Finding Sales Reps for your Product Business

You might be wondering how in the world you are going to actually find a good, reputable, hard working, fast-talking sales rep for your product business who can make you some money right?Finding sales reps for your product business

I know exactly how you feel.

In fact, I felt the same way when I started out!

And for most of the time that I had my handbag company, I struggled to find good reps. While I loved my NYC reps, and they made me loads of money, I wanted to find other sales reps around the country that could you know…..sell more than I could!

Finding Sales Reps for your Product Business

Step 1:

Finding sales reps for your product business can be tricky. Sadly, there is no “411” for sales reps. These links below can direct to you listings of reps in the different categories for apparel and gift. You will need to call them and see who is wiling to meet with you after they view your website or catalogs. Unless the person comes HIGHLY recommended by a friend  or one of the other companies they represent, then I suggest going to visit them.

Research the Marts in Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles and NYC

1. http://www.americasmart.com
2. http://www.dallasmarketcenter.com
3. http://www.californiamarketcenter.com
4. http://7wnewyork.com

Step 2:

Finding a rep in NYC – The best way to find sales reps in NYC is to travel to the NY Gift show or to Accessory Circuit which takes place in January, May and August every year.   The 7W building in NY is very limited and small compared to the other cities who have centralized showrooms.

1. Most sales reps are independent and are difficult to find, but you can use the links below to search for different kinds of sales reps. Most reps have a booth at one of these shows. It is a good idea to try to introduce yourself (if there seems to be a lull) and leave a catalog so they have it in hand.
   1. On line sources: I have used Greatrep.com with good results finding road reps or smaller rep groups all over the country. The rates to sign up are very reasonable and you can often find reps in a matter of weeks.
      1. http://www.greatrep.com
      2. http://www.findfashionrep.com
      3. http://www.nyigf.com

Step 3:

A road rep is another option and much less expensive if you are just starting out. These are independent reps that sometimes work for a larger group, or on their own, and don’t have a showroom. They travel around their “territory” showing products to stores they service. This can be a more cost effective choice as there is no showroom fee.  Another bonus is they are always out and about so they often have more opportunity for a sale then someone sitting in a showroom waiting for a client to stop by.

Step 4:

One of the fastest ways to find sales reps is to look at the websites of other lines you think would be in the same stores as your product line. Most brands have a wholesale tab and list their sales reps.  If they don’t and you are feeling bold, call them up and ask who represents them….. they’ll usually tell you.

Step 5:

Choosing a sales rep gets easier once you have narrowed down your choices and found some showrooms that want to meet with you (they all won’t want to meet you – so don’t be disappointed).  I suggest getting on a plane and going to see them. This is a very personal decision and you should see the showroom and meet them face-to-face. I also think that a person who has met you is more likely to take you seriously.

I wanted to share this with you so you can get some amazing people to represent your line. This should give you some guidance and make it easier for you to find reputable companies that you feel will help grow your brand.

Like what you read?  Ready to step up your own game in 2020?
Book a strategy session with me and let’s see how I can help.
https://sarahshawconsulting.com/sarahshaw/apply-case-study/schedule-strategy-session/

Written by Sarah Shaw

There are 8 comments

Aziza says:

April 23, 2014 at 10:21 am

Great idea. Thanks for this tip. I'm just curious as to how you actually uncovered the name/ names of the sales rep or sales rep groups? Like exactly where on ones website could this be found? Thanks!

Reply

Sarah Shaw says:

April 29, 2014 at 12:37 pm

Aziza,

Usually under either contact us,  or wholesale

Sarah

Reply

ukash al says:

May 3, 2014 at 3:06 am

Great idea. Thanks for this tip. I'm just curious as to how you actually uncovered the name/ names of the sales rep or sales rep groups? Like exactly where on ones website could this be found? Thanks!

Reply

• Sarah Shaw says:

  May 4, 2014 at 12:49 pm

  I actually already responded to that question a bit below……

  Reply

Jessica Ferguson says:

May 15, 2018 at 10:25 am

Thank you. This article was right on time!

Reply

Finding Independent Reps says:

August 9, 2018 at 6:18 am

Well said – “Finding sales reps for your product business can be tricky…..”
Thanks for this informative piece of content. Looking forward to reading more such awesome articles.
Thanks

Reply

Nicole says:

October 8, 2019 at 2:02 pm

Great Article. I was wondering what is a source to fine a sampling shoe manufacturer? I’ve created a shoe and just started out.

Reply

• Sarah Shaw says:

  October 9, 2019 at 7:15 am

  Hi Nicole, Thanks for reading. Depends where you are looking to manufacture? China, Italy, USA?
  Google will be best…..

  Reply

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