---
title: A gift from the FMCG Drinks Distribution Agony Aunt
description: "Free download : RTM Distributor Assessment Tool to evaluate the performance of FMCG distributors."
image: https://supplychain.enchange.com/hs-fs/file-15785378-jpg/blog_images/free_rtm__assessment_tool_v2.jpg
---

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# Route to Market & Supply Chain Blog

# A gift from the FMCG Drinks Distribution Agony Aunt

Posted by Dave Jordan on Fri, Jul 30, 2010

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Dear Frustrated of FMCG Drinks,

 Thank you for your [letter](https://supplychain.enchange.com/bid/26366/A-letter-to-the-FMCG-Drinks-Distribution-Agony-Aunt), which was a delight to read. Believe me; you are not alone in having such feelings and concerns. There is nothing worse than seeing the **world’s greatest drinks salesman shining down**and not being able to meet the demand of the thirsty masses. This frustration plus the lack of return on valuable investment can leave even the calmest of souls agitated and depressed.

However, do not despair. As I said you are not alone and this is not the first time I have seen this problem. You need professional help to receive the **Route To Market/Distribution** therapy you need.

Firstly, you must overcome 2 important barriers. The first is that you **cannot assume your existing Distribution network is entirely suitable** for the job in hand. Secondly, you must look at yourself in the mirror and realise that **you are not perfect either**. If you can do these 2 things then help is at hand.

Using this [simple checklist and guiding definitions](https://supplychain.enchange.com/analyse-the-performance-of-your-distributors---free-route-to-market-assessment-form?&t=59062) you can take **a critical look at how you manage your Distributors and how they manage your business** on your behalf. Some of the questions are searching and may cause you some discomfort but this is necessary in order to accurately evaluate what is going well and what can be improved.

Do not keep this to yourself. The effective management and **exploitation of a robust and proactive Distributor network is a team effort requiring buy-in from all Board colleagues** and peers. Keeping this problem to yourself will only increase the caffeine intake and accelerate the hair loss!

I will always be pleased to help you and look forward to your feedback on a very positive experience with the checklist. **Cure the problem, do not treat the symptoms!**

Yours soothingly,

The FMCG Drinks Agony Aunt

 

[![Free RTM  Assessment Tool v2](https://supplychain.enchange.com/hs-fs/file-15785378-jpg/blog_images/free_rtm__assessment_tool_v2.jpg?width=341&height=130&name=free_rtm__assessment_tool_v2.jpg)](https://supplychain.enchange.com/analyse-the-performance-of-your-distributors---free-route-to-market-assessment-form?&t=59062)

 Tags: [Brewing & Beverages](https://supplychain.enchange.com/topic/brewing-beverages), [FMCG](https://supplychain.enchange.com/topic/fmcg), [Route to Market](https://supplychain.enchange.com/topic/route-to-market), [Dave Jordan](https://supplychain.enchange.com/topic/dave-jordan), [CEE](https://supplychain.enchange.com/topic/cee), [Distribution](https://supplychain.enchange.com/topic/distribution), [RTM Assessment Tool](https://supplychain.enchange.com/topic/rtm-assessment-tool)

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## Implementation Guide - 20 Steps to RtM Excellence

[![cta-20-steps-implementation-guide-1](https://supplychain.enchange.com/hs-fs/hubfs/cta-20-steps-implementation-guide-1.png?width=336&name=cta-20-steps-implementation-guide-1.png)](https://supplychain.enchange.com/implementation-guide-to-20-steps-to-route-to-market-excellence)

## RtM Distributor Assessment Tool

[![rtm-distributin-assessment-tool-enchange](https://supplychain.enchange.com/hs-fs/hubfs/rtm-distributin-assessment-tool-enchange.png?width=336&name=rtm-distributin-assessment-tool-enchange.png)](https://supplychain.enchange.com/analyse-the-performance-of-your-distributors---free-route-to-market-assessment-form)

## Distributor Assessment Guide

[![distributor assessment guide-2](https://supplychain.enchange.com/hubfs/Enchange_October2019/Image/distributor%20assessment%20guide-2.webp)](https://supplychain.enchange.com/distributor-assessment-guide)

## 3rd Degree Partnership Guide

[![3rd degree partnership download](https://supplychain.enchange.com/hubfs/Enchange_October2019/Image/3rd%20degree%20partnership%20download.webp)](https://supplychain.enchange.com/implementing-third-degree-partnerships-guide)

## Indirect Distribution: FMCG  Distributors vs. Wholesalers

[![cta_ditributor-wholesale-download_sidebar](https://supplychain.enchange.com/hs-fs/hubfs/cta_ditributor-wholesale-download_sidebar.png?width=336&name=cta_ditributor-wholesale-download_sidebar.png)](https://supplychain.enchange.com/indirect-distribution-fmcg-distributors-vs.-wholesalers)

## 8 Steps to Drive Distributor Excellence

![cta-8-steps-distributor-excellence](https://supplychain.enchange.com/hs-fs/hubfs/cta-8-steps-distributor-excellence.png?width=336&name=cta-8-steps-distributor-excellence.png)

 

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