Industry Feedback

Whether they are participating with us or not, they know things could be better:

"It looks great – I commend you all for working this out and for taking care of business! Thank you for sharing the information and including WESA in your plans." - Toni High, WESA Denver Market

Further, Toni agreed with the stats MD's Choice's Demographics sheets gathered... 80% of the buyers are NOT attending the markets. And that the list of stores we're working from is the strongest and best she's heard of in the industry. Which is the main reason they've agreed to participate... in hopes of getting a higher attendance to the markets.

"You are on the correct track! For over 10 years, I have determined Trade Shows don't really pay for themselves ! But it is fun to show at "if" you have your act together and business in line. The key is NOT the Big Accounts who may attend the shows -- but the 1000's of little dealers -- feed & seed --- tack, etc. that are just working everyday to make the business operate. It is very expensive to "TRY" to get a group of people to actually make effective sales calls on a store --- and for a good degree not very effective. Very informative mailers are the way to go --- focused, regular, designed to keep ones name in front of the buyer --- and not on a phone line every 2 days." - Stan Headrick, Fabtron

"I am interested on this project. I will not be attending the trade show in August 2006 or in January. My thoughts are the same, same stores and not enough pen writing to make it worth it." - Annette, Larocque Chaps Inc.

"We believe the general purpose / strategy is very sound." - Greg Giles, Cavallo

"Great to see this launched. We will promo on our side...We'll provide a direct link to the boards..I'm willing to moderate on a couple. Let me know where you need help the most." - Paul Wahl, Editor Tack 'n Togs Magazine

"Well, you are direct. What you are stating is what a majority of people are reluctant to speak about. Manufacturers, sales rep, and buyers fear reprisal to their actions against their company and themselves. We have received many calls from participants and are very happy with the success & the results those participants have had with the [May 2006] Direct Mailer. We believe we have opened the door of opportunity for all of our companies to grow. We know we should draw even a larger response in the next mailer as it will hit the mail just before the wholesale trade show season. We have all tried this past Atlantic City show and in my opinion it was a Flop for us. Some dealers had a good show, most did Not. Snow is not an excuse, I set up at the Denver WESA Show in January and we still have Dealer/Buyer packed house and have a great show every time. I have set up at the Reno Market NV. in the past with both snow and a larger numbers of buyers being at the successful show." - Ralph D'Agosta, Americas Acres, Inc.

"TackStoreInfo.com received 7998 total "hits" in the month of May, and 316 just yesterday (June 1st). So, the site is getting some attention. The sponsor's page was viewed 423 times in May, the multi-company animated GIF another 111 times, and the forum 115 hits. While it's less than I hoped for, it's more than I expected at this point. It will continue to grow and get better, as the site offers more "meat & potatoes" for people to start talking about, and the press releases should help get some attention also." - Terry Mercer, MD's Choice, Inc.

"You and Ralph are really working on this and your efforts are appreciated." - John Moncada, Choice Brands, Inc.

"Just wanted to let you guys know that we are getting very good response to the mailing. Although we don't have a way to definitive way to track every catalog request from new customers, we had a noticeable increase in password requests from our web site (we have an e-commerce site for retailers) I would say 4-6 per day. We have also gotten at least 2 calls a day where we can definitely identify that they are calling because of the mailer.I think the mailer was a success and I appreciate being included. I definitely would like to advertise in the next one." - Jeannie AWST Int'l

"We are having a good response from the mailer, we will do it again." - Steven Hannestad, Cowboy Brand T-shirts

"I LOVE your opinion of course and the site and the idea! People are sending me emails telling me how much they agree with your opinion..... A lot of people are going to Baltimore! I bet your band width is skyrocketing right now..... I forwarded a link to your site to a million people....customers and exhibitors." - Ginger Estepp, Jared Lee Studio, Inc.

"Wow! There sure is a lot of information to review! I quickly scanned over the material, especially "Terry's opinion" to see that you touched on ideas and questions etc. that I share." - Joyce Kanter, KADCO E-Z-LIFE PRODUCTS

"Good luck guys, hope all works out great." - Malila, Silver Kings

"You are on the right track as to making regular contact with more dealers." - Stan Headrick, Fabtron

"I would definitely like to participate in your next mailing." - Cheri Bly, Horse TV Media Group

More to come...