By James Chevrette and Amy Gilroy
Alpine (Alps Alpine North America) is implementing a change in its sales force, moving exclusively to a manufacturer’s rep model in servicing its aftermarket authorized dealers.
Alpine told its inside salespeople of the change in July. The switch to reps is effective October 1,
Additionally, the company has let go of three of its five Brand Specialists who support retailers, according to many industry members.
The change is due in part to Alpine preparing for the economic shifts brought on by tariffs, and changes in the industry, it said.
“We’re thankful for the many years of dedicated service from our direct sales team and brand specialists. We wish them all success in their future opportunities,” said Dan Sparks, National Sales Director of the Alpine Brand Aftermarket Division at Alps Alpine North America. “This is a strategic shift to adapt to tariff impacts and refocus resources on growth and innovation. The aftermarket car audio industry is evolving, and Alpine is striving to extend its reach to a new audience to strengthen the existing business and create new opportunities.”
Alpine is currently interviewing rep firms to serve as partners in certain territories. It will make a formal announcement on this once all new rep partners have been selected, it said.
Mobile electronics ain’t what it use to be. Sad to see the Alpine direct sales team lose their jobs. /////
Pioneer, Kenwood, JVC, Sony and many of the new school brands are out there and paying over priced Alpine and get same quality or better. It’s just not worth the trouble for Alpine, there’s really nothing amazing to kiss butt to have them. They’re so many amazing car audio brand names that can satisfy many with lower pricing so, move on and let them dig their own grave. There’s really nothing exclusive and special about them anyway. To be straight forward. DB Drive, Focal, Polk Audio, infinity, Diamond, Black Diamond, DS18 and soooo many more.
Alpine is a great company. I worked there nearly 14 years. They innovate and lead. They don’t always get it right. Nobody does. But they measure everything and try again. The market is changing. The vehicles are changing and the people are changing. It’s no surprise to see Alpine make this shift. But it takes more than slangin programs and volume discounts to bring value to dealers today.
While it is my impression that Alpine has largely operated its business in an honorable fashion… Ira Gold is right. You gotta know who you are doing business with, pay attention to has their ear, actions they take and who they hire in places of authority and who actually HAS AUTHORITY. Above all one cannot be caught hoping and pretending that, because it always was… It always will be. I hope those impacted negatively will land on their feet. Bring value with every visit and every transaction and you will be valued. Valued people always land on their feet.
So familiar. I started out as salesman for an independent rep firm who had Alpine in the early 80’s. We always made quota and more. One of the best. But then Alpine decided to make the top territories direct. And I was hired. But that didn’t last long either. What I learned was to start my own rep firm and go it alone. Lines come and go, but the customers I serve are really what counts. Most of them over 40 years have become my friends. They are the ones to be loyal too. Not manufacturers! Learn this lesson young ones.
So true Ira. The lines come and go the dealers remain the same. At the end of the day you have to be loyal to your customers…