December 2020 Newsletter
**** The 4specs Perspective
This newsletter is part 2 of a series reporting the results of the fall 2020 survey run by 4specs. Part 1 was about Does Your Website Design Support Architects and Specifers?
This month I address 2 questions. You can see the complete survey results here
Question 5 - What do you want to find on the manufacturer's website - 235 responses
Here are the top responses:
| Usually | Sometimes | |
| Product Data Sheets | 212 (90%) | 19 ( 8%) |
| CSI-formatted Specifications | 165 (70%) | 52 (22%) |
| Product Selection Guide | 154 (66%) | 73 (31%) |
Here are the lowest responses:
| Seldom | Almost Never | |
| CAD Details | 29 (12%) | 53 (23%) |
| BIM Objects | 32 (14%) | 85 (36%) |
| Continuing Ed Courses | 75 (31%) | 41 (17%) |
Comment - I frequently suggest that specifiers view the manufacturer's specifications as the specifications will probably contain the detailed information needed to evaluate a product for inclusion in the specification or approve as a substitution. A product data sheet will generally contain even more information. Here is a newsletter on product data sheets for additional info.
Here is a more complete "laundry list" of information to include on your website.
Question 2 - Which Resources are used to select and evaluate products - 237 responses
Here are the top responses:
| Usually | Sometimes | |
| Prior Experience with Manufacturer | 166 (70%) | 67 (28%) |
| Internet Research | 164 (69%) | 62 (26%) |
| Existing Specification | 127 (54%) | 83 (35%) |
| Local Representative Input | 94 (40%) | 124 (52%) |
| Lunch and Learns | 30 (13%) | 140 (59%) |
| Client/Facility Manager | 23 (10%) | 106 (45%) |
| Ask Other Specifiers | 21 ( 9%) | 124 (52%) |
Here are the lowest responses:
| Seldom | Almost Never | |
| Trade Shows | 20 ( 8%) | 108 (46%) |
| Internet Forums and Blogs | 8 ( 3%) | 79 (33%) |
| Manufacturer email newsletters | 4 ( 2%) | 73 (31%) |
| Advertising - Print and Internet | 15 ( 6%) | 66 (28%) |
Compare these numbers to your marketing budget and sales representative focus.
Questions, comments and suggestions are always appreciated.
Colin
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Colin Gilboy
Publisher - 4specs
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