In this short video training, we will explore five aspects that often go unmentioned when dealing with chains. If you have a product that you believe would be a fit, for retailers such as Walmart, Best Buy, Home Depot or Macys there are key factors to consider that can significantly impact your success. These insights will assist you in developing a distribution strategy and improving your chances of securing placement for your product in stores. Now lets delve into these five points.
1. Visit Their Stores
A vital but often overlooked step is physically visiting the stores of the retailers you wish to approach for sales. Whether its Walmart, Macys or any other chain taking the time to walk through their stores before contacting the buyers is essential. Why is this significant? Buyers will inquire about which store(s) you visited and what observations you made regarding their product assortment. By visiting these stores you gain market research insights and can provide specific feedback to the buyers. This action also showcases your dedication. Helps trust with the buyers. Visiting these stores demonstrates that you have invested effort in understanding their business and can offer input. It may seem like a step. It can make a substantial difference, in whether or not you secure an order.
2. Review Their Sites
Take a look, at the websites of the chains you’re targeting. Many people tend to overlook this step. Its actually quite important. These websites can provide insights into what these retailers really looking for in their vendors. Just do a Google search for “Macys vendor” or “Best Buy vendor”. You’ll find their dedicated vendor relation sites. These sites will give you all the information you need about the requirements and expectations that these retailers have. They might include details about insurance, software and other important elements for working with them. Taking some time to go through these websites will help you gain an understanding of what these retailers are seeking which will ultimately prepare you for any discussions or negotiations with them.
3. Pitch Your Product
The way you pitch your product is absolutely crucial when it comes to getting your product into chains. Keep in mind that there is no one size fits all approach to pitching because every product and situation is unique in its way. It’s vital to understand that retail buyers have criteria they’re looking for and if your pitch doesn’t address those needs or resonate with them they simply won’t be interested, in what you have to offer. Pitching your product effectively requires an understanding of their perspective. Customizing your pitch accordingly to match their interests.
Investing your time and effort in mastering the art of pitching can save you from months if not years, of frustration. Significantly enhance your chances of achieving success.
4. It’s Not About the Product
Merely having a product doesn’t guarantee acceptance by retail chains. While having a top notch product is crucial there are factors, at play. How you articulate yourself package your product. Align with the retailers needs all hold significance. At times even products that may not be the best in terms of quality or innovation manage to secure shelf space due to their presentation and packaging. It’s not always about possessing the finest product; it’s about comprehending the intricacies of the industry and effectively conveying the value of your offering to buyers. Undoubtedly storytelling and creating a captivating narrative, around your product should never be underestimated.
5. No One Will Take Charge for You
A misconception when approaching chains is relying solely on sales representatives or distributors to do all the legwork for you. While collaborating with reps and distributors can indeed prove beneficial they are not a solution. They seek products that have already established themselves in the market as entities.
Selling your product requires some work such, as creating a pitch attractive packaging and effective marketing materials. As a business owner it’s essential to take charge of your product and put in the effort to make it successful. No one will care about your product much as you do. While sales representatives and distributors can assist in expanding your business it’s crucial to establish a foundation and ensure that your product is selling well before entrusting it to them.
To sum up there are aspects often overlooked when approaching retail chains. It involves visiting their stores exploring their vendor websites presenting your pitch effectively understanding that success isn’t solely dependent on the product itself and taking responsibility for your business. By following these insights and dedicating the required effort you can increase the likelihood of success. Make an impact in the retail industry.
If you’re interested, in learning more about how to get your products into stores including pitching techniques or setting up your business for triumph—consider attending the Retail MBA Live event. This one day gathering covers all you need to know about entering chains while providing opportunities to connect with retailers.Make sure to check out retailmbalive.com for information and to join the event.
Keep in mind that success doesn’t come without effort. It’s your responsibility to take the steps and work hard to ensure the success of your product. Don’t rely on others to do it for you. Take control of your business. Make things happen.
I hope you found these insights valuable. Stay tuned for videos and content that will assist you in getting your products into stores. If you have any questions or need assistance don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to support your success, in the industry.
Transcript Outline - Retail Distributor
Hey everyone! I’m Karen Waksman, the founder of Retail MBA. Today I want to share some insights, about approaching chains that no one seems to talk about. If you have a product that you think would be a fit for big retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, Home Depot, grocery stores or Macys there are a few key things you should consider when planning your distribution strategy. My goal is to help you achieve your dreams and navigate the world of retail successfully. So lets explore these five points together.
Conduct Market Research by Visiting Their Stores
One thing that often gets overlooked is the significance of visiting the stores of your target retailers. If you’re aiming to sell to Walmart make sure to visit their stores. Similarly if Macys is your target retailer visit their stores well. Why is this so important? Retail buyers will ask about your in store experience during your conversations with them. They’ll want to know which stores you’ve been, to, what observations you made about their product offerings and assortment and what improvements or missing elements you think they could consider.
It is crucial to ensure that you avoid any mistakes or falsehoods by visiting the stores. This not helps you gain insight into the industry but also demonstrates your commitment, to the chain making you a more attractive partner.
Explore Their Resource Centers. Access Valuable Information
One overlooked resource is the vendor website of each chain. Simply search for “Macys vendor” or “Best Buy vendor” on Google. You’ll come across their vendor relations site. This website provides information about what retailers expect from their vendors, such as insurance, software systems like EDI and other important details. Familiarizing yourself with their vendor website will allow you to approach chains better prepared with an understanding of their specific requirements and expectations. This level of preparedness significantly boosts your credibility when meeting with buyers.
Mastering the Art of Pitching. The Key to Success
Presenting your product effectively is an art in itself. While there isn’t a one size fits all approach, to pitching how you showcase your product can greatly impact your chances of success. Each product is unique. Each situation may call for a different pitch strategy.
Some entrepreneurs find success when selling to retailers. They may encounter challenges when dealing with others. This variation often stems from how they communicate and present their products. It can be truly transformative, for your business if you master the art of pitching to buyers making it worth your time and effort to develop this skill.
Understanding the Priorities of Buyers. It’s More Than the Product
Even if you have a product you may still face rejection if you fail to address what matters most to the buyer. Retailers have priorities and considerations that must align with your approach. This involves comprehending their needs, requirements and potential concerns. Securing a spot in stores isn’t about having a product; it’s, about how you present it package it and integrate it into the retailers overall strategy. By focusing on the buyers perspective and showcasing how your product aligns with their goals you can greatly enhance your chances of success.
Taking Responsibility. You Can’t Rely on Others for Everything
Many aspiring product entrepreneurs mistakenly believe that once they engage sales representatives or distributors all their responsibilities will be taken care of.
While it can be advantageous to collaborate with sales representatives and distributors it’s important to remember that you are ultimately the owner of your business and product. Taking the time to lay a foundation, for your success is crucial. This includes crafting a pitch refining your packaging and aligning your marketing materials to support your sales efforts. Demonstrating success in markets can make sales reps and distributors more interested in representing your product. Thus the responsibility often falls on you to initiate those sales establish a groundwork and then collaborate with reps and distributors to expand your business further.
Discover the Power of Retail MBA Event for Your Retail Journey
For those who aspire to unlock the potential of their retail product I highly recommend exploring our Retail MBA Live event. These incredible one day events take place quarterly. Provide an experience covering all essential aspects of succeeding in retail chains. We partner with retailers to showcase your product while offering insights and strategies. If you’re genuinely committed to achieving success joining our Retail MBA Live event can substantially accelerate your journey.
In summary there are some insights on the path, towards success that many entrepreneurs tend to overlook.
To ensure a journey it’s important to immerse yourself in the shopping experience explore vendor websites refine your sales pitch understand what buyers value most and take full responsibility, for your business. Remember that it’s not about having a product; it’s about presenting your product in a way that truly connects with retail chains.
Keep your passion for success remain dedicated to learning and never shy away, from embracing the challenges of running a retail venture. With the mindset and knowledge you can thrive in the evolving world of retail products.
Wishing you all the best as you embark on this journey!
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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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