Interview with Natalie Niedl

The industry is in a constant state of change. The Corona crisis and inflation have increased the pace. We help you to better understand the market. As your partner, we want to offer the best service at all times. Our interview series brings you exclusive information, tips and insights on current market developments from our sales experts.

Dear Natalie, please introduce yourself briefly:
My name is Natalie Niedl and I am a sales specialist. I started about four years ago in the backoffice and now I am in charge of our customers in Upper Austria, Styria and parts of Lower Austria. In addition to the ongoing face-to-face and telephone support of existing customers, I also take care of the strategic acquisition of new customers.

How do the rising prices affect your costumers?
My costumers are also being affected by the rising costs. Some of these costs have to be passed on to the end customers, otherwise there is the risk of a loss-making business. The mood is tense. The situation is further worsened by the progress of digitalisation. Especially specialised traders without an online presence are facing a drop in turnover. We want to support our customers as much as possible. One option is Simple Print. With this tool, our resellers are staying up-to-date and offer their customers a modern and intuitive platform for ordering ink and toner.

What significant changes does inflation at Rauch Import? How is it being dealt with?
Of course, we are also affected by the rising prices. Therefore, a concept for this year's winter has been worked out. This way we save costs and can also reduce energy consumption, for example by consciously consuming heating or by having fewer appliances on stand-by. Cost savings and our sustainability concept thus go hand in hand.

Which services can Rauch Import provide to support its specialist dealers during this period?
Our one-stop service and individual support are deeply integrated in our company philosophy. Due to the circumstances, it is important to compensate for the higher costs by increasing turnover. Solid marketing is certainly a piece of the puzzle here. In many companies, however, there is simply not enough time to design a folder or flyer. With our marketing services, we can support you individually. We know the market and the latest trends and can therefore create a marketing concept quickly, easily and, above all: at an unbeatable price.

Are your costumers affected by the currently dominating employee market and the lack of skilled workers that goes along with it? What are the consequences?
Almost all industries are affected by this. If the shortage of skilled workers in the specialised trade continues to increase, the end consumer must expect a lack of professional advice as a consequence. Especially when it comes to hardware or computer and telecommunications accessories, good expertise and good advice are worth their weight in gold. End customers feel that they are in good hands and that they receive all-round service. This is exactly what sets stationary trade apart from online trade.

Rauch Import is also always looking for new talents and has to face the challenges. Employer branding and a good online presence are particularly important here. What specific actions can be recommended?
The search for new employees is becoming increasingly difficult. Job advertisements that stand out from the crowd and are personalised score points here. As a new team member, you want to feel comfortable - a good working atmosphere is becoming more important than salary. We also support our resellers in texting and designing job advertisements with our marketing packages.

Another thing: What is your favourite Rauch Import product and why?
My favourite product is the Crusher Evo from Skullcandy. I use it every day when I'm walking my dog. Thanks to the long battery life of about 72 hours, I only have to recharge it every two weeks. The Crusher Evo also has a hands-free function. Since these are on-ear headphones, ambient noise is almost completely blocked. The sound of the headphones is very clear and of excellent quality, and you can also adjust the bass yourself using a slider. I do not want to miss my Crusher Evo any more.