Willy your Friend you use as an example of a Broker is called a Contractor. Most states require they pass a test to become contractors. So, they have to express some basic knowledge of what they are doing. Brokers are no different than contractors with the exception of licensing and training (most sign shops aren't required to have extensive licensing/training for making most signs either) They plan out a job for a client they handle all the details of making sure all the pieces of the puzzle fit together at the right price. Yes, brokers & contractors make money doing this. However, we are not parasites.
The average consumer doesn't know squat about all the different processes that go into making the finished product(s). A good Broker/Contractor knows about all the aspects of the business. They may not know everything but, they know enough to get the job done right and know who can get the job done right. Clients go to brokers because, they don't want to deal with 17 different vendors to get a job done. They want to limit the number of people they have to deal with. I personally land accounts that most sign shops/print shops would have to hire extra staff to handle, because I have the ability to give them my attention and not have to worry about equipment failures, etc....
Like others have mentioned their are plenty of trade only businesses out their that would rather put their focus on making the best possible products and not worry about having to deal with 1,000s of different personalities to get jobs. Brokers give them an independent sales staff that hands over ready to produce jobs without all the associated liability. If a broker screws up the job its on the broker to make it right with the client. The shop that made the job doesn't take on that responsibility.
Not all Brokers shop on price alone, good brokers shop for that very elusive combination of speed, quality, price & good customer service. I personally am very loyal to my chosen vendors. My go to list is very lean and mean. I only do business with the Best. Those who can meet all 4 points listed above. I don't want to be shopping around constantly looking to save a nickel yet lose a $1 because of lousy product.
The Broker & Manufacturer relationship isn't right for everyone or every business. The hate and loathing of ALL BROKERS is plain ordinary Bigotry when, personal opinion of individuals is put aside. (Me and Gino for example he just plain dislikes me for personal reasons not that I am a Broker.)
Addie...... you can stop putting words in my mouth anytime,
like now.
What Mike and some others wrote are the kind of businesses which are sometimes referred to as brokers is the same type
WE deal with for many customers. We don't have near the extent of high end customers, but it's of the same nature. These agencies are getting far more than yard signs and bumper stickers for their clients. They are indeed talented as someone else had put it, but it is their job description. They are truly upfront with their clients who know they are jobbing these projects out, unlike someone like you who pretends to be the manufacturer.
Like I've said so many times, Addie.... you spew this utter nonsense in hopes that someone might just believe you or listen to you for a change. How many times do I have to say I don't like you for many reasons, which I wouldn't go into except for the fact, you told still yet another lie about me.
You have lied about so many details about your background, the integrity [
or lack of] your website, the stolen images and copyright infringements, non-payment of your vendors, your ability.... but most of all; your lies and mis-information to unknowing people on this sight that don't know any better and believe your foolish wisdom. You've been caught in so many untruths and schemes it ain't even funny.
For someone as yourself to keep coming back when it's clearly obvious to anyone what you're all about, just says volumes for your mind-power. I don't care if a 'broker' is working out of the back seat of his car or from his smartphone... as long as he/she is honest with the client and the vendor.
- You, on the other hand, have told me through an e-mail request, that you wanted prices and then denied it and said your worm did it.
- You have told me you wouldn't be caught dead using our services.
- You told me you trust me to the fullest.
- You have told me, you wouldn't trust me for anything.
- You have repeatedly e-mailed me to wholesale to you.
- You have said, no one wants to sell to you anymore.
- You have said you've exhausted just about all of your vendors.
- You told me your vendors can't service you properly.
- You also told me these same vendors are charging you too much.
- You have tried everything in the book, but I won't be party to the likes of a liar like you.
You have conducted yourself like a liar and a cheat on the site and behind the scenes and quite frankly.... I think it's sad. However, I have to consider the source.
So, in all fairness, I don't like you for almost all reasons which aren't personal, but business-related in just about every facet of the way you do business.
