Need to Register?

Natitown · July 3rd, 2008

I have an opportunity to meet with a local high school to discuss supplying their sports apparel. Word has it they are looking to get out of their contract with a major sports apparel supplier because their profit is not as high as they would like. How can I as a small, new vendor compete with them? Wouldn't the major supplier be able to get their products cheaper because they can purchase more in bulk? Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated? What would the pros and cons be for a little guy like me be vs. the school using a bigger company? Thanks!!

COEDS · July 3rd, 2008

I suggest you go in and tell them you want to be fair, to them and to yourself. I think you are in a great position. You will be able to offer smaller quantities and in most cases faster service. I think you need to sell your service. The fact that you are local and have the desire to make them a priority. When you price your product price is important, but don't sale yourself short. My last words and advice is to remember " PROFIT IS NOT A DIRTY WORD" without it you can't be in business. .... JB

Natitown · July 3rd, 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by COEDS


	I suggest you go in and tell them you want to be fair, to them and to yourself. I think you are in a great position. You will be able to offer smaller quantities and in most cases faster service. I think you need to sell your service. The fact that you are local and have the desire to make them a priority. When you price your product price is important, but don't sale yourself short. My last words and advice is to remember " PROFIT IS NOT A DIRTY WORD" without it you can't be in business. .... JB

Lower minimums and faster service...great advice! Thanks for your help. Everybody here is great.

237am · July 3rd, 2008

also say that you will advertise the school/business when you do your promotions........ maybe take some pics of a star athlete or something to help give an anchor to your service

b

Darklight · July 3rd, 2008

Dont forget....Sports teams may open the door to other campus organizations, increasing your volume. The others are right on, schools are all about price, but old fashioned customer service still carries some weight! Good Luck!

TeddyRocky · July 3rd, 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by COEDS


	advice is to remember " PROFIT IS NOT A DIRTY WORD" without it you can't be in business. .... JB

lol That is your favorite saying. I think you should put it in your Avatar.

Natitown · July 4th, 2008

Thanks to everyone! Your advice and suggestions is appreciated more than you'll ever know!

ImageIt · July 4th, 2008

If it were me, i'd try to do a bit of horse trading.

Rather than trying to sell at a low price, i'd offer to trade some of the price of the printing with advertising. For example, our local school has a scoreboard with advertising. The programs have advertising. Being allowed to add a hang tag to advertise your business...

If you had to pay advertising fees, it would cost a fair amount of money to get an equivalent amount of community recognition.

From a cash out of pocket perspective, the school would be getting a good price. From a business standpoint, you are charging a fair price, but forcing you to invest a substantial portion into advertising.

fred

COEDS · July 4th, 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by TeddyRocky


	lol That is your favorite saying. I think you should put it in your Avatar.

It's not just my favorite saying,but it's the truth. I run my business for profit and I have no issue telling all my customers that. If I do something for cost,I lose money. A business can't survive without profit. ... JB