Stop Asking Your Distributors the Wrong Questions and Set Your Brand Up for Sustainable Success

Are you asking your distributors the wrong questions? As we near the end of the year, many brands are falling into the trap of pushing for quick orders to meet targets, asking their distributors: Why isn’t inventory moving? When’s the next order coming? But this short-term thinking not only frustrates your partners, it can erode the very relationships you depend on. At a time when wholesalers are focused on reducing inventory and preparing for 2025, the real opportunity lies in building a strategic foundation for the future—not scrambling for last-minute volume.

The latest Beer Purchasers’ Index shows us why this approach is especially problematic right now. With distributor sentiment dipping into contraction territory, and wholesalers focusing on reducing inventory as they prepare for 2025, pushing for more orders isn’t just ineffective—it’s short-sighted.

A Better Approach for Long-Term Success

Rather than adding to the frustration, brands should take this time to shift their focus from short-term gains to strategic, long-term planning. This is the perfect time to differentiate your brand and set up both your business and distribution partners for success in 2025 and beyond.

Here's what you should be doing:

- Focus on Your ABP for 2025:
If you haven't already built your ABP, now is the time to do so. This is your opportunity to lay out a strategic roadmap for your brand’s growth, aligning it with your distribution strategy to maximize impact next year.

- Gather Feedback to Strengthen Future Relationships:
Rather than pushing for more orders, use this time to gather feedback from your distributors. Understand their challenges, and find ways to strengthen the partnership for mutual success. A long-term, collaborative approach ensures your brand stays top of mind and positions you as a strategic partner, not a sales pressure point.

- Build a Sustainable, Scalable Foundation:
The best brands don’t rely on end-of-year volume pushes. They build systems that scale efficiently and create value for their distributors. By focusing on long-term growth, you ensure that your distribution partners see your brand as an indispensable asset for the future.

Distribution Is the Engine of Long-Term Brand Success

I’ve worked with brands to shift their focus from short-term gains to building sustainable distribution strategies. The key isn’t asking your distributors for more product today—it’s about creating systems that drive growth tomorrow, positioning your brand for lasting success.

Brands that adopt this mindset—those that create value, implement systems, and leverage distribution as a powerful growth engine—are the ones that will thrive in 2025 and beyond.

If you’re ready to move beyond short-term fixes and build a sustainable, scalable strategy, let’s connect. Together, we can develop a roadmap that turns distribution into your competitive advantage!

Click on the link below to schedule your FREE 1-HOUR STRATEGY CALL today!