Sell to Target

How to Sell to Target & Become a Target Vendor


Do you have a product that is perfect to sell to Target stores?

(For those of you who prefer to read this content, transcription is included as well below!)

Are you interested in getting your product sold at Target and Target.com? If thats the case, you’ve come to the place. In this article we’ll cover the fundamentals of selling to Target and Target.com. This includes things to know before you start how to approach them and what to expect if your efforts are successful.

 

Selling at Target

Target.com is among the worlds discount stores. They have a network of over 1,850 stores with an average area of approximately 135 square feet per store. Their product range includes items such as toys, food, accessories and jewelry.

 

Why Consider Selling at Target?

There are reasons why selling your products through Target.com is worth considering. Firstly, they provide space for testing products which makes it easier for them to accept innovative offerings. Secondly of purchasing a single product from you they allocate a dedicated section, within their stores where you can showcase multiple products. This allows for exposure and sales potential. Lastly but importantly they typically start with a smaller trial run to ensure the product performs well in their stores before committing to quantities.

 

Approaching Target for Sales

Selling your products through Target.com may present some challenges as they have streamlined communication channels compared to retailers when it comes to engaging suppliers.
However there are still ways to get in touch with them. You can reach out via email. Leave them a message. Another option is to present your product to them through the websites of their vendors.

If you manage to make a sale, on Target.com they will likely test your product in their selling stores. It may not result in large quantities being purchased. Once they see positive results they will gradually increase their order volume.

Starting the journey of selling to Target. Target.com can offer opportunities for your business. If you’re interested, in learning more about how to approach, pitch and successfully sell your products through Target.com and similar retailers I recommend visiting RetailMBA.com. They provide systems and processes that can help expedite the process of getting your products onto store shelves.

Transcript For Video Listed Here..

Sell to Target Stores

What you need to know as a Target vendor

Lets discuss the opportunity of selling your product at Target stores. Target is renowned for being one of the discount retailers currently responsible, for managing over 1,850 stores. Their stores are known for their size averaging around 135 feet per store and sometimes even larger if they have Super Targets or similar formats.

The Benefits of Selling to Target

One of the reasons why businesses find it advantageous to work with Target is due to their range of products. They offer a selection across categories such as bedding, toys, food (in select stores) accessories, jewelry and much more. Being a vendor with Target provides an opportunity because their spacious store layouts allow them to accommodate an array of products. This means they can test and showcase a number of items owing to their space availability.

Product Potential at Target

In comparison to retailers like GNC, who have stores there are limitations in terms of how many products they can accommodate. However at Targets locations there is room, for product placement and visibility.
Target presents challenges when it comes to getting your product on their shelves. Unlike retailers they have requirements and limited opportunities, for introducing new products. However Targets advantage lies in their stores and diverse range of offerings. Selling your consumer electronics through Target is worth considering because they offer room for growth and expansion.

Becoming a Target vendor requires understanding their changes in approach. Previously you could easily reach out to a buyer by phone or email providing details, about your product to generate interest. However Target has now discontinued phone communication making it more challenging to connect with them
So what happens is they basically redirect you to a voicemail.

Becoming a vendor for Target can be a bit challenging

I think they intentionally do that. They are probably overwhelmed with inquiries from people and other things. However it doesn’t mean you can’t get your products into their stores. It’s just that Target has an approach where they don’t make it easy for suppliers to present themselves.

Being a Target vendor presents an opportunity for your business.

However I don’t recommend pitching your product through their vendor websites. I have methods to teach you how to get your products into stores and such.. Keep in mind selling to Target is more complicated because they have limited communication channels compared to other retailers.

Now one great thing about Target (among others) is that they usually don’t just purchase one product. They allocate you a section, in the store. This may not apply to all types of products or categories. If lets say, you want to sell jewelry to them they wouldn’t simply buy a pieces from you.
They usually provide a section, for your products. Stock them in their stores.

Once you become a vendor for Target they will expand the range of products they purchase from you.

One great aspect of partnering with Target is that they offer the opportunity to sell products to them. If we consider the numbers even if they buy 10, 20 or 30 units of your product per store it may seem small. However when you factor in their 1,850 stores it becomes a powerful buying potential. This is truly exciting for you as a seller.

Target will initially test your products in their stores

If you manage to strike a deal with Target keep in mind that they are likely to test your product in their performing stores. So if you do end up working with them be aware that testing is part of the process. They won’t immediately place orders from day one. However once they see results and conversion rates, for your product they will gradually increase their order quantities.

To successfully sell to Targets network of 1,850+ stores it’s common for retailers to begin with a smaller scale test to ensure that the product performs well in their stores. From there they gradually progress to securing reorders from you which is where the significant profits lie. It’s unlikely that they will initially purchase products, for all 1,800 stores away. The decision usually depends on factors such as the product itself and their level of confidence in its success. Generally they prefer starting with a quantity. So there’s no need to worry or feel overwhelmed, about it.

Become Target Vendor

Learn how to approach, pitch, & sell to Target Stores

Anyways, those are some reasons and things to think about selling to Target stores. It’s a tremendous opportunity for you and your business. If you want to learn exactly how to approach, pitch, and sell to Target and any other chain store retailer similar to them, take a look at our website, retailmba.com, that’s retailmba.com. 

We actually have systems and processes in place that we’ve put together in order to help people expedite the process of getting their products into stores. We have free content. We have training systems. We have live events. We have retail matchmaking services. Although, we try and educate you first on the preparation process of selling to retailers like Target, because it could be so invaluable to your success to know what you’re doing before you even start working with reps and distributors and so forth, because you want to set yourself up for success for the long run. 

Learn the strategies on how to sell to Target local stores

 

So we find that training and educating you first and then teaching you the strategies to get into retailers in the shortest period of time is the way that people have made many, many millions of dollars with our systems and programs.

So if you want to learn more, Click Here to Explore Our Automation Tool to Help You Get into Target Stores in a Fraction of the Time! No Experience Required! Click HERE to Learn More! https://www.retailmbabrands.com/target-stores. One Target Stores Buyer can purchase Millions of Dollars worth of Merchandise! Otherwise we hope you enjoyed this video training series. 

Sign up to any of our FREE programs and videos listed on RetailMBA.com to learn more!

Target Stores Vendor

Frequently Asked Questions - Target Stores Vendor

  1. How do I get my products into Target stores? 

To get your products into Target stores, you will need to apply to become a Target vendor. You can do this by visiting Target’s website and completing an online vendor application. Or you can follow our Retail MBA (https://www.retailmba.com) Training System where we explain how the sales professionals actually sell into these types of retailers! 

If you went the traditional route, the application process typically involves submitting a product sample and accompanying product information sheet (PIS), which should include details on your product, pricing and availability information, and any other relevant information when they ask! 

Once you have submitted your application, a Target buyer will review your submission and determine if your products are a good fit for the company. If your application is approved, you will be invited to become a Target vendor and will be given access to the company’s systems and processes. Unfortunately, if you actually submit your product on their website, they don’t always respond. Or review your product appropriately as they ask you very generic questions about your brand and you don’t always get your products reviewed correctly. We try to rectify this through our Retail MBA Training System as we have time-tested proven methods to getting into these types of chain stores! No experience required! 

To increase your chances of success, it is important to thoroughly research the market and identify a product that meets a specific need or demand. It is also important to demonstrate that you are able to produce high-quality products that offer value to customers and that you have a reliable supply chain. 

Overall, getting your products into Target stores requires a strong commitment to quality and customer service, as well as the ability to meet the company’s strict vendor requirements. With hard work and dedication, it is possible to build a successful partnership with Target and grow your business. Plus you can make millions of dollars with one chain store order. We are here to help as a Retail consultancy if you need help with this! 

 

  1. How do I contact Target buyers?

 

There are a few ways you can contact Target buyers:

  1. Use the “Contact Us” form on Target’s website: You can visit Target’s website and use the “Contact Us” form to send a message to the appropriate department. This is a good option if you are not sure which department or buyer to contact. This is also presented in the vendor section of their website. We highly recommend ignoring this route as buyers tend to overlook amazing products on their website through their vendor portal. Which is why the Founder of Retail MBA is the one who created our powerful Retail MBA Training System which unlocks how to approach, pitch and find the best buyers for you to sell to. You can take a look at what we are up to at https://www.retailmba.com.
  2. Do NOT Reach out through LinkedIn: Many Target buyers have LinkedIn profiles, which you can use to connect with them directly. You can search for buyers by name or job title and send them a message through LinkedIn but do not reach out to them this way. Many people suggest this. Buyers despise it when you reach out to them in disrespectful ways. Linkedin is where they post their resumes. Not reviewing products! 
  3. Attend industry trade shows and networking events: Target buyers often attend industry trade shows and other events, where you can meet them in person and pitch your product. There are trade shows for every product category. For instance, housewares products can attend the International Housewares Show! Our Founder, Karen Waksman, has spoken at most of the top trade shows on how to sell to retail chains. These are great shows! Please check out our training on how to utilize trade shows appropriately. We explain what NOT to do when going to trade shows in our Retail MBA Training and Coaching Systems. 
  4. Contact the buyer directly: If you know the name and contact information for a specific Target buyer, you can try reaching out to them directly. You can do this by emailing or calling them, but never through sending them a direct message on LinkedIn. If you go this route, do not annoy buyers. Find out what words to use when contacting buyers to get them to actually review your products! Our systems all teach how to do this in a way that buyers love! We’ve taught well over 100,000 product companies how to pitch buyers with our systems listed on RetailMBA.com.

It is important to be respectful and professional when contacting Target buyers, and to make sure you have a clear and compelling pitch for your product. It is also a good idea to do your research and tailor your pitch to the specific interests and needs of the buyer you are contacting.

 

 

  1. What are Target’s vendor requirements? 

 

Target has a number of vendor requirements that must be met in order to do business with the company. These requirements can vary depending on the type of products you are selling and the market in which you operate. Some of the key requirements include:

  1. High-quality products: Target is committed to offering its customers high-quality products at affordable prices. As a vendor, you will need to demonstrate that you are able to produce products that meet the company’s standards for quality.
  2. Safety and compliance: Target has strict requirements for the safety and compliance of the products it sells. This includes requirements for materials, labeling, packaging, and other aspects of product design.
  3. Reliable supply chain: Target relies on a global network of suppliers to meet the needs of its customers. As a vendor, you will need to demonstrate that you have a reliable supply chain that is able to meet the company’s demand for products. Handmade goods would not make sense to sell to Target buyers – they buy in volume!
  4. Competitive pricing: Target is known for offering its customers epic prices, and as a vendor, you will need to be able to offer competitive pricing in order to do business with the company.
  5. Strong customer service: Target values strong customer service and expects its vendors to provide timely and accurate responses to customer inquiries and complaints.
  6. There is a list of requirements they require listed on their vendor portal. Check out their vendor website and you will find out insurance requirements and more! 

Overall, becoming a Target vendor requires a strong commitment to quality and customer service, as well as the ability to meet the company’s strict vendor requirements. With hard work and dedication, it is possible to build a successful partnership with Target and grow your business.

 

  1. How do I prepare a Target product submission?

 

To prepare a Target product submission, you will need to create a product sample and accompanying product information sheet. The product sample should be a physical representation of your product, while the product sell sheet should include detailed information on your product, including its features, benefits, and target market. Do not randomly send samples to them. Buyers need to request these samples! Otherwise you will usually never get a review process from buyers. 

Here are some steps you can follow to prepare a Target product submission:

  1. Research the market: Before you start preparing your product submission, it is important to research the market to ensure that your product meets a specific need or demand. You should also research Target’s product offerings and make sure your product is a good fit for the company.
  2. Create a product sample: Your product sample should be a physical representation of your product that demonstrates its features and benefits. You should consider creating prototypes or samples in multiple sizes, colors, or variations to give Target buyers a better understanding of your product.
  3. Create a product information sheet (PIS): Your PIS should include detailed information on your product, including its features, benefits, target market, pricing, and availability. You should also include any relevant images or graphics that will help buyers to understand your product. We explain EXACTLY how to create the best sell sheets for buyers in our powerful Retail MBA Training System listed on RetailMBA.com. 
  4. Review and edit your submission: Once you have created your product sample and sell sheet, it is important to review and edit your submission to ensure that it is accurate and complete. You should also double-check that you have included all relevant information and that your submission meets Target’s guidelines.
  5. We teach you exactly what words to use and how to get buyers to buy in a fraction of the time and cost. Be sure to check out our free webinars listed on RetailMBA.com. We explain all of this in detail! 

Overall, preparing a Target product submission requires careful planning and attention to detail. By following these steps and ensuring that your submission is accurate and complete, you can increase your chances of success and get your products on Target’s shelves. These are just a few random examples of how to prepare a product submission. Our core Retail MBA Training System takes 10 hours to explain what actually will happen to you if you sell to a retail chain. Why? One chain store order can mean 10’s of millions of dollars to your bottom line. The more you know, the better you will succeed. 

 

 

  1. What are Target’s private label requirements?

 

To prepare a Target product submission, you will need to create a product sample and accompanying product information sheet. The product sample should be a physical representation of your product, while the sell sheet should include detailed information on your product, including its features, benefits, and target market. Again, our Core Retail MBA Training System explains how to create a powerful sell sheet and how to contact the private label buyer and submit your product as would the sales professionals! 

Here are some first steps you can follow to prepare a Target product submission:

  1. Research the market: Before you start preparing your product submission, it is important to research the market to ensure that your product meets a specific need or demand. You should also research Target’s product offerings and make sure your product is a good fit for the company.
  2. Create a product sample: Your product sample should be a physical representation of your product that demonstrates its features and benefits. You should consider creating prototypes or samples in multiple sizes, colors, or variations to give Target buyers a better understanding of your product.
  3. Create a product information sheet: Your sell sheet should include detailed information on your product, including its features, benefits, target market, pricing, and availability. You should also include any relevant images or graphics that will help buyers to understand your product.
  4. Review and edit your submission: Once you have created your product sample and sell sheet, it is important to review and edit your submission to ensure that it is accurate and complete. You should also double-check that you have included all relevant information and that your submission meets Target’s guidelines.
  5. 6. Branding and packaging: Target’s private label products must be clearly branded and properly packaged to ensure that they stand out on the shelf and are easy for customers to identify. 

Overall, preparing a Target product submission requires careful planning and attention to detail. Why? One order can make you millions of dollars! 

When working with the private label buyer, they will instruct you on how to package using their branding! All of this is explained in our training systems listed on RetailMBA.com

 

  1. How does Target source products? 

 

Target sources products from a wide range of vendors, both domestic and international. The company has a team of buyers and sourcing professionals who are responsible for identifying and evaluating potential vendors and products.

To source products, Target uses a variety of methods, including:

  1. Online vendor application: Target has an online vendor application process that allows potential vendors to submit product samples and information sheets for review. This is a good option for small and medium-sized businesses that are interested in selling their products in Target stores.We suggest not going through this route as you could get lost in the process. Find out more by checking out one of our Retail MBA Training systems listed on RetailMBA.com.
  2. Trade shows and industry events: Target buyers often attend trade shows and other industry events to discover new products and meet with potential vendors.
  3. Direct contact: Target buyers may also reach out to potential vendors directly, either through online channels or by attending industry events and networking with other professionals.
  4. Partnering with manufacturers: Target may also work directly with manufacturers to develop private label products or to secure exclusive distribution rights for certain products.

Overall, Target uses a variety of methods to source products, including online applications, trade shows, direct contact, and partnerships with manufacturers. The company is always looking for high-quality products that offer value to customers and that meet the company’s strict vendor requirements.

 

 

  1. What is Target’s return policy for vendors? 

 

Target’s return policy for vendors varies depending on the product and the circumstances of the return. In general, the company has a “no return” policy for many types of products, but may make exceptions in cases where there are quality issues or other problems with the product.

If a customer returns a product to Target that was manufactured or supplied by a vendor, the vendor may be responsible for accepting the return and providing a refund or replacement product. In these cases, the vendor should work with Target to resolve the issue and ensure that the customer is satisfied.

If a vendor is unable to accept a return or provide a refund or replacement product, Target may choose to dispose of the product or return it to the vendor at the vendor’s expense.

Overall, it is important for vendors to have a clear understanding of Target’s return policy and to work closely with the company to resolve any issues that may arise. By providing high-quality products and excellent customer service, vendors can minimize the risk of returns and build strong, long-lasting partnerships with Target. 

We explain how to avoid chargebacks and fees with Target! All listed on our training and coaching systems listed on RetailMBA.com.

 

  1. How do I become a Target preferred vendor?

 

To become a Target preferred vendor, you will need to meet the company’s vendor requirements and demonstrate that you are able to produce high-quality products that offer value to customers. You will also need to have a reliable supply chain and be able to offer competitive pricing.

To apply to become a Target vendor, you can visit the company’s website and complete an online vendor application. The application process typically involves submitting a product sample and accompanying product information sheet, which should include details on your product, pricing and availability information, and any other relevant information. Or follow our amazing systems that explain what to do! 

Once you have submitted your application, a Target buyer will review your submission and determine if your products are a good fit for the company. If your application is approved, you will be invited to become a Target vendor and will be given access to the company’s systems and processes.

To become a preferred vendor, you will need to consistently meet the company’s expectations and demonstrate a track record of producing high-quality products. This may involve meeting certain performance metrics, such as on-time delivery, order accuracy, and customer satisfaction.

Overall, becoming a Target preferred vendor requires a strong commitment to quality and customer service, as well as the ability to meet the company’s strict vendor requirements. With hard work and dedication, it is possible to build a successful partnership with Target and grow your business.

Step-by-step training on how to sell to retail chains!

We explain exactly how to do that and how to get started today. I’ve taught over 100,000 of companies over the years across the globe on how to get your products to the stores. And so we’re here to support you. Or please subscribe to our Youtube channel and or be on the lookout for additional training that we create.

We are here to expedite the process of generating revenue with your physical products and that’s what we’re all about.  Take a look at our advanced training, live events, certification programs and so much more.

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… 

Here are 5 Easy Ways to Work with Us:

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2) Retail MBA Year Long Coaching and Training System  Our Year Long Coaching and Training System with Karen Waksman is POWERFUL! This is our most popular training and coaching system! We walk you through how to approach, pitch and sell to retail chains and we coach you along the way! Join us by Clicking Here!

3) Masterclass Intensives  Want to Join our Next 4 Week Elite Retail MBA Masterclass Intensive? These Intensives Are EPIC for people who Love Fast Paced Learning – Homework, Retail Coaching, Developing Your Strategy, Buyers Contacts and More! These Events Are Held Every Quarter. Join us by Clicking Here!

4) Done-for-You Program If You Want Karen Waksman and Her Team to Reach Out to Your Top Dream Retail Chains On Your Behalf – And You Have a Retail-Ready Product, Check Out our Epic Done-For-You Service by Clicking Here!

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How to Sell to Target & Become a Target Vendor
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How to Sell to Target & Become a Target Vendor
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Do you have a product that’s perfect to sell to Target Stores? If so, you will absolutely love my new training video on "How to sell a product to Target Stores and Become a Target Stores Vendor!" In this training, I walk through some of the things to think about when approaching a retailer such as Target Stores. Hope it helps!
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