Sales Tip: How to beat big box stores

June 6, 2025
There's a massive difference between customer service at a big box store and the customer service you offer as a distributor.

Distributors know that customer service is a key part of having a successful truck. Many times, that customer service is coming directly from you as the distributor.

Cornwell distributor Elias Valdovinos travels through central Oregon, making stops at dealerships, independent shops, heavy duty shops, and more, ensuring his customers are well taken care of. One way he does this is by being able to offer a bit more coverage on the A/C machines he carries on his truck; he’s able to offer his customers a two-year warranty, more coverage than his customers would get buying through a big box store.

“[Shops] never know when the equipment is gonna go down,” Valdovinos says, “and having the peace of mind that, ‘I'm still under warranty, so I just have to call my dealer, and my dealer will take care of me,’ is important.”

On the flip side, distributors can also offer customer service by selling from manufacturers who offer great customer service. If you can’t help your customer, the next best thing you can do is connect them with someone who can.

About the Author

Emily Markham | Editor | PTEN and Professional Distributor

Emily Markham is the editor of  Professional Tool & Equipment News (PTEN) and Professional Distributor magazines. She has been writing about the automotive aftermarket since 2019, after graduating from UW-La Crosse with a bachelor's degree in English. During her first three years with Endeavor Business Media's Vehicle Repair Group, Markham also wrote for Fleet Maintenance magazine. 

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