Vermont Sales, Southern Africa's #1 Power Tool Accessory Supplier, has delivered exceptional service to the trade for
the last 36 years. In doing so, it has developed the top brands like Tork Craft, Alpen, Pro-Tech, GAV, Kreg, Festool
and others. Powered by Service, focus has always been placed on brands in order to develop each individually with
its
own identity and market position. As a result consumers interact with each product without the emphasis on the
company
housing these wonderful brands.
However, Vermont Sales itself is now known as the foremost brand promoter in the trade. Many international
manufacturers and companies wanting to enter the South African market have knocked on their door, as Vermont Sales
have proven success over the years in competently representing these ranges.
The ethics of integrity and straight dealing have led to respect in the market place. Vermont Sales has endeavoured to offer quality and value in all products retailers' stock and to continuously upgrade, improve and innovate the ever growing range of international brands. Very often being the first to introduce new product to the trade, there have been many imitators following in their footsteps.
History
Roland Hunt, having worked in the tool and automotive industry, was offered a range of American power tool accessories to distribute in 1985, and persuaded his wife, Mindi, to undertake selling them into the very under catered hardware trade. It was very soon necessary to add to both the range and the sales team, with steady growth taking place. After several years both Hunt children, Ryan and Angela, joined the team as salesman and administrator respectively, entrenching the family values within Vermont Sales but at the same time giving a more corporate approach to the business.
During the years of continued growth Vermont Sales had to keep finding bigger and better premises - 7 moves have
taken
place, first from Pretoria to Midrand and with the latest of these to the new, purpose built premises in Corporate
Park South.
Vermont Sales has had the fantastic opportunity of offering their staff secure employment. The very first employees
have now gone into well- earned retirement, others have been with the company for over 20 years. Many sales people
started on the picking floor, or as merchandisers and telesales operators, receptionists have gone into
administration
and HR positions with great success. The original staff of 5 has grown to over 220. All staff are encouraged to
improve and upskill themselves with the bursaries offered by the company. Vermont Sales has the best staff in the
business!
Skills and Product Training
Respect, in equal
measure, for Vermont Sales' staff, its Brands and its Customers is the most important factor in the whole business.
Heavy emphasis as always been on the training of the use of all tools and product sold, of both our own staff and to
assisting resellers to grow their own businesses by stocking and understanding the product on their shelves. A
regular
schedule is in place for training of retailers' staff in product knowledge, merchandising and sales skills. Courses
are conducted by our certified, in house trainers, who also travel the country when necessary.
Professional demonstrations of the tools and products of each brand are conducted regularly to educate consumers and
end users in best practice. Demonstrations are conducted on a regular basis at retail stores and end users. Huge
support is offered by the international suppliers in this regards - with training taking place at their own overseas
factories and offices and personnel being sent to South Africa to upskill the Vermont Sales teams on a regular
basis.
This allows Vermont Sales to offer unparalleled support to the customer.
Vision
The
future of Vermont Sales is grounded in the foundation laid. Vermont Sales will continue to offer product ranges that
provide effective solutions to the trade and trusted brands which bring above-average value and return. This coupled
with the goal of having continued growth into African countries and providing continued opportunities for secure
employment for all of our valued employees.