How to Get Your Product in Stores

If you have a great consumer product that you think should be on retail shelves, you may be wondering how to get started selling to retail chains. In this short video training, we will explore different strategies and considerations for getting your product into retail stores.

Choosing the Right Direction

The first step in getting your product into a retail store is to decide which direction you want to go. Do you want to sell to major retailers or smaller retailers? Do you want to sell to a regional chain or an individual store? This decision will determine the approach you take in getting your product into stores.

Selling to Individual Stores

If you are nervous about selling to a large retail chain like Walmart, you can start by selling to individual stores. Many retailers allow you to sell to individual stores, and this can be a great way to gain brand recognition and build your business. For example, you could start by selling your product to one Walmart store in your local area, and then expand to other stores as your product gains popularity. This approach allows you to start small and gradually grow your business within the retail chain.

Selling to Regional Retailers

Some retailers operate on a regional basis, meaning they have buyers who purchase products for specific regions. This can be a good option if your product is well-suited for a particular region. For example, if your product is ideal for the summer months, selling to retailers in Miami could be a great opportunity. Selling to regional retailers typically involves selling to a smaller number of stores compared to selling to a corporate buyer.

Working with Manufacturers Reps

When working with manufacturers reps or sales reps, it’s important to note that they often specialize in selling products either locally or regionally. They may not have the expertise or connections to sell to corporate buyers. If you choose to work with a rep, make sure they have experience and success in selling to the type of retail chain you are targeting.

Selling to Corporate Buyers

Selling to corporate buyers is a more professional and large-scale approach. This involves selling your product to the corporate level of a retail chain, where they make purchasing decisions for all their stores. Selling to corporate buyers requires a high level of professionalism and the ability to handle large-scale manufacturing and distribution. It can be a lucrative opportunity, but it also requires more resources and preparation.

Selling to Online Websites

Many retail chains have separate buyers for their online websites. If you prefer to sell your product online, you can explore opportunities to sell directly to these buyers. Selling to online websites may have different requirements and considerations compared to selling to physical retail stores.

International Buyers

If you are interested in selling your product internationally, keep in mind that different countries or regions may have separate buyers within the same retail chain. For example, Best Buy Canada and Best Buy United States have different buyers with different budgets and experiences. If you want to target international markets, you will need to research and understand the specific requirements and processes for each country or region.

Consider Different Types of Buyers

Within a retail chain, there are often different types of buyers for different product categories. For example, there may be a gift buyer, a seasonal buyer, a consumer electronics buyer, or a clothing buyer. It’s important to understand the different types of buyers and their specific needs and preferences. This will help you tailor your approach and pitch to each buyer accordingly.

Preparing for the Retail Chain

Once you have decided on the direction you want to go and the type of retail chain you want to target, it’s important to prepare for the process of getting your product into stores. This may involve creating marketing collateral, packaging your product appropriately, and determining pricing that is reasonable for the retail chain. Selling to a corporate buyer will require more resources and preparation compared to selling to an individual store.

Retail MBA Training and Coaching

If you want to learn more about how to get your product into retail stores, consider checking out the Retail MBA training and coaching system offered by Karen Waksman. Retail MBA provides in-depth training on different retailers, strategies for making money, and step-by-step guidance on how to sell your product to retail chains. With over 45 webinars on individual retailers and various topics, Retail MBA can provide valuable insights and support to help you navigate the retail industry.

Conclusion

Getting your product into a retail store requires careful consideration and planning. By choosing the right direction, understanding the different types of buyers, and preparing for the retail chain, you can increase your chances of success. Whether you decide to start small with individual stores or aim for larger corporate buyers, there are opportunities available for every type of product and business. Remember to research and educate yourself on the specific requirements and processes for each retail chain you target. With the right approach and guidance, you can turn your consumer product into a successful retail business.