We might be deep into spooky season, but we know ghosts and ghouls aren’t going to scare The BIG Network vendors! Inventory gaps and missed opportunities, however – that will send a chill down your spine.

We have been doing quite a bit of training with new vendors and/or sales reps lately on how to identify and remedy issues just like those, and there is one phrase that always crops up, no matter the company, the user, or the report:

“Where has this been all my life?”

Now, that’s to be expected – it’s a bit of a revelation when new users find out how easy it is to utilize data to effectively and efficiently help manage retailer inventory for maximum sales and profit. We’ve gotten that comment from onboarding vendors since The BIG Network was launched, and we never get tired of hearing it. However, we have made quite a few updates and upgrades this year alone, including our Vendor Dashboards which launched in the Spring. As increasing numbers of current and veteran vendors start using the Dashboard and other updated features, we are hearing another phrase being uttered more and more:

“Why haven’t I been using this?”

To tell the truth, we don’t have much of an answer for that one. We know it can be intimidating to learn how to use a new data tool, but that is what we are here for! We are happy to walk you through the Vendor Dashboard, answer questions, address concerns – whatever our vendors need! Taking some time now to get comfortable with the Dashboard – or any Balance to Buy feature you might be unfamiliar with – will save you untold amounts of time and energy in the future… and we all know time and energy are both resources in historically short supply for Q4!

So, as October starts to creep into November, we urge you this – take some time and explore Balance to Buy beyond your normal reports. Dive into the Vendor Dashboards and book an appointment with your BIG Network team member of choice if you want a guided tour. We would much rather hear “Why haven’t I been using this?” now than “Why didn’t I use this?” in January.

In the meantime, we have a great idea for a BIG Network haunted house – every room has a jewelry case missing different best sellers and no way to track sales and inventory! On second thought, that’s way too scary. Never mind.