Is the kbb market still a nice industry to be in? It has been upsetting to see showrooms and reps at each other throats over the last few months. I have been in the industry for over 10 years now and have worked in distribution, manufacturing and showrooms. I hated the comments last month that said reps were like rats. At the end of the day we are here to help showrooms - appointment or no appointment.

This kbb world is a small one. Behind the scenes we all talk, we all know what business you are doing and what you are selling. Most importantly we know what sort of person runs that business.

It shouldn't be just about business either, we should be able to make friends as well otherwise we might as well find new careers.

One thing that has come to light is that the person behind the desk is not being honest with the person in a suit in front of them. There are good and bad people in any industry but no one can improve if they're not told.

More and more showroom owners think they are gods and we are to serve them, business should be a partnership but it doesn't feel that way 90% of the time.

I was always told to treat the sales reps as one of your clients, and this is so true. Remember we are all home owners who need bathrooms and kitchens and we are always asked what showroom to go to.

In all these letters one thing seems to have been forgotten  - the products. They speak louder than any rep and are the most important thing in a showroom, so before you judge the person, take five minutes and judge the products because you never know it may make a lot of money for you.

And that, we all agree, is more important than whether or not someone has made an appointment.

I use to think there were a lot of problems with reps when I managed showrooms, but one thing that many reps and manufactures would agree with - and it's unfortunate to say - is that there's a lot more things wrong with the retailer.

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