Getting products to supermarkets

[X King]

Hi everyone,

I know it is difficult but I hope to have my product enterred a supermarket. It is sanitary pad.

I will be very grateful if someone can give me some advices.

Thanks

Neo

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

Who have you already contacted?

Have you looked at any other business models? One springs to mind that might work in this market - www.sanitaryowl.com

 

[Don Smith]

Forget it. If you have to resort to a internet forum for answers you stand no chance.

 

[X King]

Who have you already contacted?

Have you looked at any other business models? One springs to mind that might work in this market

I contacted an online store, ocado, they said the product doesn't fit their needs. I contacted a local beauty product store in Cornwall, they ordered a trial pack but didn't come back. other than those, nothing but self promote on Facebook.

I hope to find people who are genuinely interested in trying the product,.not for freebies, as they just treat it as another way to save money,but finding something which are doing good to them.

 

[SDLBiz]

Spend less time promoting it on social media and more time pitching to retailers who may be interested in selling your product.

Start with a simple list of retailers who you would like to pitch to. Add as many as you can think to that list, the more the merrier, as long as your product would suit their range.

Afterwards, research each company and note down their phone number and email address. If you can find the appropriate person/department then it is an added bonus but don't worry if you can't, simply use the customer service number as they will be able to assist further.

The most important thing is to PICK UP THE PHONE and make those calls, if you can't get through, shoot them an email and phone back at a later date. If you reach customer service, ask them how you can pitch a product and they will for sure give you a number or redirect you to someone who can help.

You won't get anywhere without pitching. Even if you only make one deal, that will be completely worth the time and effort.

 

[X King]

Thanks @SDLBiz for the advice. it's very helpful.

 

[obscure]

If you want supermarkets to stock your product you need to...

1. Identify what supermarkets need from a product
2. Identify how your product meets their need
3. Communicate that information clearly to the supermarket.

The cost of buying, transporting, storing and advertising products means that Supermarket shelf space is very expensive. Products that sit on those shelves have to make money (or fit a niche that the business has identified they need to be filling).

 

[Chris Ashdown]

If a supermarket wants a first order of say 2000 packs on sale or return delivered to 5 stores are you able to supply and then meet a order for say 5000 as a follow up with payment of 60-90 days from delivery

What advertising can you afford big brands are on tv most weeks

Why would anyone change brands for your product why is it better

 

[fisicx]

However....

The product isn't anything new or novel. It's a product that is already on the shelves in the supermarkets. The chances of the OP even getting a response from buyers is virtually nil.

But if she fixed her site and did a bit of clever marketing she could easily make reasonable sales.

 

[X King]

If a supermarket wants a first order of say 2000 packs on sale or return delivered to 5 stores are you able to supply and then meet a order for say 5000 as a follow up with payment of 60-90 days from delivery

What advertising can you afford big brands are on tv most weeks

Why would anyone change brands for your product why is it better

Thanks @Chris Ashdown. At the most, I can supply to 5 stores at the moment, more than 5 it will be difficult. Also considering @obscure (thanks) advice of costs, I am now not sure whether to it is a good idea to go for the supermarket route. If I sold the product myself (on my website, or Amazon, eBay), it would take a while to many orders.

I am currently thinking about Boots, H&B. In fact, H&B has a similar product, but not as good as mine. Hope they could be easier than Tesco or ASDA, etc.

 

[X King]

However....

The product isn't anything new or novel. It's a product that is already on the shelves in the supermarkets. The chances of the OP even getting a response from buyers is virtually nil.

But if she fixed her site and did a bit of clever marketing she could easily make reasonable sales.

I can't say it is 100% new, because no big brands have done it. As I said in the beginning, this product isn't everybody's cup of tea. I guess big brands won't like to waste their time on producing something which aren't favoured by most women. But, it does meet many women's needs afer they have tried my product.

I was thinking to promote on Facebook, developing a fan base and then giving them some samples. If they like it, they can recommend it. I thought this was a good way to promote the product. But, it seems the word of mouth recommendation isn't very effective. Maybe some did recommend, but the result may not be very good.

 

[fisicx]

They may not be exactly the same but there are many similarities to existing products. You are much better off marketing to those who prefer an alternative. This may mean spending money on advertising. But before you do anything else you do need to fix the site.

 

[STDFR33]

Do you have the funds to supply to a supermarket?

If you get your foot in the door:

They'll want good credit terms. Probably 90 days.
They'll want good discounts.
They'll want to initially promote it at a low price ... funded by you.
They'll want you to contribute to ongoing advertising.

 

[X King]

They may not be exactly the same but there are many similarities to existing products. You are much better off marketing to those who prefer an alternative. This may mean spending money on advertising. But before you do anything else you do need to fix the site.

I am not going to spend anything on the website at the moment, as the key issue is to get more awareness or steady orders. By the way, although it is not as fast as your test sites, it is OK for UK visitors, not too slow.

 

[X King]

Do you have the funds to supply to a supermarket?

If you get your foot in the door:

They'll want good credit terms. Probably 90 days.
They'll want good discounts.
They'll want to initially promote it at a low price ... funded by you.
They'll want you to contribute to ongoing advertising.

Honestly, I don't that much money to spend.

 

[fisicx]

I am not going to spend anything on the website at the moment, as the key issue is to get more awareness or steady orders. By the way, although it is not as fast as your test sites, it is OK for UK visitors, not too slow.

It's not just speed, it's the whole user experience. You don't have to spend any money on the site, everything that needs doing you can do yourself. Join UKBF as a full member and get a website review. Once the site has been fixed you will see an improvement in sales.

 

[SDLBiz]

If a website takes too long to load, I click off it. So will your potential customers. Not only that but it affects SEO, limiting your search results on Google. Good websites are more important for sales then you think.

 

[X King]

It's not just speed, it's the whole user experience. You don't have to spend any money on the site, everything that needs doing you can do yourself. Join UKBF as a full member and get a website review. Once the site has been fixed you will see an improvement in sales.

I have just made the payment for the full membership.

 

[STDFR33]

I have just made the payment for the full membership.

You should now be able to post here:
http://www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/forums/website-reviews-testing.74/

All the best

 

[X King]

You should now be able to post here:


All the best

can't post email or link as not reach 30 post requirement. what should I do?

 

[X King]

can't post email or link as not reach 30 post requirement. what should I do?

this one just made it 30

 

[STDFR33]

If that doesn't work @Kat Haylock (admin) should be able to help.

Though it might be after the weekend.

 

[X King]

It is ok now. Thanks @The Accountancy Lab

 

[obscure]

I am currently thinking about Boots, H&B. In fact, H&B has a similar product, but not as good as mine. Hope they could be easier than Tesco or ASDA, etc.

Boot etc are no different to Tescos or Asda. My previous answer re getting your product into supermarkets applies just as much to any national retailer.

None of these companies will take your product unless you have....
1. A proven customer base (which you don't), or
2. Sufficient money to mount a significant nationwide (or at the very least regional) marketing campaign (which you don't).

 

[X King]

Boot etc are no different to Tescos or Asda. My previous answer re getting your product into supermarkets applies just as much to any national retailer.

None of these companies will take your product unless you have....
1. A proven customer base (which you don't), or
2. Sufficient money to mount a significant nationwide (or at the very least regional) marketing campaign (which you don't).

Thanks @obscure for the points. seems I should stick to Facebook and other social medias to promote direct sales before approaching those big stores.

 

[obscure]

You need to come up with a unique selling point. Something you can use to attract press attention so you can build awareness without having to fund a massive PR campaign. Look at smaller companies like Dollar Shave Club that used their small size and alternative business methods as a marketing plus to attract attention.

 

[X King]

You need to come up with a unique selling point. Something you can use to attract press attention so you can build awareness without having to fund a massive PR campaign. Look at smaller companies like Dollar Shave Club that used their small size and alternative business methods as a marketing plus to attract attention.

Thanks @obscure for the good points. That company's model is interesting. I found a UK has a similar company selling the razors that way too. But as for sanitary towels, it seems not doing very well, which sells through subscriptions. I don't know why, maybe women prefer makeups to sanitary towels.

 

[Pish_Pash]

One thing I've noticed about contacting BIG retailers, is that even if your product is great, unique & likely to be a hot seller...they just can't be arsed to add you as a new supplier on their system for just one product. Therefore I would strongly suggest trying to sell to the distributors who feed into the retailers.

 

[X King]

One thing I've noticed about contacting BIG retailers, is that even if your product is great, unique & likely to be a hot seller...they just can't be arsed to add you as a new supplier on their system for just one product. Therefore I would strongly suggest trying to sell to the distributors who feed into the retailers.

Thanks @Pish_Pash. Anyway to find distributors' information?

 

[fisicx]

Stop thinking you will get your products into the chains. It's just not going to happen until you can demonstrate its a viable product. This means you need to show it sells well online and independent stores. There has been lots of advice on the in various threads.

I think you have a great product and it could fill a niche but your marketing (and the website) is weak. You need to start picking up the phone and telling people about the pads. If you can't do this then pay someone who can.

 

[X King]

Stop thinking you will get your products into the chains. It's just not going to happen until you can demonstrate its a viable product. This means you need to show it sells well online and independent stores. There has been lots of advice on the in various threads.

I think you have a great product and it could fill a niche but your marketing (and the website) is weak. You need to start picking up the phone and telling people about the pads. If you can't do this then pay someone who can.

Thanks @fisicx for the good points. I think I should forget about entering the supermarkets now but concentrating on selling online or independent stores. I still think social medias are the better way to promote rather than calling people, as without trying, nobody would believe you, no matter how good it is.

 

[fisicx]

Social media isn't a good place to promote these products. You need to start looking at forums and blogs for women who may be interested in your products. You also need to sell on all possible marketplaces, pay for advertising and engage with people. It is hard work and will mean hundreds of hours of research and cajoling. And you need to talk to people, this (apart from the website) is your weak link. If you can't talk on the phone, find someone who can.

 

[Chris Ashdown]

Social media isn't a good place to promote these products. You need to start looking at forums and blogs for women who may be interested in your products. .

I disagree about social media as i think its a great low cost way to market the items in this case and buying contacts on facebook is far cheaper than many other sources

 

[fisicx]

Advertising may work but just posting on SM sites won't acheive much. She is struggling to get noticed so you have to go to prospective customers not just hope they will come to you.

 

[Ashley_Price]

May I suggest you get the two books written by Will King: see HERE

In them he details how he got his shaving gels, razors, etc., from the kitchen table into supermarkets (although sadly, since then, Gillette and Wilkinson Sword apparently got the company "delisted", so shops don't stock the razors or blades now.)

 

[JamieM]

I disagree about social media as i think its a great low cost way to market the items in this case and buying contacts on facebook is far cheaper than many other sources

Often I will recommend Facebook ads but in this case I really don't think they will work. There isn't a strong enough USP for this product and targeting will be a nightmare to narrow down.

In my opinion the only way to market this is via a pharmacy distributor. I'm sure it will be possible to get a few sales online but it will never scale, especially if it is not possible to access the health category on Amazon.

 

[X King]

Often I will recommend Facebook ads but in this case I really don't think they will work. There isn't a strong enough USP for this product and targeting will be a nightmare to narrow down.

In my opinion the only way to market this is via a pharmacy distributor. I'm sure it will be possible to get a few sales online but it will never scale, especially if it is not possible to access the health category on Amazon.

Thanks @JamieM for the good points. Regarding to sell on Amazon, I may find a way to slove it.