LBTTDRS

Focus Groups

Your recent editorial (Jan., p.6) on focus groups warned against the danger in the assumption that a focus group is a panacea and the information is a clear indication of a company's reputation in the "marketplace." I agree with that, but would like to make some additional observations. A focus group (we call our program "Advisory Groups") is only one source of the information needed to know and understand the perceptions that exist about a company. The information is narrow and must be supplemented or completed by several other programs or sources. The participation "sample" is obviously very small, However, done correctly, and in conjunction with other opinion sources, the Advisory Group can be extremely valuable.

William J. "Bill" Clifton, 76, former lumber buyer for Haley Bros., Stockton, Ca., died of heart failure Jan. 8 in Stockton.

Born in Ione, Ca., he worked for Sierra Lumber as a buyer before joining Haley Bros. in 1976.

Morris Hendricks, 64, western field rep for the American Lumber Standard Committee, Inc., died of a heart attack Jan. 13 in Davenport, Wa.

Born in Stockton, Mo., he had worked for ALSC for 23 vears.

The key word in the last sentence is correctly. As with any marketing effort, it can be done correctly and well, or, in most cases we observe, it can be done poorly and lose its potential value.

James J. Davis Davis & Associates P.O. Box 2501 Peachtree City, Ga. 30269

Depot Lends Hand ln China

Home Depot is helping a consortium of building products suppliers and government agencies open China's first home canter.

Set to open next September, the Beijing store, tentatively called Home Way, will be similar to a Home Depot format. Although Depot will nor help fund the project, it will lend merchandising expertise and train employees, in the process gaining demographic and sales information.

The project will help explore undeveloped markets. "It's a way for us to find out if there is a market there for Home Depot," said chairman Bernard Marcus. "If Home Depot is going to be an international company, it's going to have to make a move somewhere."

Before Depot expands full-scale into China, it must examine shopping patterns, locate vendors who can supply stores on a timely basis, acquire suitable sites and determine how to incorporate its customer-oriented operating style. "You have to tiptoe into these markets one toe at a time." said one analyst.

Last year, the company scaled back Canadian expansion plans and postponed its move into Mexico.

BUILDING PRODUCTS SALF^S

Nation's largest independent wholesale distributor of building products seeks an aggressive inside sales person and outside sales person at our Fairfield, Ca., DC. Qualified candidates should have a minimum of two years proven track record selling retail building material dealers. Knowledge of wood products a Plus.

Ifyou are an energetic, resourceful sales pro and wish to join a progressive company with excellent carcer opportunities, competitive salary, company benefits including 40lK and employee stock options, we want to meet you. Please mail your confidential resume, accomplishments and salary requirements to:

PrimeSource Building Products, Inc., C.S. 4040, Fairfield, Ca. 94533, Attn: Manager.

PAN PACAC is seeking experienced wholesalers for our Bend and Eugene, Or., locations. We are looking at panel specialsts, GDF California specialists & Midwest SPF specialists, to name a few. Please contact John Eshleman at (503) 684-8375 to find out how ygu can be compensated at a higher rate than what you are now receiving. Have fun & make more money!

WEATHERED, TWISTED OR USED

LUMBER. Plywood blows, used or trims. Carl Hanson, (619) 661-2510, FAX 619-6615547, San Diego, Ca.

WE WAI{T YOUR ORPHANS!

We will work on your adoptions of closeouts, misruns, overruns, discounted stock, weathered, down fall, used or forgotten in any species of panel or lumber product. Please Fax us all the details at 503-682-l4ll, Attention Ted or Steve. Will retum to all by phone'

Twenty-five (25) words for $23. Each additional word 700. Phone number counts as one word. Address counts as six words. Headlines and centered copy ea- line, $6. Box numbers and special borders, $6 ea. Col. inch rate: $45 camera-ready, $55 ifwe set tlre type. Names of advertisers using a box number cannot be released. Address replies to box number shown in ad in care of The Merchant Magazine, 45fi) Campus Dr., Suite 480' Newport Beach, Ca.92ffi0. Make checks payable to The Merchant Magazine. Mail copy to above address, FAX to 714-852-0231 or call (714) 852-1990. Deadline for copy is the 20th of the month. PAYMENT MUST ACCOMPANY COPY unless you have established cr€dit with us.

VINTAGE DOUGLAS FIR DECKING.

3"x4" 3' to 20' T&G DFfloor deck. Grade is equivalent to D Clear. Stock is over 100 years old and is in excellent condition. Manufactured to lay up as 4" thick floor. Price is $375/m F.O.B. Bend. Or. Deschutes Pine Sales, Inc., (800) 547-5660.

l2"xl2" R.EDWOOD Timbers, 36'to 40'in length. Reclaimed, all heartwood. Sold in full lengths at $1,250/MBF or $1,100/lvlBF for truckload (36 pc.). For more information, call Chris at Q08) 263-8224 or Steve at (208) 773-1560.

LOCAL LUMBER hauling Southern California roller bed truck and trailers and bobtails radio dispatched. Rail car unloading at our spur in Long Beach, Ca. 3-CTrucking, (310) 422' 0426.

-SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Baxtar & Co., J.H....

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