How Do I Get My Product in Stores

Hey Everyone! I am Karen Waksman, the founder of Retail MBA. In this discussion we will focus on methods to expedite the process of placing your products in chain stores. Although it is commonly known that selling to chain stores can be a lengthy procedure. There are tactics available that can speed things up. Today. I will highlight one particular strategy that aids in moving forward swiftly and overcoming obstacles during this process. To accelerate matters. I reach out to assistant buyers and request an appointment for a vendor day. Before we delve into the details further.

Assistant Buyers

It is crucial to recognize that all buyers within the chain store industry start as assistant buyers. They undergo training and gradually progress until they eventually become full fledged buyers. Assistant buyers play a vital role in supporting the primary buyer throughout their journey. Understanding this hierarchy is essential for effectively implementing our strategy. Now let us explore precisely what a vendor day entails.

Vendor Day

A vendor day is when chain store buyers schedule meetings with potential vendors on a specific day or within a designated period of time. On this occasion vendors visit the corporate office and showcase their products directly to the buyer. Typically each vendor is given a 15 to 30 minute time slot dedicated to pitching their products. If the buyer finds a product appealing during this encounter. They may proceed by issuing a purchase order which ultimately leads to inclusion in the chain store lineup.

In order for you to secure a meeting on such an important day like vendor day it is imperative that you contact assistant buyers directly as they are responsible for scheduling and organizing these events. Take time conducting thorough research in order to identify which specific assistant buyer(s) are associated with your chosen chain store target(s). Reach out personally expressing your keen interest in participating during their upcoming vendor day event(s). Many times. They will gladly add you onto their schedule thereby allowing you an opportunity to present your products directly to the primary buyer.

It is worth mentioning that while vendor day can be an expeditious way to expose your products to chain store buyers. It is not always my first choice strategy. I personally find that one on one meetings with the buyer on a separate day from vendor day are more preferred. In order to enhance your chances of success.

Buyers

It is important that the buyers attention and focus are fully devoted during meetings. By eliminating distractions from competing vendors I am able to effectively showcase my products without any interruptions. The strategies and tactics taught in Retail MBA have proven successful in securing these one on one meetings with buyers.
However.

There are advantages to participating in vendor days if you wish to swiftly present your products directly to chain store buyers. This approach streamlines the process by providing direct access to decision makers. Fortunately chain stores regularly organize vendor days as they are constantly on the lookout for innovative and exciting products. By securing a meeting during one of these events you considerably increase your chances of rapidly getting your products into chain stores. To summarize. Securing a meeting with the buyer is crucial if you aim to get your products into chain stores quickly. Vendor days offer an avenue where multiple vendors can present their offerings. While exploring other strategies is advisable as well. Participating in vendor days can serve as an effective shortcut for getting your products in front of chain store buyers promptly. Remember the importance of establishing a connection with the assistant buyer and expressing interest in future vendor day participation.
I hope this information has been valuable to you. If you want to delve deeper into the entire process of getting your products into stores. I invite you to explore Retail MBA, where comprehensive guidance is provided. Feel free to leave your comments below and stay tuned for more content from me.