Computer Office Group MD intends to get dealers? sales moving

Computer Office Group?s new managing director, Derek Jones, has said the group is not intended to save resellers a fortune on their purchases and is not interested in making massive profits for itself.

There are 25 resellers in the five-month-old buying and marketing group for independent dealers, which has just moved to new premises in Winwick Quay, Warrington.

In return for #100 a month and a #150 joining fee, each dealer receives 1,000 copies of a glossy magazine cum catalogue to distribute to buyers. It is personalised with the dealer?s name, telephone number, sales message and logo.

Members also gain a more favourable price for products than they could if they were buying in isolation and they have regular brainstorming sessions together.

?The problem with independent retailers is that they are generally very technical and very clever and know the industry and local markets, but they are not sales and marketing people,? said Jones.

?The group is not designed to save them a fortune on their purchasing. It increases the footfall through the Var or reseller?s business.?

Jones has 16 years of experience in the UK computer industry. He set up his own computer stationery business in 1981 and has subsequently worked as a salesman and as a distributor.

He currently has interests in August Business Services in Warrington and internet service provider Talk 101.