I am lucky with my job. I will never stop repeating this. Travelling is a big part of my business, while meeting new people in different countries is probably the best part of business travelling. Without a doubt, I primarily get in touch with people from our trade: car paint experts, manufacturers, body and paint shop owners, paint sprayers, and, of course, jobbers (or else called factors, paint suppliers or simply “paint guys”). It is difficult to underestimate the importance of paint retail shop. In fact, every body shop has one key supplier, whose role is to satisfy needs for paint and consumables without interruptions.
As in all businesses, you can identify the jobbers, who are above average, very successful and standing out of the crowd. After twelve years on the road, visiting paint supplies stores and acquainting their owners and managers, I realized that the top of them have some traits and characteristics in common. Apparently, I have distinguished 8 traits, which best performing traders have.
- Successful jobbers really love what they do. Trust me, to be successful in our industry without enjoying paint smell and shiny appearance of newly refinished vehicles is not possible. It must be in your blood.
- Successful jobbers are experts in color matching. Sometime ago I wrote an article in Etalon Refinish Blog on this subject. The absolute majority of all car body professionals consider poor color matching their biggest problem. This is why giving a solution for difficult-to-match colors is vital problem to be solved by the paint suppliers, which defines success.
- Successful jobbers know in depth all the products he or she has on their shelves. Profound knowledge of every brand and material, its competitive advantages, as well as the capacity to communicate this knowledge to customers, define prosperous paint and body supplies professionals.
- Successful jobbers are early adopters of industry’s novelties. They embrace new technology before most of their peers do. Whether it is about new tool, material or concept, successful paint supply business will always find space in his shop for it. The same applies to newcomers, fresh and innovative, but unknown brands.
- Successful jobbers are likeable. As I read in a recent article in “Entrepreneur” magazine, being likeable is under your control, and it is a matter of emotional intelligence (EQ). Studies revealed that top adjectives, which describe likeable person, are sincerity, transparency, and capacity for understanding.
- Successful jobbers don’t spend all their time in their shop. Let’s put it straight, you can not understand the needs of your customer without spending time in a bodyshop.
- Successful jobbers always invest in stock. Without a doubt, having your warehouse full is a key for success. Even if you have some minor products missing, you are opening doors to your competitors. Availability of products is crucial.
- Successful jobbers never stop learning. The biggest mistake one can make is to think that he knows everything. Car refinishing industry develops very fast. New paint systems, spraying equipment, tools and application methods appear all the times. Believe me, old training certificates and years of experience are not enough to succeed today. Visit seminars, trainings, exhibitions and trade shows. Be ahead of your competition by continuous self-education.
Certainly, this list is not exclusive. And what do you think? What are the traits of successful paint supplier?
