Retail Products

If you have a great consumer product and you think it should be on the shelves of retail chains, this short video training will provide you with some guidance on how to approach them. There are several ways to go about it, and I will discuss each option in detail.

1. Reach out to retail buyers yourself

One way to approach retail chains is to directly contact retail buyers yourself. This approach requires some effort on your part, but it doesn’t necessarily require any prior sales experience or buyer relationships. By following a system like Retail MBA, you can learn how to effectively reach out to retailers and get your product into stores. With a nominal fee, you can receive training and coaching to help you navigate the process.

The amount of time you need to dedicate to reaching out to retailers depends on your availability and the specific stores you want to target. Some clients spend a few hours each week contacting retailers, while others may do it more frequently. It’s important to note that there is some preparation work involved to ensure that your product is ready for stores. This includes making sure your product meets the necessary requirements and packaging it in a way that appeals to retailers.

2. Work with a manufacturers rep

Another option is to work with a manufacturers rep. These reps specialize in the retail chain store space and can help you approach stores on your behalf. It’s important to note that not all manufacturers reps are created equal, so it’s crucial to find a reputable and experienced one. Newer reps typically charge a commission for their services, while more advanced reps may require an upfront fee in addition to a commission.

Working with a manufacturers rep can be beneficial because they already have established relationships with retailers. They can leverage these relationships to get your product into stores. However, it’s important to carefully consider the terms of the agreement and ensure that the rep is a good fit for your brand and goals.

3. Reach out to distributors in your category

Another approach is to reach out to distributors in your product category who are already distributing products to stores. Distributors have existing relationships with retailers and can plug your product into their system. They typically buy your product at a deep discount and then resell it to retail chains.

It’s important to note that distributors can be difficult to get a hold of and may not always call you back. They also take a larger cut of your profits compared to manufacturers reps. However, working with a distributor can be beneficial because they have access to a wide network of stores. For example, Ingram Micro works with every retailer, which can significantly increase your product’s exposure.

4. Don’t rely on just one approach

While each of these approaches has its own advantages and disadvantages, it’s recommended not to rely on just one method. Instead, consider a combination of approaches to increase your chances of success. For example, you can start by reaching out to retailers yourself and building some initial accounts. This will not only give you firsthand experience but also make retailers more receptive to working with you. Once you have some business established, you can then start working with manufacturers reps and distributors. The better reps are more likely to work with you if you already have some sales and accounts in place.

It’s important to remember that approaching retail chains with your product is a business decision. Some clients prefer to do everything themselves and save on commissions and fees. Others prefer to work with reps or distributors to leverage their existing relationships and expertise. Ultimately, the decision is up to you and what you feel most comfortable with.

If you choose to work with reps or distributors, it’s important to carefully evaluate their terms and ensure that they align with your goals. Some reps may lock you into long-term contracts without delivering results, so it’s crucial to do your research and choose wisely.

Approaching retail chains with your product may seem daunting, but it’s mostly about preparation and getting the buyer’s attention. Retail MBA offers training and resources to help you navigate the process and increase your chances of success. Whether you choose to do it yourself or work with reps and distributors, taking action is key.

To learn more about how to approach retail chains with your product, visit Retail MBA. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to get your product on store shelves and reach a wider audience.