N-Stock, the VANA / ANF stationery business, is promoting 2GB USB Wrist Bracelets for $10.25 on a buy three and get your fourth for free deal. As one savvy newsagent emailed me – you can find 4GB USB Wrist Bracelets for $5.90 retail. Associations have no role in running a stationery business. VANA should not have gone into this business using member funds without member approval. This latest offer is proof of why buying should be left to professionals.
The credibility of VANA and the ANF in representing newsagents to suppliers on matters of price are compromised by this evidence of their lack of commercial skill.
I know this blog post will frustrate Directors of VANA and the ANF. If they had stuck with running their respective associations as associations then the problem I have described would not exist. Their decision to go into this N-Stock stationery business is what has caused the problem here, not me.
I fully agree with you Mark (or should I start calling you Captain Obvious!!!!)
Can Vana/ANF start doing something for the industry that is not about making money? With the example above (!) I must be missing something, is Gomer Pyle a descision maker of the associations???
WHOOOAAA THERE BOY!
“Captain Obvious!!!!”
I thought this was a family channel. I think you had better re-evaluate your relationship with Mark, Michael or should I call you “Yes Man” – THATS IT!
Captain Obvious and Yes Man on their relentless search for the holy grail of plutonium gift wrapping.
I don’t like the way we are all getting to cosy and huggy with each other here boys so lets clean up the act OK
The above comment is an example of what happens when a tool learns to type.
Very sad indeed.
Happy Christmas (((((ANON)))))
a) I would like the suppliers to co exist on a website aimed specifically at the Newsagent channel with their various products for sale etc etc. Everyone benifits.
b) Suppliers to Newsagents should attempt to gather all Newsagents email address’s and email weekly / fortnight a snapshot on what’s hot , what is on special, whats coming.
My Name and email address is:-
Derek Adams
dekka34@aapt.net.au
This blog provides useful information, I wish it had the ability to be able to provide more useful information.
Links to all sorts of suppliers that supply economical products but quality products for the Newsagent channel is what I am suggesting, readers, suppliers, distributors and contributors share information to the whole Newsagent channel about sourcing particular products that go well in each of your business’s and also links to traditional suppliers.
For example economical but quality keyrings, economical but quality coffee mugs, economical but quality DVD’s, economical but quality mp3 earphones, economical but quality Ink cartridges, Magazine stands, the list is endless.
Derek,
A blog really isn’t the forum for that. Those who are part of a marketing group already have access to lists of suppliers. Commercial advantage has to be taken into consideration.
Jarryd
I can understand that and I stand corrected, I get excited sometimes. Exactly it would be unfair to those who are part of marketing groups.
Derek,
We all get a little excited sometimes – all interpretations intended 😉