Most manufacturers today have programs for custom instalers... go direct.....

There are really ny 2 Buying groups that are truley worth a hill of beans, abd both are very selective.... HTSA is awesome. and ProGroup is the other....

As far as advertising goes... Word of mouth is King in out industry. Dont bother with Print advertising unless your committed to it. Same size add, same location int he paper consistantly for 3-4 Weeks is an adverage amount of time before you will see ANYTHING come of it.

Direct Mail to Existing customer list is always effective.... Designers and Architects are spotty at best.

Apporch local small builders and architecht first. Usually those guys are more receptive to what we do.