The Bialobok couple decided on close cooperation with Milk-Agro. They operate an authorized Milk-Agro store in Bardejovská Nová Ves. Store manager Anna Bialoboková told us about the successful long-term cooperation with Milk-Agro and how it all began...
What does it practically mean for you to be an authorized dealer?
One of the biggest advantages is that you get into the flyer, which is a great help especially nowadays when most customers buy promotional items. Supply to the store is also important. We have deliveries 4 times a week. That means fresh goods every day, which customers appreciate. Mr. Michal Nemec takes care of us; we can call him anytime, and he always takes care of things because it’s about the satisfaction of all of us: sellers, buyers, and suppliers.
Do you also buy from other suppliers?
Yes, as an authorized dealer, we can also buy from other suppliers; there are no restrictions. These excellent business conditions were guaranteed to us from the start by director Mr. Kundrát when signing the contract. However, we buy most goods from Milk-Agro because it is advantageous for us. We buy various specialties, such as meat products, from smaller local regional producers. This enriches our assortment and at the same time supports regional producers.
What other benefits does an authorized store have besides advantageous purchasing?
We also have our regional inspector, in our case Mr. Budík. A great help was that we were equipped with refrigerated display cases, shelves, and computers. We also use software and the same system as they have in their own stores.
Do you remember how it all started?
I remember it very clearly and in detail. We opened the authorized store on February 5, 1994, but I had cooperated with Milk-Agro before, buying milk from them. The first two years were very demanding. I supplied our store with milk by being at the Milk-Agro headquarters in Prešov at 3 a.m. on the supply truck, waiting in line for milk and everything we needed to sell that day. I had to manage so that by 6 a.m. I was already in our Bardejov store ready to sell. I remember my first trip like it was today... I had no experience driving a large vehicle. I gathered courage and determination and set off. When I finally arrived in Prešov and got off at the supply ramp, my knees were shaking so much I barely stood. It was a great strain and responsibility for me, but supplies had to be taken because what would we sell otherwise?! 3 a.m. to Prešov, 6 a.m. at the store. This lasted two years. Then my husband started, and he took over this route.
How did you get the sales space?
We opened the first store in my family house. We had a warehouse and a space converted into a small counter shop. The beginnings were tough, especially when big retail chains entered the market. The substantial help from Milk-Agro was decisive; we probably couldn’t have managed on our own. Good advice and sales support through various promotions and discounts came. And of course, we knew we would succeed with quality SABI products. Our customers asked for them, bought them, and were willing to wait for them, which decided it. Just before Easter, we opened a store in Cernina, and I am very glad that our son Matúš also became an authorized Milk-Agro dealer and operates stores in Dubinné, Šašová, and Ortuťová.
So thanks to Milk-Agro, you have been operating for 25 years...
Yes, and we have loyal and stable customers. We also have a stable team of saleswomen; some have worked here for 15, 17, or even 20 years. And that is something to say. They create a family atmosphere, and customers appreciate it. Also, the mentioned freshness of goods and quality of SABI products.
