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The profile of industrial sector in Central Java batik comprises of 8231 small and medium enterprises engaging in the creative industry, with a workforce of 43,589 people and a total investment of Rp. 844,0083,301,000. In the city of Semarang currently exist 40 SMEs involved in Batik Semarangan, with a workforce of 149 people (Disperindag, Central Java, 2011-2014). Semarang city has many Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) active in the creative industry namely batik, embroidery, fashion, food and beverage all across Semarang. From development of Batik Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) data in Semarang, actual sales targets of batik production are still low in figure with 2007 target amounted to 20,150 units / fabric which increased up to 2010 target which amounted to 65,802 units / fabric, while in 2011 the target of batik production decreased to 58,350 units / fabric, to 57,120 units / fabric in 2012. Steady increase was found in 2013 figure of 78,208 and in 2014 with 86,761 units / fabric. The marketing activity for this business is confirmed to be fluctuating in nature.
The problem in Batik SMEs in Semarang lies in the inefficient market absorption of products, leaving manufacturers difficult to market their products to market. Distribution channel of the system still uses the old pattern that is an intermediary marketing through distributors, wholesalers or retailers. Therefore, existing cooperation and partnerships are largely based on relationship marketing, so partnerships between SMEs, distributors, wholesalers and retailers are expected to run well and mutually beneficial.
The results showed that the client relationship and commitment, Word of Mouth significantly affect satisfaction, yet transparency does not play significant role on the quality of relationships (Basheer, 2014). Findings of Crucere and Moise (2014) confirm that the sales force, sales activities, profits orientation are all performed to maintain customer loyalty by building a mutually beneficial and sustainable relationship. Kanibir (2014), in his research, explains that there are ways which can improve marketing performance of SMEs in the context of international marketing. Marketing relationships are further supported with research findings of Jia and Wang (2013) which mention that confidence of marketing channels can strengthen can strengthen relationship marketing which helps companies adapt to various market environments. Furthermore, Brettel (2012) presents the findings of a study to test the design of relationship marketing business model which support the notion that there is a positive increase in the relationship between the companies and the customers. Other findings from Farida (2017) and Palmatier (2007) shows that the quality of the relationship, perceived control among buyers, sellers, and businesses has a positive effect on the financial results of the businesses. In agreement with the former is a further research (Ardyan et al., 2016) which confirms that collaboration and business networking is important in conducting collaborative relationships between sellers and buyers through the marketing mediator within marketing channels namely distributor, wholesaler, and retailer. Results in studies by Kumar (2009) find that strengthening the implementation of marketing strategies is carried out through marketing relationships which promote satisfaction, retention, and loyalty. The importance of the quality of the relationships is also confirmed by Skarmeas (2008) who states that the quality of the relationships between import and export distributors is positively related to investment and performance.