SnapAV announced today that it will begin distributing Sonos wireless music systems beginning next month in October. The company says it will offer the entire line – including the Sonos Port, Sonos Move, and Sonos One SL – as part of its extensive assortment of gear targeted to the professional custom integrator.
See more on this announcement from SnapAV & Sonos…
SnapAV notes that with this new national distribution agreement, integrators will have more ways than ever to access Sonos’ extensive line of popular wireless music systems. And the company notes that this new deal is consistent with its strategy of offering integrators “choice.”
“We continue to deliver choice to our dealers. Choice in where they buy – online or locally in a branch – as well as choice in what they buy. This is a huge step for Sonos, SnapAV, our dealers, and frankly… the industry.”
Mike Jordan, leader of SnapAV’s Audio strategy at SnapAV
It is not clear just exactly how integrators will react to this news. On the one hand, it is true that most integrators in today’s world include Sonos products in many – if not most – of their installations.
But on the other hand, Sonos is a low profit line. It is a line that integrators must take great care to add items, such as outboard amps, upgraded speakers and the like – all in pursuit of better sound…and better profits. And with Sonos now being sold through distribution with distribution pricing, there likely will be further margin erosion for the dealer.
For these reasons, many integrators have a love/hate relationship with the brand. Yes…it is easy to sell. Yes…it is easy to install. But no, it is not easy to make money on (although it is possible).
It is also true that some integrators have embraced Sonos, having found a formula that works for them. So again the reaction to this news is likely to be mixed. But it is yet another example of the new SnapAV – a maker/marketer of its own brands…and a national distributor of the brands of others as well. Recently, they signed a national distribution agreement with Klipsch (once an enemy in the market) and now Sonos.
Will other big brands take this plunge? Or will they view SnapAV as a competitor and rebuff their approaches? Stay tuned…
See more on SnapAV at: snapav.com.
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