Christie Wanlass says:

I agree with Aline, these are terrific tips! I especially loved the tip on how to warm up a cold call by sending a flyer first. Aline, you can find some great private label candles at http://www.madisonavenuecandles.com. Thanks again Sarah for these helpful sales tips.

Christie Wanlass,
Kohana Skin

Heather says:

Lots of great tips! I am really excited to start using these. I want to get my purses in more stores, but I currently make everything. Any tips on manufacturing to be able to fill more orders?

Tom Shay says:

I would agree these are great ideas about getting your merchandise into a retailer’s store, but where is the help in getting the merchandise sold by the retailer?

Where are the suggestions for how to display merchandise? How about finding lines that compliment your line so that both will sell better? Are we going to teach them inventory control so they order enough but not too much? Are we going to teach the retailers how to advertise or just give them some photos of the items and some co-op money? Do we teach them how to have an event as compared to just discounting merchandise in an ad?

It is not about the manufacturer or the product; it is about the retailer being able to move goods to the consumer and having the consumer return – with a friend – to do more shopping.

sara hopp harper says:

Thanks for these great tips! I’ve been doing research and putting together my catalog and line sheets to approach some retailers over the next few months. I’ve heard a few of these tips, but a few are new to me. I especially like the tips about personalizing my business and my products. Thanks!

sara
5 o’clock crows : handmade textiles

Katrinna says:

Thank you for the great tips and hints!

Lisa Illman says:

CONTESTS
have contests for their employees (example: who ever sells the first Kritter Kondo, Outdoor Pet Enclosure today has lunch on me with a gift certificate from a local restaurant)

They contests really inspire the employees to work for you; this tends to be contagious.
There is a little friendly competition in all of us!

Lisa Illman, President
Kritter Kommunity, LLC
http://kritterkommunity.com
lillman@kritterkommunity.com

Darlene O'Hara says:

Thank you so much for the great advice. I’m a new Manufacturer Sales Rep for Dolce Mia and I must say, I hate cold calling but it does work, however, I love the idea of sending out information before the call and I am seriously going to try that. Thank you so much and I invite all of you to check out my website at http://www.odarlene.dolcemia.com. Continued success and prosperity to you all.