Lighting distributors like you have an important role. You’re the link between manufacturers and end users, ensuring the right LED lighting products get into the hands of the people and businesses who need them.

But sometimes, those same manufacturers can stand in the way of your mutual success. You’re begging them for updated specs so you can sell their products, only to get crickets in response.

And that’s just one example. Below, we’ll discuss some common issues with LED light suppliers, why you might “break up” with a manufacturer, and how Litetronics addresses those issues to help you succeed.

Let’s dive in.

Common Pain Points Lighting Distributors Face With LED Light Manufacturers

Here are some ways the wrong LED light manufacturer can stand in your way.

 Obstacle #1. Lack of Product Information and Promotional Materials

Your job is to make the right recommendations to your customers. But without updated product information, it’s hard to tell which product is best for the job. And when you need something specific, that just won’t do.

When manufacturers can’t provide you with product specifications, usage guidelines, or recent marketing materials, you’re left to fill in the gaps yourself (and hoping all the while the customer can’t tell).

Litetronics is different.

We provide a wealth of comprehensive product information and well-developed promotional materials you use to sell with confidence, answer customer questions, and promote products effectively.

And if you misplace a brochure or spill coffee on a spec sheet (it happens!), you can easily access those materials on our website.

 Obstacle #2. Rapid Obsolescence

LED technology is advancing rapidly. And that can be a double-edged sword for distributors.

This rapid innovation often leads to products becoming obsolete before they can be sold. This ties up capital and wastes valuable warehouse space.

It could even damage your reputation with your clients. If they think everything you sell is out-of-date as soon as it’s installed, they may start shopping elsewhere.

Rhonda Messing, a manager at a lighting distributor in Michigan, agrees that excess stock is a huge problem for distributors. She told LightED that shelf space isn’t the only issue with obsolete products. “These outdated items can tie up assets and take up space in the warehouse,” she said. “In addition, the longer they’re in the warehouse and the more they have to be moved, the more likely they are to become accidentally damaged.”

Litetronics combats rapid obsolescence by offering an industry-leading warranty and stocking reliable, long-lasting products. And we keep the lines of communication open with our distributors, informing them about upcoming product updates so they can effectively manage inventory and avoid outdated stock.

"We appreciated Litetronics’ attractive 10-year warranty; the efficiency of their supply chain and speed of their delivery; and the quality, reliability, and long life of their products."

— Travis Martindale, Project Manager, Flex Green Energy & Lighting

Obstacle #3. Lack of Standardization

Your contractor clients have enough on their hands. They don’t want to guess if listed product specs are actually correct or if controls and fixtures from the same manufacturer will work together.

But sometimes, inconsistent product specs lead to expensive, time-consuming troubleshooting before they can complete a job.

At Litetronics, we eliminate that headache. We’re committed to product standardization, so you don’t have to worry about compatibility issues with different products. Our fixtures are designed for easy installation, and they adhere to consistent specifications, so your clients face fewer problems during installation.

And if they get stuck, you can point them to the easy installation instructions available for each product on our website.

Why Lighting Distributors Break Up With LED Light Manufacturers

You might be able to overlook some incorrect specs or outdated products if you have plenty of support from the manufacturer. Do they act quickly to fix the problem, or do they leave you to pick up the pieces and save your client relationship yourself?

For many distributors, the lack of action from a manufacturer is the death knell for the relationship. Here are some reasons they finally throw in the towel and find a new manufacturer.

Breakup Reason No. 1: Poor Customer Service and Communication

When manufacturers are slow to respond, fail to provide timely information, or are difficult to work with, it can strain even the strongest distributor relationships. Distributors like you need quick, clear communication to keep operations running smoothly.

When this is lacking, they may start looking for other partners who are more responsive and easier to work with.

There’s also a ripple effect: As a distributor, providing product details to your contractor clients often means getting them from your manufacturer. You can’t provide details to your clients if you’re waiting weeks for a response. The longer you have to wait for answers, the longer your clients have to wait as well.

At Litetronics, we’re known for our exceptional customer service. We provide support before, during, and after the sale. This strong communication and support system ensures that distributors always feel supported and empowered to resolve issues quickly. By being a reliable partner, Litetronics strengthens its relationships with distributors, so you can maintain strong relationships with your clients.

Breakup Reason No. 2: Inflexibility and Lack of Support

Some manufacturers are stuck in their ways. They’re often unwilling to adapt to market demands or your specific needs. But more and more, distributors value manufacturers who are willing to work with them, providing flexible solutions and robust support when issues arrive. An inflexible manufacturer can make your job harder and signal a lack of interest in your partnership.

Litetronics values our distributors. We’re willing to do what’s needed to support you, including:

• Customer Service: Litetronics has a large customer service team that can be reached via phone or email. We also make the product return or replacement process easy and hassle-free.
• Ease of Installation: Litetronics products are designed with the installer in mind, ensuring fast and easy installation, with necessary mounting hardware included.
• Quick Shipping: Orders submitted by 12 p.m. CT ship the same day, ensuring timely delivery.

When you partner with a manufacturer that gives you the support you need, it lets you confidently deliver the excellent service your clients expect from you. This creates stronger, more trusting relationships, leading to recurring revenue without the frustrations some manufacturers can cause. With the right support, you can focus on growing your business and maintaining high customer satisfaction, knowing that your manufacturer is working just as hard to ensure your success.

Want to see what a great relationship looks like in practice? Our recent case study shows how Piston Automotive benefitted from a strong manufacturer-distributor relationship.