SAIL expanding dealer network
02 Feb 2011
Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL), the country's largest steelmaker, is in the process of expanding its dealer network with a view to widen the reach of its steel products by making them available closer to consuming centres.
SAIL dealers are required to stock thermo mechanically treated (TMT) bars, galvanised plain / galvanised corrugated (GP/GC) sheets and other items required by the common man and sell to customers at prices fixed by the company.
As of 1 December 2010, state-run SAIL had a network of 2,582 dealers spread over 630 districts across the country. The dealers are appointed at district/block levels in order to make steel items of mass consumption available near the consuming points in remote areas at competitive prices, an official release said.
As per dealership norms, SAIL dealers are expected to keep around 400 tonnes of steel products a month for distribution.
SAIL fixes a maximum recommended retail price (MRRP) for each state and product every month.
Dealers under the scheme are appointed through open paper / SAIL website advertisement. Preference is accorded to SC/ST and OBC categories. Dealers have to furnish a security deposit of Rs500 per tonne and besides up to Rs1,00,000 to be furnished by the dealers. SC/ ST and OBC category dealers are exempt from furnishing security deposit.