Guide to Working with Chemical Distributors and Wholesalers

Use your relationship with chemical distributors and wholesalers to your advantage

By Emily Lugg

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Take the proper precautions by discussing the properties of chemicals with your chemical distributor

Chemical distributors and wholesalers can provide you with more than just wholesale chemicals. They can provide you with the appropriate knowledge you need to be successful with the use of certain chemicals. They can help you to select the proper chemicals for your specific business and assure that you individualize your chemical purchases to your business. These conversations with your chemical supplier can help you to avoid negative reactions or unsatisfactory work.

I recommend: National Association of Chemical Distributors can help you to identify responsible distributors in your area. Distributors like Chemical Distributors pride themselves on carrying some of the most well-known product names in the industry. You can find a list of the brands it carries by clicking on "Chemical Suppliers" on the left side of the web page.

Use your chemical wholesaler as a middleman between you and the chemical manufacturer

Before choosing to use any chemical, you want to be 100% sure that you are making a safe, educated decision. If you have any questions about certain chemical products that your chemical distributor cannot answer, it can take your inquiry back to the chemical manufacturer for a concrete answer. Take advantage of this relationship so you are never second guessing your chemicals supplies.

I recommend: EMCO Chemical Distributors allows you to search its inventory online. Don't forget to reference the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety & Health Administration website to help you establish a health and safety program.

Establish an exclusive relationship with select chemical distributors and wholesalers

Working with the same chemical distribution companies on a regular basis can help you to establish a relationship with them that they, and you, know can be counted on. This can lead to specialized attention and savings that distributors may only offer to their loyal customers. This can help the selection and ordering process to go much smoother.

I recommend: Young Chemical services several regional areas for those businesses in the Midwest. Leading Insight gives some tips on building strong business relationships.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider asking your chemical distributors and wholesalers about its environmental chemical practices. Take into consideration how its reputation may effect yours if you are working together.

Guide to Chemical Distributors and Wholesalers

Chemical distributors and wholesalers keep your company stocked with essential supplies

By Kelly Wright

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find chemical distributors to supply your company

You can find chemical distributors that specialize in niche markets, as well as suppliers who offer everything but the kitchen sink. You'll have to decide based on your business needs which type of distributor is best.

I recommend: Advance Scientific & Chemical is a chemical distributor with a large catalog of chemicals for sale. Hydrite Chemical is a national chemical manufacturer and supplier.

Explore chemical wholesalers to make sure you have plenty of stock

Bulk chemical suppliers can deliver the large quantities you need to satisfy the requirements of a busy operation. Businesses that work through their chemical stockpile quickly should turn to reputable chemical wholesalers for a steady supply of their required chemicals.

I recommend: Snee Chemical Company sells wholesale janitorial, marine and industrial chemicals. Eastman Chemical Company is an international chemical wholesaler that offers chemicals for use in many different consumer and industrial applications.

Try custom chemical blending and packaging from chemicals dealers

Custom chemical blending and packaging can save your business time and money.

I recommend: Colonial Chemical provides custom chemical blending and packaging for industrial clients. Tri Sect offers custom blending to meet each client's specifications.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider joining a industry group for businesses like yours that rely on chemicals. You can share ideas with other professionals and find out who they turn to for their chemicals supplies.

Guide to Chemical Distributors and Wholesalers Education and Training

Find the best education and training resources for chemical distributors and chemical wholesalers

By Christine Margiotta

1. Training programs for distribution of wholesale chemicals can often be found within chemical distribution companies themselves.
2. Chemical distributors and wholesalers education and training should always include information on regulatory measures passed to ensure proper licensing and operation of every chemical manufacturer, wholesaler or distributor.
3. Chemical safety standards set by local and federal organizations should be learned and updated constantly throughout the year through proper chemical distributors and wholesalers education and training.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find solid wholesale chemicals training and education from reputable industry sources

A comprehensive training and education program is a must for those in the chemical distribution industry, whether it's training for new employees or refreshers for seasoned professionals. A number of chemical distributors and affiliate organizations offer well-rounded training programs for all skill levels.

I recommend: The University of Industrial Distribution is an educational program focused solely on the needs of those within the industrial distribution industry, including those in chemical distribution. The UID sponsors an annual conference packed with informative sessions and opportunities to learn from others in the field. National Chemical Laboratories operates a training center in Philadelphia where educational seminars for all chemical workers, including distributors, are conducted.

Take advantage of online training and education opportunities for bulk chemical suppliers and others

Online training can be a huge money-saver for chemical distribution and wholesale companies. That's why every chemical manufacturer, distributor or wholesaler often takes advantage of online training while on the job.

I recommend: The Hubbard-Hall Online Learning Center offers courses geared toward those who need to know the regulatory measures associated with working as a chemical distributor and/or wholesaler. The National Association of Chemical Distributors offers online webinars and workshops for the budding chemical distribution professional.

Keep up with education and training on the latest chemical distribution requirements and standards

Chemical packaging, distribution and selling regulations change frequently, based in part on research, along with trial and error. Since safety and security is a top priority, it's important to keep up to date on these regulations so you can stay in business.

I recommend: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security sponsors the annual Chemical Sector Security Summit, a place for private sector chemical wholesalers and distributors to share information with government officials, as well as get up to speed on the latest requirements and standards. Master Chemical provides valuable chemical distribution training seminars.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you're looking for a local source of education and training, look no further than your own human resources department. Ask your company for training opportunities you can perform on your own time, or find out if the company is willing to fund group training.