Changing Channels in the UK IT Industry

++ GfK Survey Highlights Decline in Number of Distributors Utilised ++

Distribution is a key element in the supply of IT products. In the past three years the average number of distributors being used within the IT channel has been decreasing rapidly, in some channels by more than 50%. What is even more worrying is that for those distributors still being sourced, almost one third of computer shops want to change their distributor. 

So what is causing the rapid decline in the number of distributors being regularly sourced and driving the desire to change 'disti'? 
The price of products being offered is top of every reseller's desire to change supplier, but the product assortment offered and the technical support available also rates very highly. This poses an interesting position for the disti, who have not previously focused on technical support, concentrating instead on the quick supply of products to the market place.

The GfK Retail and Technology Channel Survey evaluates independent computer shops and IT Resellers. Participants are asked a series of questions to determine market coverage, measure the reach of the top IT distributors and identify market opportunities for the sector. The latest survey compares 2010 results with the previous year and uncovers some fascinating insights as the UK moves out of recession.

For further information on how GfK's Channel Survey can help your business, please contact: Tracy Goodfellow, GfK Retail and Technology UK, IT Senior Account Manager.