I'm puzzled about why many people seem to rely heavily on CDW for their IT purchases. Is it just their well-designed eCommerce site that's drawing all the attention? I work for a company that can beat their pricing about 90% of the time, yet it seems like a struggle to get folks to give us a shot. I realize the absence of an eCommerce platform might be a factor. Any suggestions on how to approach this situation effectively? I'm keen on helping our customers save money, and I believe CDW isn't always the best option.
5 Answers
People trust CDW because they are a big name in the industry. The brand recognition is huge, especially among executives. If you're trying to compete, focus on why you're a better rep. Your personal service can really set you apart from a giant like CDW. Have a solid pitch on what you can offer that they can’t.
You’re right to wonder! Not having an eCommerce site kinda puts you at a disadvantage, especially when customers are going for a seamless online shopping experience like CDW offers. I used to work for a service provider that relied on them for hardware and their website made procurement so much easier. It's all about convenience!
Many prefer CDW because they have a lot of inventory and centralized billing and resources. Smaller vendors often struggle to compete with that sort of infrastructure. If you can provide a solid, quick service, you’ll gain traction.
Honestly, people often don’t pay the listed prices on the CDW site, especially if they have a rep. Many businesses negotiate better deals behind the scenes. If your pricing is only comparing to CDW's list prices, that's potentially skewed. It’s good to know what everyone else is doing too.
For me, it's often cheaper than Amazon for most items, plus I've never received anything fake or returned. It’s all about reliability and ease of management - having fewer suppliers makes my life easier, especially with a small team.
Totally! Managing fewer vendors is definitely a plus for us too.

Right? It’s not just about price; it’s about the whole process – fulfillment, customer support, and trustworthy service.