[asterisk-biz] View from a side competitor

[Alex Epshteyn]

Kim,

 

This is exactly the model we use - except at the moment we offer software
only solution, so the consultants can choose/recommend/provide hardware
for/to the client and are even more involved.

 

Your point 4) is the key here - it would be impossible to provide adequate
support for any but the most trivial set-ups without close relationship with
the client - and the consultant is the only one who can do that.

 

We are looking for educated experienced consultants/resellers - please feel
free to contact me with any questions. 

 

Best regards,

Alex

 

Alex Epshteyn

Third Lane Technologies, LLC

http://www.thirdlane.com

  _____  

From: asterisk-biz-bounces at lists.digium.com
[mailto:asterisk-biz-bounces at lists.digium.com] On Behalf Of Kim C. Callis
Sent: Saturday, February 17, 2007 3:32 PM
To: Commercial and Business-Oriented Asterisk Discussion
Subject: Re: [asterisk-biz] View from a side competitor

 

In thinking about the consultant/manufacturer relationship, I could see a
better win/win program that would be beneficial to all. 

1.) Consultant create relationship with client and sells the client on using
Fonality (as an example) for equipment 
2.) Fonality provides a discounted price for the equipment to the
consultant/reseller
3.) Consultant/reseller pays support fee to Fonality to provide Tier 2
support (and at some point either pay for more support or pay per incident
fee) 
4.) Consultant provides Tier 1 support to client and continues to foster and
maintain relationship with client.
5.) Any future equipment is purchased though Fonality and the profile is
updated with the additional equipment and the client with pay for support of
the new equipment. 

Across the board everyone benefits... I think that most consultants provide
other services beyond telephony systems, and it is important to not lose the
relationship built, bt instead be able to provide all needed services and
allow the consultant to remain the single point of contact. 

Just passing thoughts!





On 2/17/07, Kim C. Callis <kim.callis at gmail.com> wrote: 

Dean,

I agree whole heartedly about the short sightedness of Fonality. There is
something wrong with the equation when there is no longevity for the
consultant to bring clients into the Fonality (and as I look at over
companies, the same hold true) fold. I think that the only way to be
successful is the form some partnership with one of the of the plethora of
PC stores in the area, and a relationship ship with a VOIP equipment
provider, and go forward from there. 







-- 
Kim C. Callis
kim.callis at gmail.com
_____________________________________ 
"A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher
a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts,
build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders,
cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure,
program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently and die gallantly. 
Specialization is for insects!"
-- Robert A. Heinlein 

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