What do dealers do if their manufacturer closes?

For a punch in the gut, check this out. Jordan Windows & Doors closed this week and left this to-the-point message on its Web site. It says, "We are sorry for the inconvenience
but Jordan Company (Jordan Windows and Doors) is no longer in business." That's it. No additional information.

Who should take the bulk of the responsibility for displaced dealers? The manufacturer going out of business The dealers, unfortunately, will have to fend for themselves Whatever the contract outlines There should be some new/additional laws to protect the supply chain If poll form doesn't work in your email, Click Here.

Ouch.

In the last couple of weeks, my co-workers and I have seen an uptick in the number of emails we're getting from dealers who are suddenly left without a manufacturer to support them. After the sudden closing of Republic Windows & Doors a few weeks back, we got this email from one of the company's dealers:

"As a dealer for Republic products, where will we get parts and glass to honor the Republic Lifetime Limited Warranty? As always the dealers and the customers suffer."

What's a fair way to handle these displaced dealers? If you're a dealer who's been left out in the cold, how are you handling the situation? Email me to share your stories—confidentially, of course.

Contact Christina Lewellen, senior editor, at clewellen@glass.org.