“What Berkman does, they always do right.”
By Teun Bontrup
Thirteen years ago, Teun Bontrup, along with his twin brother, launched the webshop VisDeal.nl (part of Tackle Group Europe), which provides anglers with all the gear they need-from waders to tents, flotation suits to fishing rods. For the past seven years, VisDeal has partnered with Berkman to bring this gear to the Netherlands. Teun shares his experience of working with Berkman: “Berkman does what needs to be done, and they always deliver quality.”
Connections in Asia
“About seven years ago, my brother and I took over Ultimate Tackle, which has been producing angling products since 1990. Most of that production happens in Asia,” Teun explains. The fact that both VisDeal and Berkman had strong connections in China laid the foundation for a great partnership. Teun says: “Our contact in China recommended Berkman as a reliable partner. So, we reached out to them, and from the very first meeting, we realized they were the right people to teach us how to import from China. Back then, we were only shipping half a container a year.”
Since then, things have changed dramatically for VisDeal. What started with half a container has now grown to 50 containers annually. “Berkman has grown with us. And we’ve grown with them, as they have guided us through the world of streamlined logistics. In China, for instance, manufacturers are scattered all over, and we were wondering how to gather everything together and ship it to Rotterdam. Berkman took care of all that, and we knew we were in good hands,” Teun recalls.
Staying up to date with Berkman
How does Berkman ensure that VisDeal’s products make it to the Netherlands smoothly? Teun explains the process: “Our buyer places an order with our Chinese suppliers. Once the products are ready, the suppliers or manufacturers contact Berkman. They arrange the pickup, transport the good to the depot, and then load the containers onto ships at the nearest port in China. From there, it’s on its way to Rotterdam.”
Despite everyone’s best efforts, the logistics world can be unpredictable, with factors like fluctuating container prices. Teun recalls: “During COVID, container prices skyrocketed. Berkman sends out a weekly newsletter with updates on these kinds of changes, including explanations of why they’re happening. This helps us react quickly and adapt. With Berkman, you’re always informed, and you don’t have to figure these things out on your own.”
Control through Berkman's digital dashboard
In addition to the weekly newsletter, Teun praises Berkman’s digital dashboard. “Our buyer checks the dashboard regularly and finds it a really useful tool. It’s packed with clear information that you can act on immediately. We don’t ship hundreds of containers, so checking once a week is enough for us. But as we grow, it’s reassuring to know we’ll always have the latest, most relevant information.”
“With this dashboard, you’re in control. You need about five people to unload the containers, which takes time and planning. Knowing when the shipment will arrive means there are no surprises, and you can schedule your staff accordingly. That’s really important,” Teun adds.
A solid foundation of mutual trust
The reason VisDeal can focus on scheduling and internal processes, according to Teun, is due to Berkman’s reliability. “There are no issues. The reason we’ve worked with Berkman for so long is because we’ve never encountered a single problem. They take the burden off your shoulders and help you move forward, all while maintaining clear communication. It’s a smooth-running machine built on a solid foundation of mutual trust.”
Trust, of course, has to be built over time. Teun shares how that trust was established: “When VisDeal started growing, we literally outgrew our old premises. Containers would arrive, but we didn’t have enough space to store them. Berkman immediately stepped in to help, holding the containers until we could move to our new location. Their involvement and support, combined with their strong connections in Asia, make them unique for us. The entire process, from the manufacturer to our warehouse, is in their hands, and I have complete confidence in them.”
At Berkman, they get it right
“What Berkman does, they always do right,” says Teun. “They take care of what needs to be done, without any unnecessary noise. Communication is always clear, and they handle everything. You can tell they want to do a good job for us, and it shows in everything they do. You’re not just a number, and that makes the partnership work so well.”
What does the future look like for our partnership? For both sides, it looks promising. Teun concludes: “Berkman and VisDeal are a perfect match, and as we grow, so do they. Whether we’re shipping 50, 100, or 200 containers, it doesn’t change the way they operate—it always works out.”
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