“Total radio silence is a complete lack of decency,” says MANA manufacturer member.

Dear MANA,

During year one of our MANA membership, we needed to find reps for 14 sales territories. We contacted 42 rep agencies. Only seven had the decency to reply. We partnered with one who is doing quite well in further developing existing customer relations, keeping us up-to-date on their efforts, and growing sales.

The other six who responded were ideal for our line but either had line card conflicts or territory issues that stopped us from moving forward with them. Because they were exceptionally professional and knowledgeable, we are staying in touch if things change to let us hire them.

The remaining 83 percent of the sales rep organizations that we contacted repeatedly didn’t even respond. Not even a “no, thanks,” “too busy,” “conflict of interest,” or whatever. Just total radio silence, which I consider a complete lack of decency.

If this was my experience with them, what occurs when customers or potential customers contact them? It is not a scenario I would like to subject customers/potentials to since it also reflects on and projects the same image upon the represented manufacturers. They project an image that says:

• You are not important enough to merit my attention.
• I do not respect you enough to answer.
• I am unprofessional and ill-mannered.
• I do what I want to do, not what is best for you.

Thank you for putting us in touch with the sales rep that signed on — they are a true gem!