Unlike other types of salespeople, manufacturers' representatives work for multiple companies across multiple product lines in a large geographic area, either as individuals or as part of an agency. A rep is an independent businessperson, an extension of the manufacturers' sales force, and he or she can also be a highly valuable jack-of-all-trades who not only closes deals, but also teaches in-house manufacturer, warehouse distributor or retailer/jobber salespeople how to best present the manufacturer's marketing plan to create sales. [Read more]

News and updates from SEMA's councils and committees.

If you scan no farther than these next few words, know this: You should read The Business of Speed: The Hot Rod Industry in America, 1915–1990 by David Lucsko. Since you're browsing through SEMA News, you must be favored with some interest in the automotive specialty-equipment industry, and Lucsko's book offers a primer about where it began, how it evolved and, if not precisely where it's heading, at least an optimistic appraisal of why it will live on. [Read more]

Gregory Boutte, vice-president of eBay Motors, will lead a SEMA Show discussion exploring how auto and parts sales will change as the Internet evolves through social networking and mobile marketing.

Blogs (shorthand for “weblogs”) have revolutionized commerce. They allow companies to directly address current customers while developing new business, explaining product benefits and answering customer questions.

Legislators set classification standards and exempt street rods and custom vehicles from emissions inspection requirements.

Exhibiting at the SEMA Show is a major investment. Studies have consistently shown that exhibitors who engage buyers prior to an event will have a more successful Show.

News and updates from SEMA's councils and committees.

Exhibiting at the SEMA Show is a major investment. Studies have consistently shown that exhibitors who engage buyers prior to an event will have a more successful Show.