I have just finished reading the various comments on the subject of company representatives.

The situation is simple - don't tell the organ grinder until you have explained your situation to the monkey - because if you do, the monkey will bite you in a nasty place at some stage in the future. What future is there in arguing the toss with the very person who can help?

I have been in this industry since 1977 and have owned my own shop since
1984 - I have seen more representatives come and go than I care to remember.

And the good ones stay and the bad ones disappear.

The good ones are only good because they understand what is required of them and this is generally because they have had good basic training, they are tuned in to the job and above all they care about themselves, their position and their clients. Courtesy is second nature to these people.

As a matter of interest I see approximately 12 regular representatives from different backgrounds and each one of them makes an appointment, arrives on time and talks to me about what they are there for - without an appointment they do not see me.

So, instead of dwelling on the bad, let's reward the good and some of the bad may change. I suggest a monthly reps gallery (with profile and photo) as recommended by the retailers and shop owners. The incentive is that if you are a representative and your name does not appear, then the penny may drop.

I would like you to kick off your list with the following nomination: Dean Peacock - Neff (south west). This man is a true professional and moreover, he cares.

Andrew Bradburn, md, Europlan Contracts

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