charlesfish

Don't get me wrong but its not all that easy. My wife and i went to the mall asking stores questions about getting are items in the stores and some of the answers we got were discouraging. First off most big retail stores get there own stuff made.. like yea they go overseas and get it made and put in the stores themselves. so if your thinking your gonna design some stuff up and pay to get it made and think your gonna be able to walk right in a store and have it on the shelf your kind of wrong.i started to think about it my self like why would they want to put my stuff in there stores at my prices when they can get the same thing made up for cheaper. they really don't want a middle man. anyways before i can say any more i am going to talk to a independent sales rep and ask him a few things. don't let this get anyone down if your thinking about going in business. just make sure you do your home work..for real!
also if anyone knows a few reps and can give me some contact info for them would be of great help. maybe they can clear up some concerns i have.

 

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kaner

also keep in mind people pay you for convenience, it takes alot of time and effort + new departments, designers, contacts for stores to carry only their own lines.

we could all mow our own lawns from time to time for free, but there is a massive industry for people who couldn't be bothered, that pay someone to do it...

 

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rrc62

To deal with the larger retail stores, even some of the not so large strores, you have to go through their corporate office. Trying t "sell" to a store manager is pointless. He has no authority to purchase and probably has no idea where the inventory comes from.

If they have more than one location, you should be asking for their corporate office info. Then you'll have to travel to them with a presentation. They'll want to know all about your manufacturing facilities and may want some financial info on your business. They want to know that when they order 5000 units for all of their stores, you have the resources to deliver. It's an uphill and expensive battle right up until your product hits the store shelves.


If you're trying sell through mom and pop stores or any store where you can walk in and talk to the owner, that's different. Lots of times you can get a foot in the door by consigning. Give them 10% but offer them a margin of 40% if they stock your product. When they see it selling, they will want that 40% and they will stock your product.

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plan b

Hi, if you have deep financial pockets, go for the big retailer,, if not its fruitless,, they will want to know how stable you are anyways.... small is better,,, always,, deal one on one with the folks that are the backbone of industry,, small stores that really care about the customer and the vendor alike..

R.

 

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