Sell to Raley’s & Become a Raley’s Store Vendor

Selling your product to Raleys can present some challenges for entrepreneurs who’re new, to the grocery industry. Raleys is a grocery chain that prioritizes family oriented values, community connections and strong vendor relationships. Unlike retailers they place significant emphasis on their commitment to clients. In this short video training, we will explore considerations when it comes to selling to Raley’s.

Raley’s heavily relies on distribution channels. Often collaborates with distributors due to their range of products including perishable goods. This ensures handling and stocking of items in their stores. If you’re dealing with a grocery chain, like Raleys it is likely that they prefer working with distributors.

However there is also an option to approach Raley’s for sales. They might suggest connecting you with their distributor if it aligns better with your product. Nevertheless there are alternatives even if they insist on working through a distributor. You haven’t established one yet.

Dealing with Distributors

Sometimes when dealing with distributors you may encounter arrangements where they may claim a portion of your profits around 20 to 30 percent. This is because they play a role, in managing the distribution process. They acquire products from you. Place them on store shelves expecting a return on their investment.

Interestingly Raley’s is under the ownership as Bel Air and Nob Hill Foods. If you are targeting Raley’s as a customer it’s possible that they utilize the software system as their sister companies. In that case following our established strategies could potentially be applied to approach Raley’s successfully. However if Raley’s shows no interest in your product it might be worth considering approaching Bel Air or Nob Hill Foods. These grocery chains have names. Are owned by the same company. Generally speaking, when brands fall under ownership like this they often share the software system. Consequently if you obtain a vendor number, from any of these brands it could potentially allow you to sell to retailers associated with them using the approach.

It’s worth noting that chain stores owning brands often have shared vendor contact information

One of the reasons customers may not choose to buy from you at a retailer is due, to the paperwork involved when dealing with new vendors. Sometimes they are hesitant to add you because they are unsure if your product will sell or simply because they prefer not to go through the effort of onboarding a vendor. It could be that they lack confidence in your product or simply want to avoid work. However if you approach Raley’s and they decline your offer but then successfully secure a deal with Nob Hill you can complete the vendor forms. Become part of their system. On you can revisit Raley’s. Inform them that you are already an approved vendor with Nob Hill, which might make them more inclined to consider your products since it would save them from completing additional paperwork. In cases these conglomerates share a vendor system allowing you to potentially use the same vendor number provided by one chain, for other possible chains as well.

If you happen to be, in the vicinity of a Raley’s store it might be worth visiting. Having a conversation, with their store manager to inquire about their purchasing practices. Many grocery chains have the capability to engage in buying especially when it comes to food items. For information you can refer to the training video provided above!