You can extract a great deal of information from dealers, reps and distributors. These people are all in the trenches and have considerable amounts of information. Many times they are not utilized the way they could be to improve your business. Don't make the mistake of pigeon-holing these people only as sales reps. Take the time to establish a good rapport.
True sales are all about partnerships and collaboration.
Tap their knowledge base and let them help you gain information. There are many books written on this topic. I don't know what's causing it, but I've noticed an increase in the number and frequency of verbally abusive customers. These are stressful times we live in. People are hard-pressed to get more done is less amount of time.