Stock in the Channel Awarded Best MSP Business Support
We are very happy to announce that we have been named Best MSP Business Support in this year's MSP Innovation Awards!
Hosted by Channel Partner Insight, an incisive media brand, the awards are now in their third year with the purpose of celebrating partners - and their vendors – who are serving as extraordinary examples of success in the European managed services market.
As the largest search engine for IT product stock and prices; frequent Stock in the Channel customers will have enjoyed our unique position in the channel, connecting MSPs, Distributors and Brands across Europe.
Modern Selling: the all-in-one eCommerce platform designed for MSPs and resellers
Our application focussed on Stock in the Channel's Modern Selling platform, the portal designed to help MSPs connect with and sell to their customers in a more streamlined, digitally advanced way than ever before.
Powered by the Stock in the Channel datafeed, MSPs are able to offer a fully customisable, branded sales portal to their customers, packed with features like Collaborative Quoting, Order Automation and Purchase Authorisation.
Businesses utilising Stock in the Channel's new platform enable their customers to self-serve hardware purchases, with cloud services being added to the platform soon.
Find Out More About Modern Selling
About Channel Partner Insight
CPI provides channel professionals across Europe and the US with the latest industry news, analysis and insights from all areas of the IT channel so they can make smarter business decisions. Join CPI for free today.
Check Out Channel Partner Insight
Winners Announced! Disty Awards 2021
We’re delighted to announce the winners of Stock in the Channel’s first ever Disty Awards, celebrating the suppliers that populate our stock and price search engine and enable tens of thousands of resellers to do business.
Who are the winners of the Stock in the Channel Disty Awards 2021?
Using Stock in the Channel platform data we've identified the following winners for the 10 categories. Read on to find out how the winners have been recognised, and click through to view their profile page for more information.
Stock & Price Accuracy
Awarded to the supplier whose stock and price feed are updated most frequently, PSA Parts consistently update stock and prices, maintaining multiple client-specific, tiered pricing groups; all with a consistent level of accuracy.
Best Product Data Quality
Awarded to the supplier with the most accurate product descriptions, LINDY ace product data coverage, with 99.5% of in-stock products described by Icecat.
Best EDI Integration
Awarded to the supplier with the most electronic automated functions. The SITC and Ingram integration has it all: real-time stock and prices, EDI order automation, shipment tracking, serial numbers and CSP Billing - and now moving to Secure FTP (read more here).
Fastest Reseller Connection Response
Awarded to the supplier that actions feed requests the quickest, CMS frequently has zero pending reseller requests demonstrating a consistently rapid response to new applications.
Most Viewed Distributor
Awarded to the supplier receiving the most amount of interest from resellers using Stock in the Channel. Of the 166 distributors listed on the platform, 1 in every 7 Distributor Profile Page views is for Exertis IT.
Best Niche Supplier
Awarded to the supplier with the largest range and highest quality product data coverage within one product area. Huge well done to Cablenet for exceptional product data coverage at 99.1% for over 4000 cable SKUs.
Best Specialist Supplier
Awarded to Cloud and Security experts Exclusive Networks, recognised for providing expert insight and support to customers.
Best eCommerce Support
Awarded to the supplier who provides the fastest response time to solve feed issues and queries, sorting any and all feed-related requests in rapid time.
Best New Supplier
Awarded to the recently-joined supplier who has received the most interest from resellers. Trade Supply have been with Stock in the Channel for 6 months, awarded for their adoption and implementation for client-specific feeds.
Longest Standing Partner
Awarded to the supplier with the longest-term commitment to the platform. Supporting Stock in the Channel since its inception in November 2006, Northamber are an absolute all-rounder, with hundreds of feeds and good coverage across product data.
Congratulations to all our winners - and to all suppliers listed on Stock in the Channel.
For press enquiries or further information on listing with Stock in the Channel, please email:
distribution@stockinthechannel.com
What are the Stock in the Channel Disty Awards?
The Disty Awards are selected from internal categories that are measured from within the Stock in the Channel platform. Our objective is to shine a light on all trade distributors, large and small, broadline and niche.
With over 170 UK distributors connected to Stock in the Channel, we’ve seen the hard work and resourcefulness required that has ultimately led to success for the whole channel through 2020 and into 2021.
For a full list of UK Distributors you can find on Stock in the Channel, click here:
https://www.stockinthechannel.co.uk/Distributors
Stock in the Channel UK Distributor Awards 2021
We’re excited to announce Stock in the Channel’s first ever Disty Awards, celebrating the suppliers that populate our stock and price search engine and enable tens of thousands of resellers to do business.
What are the Stock in the Channel Disty Awards?
The Disty Awards are selected from internal categories that are measured from within the Stock in the Channel platform. Our objective is to shine a light on all trade distributors, large and small, broadline and niche.
With over 170 UK distributors connected to Stock in the Channel, we’ve seen the hard work and resourcefulness required that has ultimately led to success for the whole channel through 2020 and into 2021.
Discover the UK Disty Award Categories
Please note there are no entries required to the Stock in the Channel Disty Awards. Using our platform data we’ll be contacting the winners in the coming weeks before announcing the winners publicly.
Stock & Price Accuracy
The supplier whose Stock & Price feed are updated most frequently
Best Product Data Quality
The supplier with the most accurate product descriptions
Best EDI Integration
The supplier with the most electronic automated functionalities
Fastest Reseller Connection Response
The supplier that actions feed requests the quickest
Most Viewed Distributor
The supplier receiving the most amount of interest from resellers using Stock in the Channel
Best Niche Supplier
The supplier with the largest range and highest quality product data coverage within one product area
Best Specialist Supplier
The supplier recognised for providing expert insight and support to customers
Best eCommerce Support
The supplier who provides fastest response time to solve feed issues and queries
Best New Supplier
The recently-joined supplier who has received the most interest from resellers
Longest Standing Partner
The supplier with the longest-term commitment to the Stock in the Channel platform
When will the Disty Awards be announced?
The Disty Award categories will be reviewed by the Stock in the Channel team based on data taken from 2021, and announced at the beginning of June.
Winners will be notified first by email, then announced publicly. We look forward to sharing our findings with you and championing a selection of the best suppliers on the Stock in the Channel platform.
For a full list of UK Distributors you can find on Stock in the Channel, click here:
https://www.stockinthechannel.co.uk/Distributors
Meet the New Distributors Who Joined in Early 2021
We've had a successful start to 2021 and are thrilled to announce the arrival of five new IT suppliers and the expansion of an existing distributor into many additional markets, using Stock in the Channel's country-specific sites.
Read on to find out more about these new partners and the products you can utilize. Remember you can find a list of all the suppliers offered here.
Trust Distribution Ltd
Trust Distribution offers an extensive product portfolio, supplying over 6000 product lines from 150 vendors, including Telephone Systems, Headsets, Installation products, Conferencing etc. offering a complete end to end solution for all telecommunication needs. Trust believe in building strong relationships and offering the best of what is available on the market with the knowledge to support resellers deliver any solution successfully.
Sol Distribution
Sol Distribution is a UK-based value-added distributor of networking infrastructure solutions, based in Shropshire, UK.
Sol Distribution is an official distribution partner of ADVA Optical Networking, Alcatel Lucent Enterprise, ASUS, D-Link, Finisar, Lantronix, Net2Edge, Nokia, QCT, RAD Data Communications, Starview International, Transition Networks and Viavi Solutions, and can provide a wide range of third party compatible Transceivers & Cables.
Parsia
Parsia supply a full range of OEM consumables and parts for Konica Minolta, Kyocera Mita, Ricoh, Samsung and Sharp machines - a well as many more manufacturers. Based in Uxbridge, UK, Parsia are able to source the highest quality products from around the globe, and are committed to being first to market with the best OEM-equivalent products available. Their quality-first policy has been developed over many years working in partnership with over 400 active dealers.
MJT Computing
MJT Computing have been supporting clients for over 12 years With access to leading brands such as Cisco, Microsoft, APC and Hewlett Packard Enterprise, MJT Computing are able to provide exceptional delivery times, giving customers the option of same-day delivery across the mainland UK.
Pelikan, distributed via Data Direct
Data Direct have added Pelikan to their range of aftermarket toner supplies with this standalone listing.
Jarltech
Jarltech, Europe's largest specialist POS and Auto-ID distributor, have listed on Stock in the Channel for some time. We are happy to announce they are now available in all EU territories.
Follow the link to view the UK supplier page, or head to your preferred country's site to view their profile there.
How To List Your Webstore Products For Free On Google Shopping
At the end of 2020, Google expanded its free display options to businesses around the globe; allowing eCommerce businesses of all sizes to list their SKUs through the Google Shopping platform for free.
“Available globally in mid-October, search results on the Shopping tab will consist primarily of free listings, helping retailers to connect with more customers, regardless of whether they advertise on Google.”
Bill Ready, President of Commerce at Google
What Does This Mean For Stock in the Channel Webstore Customers?
For B2C webstore users, this offers a modest yet tactical opportunity to present products from your site to customers searching Google for IT and office products, effectively listing 100,000 of your supplier's products on Google shopping with no advertising cost.
While competition for product listings is tough, presenting your products to potential customers as they search is a critical marketing moment that should be taken advantage of - especially at no advertising cost to you!
Where Will Free Products Appear On Google?
Free product listings most commonly appear on the Google Shopping tab, however, they can also appear on under ‘Popular Products’ on Search results and within Google Images.
As with all Google results, your products will be ranked on relevancy for a user’s search factoring in keywords and popularity.
How To Upload Products For Free On Google Shopping?
For free listings, as well as paid shopping adverts, you must upload products through the Google Merchant Centre. However, in order to efficiently upload your product catalogue data you will have to use a Magento extension to automate the process.
We recommend using Wyomind’s Simple Google Shopping extension for Magento 2, please include that you are a Stock in the Channel customer when speaking with them.
Uploading products to Google Shopping of course does not guarantee additional sales, yet offers a great opportunity for new potential end-consumers to purchase directly from you.
Magento 2.4 Migration Now Available For All Webstore Users
Stock in the Channel’s Product Import extension has now been updated to Magento 2.4.
The update is available for both hosted webstores as well as self-hosting customers, we recommend updating as soon as possible.
Transitioning to Magento 2.4
In addition to the changes to how products and categories are handled, Magento 2.4 introduces a number of changes which may mean that themes need updating and other 3rd party extensions may no longer work. Consequently, this is not an automatic update and customers need to be prepared for this.
Please note that updating requires moving to a dedicated server - which has a small cost attached. This enhanced package which will allow for more complex webstore features industry-standard ElasticSeach and Varnish, as well as increasing site speed.
For those customers hosting on our turnkey solution: we will manage the migration to version 2.4 on your behalf. Please contact your account manager or sales@stockinthechannel.com and they will arrange a time for the upgrade and assistance in solving any of the issues that may arise.
For self-hosting customers: the extension is available for downloaded from:
https://github.com/StockChannel/SinchImport/commit/23b1bea84c36119086327ee30ea42dc335cc4073
The extension can also be downloaded from Packagist:
https://packagist.org/packages/stockinthechannel/import
Magento 2.4 Frequently Asked Questions
How do I upgrade to Magento 2.4?
Please follow the steps listed above, depending on what sort of SITC customer you are.
What happens if I don’t upgrade?
While the upgrade is not forced, Magento 2.2 is becoming end of life. This means it is likely you will experience disruption, so we highly recommend upgrading as soon as possible.
Do I need to upgrade to Magento 2.3 first or can I upgrade straight to 2.4?
If you have not yet updated to Mag 2.3 you must do so first. Please see full instructions here.
Will my webstore be offline at all while Magento updates?
Upgrading to the latest version of Magento could take an hour or two, depending on the compatibility of your webstore modules. During this time you will not be able to use your site, therefore we recommend doing this during a quiet time (in the evening, for example).
Does it make a difference if I sell B2B or B2C?
For users on Magento 2 and above we have developed a suite of B2B modules that offer an unrivalled customer experience. These features are designed for stores with a larger number of customers, offering personalised pricing and catalogues as well as order automation and enhanced quoting through an all-in-one portal. Discover Modern Selling in full here.
If you have any further questions, please contact your account manager.
Happy Christmas from Stock in the Channel
To our colleagues, business partners and friends - we wish you a Happy Christmas! What a year we have had together.
Please note that from 24th December to the 4th January, the Stock in the Channel team will be taking a well-earned break.
For all you hardworking souls, you can still find the site available and running as usual. However, you will not be able to reach us by phone or email.
In case of emergency, please contact support@stockinthechannel.com where we will continue to monitor the inbox over the festive period.
Finally, a BIG THANK YOU to all the Resellers, Distributors and Brands for working so hard with us this year in particular, making 2020 a great year for the Channel.
Rest, relax and be merry. We look forward to speaking again in the new year.
The Stock in the Channel Team
New Trade Distributors Available On Stock in the Channel
As we get closer to the end of the year, we're happy to share the latest trade distributors who are now listed on Stock on the Channel. We are continually working to onboard further suppliers and have even more planned for the new year.
With brilliant new listed suppliers from Europe, the USA, Mexico and Canada, we hope you enjoy reading a small amount about each distributor below. Visit their individual pages for instructions on applying to work together.
CT International is one of the largest and preferred IT distributors in Mexico. With 27 years in the market, CT now have 52 branches and serve more than 33,000 value-added resellers - selling over 200 brands' products from a wide range of categories.
Find Out More About CT International
Canadian-based BlueStar is a leading global distributor of solutions-based digital identification, mobility, point-of-sale, RFID, digital signage, and security technology solutions. BlueStar works exclusively with value-added resellers, providing them with complete solutions, business development and marketing support.
eduthing is a Platinum ASUS Partner and the largest education-focused stockist of ASUS Chromebooks in the UK supplying devices B2B and direct to schools on a national level. Additional services such as the supply of Google for Education Licenses and white label fulfilment services also available.
Stone began in 1991 and have since assisted thousands of organisations in adapting and thriving throughout the continually changing technology landscape. Now one of the UK’s leading education and the public sector technology suppliers, Stone deliver highly personalised service and provide accredited, trusted IT support.
Discover Group Inc. is a US wholesale distributor of brand-name office supplies, consumer electronics, computer hardware, and accessories, as well as high-quality OEM imaging supplies. Discover Group have a decades-long record of competitive pricing, excellent service, best order fill rate, and fast shipping worldwide.
Find Out More About Discover Group
For more than 20 years, US-based Jelco has delivered quality, innovative, cost-effective audiovisual case solutions for mobile professionals. With a penchant for innovative design, Jelco is recognised as a pioneer by developing a wide variety of industry-first products and features for many projectors, LCD and plasma displays, interactive whiteboards and other AV products.
Digital Red Square are a relatively new distributor focussed on mobile phones, tablets and accessories. They enjoy offering competitive pricing and hold a large inventory of new and refurbished phone and mobile accessories, which allows Digital Red Square to dispatch purchase orders the same day.
Find Out More About Digital Red Square
Eurostar Global is a growing SME with big ideas, aspiring to become Europe’s first choice specialist partner for wireless devices. Eurostar Global stock and supply products from the world’s leading manufacturers backed up with a personal service.
Find Out More About Eurostar Global
Exclusive Networks is a global provider of cybersecurity and cloud solutions for their partners in over 25 countries. They offer global IT services and opportunities through various different services such as logistics and field services, professional support services, financing, leasing and much more.
Find Out More About Exclusive Networks
Genee Group (G Tech Innovation Ltd) are specialist manufactures interactive touchscreen devices in the UK. With products and services falling into four main categories, Genee is able to offer streamlined support for resellers in need of Interactive Touch Screen Displays; Registrar Visitor Sign In / Sign Out Systems; Touch Tables and Play Screens For Early Years; and Visualisers / Document Cameras.
Tradesupply offer over 4,000 product lines including copier toners & drums, inkjets, franking consumables, maintenance kits & fusers as well as Bio-based cartridges, a range of unique products offering great environmental benefits. They have a strict trade-only policy and offer a 5-year warranty on all toner cartridges.
Find Out More About Tradesupply
With headquarters located in Taipei, Taiwan, Transcend now has 13 offices worldwide, and has become a leading global brand for storage, multimedia and lifestyle products. Over 2000 products are designed, developed, manufactured, marketed and sold by in-house teams, upholding the highest quality and professional service.
If you are a distributor looking to expand your reseller base, click here to find out more about listing your inventory on Stock in the Channel.
Magento 2.3 Migration Now Available For All Webstore Users
We are delighted to announce that Stock in the Channel’s Product Import extension is now compatible with Magento 2.3. The update is now available for both hosted webstores as well as self-hosting customers.
Important Information About Magento Version Updates
When Magento version 2.3 was released, the way that product and categories were set up within Magento changed dramatically. This meant that our previously existing product import extension was no longer compatible.
As a result, our customers were not able to upgrade to the newer versions. As time goes on and security patches are released, this means that any sites stuck on Magento 2.2. became increasingly out of date. Magento has now ended support for Magento 2.2 so customers running Magento 2.2. should upgrade as soon as possible.
Transitioning to Magento 2.3
In addition to the changes to how products and categories are handled, Magento 2.3 introduces a number of changes which may mean that themes need updating and other 3rd party extensions may no longer work. Consequently, this is not an automatic update and customers need to be prepared for this.
For those customers hosting on our turnkey solution: we will manage the migration to version 2.3 on your behalf. Please contact support@stockinthechannel.com and they will arrange a time for the upgrade and assistance in solving any of the issues that may arise.
For self-hosting customers: the extension is available for downloaded from https://github.com/StockChannel/SinchImport
If preferred, it can also be installed from Packagist using the following link https://packagist.org/packages/stockinthechannel/import
Looking To Upgrade Your Webstore? Meet Modern Selling
For those looking to take their online store to the next level, Stock in the Channel has a range of upgraded features designed to streamline sales and give your customers an experience like never before.
Click on the new features available below to explore the features. Like what you see? Contact sales@stockinthechannel.com to find out more about implementing these upgraded features on your site.
Custom Catalogues, Pricing & Distributor Rules
Bundles, Core Lists & Configurators
Third-Party CRM / PSA / ERP Integrations
Speak To Us About Upgraded Modern Selling Features
Stock in the Channel Integrates with Netsuite
We are delighted to announce Stock in the Channel’s integration with NetSuite, streamlining the flow of data between Stock in the Channel’s Modern Selling solution and NetSuite like never before using SuiteTalk SOAP Webservices.
Our integration with Oracle’s world-leading ERP increases the capabilities of our Modern Selling B2B eCommerce portal; allowing resellers of all sizes to utilise our all-in-one sales solution in a way that works with their existing systems.
How does Stock in the Channel’s NetSuite integration work?
Customers and purchasing teams can place Quotes and Orders on the Stock in the Channel Portal as well as NetSuite, the integration platform now handles the rest to ensure the information is synced seamlessly between the two systems.
“We’re very proud of this integration and how it will be able to transform the capability of our platform for NetSuite users,” said Farshid Eilami, Software Development Manager at Stock in the Channel, “our Modern Selling customer portal continues to unite many popular systems throughout the entire channel”. Please see the full list of our third-party integrations at the bottom of this post.
Stock in the Channel's integration platform synchronises Accounts, Contacts, Addresses, Suppliers, Products, Quotes, Sales Orders, Purchase Orders, Invoices and Item Receipts – so that all required information is available on all systems. Stock in the Channel runs Full Syncs daily, as well as and Delta Syncs every 15 minutes.
These are designed to keep the systems synchronised and provide clarity on the status of all transactions. However, please note that sync tasks can be scheduled to run at any time or frequency based on a customer’s internal processing in order to help with throttling and concurrency.
Finally, our NetSuite integration is designed to be able to support NetSuite Customization. Please contact us if you would like to configure the application in a more specific manner.
Would you like to discuss NetSuite or other integrations?
If you’re an existing Stock in the Channel customer or discovering us for the first time, we’d love to support your business by implementing our NetSuite integration.
Contact sales@stockinthechannel.com to speak to a member of the team, or see a full list of our most popular PSA, CRM and ERP integrations below and contact us by clicking the button.
MS Dynamics CRM
Ms Dynamics NAV
MS Dynamics GP
Xero
Magento
Amazon
Speak To Us About Integrations
