How can I ask a store to carry my product line?

Question

I make unique handmade baby items that I would like some of the baby stores in town to display and see if they can sale some. I'm not really sure as how to go about asking them. Any ideas on wording a letter, who to ask, etc?

Answer 1

It's super easy actually. Basically it's one of those nothing ventured, nothing gained things.

Get on the phone, call the place, ask for the manager or the buyer of the store. Arrange a short meeting when you can come over and show some samples and discuss the possibility of them carrying what you have.

Dress nice. Shake hands, say hi, don't waste time with chit chat. Lay out the products or pictures, and answer any questions they may have, if they're interested let them know what minimum orders you'd require (or that there is no minimum order) and how fast you can deliver.

Stores usually start selling in September for their Christmas push. You're a bit late getting started for this year, but that's ok.

Think outside the box too--call the gift shop of all your large hospitals and ask for the buyer, and do a meeting there as well. Almost all the local hospitals buy from local artists and crafters, they're looking for unsual items and while they're not going to buy a LOT,they do buy. They'll up the price 100% so figure in advance what your wholesale cost is and if it'll actually sell at double that price to the ordinary citizen.

This approach works for jewelery, crafts, paintings, small items, kids clothing, pet supplies, etc. Everything but food items, which require the health department to inspect you.

I woulnd't do consignment, you have no control over the condition of the returned items at the end of the time. They're responsible for any theft/shoplifted items of yours (if it's in the contract) but consignment is more trouble than it's worth. It's much better just selling outright and let them take the merchandise. If they're interested, ask how they prefer to pay. You can invoice them after the items are dropped off or shipped to them.

Answer 2

ask them to take the items on consignment - will pay them 30% for any sold - no risk to them- write to the owner/manager of the store