult question to answer. Asus is certainly our biggest brand but we believe every product we offer is important and has something to offer.
For example, we believe strongly that TP-Link offers the channel’s best networking proposition; we believe that Bullguard, in conjunction with their rebate scheme, offers the channel’s best security software opportunity. Our storage portfolio is comprehensive and represents a significant part of our business. The list goes on…
What products and services will you be promoting at Boot Camp this year?
All of them! This will be our first year at Bootcamp and there’s a lot to talk about.
What are you most looking forward to at PCR Boot Camp?
I’m looking forward to meeting existing customers, hopefully a few new customers and my friends from other distributors.
The opportunity to talk with resellers face to face is always a positive thing because you get the facts, warts and all, about their business, their desires and needs as well as what they think of our products and service. For me I’m hoping that PCR Bootcamp will be a great platform to learn and improve.
What distinguishes you from your competitors?
Spire is big enough to get the job done in terms and can supply world-class products on a ‘just in time’ basis but we are also flexible enough to provide outstanding levels of pre and after sales service.
There’s a reason that Spire is still here and soon to begin its 25th year. We’ve never lost sight of our core values – that’s something we’re very proud of.
What is your proudest moment as a company?
Spire Technology is proud to have supported the reseller channel for the last 24 years. During that time we have overcome three recessions and seen many distributors and vendors come and go.
However, as we enter our 25th year, the fact that Spire is still going strong, still working as hard as ever to provide the best service possible and still supporting (and receiving support from) the channel is without doubt our proudest achievement.
What do you see being the biggest challenge facing PC retailers at the moment?
E-commerce is definitely the biggest single challenge facing PC retailers. To combat this resellers must add value, which they are well-placed to do, and must be open-minded when it comes to new products and technologies. Standing still is not an option.
In your opinion, what’s the most important thing for retailers and resellers to bear in mind when dealing with customers?
In general, the public will visit a reseller because they need more than just a product at a price. With that in mind we must try to exceed their expectations in every way. Creating a good first impression is essential so a well presented sales area is important as is being friendly, professional, helpful and patient at all times.
Also, it’s important to upsell because that creates a win/win. Happy customers will share their experience with friends and are far more likely to become repeat buyers.
What gadget can’t you live without?
I couldn’t be without my tablet. I’ve owned one for the past four years and the everyday convenience has relegated my laptop to a work tool only.
What do you think will be the next big thing in tech?
Obviously wearable tech is coming but in the short-term wouldn’t it be great if fast and reliable internet access was the norm?
If you could wave a magic wand, what would you change about the channel?
I would like to see vendors take more responsibility for their products, particularly when their products fail. Some manufacturers’ DOA or warranty policies are unduly time-consuming, costly for resellers and sometimes just plain unreasonable.
Contact: Spire Technology
Phone: 01202 828 444
Email: sales@spire.co.uk
Web: http://www.spire.co.uk
More information on Spire and Boot Camp
Spire has signed up as a Platinum Partner for PCR Boot Camp 2014. The expo and conference event, held at the Brewery in London on Wednesday May 21st, is free to attend for retailers and resellers – to secure your place register here today.
The full conference line-up has also been confirmed.
For more information on PCR Boot Camp, visit the official website here
