Agents and distributors are cost effective way of expanding any business rapidly, more so for small and medium enterprises who can not afford to invest in pan-India sales offices. A network of agents/distributors across India can significantly grow sales at minimum investment. However, locating reliable agents/distributors across Indian market is a formidable challenge. Traditional way of locating agents/distributors through newspaper ads require considerable cost and yet gives no guarantee of good response.
To fill this demand gap, we created a portal (vanik.com) on agency/distribution opportunities where companies looking for agents/distributors as well as agents/distributors looking for agency/distribution
opportunities post classifieds.
Leveraging our existing businesses in b2b portals, Vanik.com has become largest portal on
agency/distribution opportunities today. It has thousands of opportunities – posted by both
manufacturers/importers as well as agents/distributors/dealers.
For overseas businesses seeking to enter Indian market, we have even created a section on Indian Importers.
However, in spite of excellent traffic and inquiries, we have not been successful in monetizing the asset. So far, we have made some sales through advertisement and credit selling, which is barely scratching the surface.
Looking for monetizing ideas from entrepreneurs. Please help me with new and innovative ideas
for increasing revenue. Entrepreneurs really interested may join as co-founder.
Twitter: @infobanc_com
Website: https://www.vanik.com
Hardik Khanna
Hi Amit
Whats the reason they are not paying. And if they are not paying means they are not using your site or are inactive.
As one can only get contacts of distributors by paying you. So..
1. Have you analysed the number of active customers.
2. How many of them are not paying – the reason for the same. Speak to atleast 100 of them to get some insights.
asha chaudhry
amit – can u pls link your site and add your twitter handle at the end?
Amit Kumar Chattopadhyay
Thanks Hardik, monetization through normal channels is a challenge and our sales network needs to be tuned up. However, what I was hoping to get is monetizing idea through non-traditional channels. For example, manufacturers ask us to interact with distributors and select right candidates. However, this kind of consultancy can never be scaled up. I am looking up for new monetizing route that is non-traditional and can be quickly scaled up
Amit Kumar Chattopadhyay
Thanks Asha – I have done.
Best Regards
Amit
Jitendra Gursingh
Hi Amit,
I would say the kind of data you have on the site is a gold mine. Don’t give it away so easily. India is one of the most difficult countries to setup a distribution network & with so much data, you should be using it more wisely. Apple is not entering India only because of the multiple layers in the distribution channel! That should explain how complex it is. I have been in retail & distribution of consumer durables / mobile accessories for quite sometime & know how difficult it is.
You have an opportunity of becoming a credit rating agency for distributors across industries in India. Agencies like ORG-MARG charge lakhs to companies yearly to share data of retailer network in an industry.
Also, the traditional way is not searching for paper advertisements. The traditional way is to actually visit that city, talk to a few dealers & get a distributor contact from them. Then time is spent in contact the distributor, finding more about him etc. It is a complex, tiring & time-consuming process.
As far as monetization is considered, it would need a more detailed thought, but here are my suggestions:
1. Please try & work out an approximate money & time expense that a company will have to make just to do the research on shortlisting distributors. your cost of data has to be lower than that & If you are saving both for the company, they will definitely pay up.
2. There is a growing number of consultants who are advising brands, manufacturers etc. on setting up a distribution network. These consultants also have a tie up with job portals, advertising agencies with negotiated rates for them. You can approach such consultants & fix a yearly or a per client fee to share your data. Jagdeep Kapoor is one such consultant & I am sure there are many others who can use your data.
3. IMHO it wont be profitable becoming a marketplace for distributors. It would be better to advertise the fact that you can significantly save time & money for a company in rapid expansion mode.
Lets connect sometime to discuss more on this..
All d best..
Amit Kumar Chattopadhyay
Hey Jitendra, Your knowledge and understanding of distribution network is clearly far better and matured than mine. We must meet sometime. I have sent you a Linkedin request. Pl accept and remain connected. Marketing has never been my strong point – together we can create some outstanding product. May be at some point, we explore digilocal role ?
Warm Regards
Amit
Jitendra Gursingh
Hi Amit,
Apologies for a delayed reply .. yes definitely we can catch up sometime .. I guess you are based out of Delhi .. if any of us is visiting the other’s respective city, we should meet up.. Or even connecting on phone / mail is great ..
Lets see how can we take this ahead..
Thank you