Lowes Vendor - How to Sell to Lowes Vendor

How to Sell to Lowes & Become a Lowes Supplier


Do you have a product that is perfect to sell to Lowes? 

Have you ever wondered what it would take to get a product into Lowes stores? If so, you will love this short training segment on How to sell your product to Lowes and Become a Lowes Supplier!

(For those of you who prefer to read this content, transcripts are included below!)

In this training, I will discuss some of the things to think about when approaching a retailer such as Lowes. Hope it helps! 🙂

[04:22]

Transcript of This Training…

Sell to Lowes

Learn everything you need to know to become a Lowes supplier

In this particular blog, we’re going to talk about getting your product sold at Lowes. The reason I decided to create this particular blog is because I teach thousands of product companies across the country on the subject of selling to resellers. People with special home or houseware product or hardware products want to talk about Lowes, they want to know how product get into those stores and become a Lowes supplier.

Lowes is a massive store. They’re a very niche retailer and they focus on the homes and hardware category. It’s a very competitive place to get your products into.

What you can sell to Lowes

But one thing I’ve noticed that has worked for people in general of any retailer that can support you in your quest to Lowes is when you have a product that is new, interesting and innovative that could fit on the store shelves at Lowes, maybe you have reached out to them but they are not responsive to you,  maybe they’re not answering your call, or they are just saying “no” to you.

It’s a little tricky to become a Lowes supplier

One suggestion that works for people who have new products that are not totally proven yet is to put your product on a clip strip.

Things that you need to know before reaching out to become a Lowes supplier

Clip strip is a piece of plastic that’s long and you’ll see that they have different products, the same product clip all the way down on this clip strip. It’s basically a kind of display of a product.

I mentioned clip strip because sometimes in Retail stores, the retailers are not willing to put your product on that store because they’ve already planned out their store setting. It’s called the planner gram and they plan out in advance how the store will look and where they’re going to place things. When that happens, and you reach out to a buyer, then the buyer will say

Sorry we’ve already planned out our planner grams, we already set things up, we don’t have room for your products”.

How to get your products into Lowes stores & become a Lowes vendor 

However, one suggestion for you is if your product can’t fit on the clip strip, you can offer that as an option to the retailer. I mentioned that because a clip strip holds in between two shelves. It basically allows you to have a product that doesn’t take up any shelf space because it’s hanging on this clip and your products are hanging down and essentially it’s not taking up any additional room that would force the planner gram not to work out.

Why you should be using clip trip to sell to Lowes 

If that is a potential option for you, you could essentially put your product in there without disrupting what they’re currently doing. A lot of people don’t mention that to the buyer that they have an option of clip trip version and sometimes the buyer likes that because there’s a little risk – the product is hanging. It’s not in between the shelf but it’s still there and they could still test out your product.

What you need to know to become a Lowes supplier

There are a lot of other things you can do to get a product into Lowes or other retailers but I thought this suggestion could be really helpful for you. The trick is that the product needs to be small enough that it would fit on a clip strip but ultimately it is a great opportunity for you to reach retailers. If their objection is  

Sorry we don’t have budget for it or we’ve already planned out our plannogram for the year”. 

Maybe you can offer them a clip strip option and see if they’re interested in that because again it has much less risk, doesn’t take up shelf space and it’s a great way to test the product.to 

Become a Lowes supplier

Learn how to approach, pitch & sell to Lowes stores

Anyway, I hope that helps. If you like to learn the exact steps from start to finish on how to get a product into a retailer such as Lowes, please take a look at into my Retail MBA training program the link for that is listed below. It is the most comprehensive course available today on the subject to selling to retailers and become a Lowes supplier. Otherwise, I hope this help and please be on the lookout for the additional videos that I created on getting your products into retailers. Thanks so much.

Frequently Asked Questions About Selling into Lowes Stores!

  1. How do I get my products into Lowes stores? 

To get your products into Lowes stores, you will need to apply to become a Lowes vendor. You can do this by visiting Lowes’s website and completing an online vendor application. Or you can follow our Retail MBA (https://www.retailmba.com) Training System where we explain how the sales professionals actually sell into these types of retailers! 

If you went the traditional route, the application process typically involves submitting a product sample and accompanying product information sheet (PIS), which should include details on your product, pricing and availability information, and any other relevant information when they ask! 

Once you have submitted your application, a Lowes buyer will review your submission and determine if your products are a good fit for the company. If your application is approved, you will be invited to become a Lowes vendor and will be given access to the company’s systems and processes. Unfortunately, if you actually submit your product on their website, they don’t always respond. Or review your product appropriately as they ask you very generic questions about your brand and you don’t always get your products reviewed correctly. We try to rectify this through our Retail MBA Training System as we have time-tested proven methods to getting into these types of chain stores! No experience required! 

To increase your chances of success, it is important to thoroughly research the market and identify a product that meets a specific need or demand. It is also important to demonstrate that you are able to produce high-quality products that offer value to customers and that you have a reliable supply chain. 

Overall, getting your products into Lowes stores requires a strong commitment to quality and customer service, as well as the ability to meet the company’s strict vendor requirements. With hard work and dedication, it is possible to build a successful partnership with Lowes and grow your business. Plus you can make millions of dollars with one chain store order. We are here to help as a Retail consultancy if you need help with this! 

 

  1. How do I contact Lowes buyers?

 

There are a few ways you can contact Lowes buyers:

  1. Use the “Contact Us” form on Lowes’s website: You can visit Lowes’s website and use the “Contact Us” form to send a message to the appropriate department. This is a good option if you are not sure which department or buyer to contact. This is also presented in the vendor section of their website. We highly recommend ignoring this route as buyers tend to overlook amazing products on their website through their vendor portal. Which is why the Founder of Retail MBA is the one who created our powerful Retail MBA Training System which unlocks how to approach, pitch and find the Lowesers for you to sell to. You can take a look at what we are up to at https://www.retailmba.com.
  2. Do NOT Reach out through LinkedIn: Many Lowes buyers have LinkedIn profiles, which you can use to connect with them directly. You can search for buyers by name or job title and send them a message through LinkedIn but do not reach out to them this way. Many people suggest this. Buyers despise it when you reach out to them in disrespectful ways. Linkedin is where they post their resumes. Not reviewing products! 
  3. Attend industry trade shows and networking events: Lowes buyers often attend industry trade shows and other events, where you can meet them in person and pitch your product. There are trade shows for every product category. For instance, housewares products can attend the International Housewares Show! Our Founder, Karen Waksman, has spoken at most of the top trade shows on how to sell to retail chains. These are great shows! Please check out our training on how to utilize trade shows appropriately. We explain what NOT to do when going to trade shows in our Retail MBA Training and Coaching Systems. 
  4. Contact the buyer directly: If you know the name and contact information for a specific Lowes buyer, you can try reaching out to them directly. You can do this by emailing or calling them, but never through sending them a direct message on LinkedIn. If you go this route, do not annoy buyers. Find out what words to use when contacting buyers to get them to actually review your products! Our systems all teach how to do this in a way that buyers love! We’ve taught well over 100,000 product companies how to pitch buyers with our systems listed on RetailMBA.com.

It is important to be respectful and professional when contacting Lowes buyers, and to make sure you have a clear and compelling pitch for your product. It is also a good idea to do your research and tailor your pitch to the specific interests and needs of the buyer you are contacting.

 

 

  1. What are Lowes’s vendor requirements? 

 

Lowes has a number of vendor requirements that must be met in order to do business with the company. These requirements can vary depending on the type of products you are selling and the market in which you operate. Some of the key requirements include:

  1. High-quality products: Lowes is committed to offering its customers high-quality products at affordable prices. As a vendor, you will need to demonstrate that you are able to produce products that meet the company’s standards for quality.
  2. Safety and compliance: Lowes has strict requirements for the safety and compliance of the products it sells. This includes requirements for materials, labeling, packaging, and other aspects of product design.
  3. Reliable supply chain: Lowes relies on a global network of suppliers to meet the needs of its customers. As a vendor, you will need to demonstrate that you have a reliable supply chain that is able to meet the company’s demand for products. Handmade goods would not make sense to sell to Lowes buyers – they buy in volume!
  4. Competitive pricing: Lowes is known for offering its customers epic prices, and as a vendor, you will need to be able to offer competitive pricing in order to do business with the company.
  5. Strong customer service: Lowes values strong customer service and expects its vendors to provide timely and accurate responses to customer inquiries and complaints.
  6. There is a list of requirements they require listed on their vendor portal. Check out their vendor website and you will find out insurance requirements and more! 

Overall, becoming a Lowes vendor requires a strong commitment to quality and customer service, as well as the ability to meet the company’s strict vendor requirements. With hard work and dedication, it is possible to build a successful partnership with Lowes and grow your business.

 

  1. How do I prepare a Lowes product submission?

 

To prepare a Lowes product submission, you will need to create a product sample and accompanying product information sheet. The product sample should be a physical representation of your product, while the product sell sheet should include detailed information on your product, including its features, benefits, and Lowes market. Do not randomly send samples to them. Buyers need to request these samples! Otherwise you will usually never get a review process from buyers. 

Here are some steps you can follow to prepare a Lowes product submission:

  1. Research the market: Before you start preparing your product submission, it is important to research the market to ensure that your product meets a specific need or demand. You should also research Lowes’s product offerings and make sure your product is a good fit for the company.
  2. Create a product sample: Your product sample should be a physical representation of your product that demonstrates its features and benefits. You should consider creating prototypes or samples in multiple sizes, colors, or variations to give Lowes buyers a better understanding of your product.
  3. Create a product information sheet (PIS): Your PIS should include detailed information on your product, including its features, benefits, Lowes market, pricing, and availability. You should also include any relevant images or graphics that will help buyers to understand your product. We explain EXACTLY how to create the best sell sheets for buyers in our powerful Retail MBA Training System listed on RetailMBA.com. 
  4. Review and edit your submission: Once you have created your product sample and sell sheet, it is important to review and edit your submission to ensure that it is accurate and complete. You should also double-check that you have included all relevant information and that your submission meets Lowes’s guidelines.
  5. We teach you exactly what words to use and how to get buyers to buy in a fraction of the time and cost. Be sure to check out our free webinars listed on RetailMBA.com. We explain all of this in detail! 

Overall, preparing a Lowes product submission requires careful planning and attention to detail. By following these steps and ensuring that your submission is accurate and complete, you can increase your chances of success and get your products on Lowes’s shelves. These are just a few random examples of how to prepare a product submission. Our core Retail MBA Training System takes 10 hours to explain what actually will happen to you if you sell to a retail chain. Why? One chain store order can mean 10’s of millions of dollars to your bottom line. The more you know, the better you will succeed. 

 

 

  1. What are Lowes’s private label requirements?

 

To prepare a Lowes product submission, you will need to create a product sample and accompanying product information sheet. The product sample should be a physical representation of your product, while the sell sheet should include detailed information on your product, including its features, benefits, and Lowes market. Again, our Core Retail MBA Training System explains how to create a powerful sell sheet and how to contact the private label buyer and submit your product as would the sales professionals! 

Here are some first steps you can follow to prepare a Lowes product submission:

  1. Research the market: Before you start preparing your product submission, it is important to research the market to ensure that your product meets a specific need or demand. You should also research Lowes’s product offerings and make sure your product is a good fit for the company.
  2. Create a product sample: Your product sample should be a physical representation of your product that demonstrates its features and benefits. You should consider creating prototypes or samples in multiple sizes, colors, or variations to give Lowes buyers a better understanding of your product.
  3. Create a product information sheet: Your sell sheet should include detailed information on your product, including its features, benefits, Lowes market, pricing, and availability. You should also include any relevant images or graphics that will help buyers to understand your product.
  4. Review and edit your submission: Once you have created your product sample and sell sheet, it is important to review and edit your submission to ensure that it is accurate and complete. You should also double-check that you have included all relevant information and that your submission meets Lowes’s guidelines.
  5. 6. Branding and packaging: Lowes’s private label products must be clearly branded and properly packaged to ensure that they stand out on the shelf and are easy for customers to identify. 

Overall, preparing a Lowes product submission requires careful planning and attention to detail. Why? One order can make you millions of dollars! 

When working with the private label buyer, they will instruct you on how to package using their branding! All of this is explained in our training systems listed on RetailMBA.com

 

  1. How does Lowes source products? 

 

Lowes sources products from a wide range of vendors, both domestic and international. The company has a team of buyers and sourcing professionals who are responsible for identifying and evaluating potential vendors and products.

To source products, Lowes uses a variety of methods, including:

  1. Online vendor application: Lowes has an online vendor application process that allows potential vendors to submit product samples and information sheets for review. This is a good option for small and medium-sized businesses that are interested in selling their products in Lowes stores.We suggest not going through this route as you could get lost in the process. Find out more by checking out one of our Retail MBA Training systems listed on RetailMBA.com.
  2. Trade shows and industry events: Lowes buyers often attend trade shows and other industry events to discover new products and meet with potential vendors.
  3. Direct contact: Lowes buyers may also reach out to potential vendors directly, either through online channels or by attending industry events and networking with other professionals.
  4. Partnering with manufacturers: Lowes may also work directly with manufacturers to develop private label products or to secure exclusive distribution rights for certain products.

Overall, Lowes uses a variety of methods to source products, including online applications, trade shows, direct contact, and partnerships with manufacturers. The company is always looking for high-quality products that offer value to customers and that meet the company’s strict vendor requirements.

 

 

  1. What is Lowes’s return policy for vendors? 

 

Lowes’s return policy for vendors varies depending on the product and the circumstances of the return. In general, the company has a “no return” policy for many types of products, but may make exceptions in cases where there are quality issues or other problems with the product.

If a customer returns a product to Lowes that was manufactured or supplied by a vendor, the vendor may be responsible for accepting the return and providing a refund or replacement product. In these cases, the vendor should work with Lowes to resolve the issue and ensure that the customer is satisfied.

If a vendor is unable to accept a return or provide a refund or replacement product, Lowes may choose to dispose of the product or return it to the vendor at the vendor’s expense.

Overall, it is important for vendors to have a clear understanding of Lowes’s return policy and to work closely with the company to resolve any issues that may arise. By providing high-quality products and excellent customer service, vendors can minimize the risk of returns and build strong, long-lasting partnerships with Lowes. 

We explain how to avoid chargebacks and fees with Lowes! All listed on our training and coaching systems listed on RetailMBA.com.

 

  1. How do I become a Lowes preferred vendor?

 

To become a Lowes preferred vendor, you will need to meet the company’s vendor requirements and demonstrate that you are able to produce high-quality products that offer value to customers. You will also need to have a reliable supply chain and be able to offer competitive pricing.

To apply to become a Lowes vendor, you can visit the company’s website and complete an online vendor application. The application process typically involves submitting a product sample and accompanying product information sheet, which should include details on your product, pricing and availability information, and any other relevant information. Or follow our amazing systems that explain what to do! 

Once you have submitted your application, a Lowes buyer will review your submission and determine if your products are a good fit for the company. If your application is approved, you will be invited to become a Lowes vendor and will be given access to the company’s systems and processes.

To become a preferred vendor, you will need to consistently meet the company’s expectations and demonstrate a track record of producing high-quality products. This may involve meeting certain performance metrics, such as on-time delivery, order accuracy, and customer satisfaction.

Overall, becoming a Lowes preferred vendor requires a strong commitment to quality and customer service, as well as the ability to meet the company’s strict vendor requirements. With hard work and dedication, it is possible to build a successful partnership with Lowes and grow your business.

 




Step-by-step training on how to sell to major retailers

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We are here to expedite the process of making money with your physical products and that’s what we’re all about.  Take a look at our advanced training, live events, certification programs and so much more.

In this training, I will discuss some of the things to think about when approaching a retailer to sell your products and become a vendor. Hope it helps! 🙂

Karen Waksman,
Retail MBA

Questions? Contact Us!
1-855-Retail-2 (Call or Text)
Email: info@retailmba.com

Retail MBA provides a step-by-step formula on How to Sell to Major Retailers, Online Retailers, Smaller Retailers, Catalogs and More. No Experience Required! These solutions continue to convert for clients year-over-year! These are Time-Tested and Proven Strategies that we utilize ourselves when going after stores! Everything we teach, we test. Want access to these formulas? ANY one of our programs and coaching systems gives you access to them now. With that said… 

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Thanks so much.

And…if you like this training, you will love these new short training sessions as well! Click on the links provided to watch and grow your consumer product business TODAY!

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Check Out Our Additional Blog Posts Here:

Summary
How to Sell to Lowes & Become a Lowes Supplier
Article Name
How to Sell to Lowes & Become a Lowes Supplier
Description
Do you have a product that is perfect to sell to Lowes? Have you ever wondered what it would take to get a product into their stores, and become a Lowes supplier
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RetailMBA
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