How do i get a contact for John Lewis Buyers?

[Woodwalla]

Evening all, I'm a tiny UK manufacturer of a unique patented log rack range of products (google woodwalla) that i currently sell direct to the public via a few platforms (Amazon etc). I'm looking to pitch it to Buyers of John Lewis as i think it would suit their market and ethos. How do i do it? I'm experienced in design & manfacturing but not marketing! Thoughts and tips please.

 

[billmccallum1957]

https://uk.linkedin.com/in/anna-rigby-5bb895b

 

[Closer]

Hi, I recently set up a small 8 man contact/account manager team for a company called sensio lighting who have just broken into JL.I will post a contact number and name tomorrow and the rest is up to you .

 

[neelaim Owen]

Hi, I am a start up accessories company looking to pitch to JL.
I would be eternally grateful for any direct contacts safe going round the houses

 

[Fackers]

Go through their customer service line. I use to work for JL and would have people come into store. Obviously there are lots of directories dotted around by the phone with all internal and long numbers for direct people, including buyers and the MD hehe.

 

[Aviva ZU01]

Evening all, I'm a tiny UK manufacturer of a unique patented log rack range of products (google woodwalla) that i currently sell direct to the public via a few platforms (Amazon etc). I'm looking to pitch it to Buyers of John Lewis as i think it would suit their market and ethos. How do i do it? I'm experienced in design & manfacturing but not marketing! Thoughts and tips please.

Is there anyone can answer this question now? I've tried their customer service, and they provided me several public email addresses, but none of them was replied!

 

[NickGrogan]

Is there anyone can answer this question now? I've tried their customer service, and they provided me several public email addresses, but none of them was replied!

I guess they're not interested, they get a lot of contacts from people who aren't really ready to sell to John Lewis.

 

[Aviva ZU01]

I guess they're not interested, they get a lot of contacts from people who aren't really ready to sell to John Lewis.

What do you mean by "aren't ready"?

 

[Mark T Jones]

You could start by reading this https://www.enterprisenation.com/learn-something/how-to-sell-to-john-lewis/


First, the product has to excite them

Then you have to meet their ethical standards

Then you have to be able to deliver

 

[JEREMY HAWKE]

You could start by reading this https://www.enterprisenation.com/learn-something/how-to-sell-to-john-lewis/


First, the product has to excite them

Then you have to meet their ethical standards

Then you have to be able to deliver

Then you have to match your company with their procedures and a catalogue of terms .

There is a benefit to finding somebody that knows how to push the right buttons but I'm guessing that it would come at a cost

Just out of interest and only me being nosey Are there any members on this site who are experts in this or at least have experience I'm not going to spam your inbox just keen to know

 

[NickGrogan]

Expert? no
Sold to Harvey Nichols, Harrods and House of Fraser, yes

I'll try and answer any questions.

 

[NickGrogan]

What do you mean by "aren't ready"?

What would you do if the buyer came back and said we're a 1000 (or whatever a decent sized order is for your product) pieces on a sale/return basis but we need to see your marketing support offer first?

 

[Paul Carmen]

Then you have to match your company with their procedures and a catalogue of terms .

There is a benefit to finding somebody that knows how to push the right buttons but I'm guessing that it would come at a cost

Just out of interest and only me being nosey Are there any members on this site who are experts in this or at least have experience I'm not going to spam your inbox just keen to know

I used to be a buyer for a national UK retailer. We were always interested in new and exciting products from serious companies, but you need to be talking to the right buyer, as they'll specialise in certain areas.

You also need to be able to demonstrate credibility in your offering, they'll want the product to make a certain (high) margin, not be eroded on price online or by other competitors, and they'd want a large quantity. They'll likely want a (large) contribution to any marketing required, you to cover all returns costs, plus may only buy it on sale or return if unproven. The payment terms may well be 60, 90 or even 180 days.

The initial pitch will need to be very professional, or you'll likely be ignored. There are companies that specialise in approaching retailers on behalf of new companies, as you tend to only get one chance.

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

Have you worked out the cost structure and general pricing? Will they be able to make 40-50% ex VAT margin and you still make a profit?

Why JLP? Surely wood burning stove companies make more sense or even DIY stores & garden centres!

 

[fisicx]

This is an 8 year old thread….

 

[MarketingQuote]

This is an 8 year old thread….

I was reading this and then saw your comment that it started in 2017

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

Post 6 is a little more recent!

 

[JEREMY HAWKE]

I was reading this and then saw your comment that it started in 2017

FFS I just noticed this
Is John Lewis still trading