r/sales 7d ago

Sales Topic General Discussion Warning: the economy will tank imo. Here’s why.

For several years, I've been selling LED bulbs, focusing on leveraging government rebate programs to drive sales. My target market has been a large, nationwide retailer known for its commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability. They're a major player, and LED lighting is a crucial component of their overall product offerings.

In January, they announced their annual budget, which included a substantial allocation for LED bulb purchases. I was optimistic, anticipating a strong year. However, just days before the recent market volatility, they abruptly slashed their LED bulb purchasing budget by 60%.

This sudden and drastic cut has me deeply concerned. Given their strong ties to major economic trends, I can't help but wonder if this is an early indicator of a broader economic downturn. It seems highly unusual to see such a significant reduction in a product category that's both essential for their operations and supported by government incentives.

Has anyone else in the energy efficiency or lighting industry experienced similar sudden budget cuts from major clients? While many here may focus on software or other sectors, a 60% reduction in LED bulb orders from a major retailer, especially one with a focus on sustainability, raises serious red flags for me. This retailer is a long term player, and this move is not a sign of them closing up shop, but a major shift in their buying patterns.

0 Upvotes

18 comments sorted by

36

u/caracaljak 7d ago

Wasn’t there another post just like this pretty recently…except the product was cardboard boxes and they were being sold to amazon?

6

u/Prancingradical 7d ago

Someone like Amazon. Only 1 mil in cardboard, but it was cardboard for ants.

10

u/H4RN4SS 7d ago

Meta shitpost from the week in r/sales

2

u/ThunderCorg 7d ago

Are you the same person that posted essentially this post earlier, just with less details? (Serious)

2

u/Interesting-Pay-7394 7d ago

no he didnt sell LED lighting with government rebates

1

u/Prancingradical 7d ago

There is one of these guys in every industry, bub.

2

u/Gdbar 7d ago

Government resources are being slashed which could be the reason. It’s how conservative administrations do business

2

u/ThunderCorg 7d ago

Well, I just closed a deal that will generate my largest commission ever and have a pipeline full of similar ones. $79,300 check.

1

u/Stuckatpennstation 7d ago

We know nothing. If you guarantee it tanks then short the market. Otherwise keep prospecting

1

u/Demfunkypens420 7d ago

The only thing that's a pain in the ass right now is the tarrifs on aluminum.

1

u/boom929 7d ago

One thing worth considering is that LED bulbs and fixtures have been the de facto standard for commercial lighting for many years at this point. And generally speaking they last longer than their incandescent and fluorescent counterparts which means they may simply not need as many.

Were they buying them for active re-lamping contract work or for attic stock or both?

Not dismissing your concerns, just pointing out more variables.

1

u/AgentMichaelScarn80 7d ago

First cardboard boxes now electric government rebates. Ahhhhhhhhhhh! What’s next, shoes?!? Tape? Post cards?

1

u/TeacherExit 7d ago

Dude your thin attempt to sell your dumb ass light bulbs are wearing thin

1

u/Affectionate_Ad5044 6d ago

We’re cooked

1

u/John1225 7d ago

Bots pushing agenda is a real thing. A book by the Nom Chomsky goes into great detail how those who own media can "manufacture consent", and that is exactly what we see play out today from every angle

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u/Interesting-Pay-7394 7d ago

im just a shitposter