Goodness me, what have we done to deserve such remarks as  "95% of reps out there should be shot"  And to compare us to rats?!

I don't want to pick up on any correspondence in particular. I quite frankly wouldn't stoop as low. Some of the comments I have seen over the last couple of months however do make me pause for thought  - not about representation on the front line, but more about the generals behind the front line.

Quite frankly, these are remarks from people who should know better. People who haven't carried the bag for so long that they perhaps are out of touch with what a balancing act it can be. Remarks from people who have quite obviously never tried to do the job themselves, but can tell everyone else how to do it. Ever heard of the saying, 'those that can do, and those that can't teach?'

From a personal point of view I would like to take this opportunity to perhaps explain what (some) retailers see, and what they think they see.

Retailer thinks: "A rep calls in without an appointment. How annoying."

This person has driven for two and a half hours along motorways that make the Brazilian Grand Prix look like a Sunday afternoon drive. Then when he gets off of the Motorway he gets stuck behind a tractor, bus, lorry,hearse,learner driver etc.

He dare not overtake because if he does just as he passes the vehicle in front it's just in time to pick up three points and a fine from one of those (Safety) cameras for doing 53mph in a 50 limit. Fair enough you might say slow down. OK, he slows down but that means he won't get all of his calls in, and could be late for the first appointment.

Big deal you might think. But he has five calls in that area on that day. He gets four done, does he drive for two and a half hours again the next day for that one call? 

So, he or she makes it to the area and can now start the day proper. Get to the first appointment just about on time by some miracle. Walks in with a bright  smile and says to the person in front of him or her " Good morning I have an appointment to see ....." only to get the response  "Oh he's not coming in today, he said can you make it another day?"

FINE.

This is the type of retailer that then rings the sales director to complain that he hasn't seen "your rep" for ages.

So, as you have some spare time you can call into the prospect you noticed on the way in to the town. You won't presume that they have time to see you, so you just want to find out who it is you need to make an appointment to see and in some cases leave them some samples and/or literature.

Unfortunately you can't get parked to within half a mile of the place. So instead of having to come all the way back to the car in the wind and rain for literature and samples, best take as much as you can with you. By the time you get there your aching arms would put Mr Stretchy to shame!

Walk in with a bright smile but: Retailer thinks: '"A rep calls in without an appointment. How annoying."

Now, I really do understand that perhaps not all representation is what it could be.

I can even accept that some are pushy, arrogant, belligerent or at the other end of the scale apathetic, uncaring or even complacent. However, what I refuse to believe or accept is that 95% of us should be shot. After all 76.8% of all statistics are made up.

Let's face it what a ridiculous statement to make. I have no idea how many reps/BDMs/area managers there are in this country but if anyone knows 95% of them I will eat my repmobile!

I have been lucky enough to be involved in the bathroom industry for around 20 years. I have seen retailers come and retailers go. Some are good and some are perhaps not so good. If you have been in retail for the same amount of time or longer well done, you have my utmost respect because I know it is not easy.

Now think about how many "reps" you have known for the same length of time. Quite a few I would suggest. Would they have lasted this long if they were as bad as some would have us believe? Definitely not!

Oh, and for those that have never carried the bag. Please do not presume that you can not be friends with your customers. I am afraid that just shows a lack of experience. Personally I have attended and been pleased to attend birthday parties, weddings and christenings and yes, unfortunately funerals.

I am sure that the views of the moaning few are not the views held by the majority, but if any retailer thinks that they are perfect, try reading the mystery shopper reports, that will give you a true view of the standard of retail in our industry.

One last thing. Being a rep, Business development manager, area manager or what ever other title we get called is not easy. Please don't misunderstand me, I love my job (usually) but some retailers should realise that we do not get beamed down by Scotty to your front door. We make an effort to see our customers as often as we can. We have factories and offices full of people that are relying on us to create the demand for our products. Very often this will mean staying away from home and family, sometimes for days at a time. Contrary to some belief, we are not living it up on the company. It is usually dinner for one and back to your room to watch TV.  Then back at it again in the morning....not forgetting the bright smile.

So for all off those that are offended that the rep's shoes weren't shiny enough, try walking a few miles in them before you complain. 

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