Latest Articles in Channels

  • June 1, 2009
    COLUMN : Dealer Perspectives | Channels

    Satisfaction at Every Level
    It wasn’t the main topic, but customer satisfaction was a recurring subject of discussion at a focus group of custom and semi-custom home builders I moderated recently. Held in Las Vegas at the same time as the International Builders Show, the session revealed a shift in builder reliance upon manufacturers for “customer satisfaction,” as opposed to dealers and distributors. The... more »
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    March 15, 2009
    FEATURE ARTICLE | Segments, Channels, Markets & Trends

    (Almost) Business-as-Usual for Pre-hangers
    Pre-recession trends continue to gain some momentum in pre-hanger channel
    Some of the trends that were emerging or blossoming before the economy began to bottom out continue to define pre-hangers, even in the current economic environment. That’s not to say the economy isn’t having a big impact on this supply channel—it certainly is. But there are plenty of pre-hangers and millwork specialists that have adopted the attitude to keep on keepin’ on... more »
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    February 15, 2009
    SPECIAL FEATURES | Channels, Markets & Trends

    The Top 100 Manufacturers of 2009
    Challenging times clearly reflected in annual look at North America's largest residential window and door manufacturers in North America
    See the Top 100 rankings here Starting with a housing downturn that evolved into a “global financial crisis,” the past three years produced tremendous challenges to the window and door industry. Those challenges clearly emerge in the 2009 edition of the Window & Door Top 100, our annual feature presenting North America’s 100 largest manufacturers of residential windows... more »
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    January 26, 2009
    Meetings & Events | Channels

    Window and Door Manufacturers Press on With New Products at IBS
    Las Vegas—On day three of last week’s International Builders’ Show, the government announced that housing start had hit their lowest level in 50 years ago. Given that environment, the number of builders and other housing industry professionals that made their way to the event here last week was “almost a pleasant surprise,” according to one door manufacturer.... more »
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    January 20, 2009
    Meetings & Events | Products, Channels, Markets & Trends

    The Builders' Show Goes On
    Las Vegas--It's hard to escape talk of the weak economy, and the International Builders' Show, which opened yesterday, is certainly not the place to do it.  Exhibitors, including the some 200 plus window and door industry companies, are showing their latest products, but much of the conversation here is focused on the troubled housing market and what to do... more »
  • January 15, 2009
    FEATURE ARTICLE | Channels, Statistics

    The Deal with Dealers
    2009 will be a year for diversifying and differentiation
    While many of the top manufacturers in the country look to analysts’ reports and economic indicators to gauge demand for this year, window and door dealers and distributors are more often relying on their direct interaction with customers to know how things are going in the market. We touched base with a few former Window & Door Dealers of the Year award winners to get their take on how... more »
  • November 11, 2008
    SPECIAL FEATURES | Products, Channels

    What Dealers Supply in the Remodeling/Replacement Market
    2008 Supply Chain Study examines what’s being sold along with windows and doors
    When dealers and distributors sell windows and doors for remodeling and replacement applications,it’s rare to only sell windows and doors. At the least, a variety of services—ranging from consultationsto installation—go with those products. And it’s certainly not unusual to see windows and doors sold in a package that also includes siding, millwork, and a variety of other... more »
  • May 14, 2008
    THE TALK... | Channels

    How would you describe the relationships between manufacturers and dealers, recently?
    I visited with Four Seasons Sunrooms last week. The company reported recent success in picking up new dealers because of its “more complete” product line. Their new dealers like that they can buy from one source, and get more support as a result, yet satisfy more customers with different needs and different budgets. I can see why that would be appealing to many dealers. But I also... more »
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    March 15, 2008
    FEATURE ARTICLE | Sales & Marketing, Channels

    Enhancing Security Provides Replacement Dealers an Edge
    Windows with Laminated Glass Provide Multiple Benefits Attractive to Homeowners
    Homeowners will do most anything to keep their family members and hard-earned possessions safe. They appreciate the enhanced aesthetics and lower utility bills that today’s attractive and energy-efficient windows offer, but a home that’s considered safe and secure gives them total peace of mind. Today, dealers can meet this need with replacement windows incorporating laminated glass... more »
  • February 15, 2008
    COLUMN : Talking to Dealers | Management, Channels

    Feeling Risky?
    If I offered to hand you $15 or let you flip a coin to earn either $20 or $10, which would you choose? Taking a chance might mean I only fork over $10 to you but playing it safe means you give up the opportunity to walk away with $20. In this example, the difference is only whether you’re buying me one round or two, but what if the stakes are much higher? How risk tolerant are you when it... more »