A trade directory is a collection of suppliers and manufacturers. This directory includes the businesses name, address, phone number(s) and contact name(s) of key people within the organization. Trade directories can come in a variety of formats and can be focused on a particular industry, geographical region or a specific product.
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The advantage of using a trade directory is that a purchaser can review hundreds or thousands of suppliers efficiently and in a timely manner. This is especially beneficial in commodity based industries where companies are competing on the basis of cost.
However, trade directories are not necessarily up-to-date, and may omit businesses or other information.
An example of a trade directory is "The Little Blue Book", a directory of physicians in a metro area. The book is organized by name, location, specialty and other factors, making it easier for doctors and medical offices to make referrals and contact each other. [1]
Other examples of trade or business directories include:
Trade directories can be in either hard copy or in digital format. Ease of use and distribution means that many trade directories have digital version. [1]