selling products through shops

[somersetgirl]

Hi
I am in the process of setting up a business selling craft type items. I would like one of my sales outlets to be through local shops and businesses however I do not know the standard 'etiquette' for this.
For example, if I were to approach a garden centre to sell the products, would I sell the products to them directly or would I give stock and collect the money once items were sold? Also, what kind of commissions would the store expect from me for selling the products?
I am new to this so any info would be gratefully received!
many thanks.

 

[webma12]

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[gemd89]

I suppose it would depend on how you want to do it

Dropship - You sent out the goods to customer who shop online at ecommerce stores
Sale or return - you give the goods out if retailer doesnt sell them you take them back
Wholesale prices - you set a wholesale price for each item and sell them to the retailer
Bulk offers - You offer bulk discounts for retailers buying a large number of your items

What are you selling?

Gemma

 

[seanheather]

You could approach lots of small shops offering a sale or return kind of thing. That would be good, they have nothing to lose and neither do you really.

With garden centers I think they mostly deal with reps that provide them with the bulk of their stuff but you may be able to deal 'in house' with an operational buyer for that area if they have one.

What kind of crafts are they? Another suitable idea would be to target Narrowboat Marinas as they all have shops, and 80% of them hire out Narrowboats and get a lot of throughput in their shops. I am sure the majority would go for a sale or return deal if they thought your products were appropriate for their customers.

The only thing you really need to do is work out some sort of price.

 

[matthewtraver]

Pretty similar to what has been said above... but basically you can propose what ever you like to a shop. Choose the method you feel will work best for you and if they do not like it, they will say and then be prepared to provide alternatives. Realistically if you can get the shop to part with the money immediately that is lower risk for you.

 

[Deleted member 59730]

You could approach lots of small shops offering a sale or return kind of thing. That would be good, they have nothing to lose and neither do you really.

Sale or return is the kiss of death to many small producers. I'd avoid it like the plague.

Concentrate on designing your packaging, display, price and order quantities to make sure your product sells. Sell small quantities of good sellers to ensure you get repeat business.

 

[Chris94]

I agree with atmosbob. I've tried aale or return in the past and find products get lost, get damaged, or are simply put at the back of a cupboard. If the shop has not paid for the items, there is no incentive to look after them.

But if you are starting out.... maybe it might be the only way to get the shop to try a new poduct. In this case I'd suggest quite frequent visits to the shop to check on your products, and build up a relationship with the staff.

Some garden centres might allow you a little stall and to come along to sell the products yourself. eg. at weekends. This could work well for you.